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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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’s path has been anything but conventional.

He unpacks how a fascination with the nature of money led to the formation of Texas Precious Metals, and how conservative capital, smart timing, and relentless innovation propelled the company forward. Tarek explains how their novel approach - like next-day air shipping, robotic automation in their depository, and low-spread gold bars - helped set a new standard in the physical metals space.

Listeners also get a behind-the-scenes look at the volatility and opportunity in the gold market - from the impact of COVID-19 and institutional buying trends to what might be the start of a new supercycle. Tarek breaks it all down with clarity, offering both macroeconomic insight and practical investor advice.

But this isn’t just a business story. Tt’s a personal one. Tarek reflects on building a company rooted in values, navigating industry challenges, and living intentionally in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, while running a billion-dollar business with Texas roots. He also previews Y’all Street TV, his new platform exploring the intersection of business and culture in Texas and beyond.

Whether you're a retail investor, entrepreneur, or someone curious about where the financial world is headed, this episode offers a rare view into the physical gold market - and the man reshaping it.