POWERS

In this episode, I sit down with Jordan Levi to explore how he’s built a unique edge in the cattle industry by combining deep analytical thinking with real-world market experience. Jordan walks me through how he approaches cattle trading, the key biological and financial variables that ultimately determine profit and loss, and how he developed his framework without growing up in the business. We spend time unpacking how the cattle market actually works, where volatility comes from, and how operators think about risk across the cycle. We also dive into how he’s embracing AI tools and building custom workflows to stay ahead in a fast-moving, data-heavy environment. We discuss: - How the cattle market works and why volatility creates both risk and opportunity - The key drivers of profitability including feed efficiency, average daily gain, and out weight - The difference between biological intuition and building a data-driven edge in cattle trading - How Jordan processes daily reports and market data to inform trading decisions - How he’s building AI agents to summarize information and streamline his workflow Links: Vote for Jordan to be inducted into the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame - https://cattlefeeders.org/poll/2027-cattle-feeders-hall-of-fame/ Jordan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-levi-b107182/ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro(00:02:16) - The Belted Galloway(00:03:51) - The Kosher Cowboy(00:08:05) - Pulling value of the futures forward(00:11:43) - Learning cattle trading(00:16:48) - Daily average gain in cattle(00:18:20) - Jordan’s eureka moment in the cattle industry(00:21:08) - What does trading in animals actually look like?(00:27:05) - How Jordan defines his ROI in trading cattle(00:31:17) - The cattle curve(00:33:37) - The state of the cattle market(00:42:10) - Buying the largest cattle feeder in the world(00:46:09) - Grass vs. grain-fed cattle(00:49:15) - Predictions for the cattle supply over the next 10 years(00:50:54) - The international market(00:53:17) - Trading frequencies and macro thesis(01:00:27) - USA beef vs. international beef(01:05:21) - The cattle supply chain(01:07:32) - The future of auction yards and ranchers(01:09:40) - AI in AgTech(01:12:52) - The biggest problem facing the industry(01:14:42) - Livestock as a commodity that dies and how that impacts trading theory(01:20:51) - Is there a market for new entrants into cattle?(01:21:41) - Beef prices and the impact of a closed border on the industry(01:24:39) - Jordan’s biggest ideas for the industry(01:26:49) - Philanthropic efforts(01:31:24) - A day in the life of Jordan(01:26:42) - Risk management in cattle(01:41:17) - Does what you do show a leading indicator to the broader health of the American economy? Support our Sponsors Collateral Partners: https://collateral.com/fort Chris on Social Media: X: https://x.com/fortworthchris Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepowerspodcast LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/45gIkFd Watch POWERS on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3oynxNX Visit our website: https://www.powerspod.com/ Leave a review on Apple: https://bit.ly/45crFD0 Leave a review on Spotify: https://bit.ly/3Krl9jO

In this episode, I sit down with JB Mauney to unpack the mindset, discipline, and resilience required to become one of the greatest bull riders in the world. We talk through the realities of competing at the highest level while constantly dealing with injuries, and how mental toughness separates the best from the rest. JB shares how he approached his career with a singular focus, what it meant to fully commit without a backup plan, and how he navigated the abrupt transition out of the sport. This conversation offers a raw look at what it takes to pursue excellence in one of the most physically and mentally demanding professions. We discuss: - The role of mental toughness in separating elite performers from the rest - Why riding through pain was a necessity, not a choice - The philosophy of “make plan A work” and going all in on one path - How injuries and setbacks compound over a long career - Transitioning out of a career with no clear backup plan Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro(00:03:27) - What does it mean to “work bulls”?(00:06:23) - How can you tell if a bull is good?(00:11:35) - JB’s approach to bull riding(00:16:39) - JB’s early life and bull riding(00:23:07) - Being in control of a bull(00:28:00) - How bulls differ(00:32:07) - What’s happening in the chute?(00:40:44) - JB’s injury list(00:43:10) - What makes the difference between the top bull rider and the 50th best bull rider?(00:51:22) - Mental vs. physical technique(00:55:02) - How much do the bull fighters matter?(00:57:28) - Why causes a rider to be thrown off?(01:01:14) - Riding Bushwhacker and what makes the perfect bull(01:14:35) - When bulls die & retire(01:18:55) - BuckTown(01:22:12) - A typical week for a professional bull rider(01:23:37) - The lacerated liver story(01:30:58) - Why BuckTown is a bull rider’s paradise(01:36:24) - How riding is scored(01:43:43) - How do you “practice” bull riding?(01:51:16) - The cowboy code of riding(01:55:48) - Giving a bull a brand of honor(01:57:55) - How they move bulls around the country for rodeos(02:10:05) - Raising bulls in BuckTown(02:12:46) - JB’s routine(02:16:05) - The ABBI(02:20:37) - The buzz around BuckTown(02:30:20) - When a bull knows who their rider was(02:33:43) - Is there one ride over your career that sticks with you?(02:39:10) - Can a bull get a 50 score?(02:46:55) - Wrapping up Links: BuckTown on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BuckTown-XV BuckTown on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bucktown_xv/ Support our Sponsors Ramp: https://ramp.com/powers Collateral Partners: https://collateral.com/fort Chris on Social Media: Chris on X: https://x.com/fortworthchris Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepowerspodcast LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/45gIkFd Watch POWERS on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3oynxNX Visit our website: https://www.powerspod.com/ Leave a review on Apple: https://bit.ly/45crFD0 Leave a review on Spotify: https://bit.ly/3Krl9jO POWERS is produced by https://www.johnnypodcasts.com/

In this episode, I sit down with NASCAR legend Carl Edwards to explore the unlikely journey that took him from a dirt track in Missouri to the highest levels of professional racing. Carl shares how a childhood fascination with his father’s racing career sparked a relentless pursuit that eventually led to NASCAR success. Along the way, we unpack the strategy behind racing, the persistence it took for Carl to break into the sport, and the pivotal moments that defined his career. We also discuss the surprising decision to walk away from racing at the height of his career and the deeper personal transformation that followed. We discuss: - Carl’s early inspiration from watching his father race and the moment he knew he wanted to drive race cars - The persistence and unconventional path it took to break into professional racing and reach NASCAR - The strategic complexity of racing, from managing tire grip to communicating with engineers and crew - Why Carl chose to retire at the peak of his career and the realization that reshaped his priorities - The identity shift, spiritual journey, and life lessons that came after stepping away from racing Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro(00:04:23) - Carl’s early days racing(00:09:37) - The strategy behind auto racing(00:13:05) - Why isn’t everyone driving a “1st place” car?(00:19:28) - How important is the pit crew?(00:22:13) - What does a typical week look like for a NASCAR driver?(00:23:56) - Carl’s career storyline(00:39:58) - The conversation that led Carl to consider walking away from the sport(00:51:50) - Rebuilding life after NASCAR(01:02:06) - The impact of Cloud Camp & John Marsh(01:17:08) - Being inducted into the NASCAR hall of fame(01:22:15) - What Carl is doing today Links: Carl's hall of fame speech - https://youtu.be/IQJHH2f9EnI Support our Sponsors Ramp: https://ramp.com/powers Collateral Partners: https://collateral.com/fort Chris on Social Media: Chris on X: https://x.com/fortworthchris Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepowerspodcast LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/45gIkFd Watch POWERS on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3oynxNX Visit our website: https://www.powerspod.com/ Leave a review on Apple: https://bit.ly/45crFD0 Leave a review on Spotify: https://bit.ly/3Krl9jO POWERS is produced by https://www.johnnypodcasts.com/

Today I sit down with Christopher Zook to explore how he built and scaled CAZ Investments into an $11B alternative investment platform. Christopher shares the early vision behind launching his firm at age 31 and the philosophy of investing his own capital first before inviting others to participate alongside him. We discuss how a chance confrontation in a country club locker room ultimately forced him to rethink capital formation and marketing, transforming the trajectory of the business. Christopher also breaks down the strategy behind GP stakes, the evolution of private markets, and why alignment with partners sits at the center of everything he does. We discuss: • How Christopher built an investment firm around the principle of investing his own capital first alongside partners • The locker room moment that forced a shift toward proactive capital formation and communication with investors • Designing an irresistible offer by eliminating management fees and aligning incentives entirely with investor outcomes • How GP stakes investing works and why it has become one of the most powerful business models in private markets • Why themes like media rights, private markets expansion, and access to alternatives are shaping the future of investing Support our Sponsors Ramp: https://ramp.com/powers Collateral Partners: https://collateral.com/fort Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro(00:03:53) - The origins of CAZ Investments(00:12:42) - Creating the irresistible offer(00:17:38) - Partnering with Tony Robbins(00:36:54) - GP stakes explained(00:41:48) - Secondary market edge(00:44:58) - How GP stakes are underwritten(00:49:48) - Tech and venture carry risk(00:53:12) - Consolidation trends(00:56:31) - Big checks and liquidity rights(01:02:18) - Thematic funds and investor access(01:07:04) - Alignment rules and guardrails(01:11:03) - Sports team investing thesis(01:15:54) - Media rights and league economics(01:26:11) - Democratizing alternatives Links: CAZ Investments - https://cazinvestments.com/ Christopher on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-zook Chris on Social Media: Chris on X: https://x.com/fortworthchris Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepowerspodcast LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/45gIkFd Watch POWERS on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3oynxNX Visit our website: https://www.powerspod.com/ Leave a review on Apple: https://bit.ly/45crFD0 Leave a review on Spotify: https://bit.ly/3Krl9jO POWERS is produced by https://www.johnnypodcasts.com/

Today’s episode is with a great friend of mine, Chris Huckabee, Founder @ MORE Group. We unpack his company's remarkable private equity journey and why it was so successful. Chris shares how the unexpected loss of his business partner pushed him to rethink the future of his company, leading to a strategic shift, a private equity partnership, and rapid national expansion. We talk candidly about valuation surprises, building trust with employees during major transitions, and what makes a great private equity partner. Then we pivot to education reform, AI’s impact on schools, and the deeply personal story of how Chris helped lead the effort to rebuild Robb Elementary in Uvalde, TX, after the tragic shooting. We discuss: • The process Chris went through to pursue private equity and national expansion • Why he told every employee about the strategic plan before making a deal • How to hire the right investment banker • The hard lessons around valuation, deal structure, and selecting the right private equity partner • What AI means for K–12 and higher education and where public education must improve • How he mobilized donors and contractors to rebuild Robb Elementary in Uvalde, TX Links: MoreGroup - https://moregroup-inc.com/ Chris on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-huckabee-693a3a31/ Support our Sponsors Ramp: https://ramp.com/powers Collateral Partners: https://collateral.com/fort Topics: (00:03:19) - Chris’ journey to finding Private Equity (00:09:27) - Strategic planning (00:11:31) - Valuing the business (00:14:36) - People don’t like change (00:17:43) - Making the decision to pursue PE (00:21:28) - Finding the right Investment Banker (00:37:26) - Selecting a buyer (00:44:44) - The first day after selling to PE (00:47:59) - Going out to buy companies (00:51:16) - What makes a great PE partner (00:57:08) - The state of Education and AI (01:13:16) - Rebuilding Robb Elementary in Uvalde after the 2022 shooting Chris on Social Media: Chris on X: https://x.com/fortworthchris Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepowerspodcast LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/45gIkFd Watch POWERS on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3oynxNX Visit our website: https://www.powerspod.com/ Leave a review on Apple: https://bit.ly/45crFD0 Leave a review on Spotify: https://bit.ly/3Krl9jO POWERS is produced by https://www.johnnypodcasts.com/

I sit down with my friend Todd Peterson to unpack some of the most meaningful conversations we have had over the years about faith, leadership, marriage, and the hidden risks that come with success. We talk candidly about why so many men fall at the peak of their influence and how isolation, pride, and lack of accountability quietly take hold. Todd shares hard-earned perspective from his own life, including lessons from his NFL career, his walk with Jesus, and decades of mentoring men through seasons of growth and unraveling. This conversation is deeply personal, reflective, and grounded in the practical realities of what it means to live with humility, conviction, and purpose. We discuss: Why isolation and unchecked success often lead great men to fall The role of humility, confession, and accountability in long-term leadership How marriage and trusted relationships shape a man’s character and decisions The difference between being saved and actively walking in the Spirit Why meaningful impact is always built through collaboration, not independence This episode is for anyone wrestling with ambition, faith, leadership, or the desire to build a life that holds up over time. Todd Peterson is the interim CEO and Chairman Emeritus of Seed Company, a world leader in accelerated Scripture translation. Seed Company has partnered with more than 900 other agencies to cumulatively impact more than 1,100 language groups over the last 20 years. Peterson was drafted in 1993 by the NY Giants, leading to a 13-year career in the NFL where he also played for Seattle, Kansas City, San Francisco and Atlanta. He set a number of team records and two NFL records – one of which is since broken (most 40-plus-yard field goals in a season). He was named NFL True Value Man of the Year for the Seahawks in 1996 and twice received the NFL Players Association Byron “Whizzer” White award for excellence in character and leadership on his teams. He was twice nominated for the NFL’s Bart Starr Award. Peterson retired in 2006 as one of only 34 players to score over 1,000 points. He is the only player in NFL history to make game-winning field goals for five or more different teams. (00:03:45) - Why great men “fall” (00:08:32) - Success-induced isolation (00:14:23) - Sin (00:21:31) - Salvation (00:23:42) - A day in Todd’s life (00:30:41) - Living in a biblically illiterate world (00:36:03) - The importance of marriage (00:50:08) - Having a close group of men in your life (00:55:42) - Having a relationship with Jesus is hard (01:09:21) - Undeserved favor Links: Seed Company - https://seedcompany.com/ Support our Sponsors Ramp: https://ramp.com/powers Collateral Partners: https://collateral.com/fort Chris on Social Media: Chris on X: https://x.com/fortworthchris Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefortpodcast LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/45gIkFd Watch POWERS on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3oynxNX Visit our website: https://www.powerspod.com/ Leave a review on Apple: https://bit.ly/45crFD0 Leave a review on Spotify: https://bit.ly/3Krl9jO POWERS is produced by https://www.johnnypodcasts.com/

Today I sit down with two of my best friends, Moses Kagan and Rhett Bennett to reflect on how ReSeed has evolved since their first appearance (ep. 278) on the show three years ago. ReSeed is on a mission to back the next generation of elite real estate operators. We unpacked what has actually happened since launch, how their original vision has held up in practice, and what they have learned by deploying real capital across multiple markets and operators. We also dug into how they think about underwriting, operator selection, asset management intensity, and navigating a shifting multifamily landscape. It was a candid look at what it really takes to build a disciplined, long term real estate platform in today’s market. We discuss: • How ReSeed’s original thesis has played out after deploying over $100M across multiple operators • What they look for in emerging operators and how the cohort selection process has evolved • Why discipline and patience mattered during a slow deal environment and when opportunities finally opened up • How they approach underwriting, leverage, and long-duration capital in different markets • The realities of asset management, property management, and execution risk at smaller deal sizes This episode is for investors, operators, and anyone interested in building durable real estate businesses with long term alignment and disciplined capital deployment. Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro(00:04:01) - ReSeed's journey and evolution(00:17:14) - Profile and selection of operators(00:25:10) - Partnership and capital structure(00:37:39) - Due diligence and deal approval process(00:40:51) - Cohort integration and support(00:42:55) - Real estate market overview(00:43:22) - Market opportunities and challenges(00:50:41) - Market fatigue and seller dynamics(00:51:20) - Operational challenges and opportunities(01:01:50) - Property management and asset management(01:11:36) - Construction management and budgeting(01:15:06) - Capital allocation(01:23:34) - Closing remarks Support our Sponsors Ramp: https://ramp.com/powers Collateral Partners: https://collateral.com/fort Chris on Social Media: Chris on X: https://x.com/fortworthchris Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefortpodcast LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/45gIkFd Watch POWERS on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3oynxNX Visit our website: https://www.powerspod.com/ Leave a review on Apple: https://bit.ly/45crFD0 Leave a review on Spotify: https://bit.ly/3Krl9jO POWERS is produced by https://www.johnnypodcasts.com/

In today’s episode, I sit down with Ryan Heath, Founder of Trustpoint Legal, to explore what a modern “Family Office 2.0” actually looks like and why the old models are falling short. We talk about how family offices are evolving from static wealth preservation vehicles into operating businesses built around people, purpose, and multi-generational decision making. Ryan shares lessons from working closely with families navigating liquidity events, succession, and generational transitions, and why flexibility and intentional design matter more than rigid structures. The conversation centers on treating the family office as a living organization, not just a collection of legal documents. Many can relate to putting in strategic plans for their businesses, their health, etc. What’s funny is we often don’t put the same planning into what’s most important to us - our family. Ryan is on a mission to help families change that. We discuss: What defines a Family Office 2.0 and how it differs from traditional family office models Why legacy, values, and human dynamics drive long-term outcomes more than tax efficiency How flexible mandates help families adapt as generations, priorities, and circumstances change The risks of poor communication and rushed planning during liquidity events or succession How intentional family meetings and shared mission statements strengthen multi-generational alignment This episode is especially valuable for founders and families rethinking how to structure wealth, leadership, and legacy in a way that actually works across generations. Links: Ryan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanheath1/ TrustPoint Legal - https://www.trustpointlegal.com/ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro(00:05:11) - Legacy over wealth(00:09:04) - Flexibility in estate planning(00:18:25) - The importance of transparency(00:27:22) - Handling family conflicts(00:42:00) - Proactive planning and transparency(00:52:15) - The silver tsunami and trusts for grandchildren(00:54:28) - Ruling from the grave(00:57:49) - Trustees and their roles(01:01:38) - Understanding family offices(01:06:39) - The three pillars of a family office(01:09:21) - The complexities of 678 trusts(01:12:40) - Family limited partnerships explained(01:15:13) - The importance of succession planning(01:22:52) - Coordinating family meetings(01:30:33) - The perfect family office: a case studySupport our Sponsors Ramp: https://ramp.com/powers Collateral Partners: https://collateral.com/fort Chris on Social Media: Chris on X: https://x.com/fortworthchris Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefortpodcast LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/45gIkFd Watch POWERS on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3oynxNX Visit our website: https://www.powerspod.com/ Leave a review on Apple: https://bit.ly/45crFD0 Leave a review on Spotify: https://bit.ly/3Krl9j POWERS is produced by https://www.johnnypodcasts.com/

Today, I sit down with Steve Gatena, Co-Founder & CEO of PRAY, for a conversation about faith, leadership, and building a company with long-term purpose. Steve shares his journey from growing up in Los Angeles and playing college football at USC to founding Pray.com and thinking deeply about stewardship, culture, and responsibility. We talk about what it means to lead in moments of tragedy, why community matters more than ever, and how faith intersects with modern business and technology. Throughout the episode, Steve offers a candid look at the frameworks and principles that guide his decisions. We discuss: • Steve’s early life, football career, and the turning points that reshaped his path • Why Hollywood often resists faith and what cultural shifts Steve sees happening today • The “Mission, Team, Self” framework, and how it applies to leadership and decision making • Building Pray.com as a sustainable platform across software, media, and subscriptions • The importance of strong men, building community, and taking accountability Links: Pray.com - https://www.pray.com/ Platform Revolution by Geoffrey G. Parker - https://a.co/d/1aNzUXU Steve on X - https://x.com/SteveGatena Topics: 00:00 - Intro03:21 - Charlie Sheen and Hollywood vs. Christianity10:57 - Pray.com since Charlie Kirk’s death13:35 - The journey to becoming a hope dealer19:20 - Lessons playing football for Pete Carroll23:58 - Developing the Mission, Team, Self framework33:26 - The America Prays initiative41:49 - Rescuing men01:05:37 - How do you know if Pray.com is successful?01:17:13 - Building a customer data platform01:25:14 - How do you know if you’re being a successful CEO? Support our Sponsors Ramp: https://ramp.com/fort Collateral Partners: https://collateral.com/fort Chris on Social Media: Chris on X: https://x.com/fortworthchris Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefortpodcast LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/45gIkFd Watch POWERS on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3oynxNX Visit our website: https://www.powerspod.com/ Leave a review on Apple: https://bit.ly/45crFD0 Leave a review on Spotify: https://bit.ly/3Krl9j POWERS is produced by https://www.johnnypodcasts.com/

Today, my good friend Colt McCoy joins me for a deep and personal discussion about his path from small-town Texas to 14 seasons in the NFL, the mentors and moments that shaped him, and the intentional process of stepping away from the game. We talk through his early years growing up on the sidelines, the day he went from being a complete unknown to over 100 Division 1 offers, and the mindset he built while earning the starting job and leading Texas to the National Championship. Colt reflects on the physical and emotional toll of the 2009 title-game injury, the realities of NFL life, and the teammates, coaches, and owners who influenced him most. He also opens up about the year-long discernment process that led him to retire, move his family to Fort Worth, and build a new career in real estate. We discuss: • Colt’s early upbringing around football and how it shaped his identity • Winning the starting job, leading Texas for four seasons, and the highs and lows along the way • The 2009 national championship injury and its lasting impact • Lessons from 14 years in the NFL, including leadership, longevity, and adapting his game • His decision to retire, prioritize family, and pursue a new path in Fort Worth real estate • The role of faith, patience, and discernment in navigating major life transitions Support our Sponsors Ramp: https://ramp.com/powers Collateral Partners: https://collateral.com/fort Links: Colt on X - https://x.com/ColtMcCoy Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:02:51) - The realities of working for ESPN and calling games (00:11:15) - Colt’s earliest memories of football (00:18:31) - The impact of Colt’s dad (00:22:45) - Earning a scholarship to The University of Texas (00:34:34) - Colt’s career at UT (00:47:32) - Colt’s greatest memory at UT (00:57:43) - The state of College football (00:58:40) - The Michael Crabtree story (01:04:27) - The toughest environments to play in (01:06:24) - Colt’s NFL career (01:08:58) - The biggest learning curve going from the NCAA to the NFL (01:17:35) - Who’s the best athlete you’ve ever seen? (01:19:04) - What Colt misses the most about being in the NFL (01:20:59) - Who’s the scariest player you’ve gone up against? (01:23:27) - What was the hardest hit you’ve ever taken? (01:26:11) - The decision to leave the NFL and life after football Chris on Social Media: Chris on X: https://x.com/fortworthchris Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefortpodcast LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/45gIkFd Watch POWERS on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3oynxNX Visit our website: https://www.powerspod.com/ Leave a review on Apple: https://bit.ly/45crFD0 Leave a review on Spotify: https://bit.ly/3Krl9j POWERS is produced by https://www.johnnypodcasts.com/

Today's guest, Cody Campbell, digs into the forces reshaping college athletics and his plan to ensure a solution that works for every stakeholder. We discuss: • How changing laws and court decisions created a brief window for Tech to act boldly • Why Texas Tech’s culture, alumni base, and momentum made the strategy work • How court rulings displaced the NCAA and fueled today’s chaotic environment • The financial strain on athletic departments and the risk posed to Olympic and women’s sports • The influence of commissioners, media companies, and private equity on the future of the system • Cody’s vision for reform and why federal action is the only path to long-term stability Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:03:00) - Transforming Texas Tech in the NIL era (00:05:11) - The strategy for acquiring talent (00:12:38) - Legal changes and their impact on college sports (00:19:43) - The financial realities of college athletics (00:29:35) - The need for unified media rights in college sports (00:33:07) - Fan engagement and conference dynamics (00:35:05) - Private equity in college sports (00:39:30) - Challenges with NIL and enforcement (00:44:28) - Proposed solutions for college sports (00:48:50) - The role of government and leadership (00:52:47) - Cultural importance of college sports Links: Cody on X - https://x.com/CodyC64 Support our Sponsors Ramp: ⁠https://ramp.com/powers Collateral Partners: ⁠https://collateral.com/fort⁠ Chris on Social Media: Chris on X: ⁠https://x.com/fortworthchris⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thefortpodcast⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://bit.ly/45gIkFd⁠ Watch POWERS on YouTube: ⁠https://bit.ly/3oynxNX⁠ Visit our website: ⁠https://www.powerspod.com/⁠ Leave a review on Apple: ⁠https://bit.ly/45crFD0⁠ Leave a review on Spotify: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Krl9jO⁠ POWERS is produced by ⁠https://www.johnnypodcasts.com/⁠

Today, I sit down with my good friend Wiley Curran to break down the story behind CPC, a family-built perpetual holding company that buys and holds businesses indefinitely. We also discuss how CPC approaches acquisitions, management incentives, and organizational design to create enduring value across industries. We discuss: The evolution of CPC from a family chemicals business to a multi-company holding group Why long-term ownership outperforms short-term investing strategies How to build companies around customer intimacy and employee satisfaction The “five key battles” CPC uses to evaluate and improve every business Lessons learned from buying, integrating, and supporting 14 companies over time Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:03:12) - Running a CEO search (00:08:26) - The story behind CPC (00:23:39) - The importance of customer intimacy (00:37:02) - CPC's long-term vision and employee engagement (00:40:33) - Executive ownership and equity (00:41:29) - Structuring equity buyouts (00:42:58) - Valuation and liquidity rights (00:44:49) - Investment strategy and business acquisition (00:47:11) - Sourcing and evaluating business opportunities (00:50:14) - Onboarding and integration of new businesses (01:03:09) - Customer lifetime value and profitability (01:09:13) - Board meetings and CEO summits (01:14:36) - AI experiments and business impact (01:18:30) - Future vision and personal goals Support our Sponsors Ramp: ⁠https://ramp.com/fort⁠ Collateral Partners: ⁠https://collateral.com/fort⁠ Chris on Social Media: Chris on X: ⁠https://x.com/fortworthchris⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thefortpodcast⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://bit.ly/45gIkFd⁠ Watch POWERS on YouTube: ⁠https://bit.ly/3oynxNX⁠ Visit our website: ⁠https://www.powerspod.com/⁠ Leave a review on Apple: ⁠https://bit.ly/45crFD0⁠ Leave a review on Spotify: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Krl9jO⁠ POWERS is produced by ⁠https://www.johnnypodcasts.com/⁠

Today’s guest is my good friend Jason Illian, Co-Founder @ Highmount Capital. Jason returns to the show for a meaningful conversation about faith, fatherhood, leadership, and living with eternal purpose. We explore how Jason integrates ministry into his home and family life, using sports as a vehicle to teach character and faith. He shares how he and his wife intentionally guide their children through social pressures, technology, and success, and how his approach to leadership, both at home and in business, is grounded in biblical truth. Together, we unpack what it means to lead a family, resist cultural distractions, and build a legacy that lasts beyond material success. We discuss: How Jason uses sports and family life as everyday ministry The challenges of parenting in a tech-saturated world Why true leadership requires being both prophet, priest, and king The cultural impact of Dude Perfect and the rise of faith-driven media How to shift from chasing empires to leaving lasting legacies Links: Dude Perfect Highmount Capital Jason on X Support our Sponsors: Collateral Partners: https://collateral.com/fort Vesto: https://www.vesto.com/fort Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:03:07) - Balancing family and ministry (00:04:02) - Raising intentional kids (00:12:10) - The role of fathers in spiritual leadership (00:18:23) - Navigating technology and social media (00:39:38) - Dude Perfect's positive influence (00:43:17) - The revival of good content (00:44:43) - Fear and cultural moments (00:45:50) - The role of Christians in society (00:49:09) - Hope for the future (00:50:29) - Leaving a legacy vs. building an empire (00:51:07) - Making intentional choices (00:54:34) - The importance of accountability (01:02:21) - The eternal perspective (01:12:09) - The impact of truth and integrity (01:19:40) - Final thoughts and encouragement Chris on Social Media: Chris on X: https://x.com/fortworthchris Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepowerspodcast/ Watch POWERS on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3oynxNX Visit our website: https://www.powerspod.com/ Leave a review on Apple: https://bit.ly/45crFD0 Leave a review on Spotify: https://bit.ly/3Krl9jO POWERS is produced by https://www.johnnypodcasts.com/

Jamie Winship has decades of experience bringing peaceful solutions to some of the world’s highest conflict areas. After a distinguished career in law enforcement in the metro Washington D.C. area, Jamie earned an M.A. in English and developed a unique process of resolving inner conflict that results in the ability to lead and innovate from a position of authenticity and freedom. His unconventional efforts to bring about societal and racial reconciliation led him to Indonesia, Jordan, Iraq, Palestine, Israel, and back to the U.S. We discuss: How to discover your true identity Separation and Connection world views Jamie’s experiences working in the Middle East Bringing terrorists to the US and converting them to Christianity ⁠We'd appreciate you filling out our audience survey, so we can continuously work on providing relevant content to our listeners.⁠ https://www.thefortpod.com/survey Links ⁠Jamie's website⁠ ⁠Living Fearless by Jamie Winship⁠ ⁠Identity Exchange⁠ ⁠Finding Hope in Depression⁠ Topics (00:00:00) - Intro (00:00:37) - Jamie’s background and upbringing (00:04:31) - Being recruited into the CIA (00:10:25) - What is identity? (00:14:14) - How can I discover my true identity? (00:26:14) - Separation vs. connection world views (00:34:23) - Jamie’s experiences working in the Middle East (00:51:37) - How to change the mentality of another person (01:05:12) - Bringing Palestinian terrorists to a Christian men’s retreat Chris on Social Media: X: ⁠https://bit.ly/3BYIjcH⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://bit.ly/45gIkFd⁠ Watch The POWERS on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Powerspod Visit our website: ⁠https://bit.ly/43SOvys⁠ Leave a review on Apple: ⁠https://bit.ly/45crFD0⁠ Leave a review on Spotify: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Krl9jO⁠ This episode originally aired on February 20th, 2024 The FORT is produced by ⁠Johnny Podcasts