The path of least resistance might be easy, but it often lacks rewards. That’s why John W. Rutledge prefers to lead his team at Oxford Capital over riskier terrain. The Chicago-based investment firm has developed a steady track record as a turnaround expert since its founding in 1994 and now has interests in more than 20 assets around the country. “We tend to go where others fear to tread. When we see a crisis, we tend to run toward (it) versus run away from it,” Rutledge said.