Podcast
Decision Points
Hosted by True North Advisors · EN
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…
26episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Decision Points E81 – From Law to Investment: Resilience, Purpose, and Perspective with Jim Hime
Dec 200:43:42Tap to summarizeFew 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 remarkable journey. Jim recounts his early years at Baker Botts practicing federal tax law, his transition to Hines where he helped raise capital for major developments, and his foray into the internet startup world during the height of the tech boom. Through successes and setbacks alike, his path reflects a balance of ambition and grounded wisdom—qualities that later became central to the creation and growth of Accordant Investments.But perhaps the most defining moment of Jim’s life came on September 11, 2001. From inside the South Tower of the World Trade Center, he experienced the unthinkable. That day changed his outlook forever, reinforcing a life philosophy centered on gratitude, presence, and the pursuit of meaningful work. With humility and candor, Jim shares what it means to live each day as a gift—and how that perspective continues to shape his approach to business, leadership, and life.
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Decision Points E80 – Building Camelback Equity Partners: Entrepreneurship, Partnership, and Legacy with Jeff Thompson and Mike Trueman
Nov 1800:38:15Tap to summarizeSome 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, co-founders of Camelback Equity Partners, to discuss the origins of their company and the dynamic team behind it. They trace their paths from early careers in development and investment to the decision that brought them together under one banner—creating a firm focused on real estate development, acquisition, and entrepreneurship. The conversation highlights how their complementary skills and shared values have shaped Camelback’s approach to building long-term value through intentional growth, thoughtful partnerships, and a culture that blends professionalism with fun.Jeff and Mike also share their insights on the current real estate landscape, from navigating rising interest rates to identifying sustainable growth opportunities. Looking ahead, they discuss expansion plans, the evolving nature of their work, and the importance of legacy—building something that endures for future generations. With candor and humor, they remind us that success isn’t just about the deals you make, but the people you build them with.
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Decision Points E79 – Scaling with Integrity: Matt Rosen’s Entrepreneurial Journey
Nov 1100:56:00Tap to summarizeFor 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 decision points that shaped his journey. Matt reflects on his formative years, his pivot from medicine to sales, and how a single client relationship became the foundation for Allata—a digital consulting firm specializing in technology strategy, software design, and AI transformation. Built on values of transparency, excellence, and care, Allata grew from a small Dallas-based startup into a global enterprise serving mid-market and Fortune 500 clients.Matt opens up about navigating rapid growth, building culture during the pandemic, and the strategic decision to partner with private equity to accelerate scale while preserving integrity. He shares candid lessons on leadership, how AI is reshaping the consulting landscape, and what it takes to sustain culture amid expansion. Grounded in humility and guided by purpose, Matt’s story is about leading with intention—even as the business world moves at full speed.
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Decision Points E78 - Navigating the Fires of Finance: Character, Resilience, and Redemption with Brian Jones
Nov 400:54:15Tap to summarizeFor 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.
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Decision Points E77 - Building Success and Resiliency with Jim Dahlgren
Oct 2801:02:55Tap to summarizeIn 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.
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Decision Points E53 - Navigating Family Business with Riz Sunderji of Sleeptronic
Feb 11, 202500:52:50Tap to summarizeRunning 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 Hudson and Scott Wood sit down with Riz to explore the ups and downs of running a family business. Riz takes us through the origins of Sleeptronic, the family’s migration to Texas, and the transformative decision to implement the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) for growth and alignment.From succession planning to innovation in mattress technology, this conversation touches on the big questions facing family businesses today. Riz also shares his insights on maintaining quality control, teaching the next generation the value of hard work, and building a legacy that’s much larger than just one person.Whether you’re leading a family-operated business or are simply curious about how these enterprises navigate growth, relationships, and challenges, this episode is packed with practical lessons and thought-provoking ideas.
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Decision Points E52 - Navigating Crisis and Leadership with Blue Bell's Former CEO Ricky Dixon
Feb 4, 202501:02:08Tap to summarizeRicky 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 talks about the pivotal experiences that shaped his career, including a humbling lesson early on that completely changed the way he approached leadership. He also opens up about the 2015 Listeria crisis—a moment that could have destroyed the company—but instead became a defining chapter in its history.Ricky doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges. He explains what it felt like to face a crisis head-on, the pressure to make decisions that would protect both the company’s reputation and its people, and how his commitment to doing the right thing guided Blue Bell through uncertain times.More than anything, this conversation highlights the quiet power of leading with humility and conviction. Ricky credits his close-knit upbringing and faith for keeping him grounded through the ups and downs, and he shares why stepping aside as CEO in 2023 was one of the most important decisions of his career.Whether you’re a fan of Blue Bell or simply curious about what it takes to lead under pressure, this episode is filled with moments of insight, reflection, and lessons that we hope stick with you long after the episode ends.Key Moments:00:00 Introduction00:42 Favorite Blue Bell Flavors03:32 The Origin Story of Blue Bell07:29 Ricky's Journey to Blue Bell11:38 Growing Up and Family Values14:49 Early Career at Blue Bell22:48 Expansion and New Opportunities28:34 The Need for a Second Manufacturing Facility29:05 Expansion to Oklahoma City and Tulsa29:44 Challenges and Personal Growth in Oklahoma City31:22 Leadership and Lessons Learned38:29 The Listeria Crisis of 201541:27 Rebuilding and Moving Forward47:31 Becoming CEO and Strategic Planning51:42 Retirement and Writing a Book57:30 Reflections and Final Thoughts
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Decision Points E51 - Branding and Personal Purpose with Emily Barahona
Jan 28, 202500:52:09Tap to summarizeIn 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 philosophy is simple: aligning personal growth with professional success is the key to creating lasting, meaningful brands.Emily also opens up about her own journey—from Ecuador to the U.S.—and how her love for surfing, family, and life transitions have shaped her unique approach to business. She shares real-world strategies for building a strong company culture, focusing on how aligning a company’s mission with the purpose of its leadership can transform the entire organization. Her down-to-earth insights on self-awareness and people-focused business strategies are not just inspiring but incredibly practical.If you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or someone passionate about creating impactful brands, this episode is filled with personal stories and lessons that you can apply to your own work. Emily’s perspective on branding and culture is a refreshing reminder that success isn’t just about growth—it’s about building something that truly matters.
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Decision Points E50 - Unlocking Dallas Leadership and Civic Engagement with Kelvin Walker
Jan 21, 202500:55:33Tap to summarizeKelvin 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 the most influential organizations in Dallas, Kelvin highlights the critical challenges the city faces, such as workforce development, infrastructure improvements, and housing affordability.Kelvin emphasizes the power of business leaders stepping beyond financial contributions to actively participate in solving community issues. With a focus on creating inclusive growth, he discusses the role of the Dallas Citizens Council in addressing pressing challenges like food deserts and affordable housing while encouraging business leaders to engage deeply with these efforts. His insights offer a fresh perspective on the intersection of leadership, social responsibility, and civic action.Whether you’re passionate about community development, business leadership, or simply want to learn more about making a meaningful impact in your city, Kelvin Walker’s reflections on civic engagement offer valuable lessons and a call to action for everyone to play a part in driving positive change.
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Decision Points E49 - Navigating Leadership and Growth with Irfaan Lalani of Vibe Restaurants
Jan 14, 202501:02:31Tap to summarizeThis 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 insights into creating a community-focused company culture that drives success.One of the key themes in this episode is Irfan’s "Triple Win" philosophy—a collaborative strategy that benefits teams, partners, and communities alike. By integrating this approach across his franchise operations, Irfaan has not only achieved sustainable growth but also fostered a positive impact within the communities Vibe Restaurants serves. His work with the Dallas mayor's office and universities underscores the power of partnerships in elevating both business and community success.If you're interested in franchise management, leadership, or how to balance business growth with societal impact, this episode is a must-listen. Irfaan’s unique leadership narrative, built on strong relationships, clear communication, and a strategic vision, offers real-life applications of how the "Triple Win" strategy can transform businesses and create lasting change.
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