Decision Points E70 - From Brownwood Roots to Boardroom Leadership: A Life of Purpose, Persistence, and Investment with John Harkey

John Harkey doesn’t just invest in businesses - he invests in people, purpose, and long-term impact.

In this episode of Decision Points, John Harkey - entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for education - joins our hosts to share the pivotal moments that shaped his life and career. From humble beginnings in Brownwood, Texas, to navigating Stanford’s business and law programs, John’s journey is built on a foundation of hard work, humility, and relentless curiosity.

John recounts his early entrepreneurial hustle - selling firewood, mistletoe, and installing sprinkler systems - as the training ground that sparked his lifelong pursuit of opportunity. He opens up about his transition from law school to deal-making, reflecting on his first million-dollar win and the power of betting on good people, not just good companies.

As a leader who’s acquired and scaled legacy restaurant brands and entered emerging industries like animal health and drug development, John emphasizes the importance of evaluating management teams, fostering trust, and staying curious. His focus on empowering people, sharing information quickly, and solving problems head-on has become a calling card of his leadership style.

But beyond business, John is equally passionate about giving back. He shares how education transformed his trajectory - and why he’s committed to creating opportunities for the next generation through his support of the University of Texas entrepreneurship program.

This episode is a blueprint for building something lasting: a career, a company, a legacy. Whether you’re leading a business, buying one, or just getting started, John Harkey’s story offers timeless lessons in discipline, decision-making, and doing the hard things well.