Decision Points

True North Advisors
  • 5.0 (6)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Exit Planning Institute© recently released a survey that said 75% of business owners regret selling their business 12-18 months post sale.At Decision Points, we are committed to preparing and inspiring business owners to successfully operate, and one day sell, their business with maximum fulfillment in all aspects of their personal and professional lives. We’re speaking with business leaders, strategic coaches, exited entrepreneurs, mentors, and technical experts sharing their successes and failures, at key decision points in their careers, to help you lead a more prosperous entrepreneurial journey. Let’s take a walk…  

  1. Decision Points E78 - Navigating the Fires of Finance: Character, Resilience, and Redemption with Brian Jones

    6D AGO

    Decision Points E78 - Navigating the Fires of Finance: Character, Resilience, and Redemption with Brian Jones

    For Brian Jones, the path through finance has been anything but predictable. From Baylor University to Bear Stearns, from Wall Street to the heart of Dallas, and eventually back to New York’s high-stakes hedge fund world, his story is one of perseverance, conviction, and transformation. In this episode of Decision Points, Scott Wood sits down with Brian Jones, Co-Founder and CEO of BankCap Partners, to explore the defining decisions that shaped his career and character. Brian opens up about his early desire to pursue ministry, the pivotal internship that redirected him toward investment banking, and the relentless pace of Wall Street that tested both his resolve and his values. He recounts his rise through the industry, the founding of BankCap Partners, and the delicate balance between ambition, integrity, and family. The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Brian reflects on his time at Archegos Capital Management - its meteoric ascent, its sudden collapse, and the lessons learned in its aftermath. Through it all, he emphasizes what truly endures: reputation, faith, and purpose. Now channeling his experience toward philanthropy and writing a forthcoming book, Brian shares what it means to rebuild from within and lead with integrity in a world driven by numbers.

    54 min
  2. Decision Points E77 - Building Success and Resiliency with Jim Dahlgren

    OCT 28

    Decision Points E77 - Building Success and Resiliency with Jim Dahlgren

    In the world of luxury goods, few stories are as compelling as Jim Dahlgren’s. From knocking on doors selling cookware to building Dahlgren Duck, a premier luxury distribution company, Jim’s journey is full of grit, vision, and lessons learned the hard way. Growing up in Springfield, Missouri, Jim’s childhood was shaped by his father, a World War II veteran who taught him about resilience, hard work, and the value of teamwork. These early lessons stuck with Jim, even as his career took an unexpected turn. What started as a reluctant step into cookware sales became the foundation for his career, teaching him how to face rejection and turn a challenge into an opportunity. Jim transitioned into the luxury goods industry, and not only adapted but thrived. Inspired by European craftsmanship and driven by a desire to bring something unique to the U.S. market, he built a business that catered to the ultra-wealthy, emphasizing quality and relationships. Along the way, Jim partnered with Alan Duck to create Dahlgren Duck, aimed to grow a niche business while staying true to their values. Jim shares what it took to grow the company debt-free, how he built a culture of loyalty and trust, and why faith, family, and humility were always at the center of his decisions. He also opens up about the pivotal moment when he decided to sell the company, sharing insights for anyone considering their own exit strategy. Jim’s journey is proof that success doesn’t come from shortcuts but from doing the work, learning from every step, and staying true to what matters most.

    1h 3m
  3. Decision Points E76 – Turning Crisis Into Opportunity: A Journey Through the Great Recession

    OCT 21

    Decision Points E76 – Turning Crisis Into Opportunity: A Journey Through the Great Recession

    Richard Dix has built a career defined by curiosity, reinvention, and resilience. From launching a headwear company in college to leading a NASDAQ-traded business, navigating the Great Recession, and now reimagining housing with Winchester Carlisle Companies, his story is one of bold pivots and lasting impact. In this episode of Decision Points, Richard shares how a simple Baylor class project became Durags—an NFL-licensed company and Olympic sponsor—and how that early taste of entrepreneurship sparked a lifelong pursuit of innovation. He opens up about global influences from his childhood years in Singapore, corporate lessons from Pulte Homes, and the leap of faith that led to founding Winchester Carlisle during one of the toughest housing markets in history. Richard explains how the financial crisis became a turning point, pushing him to acquire distressed assets and build Dunhill Homes into a leading brand later sold to major public builders. Today, his focus is on the build-to-rent sector, applying production homebuilding principles to create quality, affordable housing that restores dignity and stability for families across underserved markets. More than a business story, Richard’s journey is a testament to staying grounded, surrounding yourself with great people, and continuously learning. His perspective bridges the worlds of corporate scale and entrepreneurial grit—reminding leaders that adaptability, humility, and vision are essential to long-term success.

    58 min
  4. Decision Points E75 – From Mexico to Harvard: Entrepreneurship, Fear, and Growth with Fernando De Leon

    OCT 14

    Decision Points E75 – From Mexico to Harvard: Entrepreneurship, Fear, and Growth with Fernando De Leon

    Fernando De Leon’s life is proof that crossing borders—both literal and figurative—can shape a unique vision for business and leadership. From growing up in Mexico and commuting daily to school in the U.S., to attending Harvard on scholarship and starting his career at Goldman Sachs, Fernando’s path has been defined by contrasts, ambition, and resilience. In this episode of Decision Points, Fernando, founder and CEO of Leon Capital Group, shares how those early experiences gave him an edge as he built one of the largest privately held holding companies in the country. What started in 2005 as a Dallas-based investment venture has grown into a diversified enterprise with interests spanning real estate, healthcare, and financial services. Today, Leon Capital Group develops a billion dollars’ worth of apartments annually—while also driving impact across multiple industries. Fernando reflects on the pivotal decision points of his journey: the challenges of being a young analyst at Goldman Sachs, the leap into entrepreneurship, and the calculated risks that fueled Leon Capital’s expansion. He explains why Dallas remains his hub for growth, citing its population boom, economic vibrancy, and entrepreneurial climate as unmatched advantages. At the heart of his philosophy is a simple but powerful idea: fear, when organized and harnessed, can drive innovation. By treating fear as fuel, Fernando has built a company defined by governance, incentives, and long-term partnerships—positioning Leon Capital not just as a family office, but as a diversified holding company with national reach.

    54 min
  5. Decision Points E74 – Automating the Future: AI, Analytics, and Entrepreneurship with Eric Soden

    OCT 7

    Decision Points E74 – Automating the Future: AI, Analytics, and Entrepreneurship with Eric Soden

    Eric Soden believes technology should serve people—not the other way around. As Managing Partner of Capitalize Analytics, he’s spent more than a decade helping companies cut through inefficiency, automate processes, and use data as a true competitive edge. In this episode of Decision Points, Eric unpacks the journey that took him from Wisconsin to Dallas, from IBM to entrepreneurship, and from sales engineering to founding Capitalize Analytics. What began as a niche analytics shop serving oil and gas has grown into a trusted partner across industries, guiding organizations through digital transformation with a focus on outcomes, not buzzwords. Eric shares candid insights about how companies can approach automation and AI responsibly—starting with the problem, not the tool. He explains why large language models like ChatGPT are powerful but imperfect, how enterprises should weigh ROI against unpredictability, and why the key to success lies in combining strategy, technology, and training. For leaders navigating today’s fast-changing tech landscape, Eric’s story is both practical and inspiring. His message is clear: the future of AI and analytics isn’t about replacing people—it’s about freeing them to do their best work.

    53 min
  6. Decision Points E24: Craig Stamm's Tactical Approach to Entrepreneurship and Cybersecurity

    OCT 3

    Decision Points E24: Craig Stamm's Tactical Approach to Entrepreneurship and Cybersecurity

    In this episode of "Decision Points," we're joined by Craig Stamm, CEO of Zystan, a leader in the cybersecurity industry. Craig takes us on a journey from his early days as a military history enthusiast to his initial steps in finance, and eventually, his rise as a successful entrepreneur. His story is a masterclass in perseverance, showcasing the strategic mindset and determination required to navigate the complex world of business and cybersecurity.  Craig dives into the core decision points that have defined his entrepreneurial success: the critical importance of establishing a clear company culture, the art of choosing the right business partners, and the challenges and rewards of starting and growing a business in the tech-driven world. His insights are not just about the tactics of business but also about the importance of conviction and purpose in aligning one's work with their values.  We hope you will walk away inspired by Craig's conviction to hold strong to your mission and core values while overcoming obstacles. Join us on "Decision Points" as Craig Stamm shares valuable lessons on leadership, innovation, and the pursuit of success in the ever-evolving cybersecurity field.

    1h 1m
  7. Decision Points E73 – Whiskey with a Texas Soul: Building Still Austin with Chris Seals

    SEP 30

    Decision Points E73 – Whiskey with a Texas Soul: Building Still Austin with Chris Seals

    Chris Seals didn’t set out to run a distillery—he set out to spend time with his dad. What began as a father-son exploration quickly turned into one of Texas’s boldest whiskey ventures. In this episode of Decision Points, Chris Seals, co-founder and CEO of Still Austin Whiskey Company, shares how curiosity, authenticity, and timing transformed a family idea into a fast-growing spirits brand. With a background in English, Economics, and a career as an economist, Chris never imagined his path would lead to whiskey. But after conducting a feasibility study with his father, navigating Texas’s evolving liquor laws, and tapping world-renowned master blender Nancy Fraley, the Seals family leaned fully into the business of bourbon. Chris explains how Still Austin carved a unique identity by sourcing 100% of its grains from Texas family farms, marrying local terroir with Scotch and Cognac traditions to create a whiskey that stands apart. He dives into the challenges of inventory management, raising capital, and scaling production to 100,000 cases annually—while staying true to the artistry that built the brand. Today, Still Austin sits at the crossroads of tradition and innovation. With plans to expand beyond Texas while protecting its Austin roots, Chris and his team are setting their sights on reshaping how the world views American whiskey—and ensuring that “Texas-made” becomes a mark of excellence.

    55 min
  8. Decision Points E72 – Redefining Senior Care: Personalized Service and Family Values with Brian Levy

    SEP 23

    Decision Points E72 – Redefining Senior Care: Personalized Service and Family Values with Brian Levy

    For Brian Levy, the path to elder care wasn’t linear. With a degree in psychology and a career that began in advertising, he eventually found his calling in a space that touches every family at some point: caring for seniors with dignity, trust, and compassion. In this episode of Decision Points, Brian shares how Cambridge Caregivers and Manchester Care Homes are rethinking senior care through a concierge-level, residential model that stands in stark contrast to traditional large-scale facilities. Instead of sterile, institutional environments, their homes are designed to feel personal, comfortable, and truly like “home.” Brian opens up about the decision points that shaped their approach, from the importance of caregiver retention and training to the expansion of in-home services for those who prefer to age in place. He details how Cambridge invests in its team—paying above industry averages, offering benefits like 401k matching and stipends, and providing 42 paid training sessions a year—because great care begins with caregivers who feel supported. Looking ahead, Cambridge and Manchester are expanding into new markets beyond DFW, with ambitions for Houston, Denver, Atlanta, Tampa, and Miami. Yet the foundation remains the same: a family-owned, relationship-driven model built on trust, security, and individualized care. For families navigating one of life’s toughest choices, Brian offers a roadmap for what elder care can—and should—look like.

    28 min
See All (78)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The Exit Planning Institute© recently released a survey that said 75% of business owners regret selling their business 12-18 months post sale.At Decision Points, we are committed to preparing and inspiring business owners to successfully operate, and one day sell, their business with maximum fulfillment in all aspects of their personal and professional lives. We’re speaking with business leaders, strategic coaches, exited entrepreneurs, mentors, and technical experts sharing their successes and failures, at key decision points in their careers, to help you lead a more prosperous entrepreneurial journey. Let’s take a walk…  

Information

  • Creator
    True North Advisors
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    78
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Decision Points
  • Show Website
    Decision Points

You Might Also Like