Decision Points

Some operators build careers by following a defined path. Others build by recognizing patterns across industries, capitalizing on them, and moving before the market fully understands the opportunity. David Brisson has spent his career doing exactly that. In this episode of Decision Points, David Brisson, CEO of Austin Pretzel Company, shares a non-linear path that spans professional golf, sports m...

Enduring businesses are built through disciplined decisions, consistent execution, and a clear understanding of where value is created. Frank Swingle has spent more than four decades applying those principles to build Swingle Collins into one of the leading independent insurance brokerage firms in North Texas. In this episode of Decision Points, Frank Swingle, Founder and CEO of Swingle Collins &a...

For Calvin Carter, technology has never been the starting point. People are. In this episode of Decision Points, Calvin Carter, Founder and CEO of Matic, shares a career defined by identifying friction and building systems to remove it. From the earliest days of the internet to the rise of mobile and now artificial intelligence, Calvin has consistently operated at the edge of major technological s...

William Short built his career through a combination of disciplined thinking, curiosity, and a consistent willingness to pursue improvement in complex systems. His path reflects a steady progression from early entrepreneurial projects to leadership roles in healthcare services, financial products, and large-scale benefits administration. Today he serves as Executive Chairman/CEO of AmeriFlex, one...

When you are responsible for reshaping a skyline, vision is not optional. Derrick Evers carries that expectation with a steady confidence shaped by his early years in Detroit. Growing up off Seven Mile taught him how to recognize real challenges and how to keep moving when the circumstances were difficult. Those lessons continue to influence his leadership today. In this episode of Decision Points...

Bob Sambol grew up inside the hospitality world. His father owned restaurants and bars in Manhattan, and Bob spent much of his childhood in those rooms learning how people work and how service creates value. Those early experiences shaped a leadership style grounded in work ethic, consistency, and a clear understanding of what it means to build trust in a customer-driven business. In this episode...

Mark Winters built his career at the intersection of leadership, structure, and strategic decision-making. His work spans engineering, Fortune 50 environments, early-stage ventures, and the development of frameworks that are now used by leadership teams across the country. In this episode of Decision Points , Scott Wood sits down with Mark Winters, entrepreneur, co-author of Rocket Fuel, and a lea...

Real estate markets reward those who understand cycles, manage risk, and recognize when to create their own path. Adam Herrin has built his career at those intersections. From Celina, Texas, to Division I football at Rice University, to the deal rooms of HFF during the Great Financial Crisis, his trajectory reflects disciplined thinking, strategic repositioning, and a willingness to act when other...

For Will Coleman, frustration with ride-hailing turned into a vision for something better. As co-founder and CEO of Alto, he set out to create a new kind of mobility company—one built on consistency, safety, and hospitality. In this episode of Decision Points , Will shares how a decade at McKinsey prepared him for the leap into entrepreneurship, and how a dinner-table conversation with his wife sp...

For Dr. Jessica Gomez, leadership begins with empathy. From the south side of Chicago to the helm of one of Dallas’s most respected mental health organizations, her story is a testament to purpose, perseverance, and the power of community. In this episode of Decision Points , Scott Wood sits down with Dr. Jessica Gomez, Executive Director of the Momentous Institute, to explore her journey from asp...

Few careers capture as much range—and reflection—as Jim Hime’s. From federal tax law to real estate finance, from tech entrepreneurship to surviving 9/11, his story is one of adaptability, perspective, and enduring gratitude. In this episode of Decision Points , host Scott Wood sits down with Jim Hime, Co-Founder and CFO of Accordant Investments, to explore the pivotal choices that defined his rem...

Some partnerships are built on opportunity—others on shared vision. For Jeff Thompson and Mike Trueman, Camelback Equity Partners is the product of both. From their individual journeys through real estate and finance to the founding of their Phoenix-based firm, their story is one of collaboration, discipline, and purpose. In this episode of Decision Points , Scott Wood sits down with Jeff and Mike...

For Matt Rosen, entrepreneurship has always been about people first—clients, employees, and family. From an early dream of becoming a doctor to founding one of the fastest-growing consulting firms in the country, his story is one of reinvention, resilience, and vision. In this episode of Decision Points , host Scott Wood sits down with Matt Rosen, Founder and CEO of Allata, to unpack the key decis...

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 Partne...

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 wo...

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 be...

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 , Ferna...

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 sa...

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...

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...

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 c...

For Tarek Saab, gold isn’t just a commodity - it’s a story of timing, innovation, and conviction. In this episode of Decision Points, Tarek Saab - President and Co-Founder of Texas Precious Metals - joins our hosts to share how he helped build one of the largest physical precious metals businesses in the world. From his early days at Texas Instruments to a televised firing on The Apprentice, Tarek...

John Harkey doesn’t just invest in businesses - he invests in people, purpose, and long-term impact. In this episode of Decision Points, John Harkey - entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for education - joins our hosts to share the pivotal moments that shaped his life and career. From humble beginnings in Brownwood, Texas, to navigating Stanford’s business and law programs, John’s journey is buil...

When most people think of buses, they don’t think luxury. Alex Danza set out to change that. In this episode of Decision Points, Alex Danza, founder and CEO of Vonlane, tells one of the most surprising success stories in transportation. Described as an “airline on the ground,” Vonlane has redefined regional travel by offering first-class bus service between major cities in Texas and the Southeast....

George Coultress spent years helping others navigate business transitions. Now he’s building his own. In this episode of Decision Points, George Coultress, co-founder of Trindero, unpacks what it really takes to move from M&A advisor to entrepreneur. What begins as a discussion about strategy and structure quickly becomes a deeper reflection on leadership, values, and the courage required to b...