Our guest this week is Dirk Wakeham, whose entrepreneurial journey started from the humble beginnings of a simple paper route. He now serves as an Operating Managing Director for Vista Equity Partners and shares some of his very own Decision Points that have shaped his career and helped him navigate the unpredictability of the business world.

Dirk's early beginnings taught him the foundational skills of sales, marketing, and operations, setting the stage for his later successes. With many ups and downs, his story takes a turn with the strategic sale of his company, Leasing Desk, to RealPage, a move that not only resulted in significant financial gains following RealPage's IPO but also established Dirk as a visionary willing to take calculated risks for greater rewards.

Dirk highlights the invaluable role of mentorship in his life, particularly the guidance from a mentor named Mike, which was crucial during his decision to sell Leasing Desk. This relationship provided Dirk with the perspective needed to view the sale not just as an end but as a stepping stone in his larger career journey.

Dirk shares how life’s unexpected turns have the ability to redefine our view of success, especially on a personal level. After his wife’s cancer diagnosis, Dirk’s choice to prioritize his family during a difficult season brought a new perspective and helped him learn a powerful message: true success is measured not only by career accomplishments but also by the ability to find the right balance in all areas of life, especially on the home front.

We hope you’re inspired by Dirk's story, his approach to risk and reward, and his deep understanding of the balance between work and life. Tune in to this episode of Decision Points for an intimate look at the lessons and leadership strategies of Dirk Wakeham—a testament to the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship.

Decision Points is about the pivotal choices that shape our personal and professional lives, and this week’s guest embodies that theme. Jason Downie sits down to share his journey from the University of Texas to launching Tailwater Capital, a leading private equity firm.

Jason recalls the exhilarating and sometimes daunting challenges of starting the firm, underlining the crucial role of trust, transparency, and strong partnerships in the world of private equity. He also tackles the complexities involved in raising funds and managing successful investments during an ever-evolving political and environmental landscape.

Jason shares about his leadership philosophy and the core principles needed to foster trust, teamwork, and collaboration within private equity. Decision Points focuses on the stories behind the business strategies, and Jason's narrative provides a snapshot for entrepreneurs navigating their own ventures.

The episode also touches on the dynamic energy market, showcasing the significance of renewable fuels and the strategic adaptations required as political climates shift. But this conversation is more than just business tactics; it's a dive into the personal growth and vulnerabilities that mold a successful leader.

We hope the lessons learned by Jason Downie and Tailwater Capital can serve to educate and inspire, offering listeners a guide on how to navigate the intricate world of business leadership and entrepreneurship.

In this episode of "Decision Points," we sit down with Jon Altschuler, the visionary behind Altschuler and Company, to explore the depths of entrepreneurial success, the power of relationships, and the agility required in today’s dynamic business landscape. Jon unpacks the story of his career journey, starting with the influence of his father, which sparked his ambition to carve his own path in the business world.

Jon takes us through his formative experiences working across various industries before establishing his own firm, offering listeners deep insights into the challenges and victories that have shaped his approach to business. He emphasizes the critical role of relationships, introspection, and the necessity of adapting and being flexible as foundational pillars that have supported his enduring success.

The conversation also ventures into the specifics of Dallas' real estate market, shedding light on Jon’s strategic maneuvers and community involvement that have made significant impacts. Beyond business, Jon opens up about his interests in sports, his thoughts on retirement, and the personal values that guide him, providing a well-rounded perspective on living a fulfilling life both in and out of the boardroom.

Join us on "Decision Points" for a deep dive into the life and philosophies of Jon Altschuler, and come away with inspiration and practical advice for navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal growth.

In this episode of "Decision Points," True North Advisors invites Sean Magennis to share his entrepreneurial story, which led him to the CEO role of Young President’s Organization (YPO). He’s a titan of leadership and business growth with over three decades of experience nurturing global companies to sustainable success. Sean shares his dedication to peer learning organizations and mentoring fellow CEOs, his knowledge on fostering leadership qualities, wealth preservation and growth, and his outlook on making a meaningful impact on society.

Business leadership is multi-faceted, and we invite Sean to dive into the critical elements of transparency in communication, the art of building lasting relationships, and the significance of aligning personal values with corporate missions. He’s a huge supporter of embracing authenticity and vulnerability in a professional setting as well as advocating for transparent feedback among team members, clients, and partners.

The conversation takes a deep dive into the strategies for ensuring business longevity and preparing for a successful exit. Sean emphasizes the importance of succession planning, advocating for a proactive approach to leadership transition and the necessity of continuous planning and preparation to safeguard the future of a business.

For entrepreneurs, seasoned business owners, and emerging leaders alike, this episode offers some valuable insights into visionary leadership and the practical steps necessary for preserving wealth and ensuring a lasting legacy.

In this episode of "Decision Points," we're joined by Spencer Nix, an esteemed health coach and the entrepreneur behind a thriving fitness gym serving the Dallas area. Spencer's journey is not just about physical fitness; it's a deeper exploration of how holistic health can be the cornerstone of not only personal success, but also business success.

Spencer opens up about personal challenges and “decision points” that reshaped his approach to wellness, giving listeners a candid look at the resilience required to turn setbacks into stepping stones.

Spencer dives into the pivotal role of self-improvement, stress management, discipline, and curiosity in achieving optimal health. He emphasizes the critical importance of these qualities not just for individual well-being but also for sustaining and enhancing the entrepreneurial journey.

Spencer shares the influence of his family on his health philosophy and how these intimate relationships have enriched his perspective on wellness. Through his story, Spencer aims to inspire his clients to become the best versions of themselves by asking introspective questions and following a practical path towards health and happiness.

This episode is not just about fitness; it's about understanding the link between health and success in business. Spencer shares his vision for the future of the fitness industry, spotlighting innovative approaches to holistic health that promise to revolutionize how we think about exercise, nutrition, and mental well-being.

In this episode of "Decision Points," we are privileged to host Clay Duvall, the co-CEO of Lincoln Property Company, a real estate giant with a storied legacy spanning six decades. Clay shares the complexities of carrying forward a legacy while bringing a fresh perspective and strategy to adapt to today’s evolving business landscape.

Clay dives deep into the core principles that have guided his leadership journey—delegation, integrity, and the crucial balance between professional commitments and personal life. He offers a candid look at the transition of responsibilities within Lincoln Property Company, highlighting the pivotal moments and “decision points” that have propelled the firm into its current season of growth and innovation.

Clay recounts stories from his past, shedding light on the encounters with mentors and the influences that have molded his approach to leadership. His organization made a pivotal decision to enlist the help of an executive coach to ensure a seamless transition for the new management team — a testament to the firm's dedication to continuous improvement and leadership development.

We discuss leadership, legacy, and the dynamics of steering a well-respected company through periods of change, all while maintaining a commitment to the mission and core values.

This episode of "Decision Points” not only charts the journey of a legacy company into a new era, but also offers valuable lessons on leadership, adaptation, and the art of balancing the demands of an evolving business with the timeless principles of integrity and personal well-being.

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.

From serving tables to leading one of the region’s most innovative restaurant groups, this week’s guest will share some powerful advice for entrepreneurs of all levels. Jack Gibbons, CEO of FB Society and celebrated Entrepreneur of the Year Southwest Region in 2023, started from humble beginnings as a server within the acclaimed Pappa's restaurant group. His path to becoming a leading figure in the industry is nothing short of remarkable.

Join us as Jack shares the pivotal decision points that led him to co-found FB Society. He opens up about the highs and lows of starting new restaurant concepts with his business partner, uncovering the entrepreneurial spirit and determination that drove their success.

Jack discusses the latest trends shaping the dining experience, including a growing demand for healthier alcohol options and significant shifts in restaurant culture. He emphasizes the importance of embracing each brand's unique identity within FB Society, steering away from the limelight to let the brands themselves take center stage.

For entrepreneurs and business owners, this episode is full of insights. Jack shares the philosophies and strategies that have solidified FB Society's reputation, offering invaluable lessons on innovation, brand development, and the resilience required to thrive in a competitive market.

Whether you're in the restaurant industry or navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship in any field, this week’s episode of Decision Points will provide valuable and practical guidance for those looking to make their mark in the business world.