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The Twenty: Elite Impact Education Platform

Don’s Thoughts

November 25, 2025   |   Volume 31

Some seasons call for relentless focus and forward momentum. Others invite us to pause—to celebrate milestones, pour into our relationships, and appreciate those who make the journey worthwhile. 

This has been one of those seasons, reinforcing the truth that lasting fulfillment is found in the connections we create, the communities we build, and the shared purpose that unites us, because together, we accomplish more than we ever could alone.

Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year®

I’m deeply honored to share that I have been selected as one of only 10 Ernst & Young (EY) National Entrepreneur of the Year award winners. For nearly four decades, EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year program has celebrated visionary leaders who are transforming their businesses while making a tangible impact in their communities and beyond.

The journey began with 224 regional winners from across the country, narrowed to 40 national finalists, with five finalists in the “service” category. Along the way, I had the privilege of standing alongside extraordinary entrepreneurs whose stories and dedication to excellence reminded me why I love what we do here at DLP.

Image 5

This recognition is not mine alone—it belongs to our entire community—every DLP employee who pours their passion into our mission, every investor who has trusted us with their capital, the families who have chosen to call our communities home, and our partners who have grown alongside us.

This is the culmination of what’s possible when you build a business on the foundation of faith, vision, and a commitment to lasting impact. It’s a reminder that success and significance work hand in hand—creating opportunities to drive meaningful change, uplift communities, and forge a lasting legacy.

“Success is knowing your purpose in life, growing to reach your maximum potential, and sowing seeds that benefit others.” - John C. Maxwell

The Extraordinary Legacy Summit

In early November, our Extraordinary Legacy Summit gathered visionary leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers to explore the intersection of faith, wealth, and generational impact, reflecting on what it truly means to lead with purpose, steward resources wisely, and create opportunities that empower the next generation.

John c maxwell

John C. Maxwell

Opened our time together with a heartfelt worship service, blending principles of faith, purpose, and sacrifice in a way that stirred hearts and set the tone for the event. The Maxwell Leadership Institute followed with engaging sessions, equipping attendees with practical tools, fresh perspectives, and actionable strategies to lead with clarity and purpose.

David green

David Green

Founder & CEO of Hobby Lobby, presented what truly felt like a masterclass in building a business that honors God, recounting his entrepreneurial journey rooted in faith, values, and an unshakeable sense of purpose. He also shared his latest book, The Legacy Life, at the event, and gave every attendee a personal copy—a gift that continued giving long after the summit’s conclusion.

Tim tebow

Tim Tebow

and Tommy Martin, CEO of the Tebow Group, led a powerful conversation on human trafficking and the life-changing work of the Tim Tebow Foundation. Tim encouraged attendees to see the image of God in themselves and to embody purpose, compassion, and courage. He gifted every attendee a copy of his new book, Look Again: Recognize Your Worth. Renew Your Hope. Run with Confidence, as a reminder to embrace their worth and live with intention every day.

A personal highlight of the event for me was joining Tim and David for an open forum Q&A. The questions were thoughtful and the conversation genuine, reinforcing a simple yet true principle: extraordinary leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about humility, learning, and remaining grounded in your purpose. 

Both David and Tim stayed afterward to sign copies of their books for attendees. Seeing these two extraordinary individuals side by side was a powerful image of faith-driven leadership that left me deeply grateful for the community we’re building through DLP and the one-of-a-kind experiences we are able to share. 

Beyond the stage, we enjoyed friendly competition on the pickleball court (after all, would it truly be a DLP event without pickleball?) We also took our fund updates on the road via a local site tour, and enjoyed entertainment from America’s Got Talent mentalist Colin Cloud, who reminded us to never lose our sense of wonder.

I’m pleased to officially share that between our Extraordinary Impact Gala last month and the Legacy Summit, we were able to raise a remarkable $200,000+ to support the meaningful work of the Tim Tebow Foundation. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who made this possible.

Driven for Greatness With Mark Batterson

Driven for Greatness is our employee-led book club at DLP Capital, designed for team members who are committed to both personal and professional growth. Together, we challenge one another to think bigger, lead with purpose, and pursue the kind of impact that will long outlast us. This quarter, we hosted a special session with Mark Batterson, author of one of my favorite books, Chase the Lion. I return to this book year after year because its message never loses relevance—chase purpose boldly, lead with courage, and aim to achieve God-sized goals. Mark’s insights aren’t just inspiring, they’re a guide for living intentionally and generating momentum that compounds over time. 

Having our team together to learn directly from Mark was truly a full-circle experience. We reflected on the habits, mindsets, and strategies that allow leaders to approach challenges with confidence, embrace uncertainty with courage, and exude influence that positively shapes others. Experiences like this one reinforce the call to make a lasting difference in our teams, communities, and the world around us.

If you would like a free copy of Mark’s newest book, Gradually Then Suddenly, visit the link below, and we’ll make sure you receive one. Mark’s work has been transformative in my life, and I believe it can be in yours as well. 

Exciting Announcements & Upcoming Events 

DLP & Regent Bank Merger

I’m thrilled to announce that we’ve received official approval for the merger between DLP Bank and Regent Bank’s holding companies. This strategic unification expands our reach and service capabilities, enabling DLP Bank to deliver even more comprehensive, community-centered banking solutions for families. Over the past two years, DLP Bank has earned back-to-back recognition on the Inc. 500 list of America’s fastest-growing companies. This growth allows us to continue empowering small businesses and families through “people-first” banking. 

Don and sean
Dlp bank team
Larry and harry

Introducing the Extraordinary Trust

Another initiative that I am excited to unveil is the launch of our Extraordinary Trust, a comprehensive fiduciary platform designed for intentional advisors and families who want to align their wealth with their values and forge generational legacies of success. 

The Extraordinary Trust combines trust administration, wealth management, and financial planning with integrated strategies for taxes, portfolios, and charitable giving—designed to fit each family’s unique story. Generosity is at the heart of what we do, and this platform offers opportunities across multiple asset classes for families to translate their investments into meaningful action. 

The Extraordinary Trust is about more than managing wealth—it’s about stewarding it with intention and purpose. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built and can’t wait to see the impact the Trust will make in the coming quarters.
 

Upcoming DLP Site Tours

Investor tour outside
Don investor tour
Investor tour downtown

As I briefly mentioned, during the Extraordinary Legacy Summit, we took our fund updates on the road, offering attendees an immersive look at our communities, developments, and the people behind our purpose. We heard from so many of you that we’re offering more tour dates. Mark your calendars for:

  • Friday, February 27th
  • Monday, May 20th
  • Thursday, October 22nd

If there’s one takeaway I could share from this experience, I’d say that nothing truly compares to seeing these projects in person—walking the properties, meeting the on-site teams, and experiencing the living, breathing Thriving Communities we're building together. If you’d like to join me on a future tour, visit our event page below. 

Marriage Retreat

This is a brand-new program that I can’t wait to share more about in the coming months. Strong marriages are the foundation of strong families, and strong families shape vibrant, resilient communities. We'll be sharing more details soon, but for now, you can confirm your interest using the link below.

Extraordinary Impact Family Event 2026

After such a memorable and fun family event last summer, I can’t tell you how eager I already am for next year. From July 29th to August 1st, 2026, we’ll be bringing energy, fun, and transformative moments to Dollywood! For the first time, we’ll be officially partnering with Tim and Demi Tebow to create four days of inspiration, connection, and family adventures at Dollywood’s Heartsong Lodge & Resort in Pigeon Forge, TN.

Family field day
Family fireworks
Family feud

You’ll hear from speakers who will challenge you to live with intention and participate in workshops designed to turn ideas into action. With sessions and activities for all ages, plus the thrills of Dollywood, this is a chance to invest in your family, make memories that last a lifetime, and connect with other families who are on similar journeys.

Check out our event page to learn more and complete your registration—I can’t wait to see you there!

Closing Thoughts

As I look back on this season—the recognition, the gatherings, the milestones—I’m reminded that it means little without the people who make it possible. It’s not about individual success; it’s about what we’re building and the impact we’re making together. 

Everything we’ve accomplished, and will accomplish, points to something I remain certain of: success is about achieving your goals, but significance is about having those goals make a difference in the lives of others. At DLP, we’re committed to helping individuals achieve both success and significance—creating the space, providing the resources, and cultivating the relationships that allow our community to live fully, lead courageously, and forge a legacy that can withstand the test of time. 

Success can open doors, but significance changes lives. That’s what makes every step of this journey worth taking.


Where I’ve Been

Location destin

Destin, FL

Location dallas texas

Dallas, TX

Location tulsa oklahoma

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Location bethlehem pa 2025

Bethlehem, PA

Location santa barbara ca

Santa Barbara, CA

Location palm springs

Palm Springs, CA

Location las vegas nevada

Las Vegas, NV


Where I'm Going

Location guatemala city

Guatemala

Austin texas

Austin, TX

Location sea island

Sea Island, GA


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