Decision Points E66 - Leadership Under Pressure: What a Fighter Pilot Can Teach Us About Business with Chris Kopacek

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, Chris reflects on his early training at the Air Force Academy and the high-pressure demands of being a fighter pilot - where identifying and eliminating risk is second nature. But in business, he explains, the risks never stop coming. Instead of elimination, entrepreneurs must learn to adapt, pivot, and push forward under pressure.

Chris opens up about building Lone Star Development with partner Ryan Larson, detailing how trust, transparency, and team dynamics became the company’s bedrock. Together, they’ve navigated economic downturns, vertically integrated their business, and expanded into affordable housing - all while remaining agile in a volatile capital environment.

He shares his philosophy for long-term growth: build enterprise value, maintain clarity of mission, and scale smart - with a team that’s ready for turbulence. Whether you’re leading a company, starting one, or rethinking your own approach to risk and resilience, this episode delivers practical insight from a leader who knows what it means to operate under pressure.