Rejecting the Arrival Fallacy - Chase Murdock: CEO of Decada Group
In this episode of The Intentional Owner, co-hosts Sam Rosati and Kaustubh Deo welcome their first guest, Chase Murdock, CEO of the Decada Group. Chase reflects on his transition from high-growth, venture-backed startups to building a durable, decentralized holding company rooted in Salt Lake City. He shares how his early career in venture capital led to burnout and the realization that long-term fulfillment comes from building intentionally, not chasing exits. The conversation dives into the formation of Decada, the value of partnerships, and how Chase and his partner Adam have shaped their portfolio by focusing on sustainability, operator autonomy, and local impact. Chase also details how Decada structures its companies, the evolution of their operating model, and what it truly means to be a steward of enduring businesses. They discuss: • Why Chase and Adam rejected the “arrival fallacy” in favor of a sustainable, long-term ownership model • How their first business, Tailor Cooperative, became the foundation for a broader holding company vision • The importance of partnerships and how complementary mindsets—not just skillsets—can strengthen resilience • Why Decada decentralizes operations and empowers CEOs with budgetary and strategic autonomy • How Chase is redefining success by aligning work, life, and family within his operating model This episode is a must-listen for anyone building a portfolio with long-term vision and intentional design. Topics: 00:00 - Intro 01:56 - Introducing Chase Murdock 03:40 - The intention of Decada 10:27 - Getting off the arrival fallacy treadmill 18:12 - Building a great partnership 24:27 - Personal missions 30:50 - Strengths and weaknesses between partners 34:27 - Building a “figure it out” attitude 36:43 - The current state of Decada 40:54 - Placing CEOs into businesses 44:07 - Capitalization structures 48:13 - Operating cadences 54:37 - Arriving at the arrival fallacy point