Decision Points

Teryn Grater never set out to build just another accounting firm. As a CPA and partner at ATKG Advisors in San Antonio, she helped lead a cultural transformation that turned a team of seven into a thriving 170-person firm - by flipping the traditional CPA model on its head. In this episode of Decision Points, Teryn shares how a relentless focus on people, purpose, and preparedness redefined what s...

What does flying an F-16 have to do with navigating the chaos of real estate development? According to Chris Kopacek - everything. In this episode of Decision Points, Chris Kopacek, founder and principal of Lone Star Development Partners shares how the discipline, precision, and teamwork of a military pilot translate into leading a resilient, fast-moving business. From the cockpit to the boardroom...

Joe Williams didn’t just help build one of the largest real estate franchises in the world - he helped build a movement rooted in empowerment, culture, and visionary thinking. In this episode of Decision Points, Joe unpacks the pivotal moments that shaped his journey from a challenging childhood to co-founding Keller Williams Realty, a global real estate powerhouse. He shares personal stories of s...

Bill Cawley’s life is a testament to the power of second chances. In this episode of Decision Points , the Chairman and CEO of Cawley Partners opens up about the trials, triumphs, and turning points that shaped his extraordinary path - from a small Midwestern town, through the depths of addiction, to the heights of commercial real estate success. Bill shares a deeply personal account of battling a...

Success is often shaped by adversity. Patrick Hudson, CEO of Robot Entertainment, knows this firsthand. In this week’s episode of Decision Points, hosts Doug Hudson and Scott Wood sit down with Patrick to discuss his journey through the tech and gaming industries, his battle with cancer at 26, and the key decisions that shaped his leadership and career. Starting in tech and business, Patrick’s car...

For many, wealth is the ultimate goal. But what if true success lies in legacy rather than inheritance? In this episode of Decision Points, hosts Doug Hudson and Scott Wood sit down with Cris Auditore Zimmerman, a founder, investor, and advocate for holistic leadership and personal development. Cris shares how his global upbringing - from Germany to South Africa - shaped his worldview and how his...

What does it take to lead innovation in aerospace while managing the complexities of entrepreneurship and family business? In this episode of Decision Points, hosts Doug Hudson and Scott Wood sit down with Scott Pomeroy, Chairman and CEO of XTI Aerospace, to explore his multifaceted career across public accounting, food manufacturing, private equity, and aerospace technology. Scott shares how his...

What does it take to go from working room service at the Ritz Carlton to building one of the most successful restaurant chains in America? For Salim Asrawi, it took hustle, a deep commitment to trust and integrity, and an unshakable belief in the American Dream. In this episode of Decision Points, hosts Doug Hudson and Scott Wood sit down with Salim Asrawi, co-founder of Texas de Brazil, to discus...

What does it take to stand on the summit of Mount Everest AND experience the vastness of outer space? Few people in the world can answer that question, but Robie Vaughn is one of them. In this week’s episode of Decision Points, hosts Doug Hudson and Scott Wood sit down with Robie Vaughn, a man who has climbed the highest peaks on all seven continents AND traveled to space with Virgin Galactic. Rob...

In this episode of Decision Points, hosts Doug Hudson and Scott Wood sit down with Nik and Greg Katz, the visionary brothers behind some of Dallas’s most celebrated restaurants, including Beverly’s, Clifton Club, Greenpoint Seafood & Oyster Bar, and Claremont Dallas. From their South African roots to bold hospitality ventures, the Katz brothers share how they built a thriving restaurant empire...

This week, Doug Hudson and Scott Wood sit down with Rudina Seseri, Founder and Managing Partner of Glasswing Ventures, to explore her extraordinary journey marked by resilience, bold decision-making, and a passion for shaping the future of AI. Rudina’s story begins at age 16 when she moved alone from Albania to Baton Rouge, navigating cultural shifts and the challenges of high school in a new coun...

Homelessness is one of the most complex issues facing communities today. For Wayne Walker, CEO and Pastor of OurCalling, this challenge is a personal mission. His journey, from a foster family upbringing in East Texas to founding a groundbreaking organization serving the unsheltered homeless in Dallas County, is a story of empathy, innovation, and faith in action. In this episode of Decision Point...

Klyde Warren Park is more than a park—it’s a symbol of innovation, connectivity, and the transformative power of urban green spaces. At the heart of this vision is Kit Sawers, President and CEO of Klyde Warren Park, whose leadership has turned a highway overpass into one of the most vibrant public spaces in Dallas and a model for cities worldwide. In this episode of Decision Points , Kit shares th...

Kyle Ferguson, CEO and Founder of FBFK law firm, is redefining what it means to lead in the legal world. In this episode of Decision Points, Kyle shares his journey from small-town Lawton, Oklahoma, to building a thriving, people-focused law firm with offices in Texas and Southern California. His insights challenge the typical attorney stereotype, offering a refreshing perspective on leadership, g...

Running a family business is a balancing act of tradition, vision, and relationships—and Riz Sunderji knows it well. As the President of Sleeptronic, a family-owned mattress manufacturing company that delivers “high-quality mattresses at a great value,” Riz has spent his career blending innovation with the legacy of a multi-generational business. In this episode of Decision Points, hosts Doug Huds...

Ricky Dickson, the former CEO of Blue Bell Creameries, has a story that’s as rich and layered as the ice cream his company is famous for. From writing a college paper about Blue Bell to leading the company through some of its biggest challenges, Ricky’s journey is about leadership, determination, and values grounded in “doing the right thing always.” In this episode of Decision Points , Ricky talk...

In this episode of Decision Points , Doug Hudson and Scott Wood chat with Emily Barahona, the founder of E3 Studios and The Culture Agency, about the powerful connection between branding, culture, and personal purpose. With years of experience in design, hospitality, and branding, Emily explains how she’s helped clients like Vibe Restaurants grow their businesses with intention and heart. Her phil...

Kelvin Walker, CEO of the Dallas Citizens Council, joins hosts Doug Hudson and Scott Wood for an inspiring conversation about leadership, community involvement, and the importance of civic engagement. Growing up in Griffin, Georgia, Kelvin shares his journey from his days at Morehouse College to his successful career in banking, private equity, and ultimately civic leadership. Now leading one of t...

This week, we sit down with Irfaan Lalani, CEO of Vibe Restaurants, to discuss the leadership strategies behind managing a multi-brand franchise operation. Leading brands like Little Caesars® and Wingstop®, Irfaan shares how his global experiences and deep understanding of diverse cultures have shaped his approach to business and leadership. From teamwork to innovation, Irfaan offers valuable insi...

In this week’s episode of Decision Points , hosts Doug Hudson and Scott Wood sit down with Steve Van Amburgh, CEO and Executive Chairman of KDC Real Estate Development & Investments. The topics? Leadership, real estate, and the importance of giving back. With over 35 years at KDC, Steve shares how his vision has transformed the commercial real estate landscape and helped build long-term partne...

In this episode of Decision Points , Doug Hudson and Scott Wood sit down with Missy Lucas, Managing Director of Family Wealth at True North, to explore the intricacies of family wealth management and the rise of family offices. With nearly 30 years of experience in the financial industry, Missy brings a wealth of knowledge on how to effectively manage significant wealth, offering practical advice...

In this episode of Decision Points, hosts Doug Hudson and Scott Wood dive into the complexities of selling a business with Oliver Cone, Senior Vice President at Bulkley Capital. With years of experience in venture capital and investment banking, Oliver has successfully guided hundreds of business owners through the process of selling their companies. He shares valuable insights on how to identify...

In this episode of Decision Points, Doug Hudson and Scott Wood sit down with Whit Roberts, a legal expert and partner at O'Melveny in Dallas, to discuss the evolving legal landscape and his personal journey in the corporate law world. Whit shares insights on founding O'Melveny's corporate section in Texas and how the legal industry has had to adapt to meet the demands of an increasi...

Today, we sit down with Brandt Bowden, CEO of Hanover Company, to discuss his journey in leading and growing a family-owned real estate business. Hanover, originally founded by Brandt’s father in 1982, has grown from modest beginnings to a billion-dollar enterprise by 2016. Brandt shares how he transitioned from an English major with a focus on Shakespeare to becoming the leader of one of the top...

Join hosts Doug Hudson and Scott Wood as they sit down with Britt Fair, President of Fair Texas Title, to discuss the highs and lows of the title insurance industry. Britt shares his journey from growing up in a family deeply rooted in the title business to leading Fair Texas Title.  He reveals the challenges and learning points from selling the family business, the impact of market fluctuations o...