Corey Parchman
August 27
Corey Parchman is a Ball State Grad, former NFL wide receiver turned entrepreneur, business acquisition advisor, real estate developer, best-selling author based in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Corey was once recognized as the fastest player in college football. He set a 105-yard kick return record the longest in Ball State and NCAA history, a feat that landed him on the CBS Late Show with David Letterman. He went on to a professional football career spanning five NFL franchises: the Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts, St. Louis Rams, Oakland Raiders, and Green Bay Packers.
After retiring from football, Corey spent the next two decades building. He is the founder of CorePar Holdings, his flagship business acquisition and private equity platform operating in the lower middle market across Indianapolis and Miami, and CorePar Development, a real estate development firm driving workforce housing in Central Indiana. His portfolio of ventures also includes Clear Vision Media & Executive Concierge. Across his career he has managed more than $150 million in assets, acquired 12+ businesses, and negotiated 40+ deals.
A committed community educator and philanthropist, Corey founded two nonprofit preschools Mini Men Pre-K Leadership Academy and Pre-K University Academy dedicated to delivering high-quality early childhood education and leadership development to children from underserved communities.
Corey is married to Dr. Elisha Parchman, and together they are the proud parents of Corey Parchman Jr.
Lathay Pegues
September 15
Lathay R. Pegues was born in Muncie, IN, attending Muncie Community Schools. He graduated from Muncie Central High School, where he was co-captain of the celebrated Bearcat basketball team. Lathay furthered his education at Indiana University-Bloomington with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. During his undergraduate studies he served as president of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, Incorporated, Alpha Chapter.
After graduating from IU Lathay landed his first broadcast job as a producer and general assignment reporter with WGEM News, an NBC affiliate in Quincy, IL. He quickly earned the “lead anchor” position for WGEM News Weekend Edition and won a Regional Emmy Award for excellence in Journalism. After spending five years reporting in the Tri-State area, Lathay moved to a reporting/anchor position at Milwaukee’s WVTV-TV. After nearly two years with that station, the company shut down its news operation, leaving employees scattering for jobs. That’s when Lathay decided to put his career on hold and chase another dream. Along with two partners, he launched JohnTom’s Barbecue sauce company, inspired by his grandfather’s secret sauce recipe.
Lathay moved his family to Muncie and started the business before landing another reporting job at the Muncie Star Press. After seven years of juggling a career and small business, Lathay decided it was time to permanently leave the journalism world and focus solely on his own company. In 2014, he left the Star Press and started full time for JohnTom’s. Since then, the company has grown exponentially, landing accounts with Kroger, Fresh Thyme, Ball State University, and Indiana University, Lucas Oil Stadium, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, to name a few. The sauce also was awarded “Best Sauce in Indiana” from Indianapolis Monthly Magazine.
In his off time, Lathay volunteers throughout the Muncie community, serving as Commissioner for Delaware County Housing Authority, Committee member for Delaware County Community Foundation, and member of Next Muncie. He was also a founding member of Muncie-Delaware County Black Chamber of Commerce. In his spare time, he enjoys playing drums, grilling, walking the Muncie trails, golfing, and creating memories with his family.
Aaron Prickel
September 24
A Lushin management consultant since; 2007, Aaron acts as the glue that binds and strengthens the team’s collective; talents. As a sales trainer and resource, he encourages clients to stay true to themselves and their missions, and adapts; his training style to best serve each individual. He alms to teach sales training clients the simplicity of effective solutions. Winner of the 2015 Ball State Achievement Award from the Miller College of Business, Aaron spends his precious free time outdoors, usually cheering on his three kids in their respective sports competitions.
Ryan Gard
October 6
Ryan Gard is Vice President for Cintas Corporation’s Central Sales Territory, where he leads with a commitment to operational excellence and talent development. Cintas, a Fortune 500 company, provides essential services to over one million customers across North America.
Ryan earned his bachelor’s degree in Operations Management from Ball State University in 2006 and immediately began his career with Cintas as a Sales Representative. Over the past two decades, he has navigated a dynamic career path through roles including Sales Manager, Enterprise Training Manager, and General Manager, culminating in his current executive leadership position. He remains engaged with his alma mater as a member of the Miller College of Business Leadership and Management Advisory Board.
Anchored by his guiding philosophy, “When you start to give 99% is when you start to fail,” Ryan is passionate about building strong leaders and driving performance. Outside the office, he enjoys coaching his son’s travel baseball team, spending time outdoors, and being with his family.
Marcus Hall
October 20
Marcus Hall serves as President and Partner at California Closets, a brand within the Threefold Portfolio. Marcus is responsible for operations across Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Ohio. With 10+ years at the helm, Marcus leads a cross-functional team dedicated to delivering high-quality custom furniture and storage solutions within these franchise locations. His role focuses on strategic leadership, fostering innovation, and aligning teams to achieve shared goals while positively impacting clients, employees, and communities. California Closets Midwest is one brand within a portfolio of five companies within the Threefold platform. Threefold is a low leverage, permanent equity firm that partners with and grows specialty contracting companies serving the built environment.
Steve Hall
October 27
Steve Hall is the Co-Founder of Tinker Coffee Co., a specialty coffee roaster in Indianapolis, Indiana. Steve holds a BS in Hotel Administration from Cornell University and an MBA from Case Western Reserve University. After spending several years in the wine industry, Steve discovered his passion for specialty coffee and founded Tinker Coffee Co. with his brother-in-law Jeff Johnson in 2014. Tinker Coffee Co. now operates five cafes in Indianapolis, two cafes at the Indianapolis International Airport, and has a robust ecommerce and wholesale coffee roasting presence in the Midwest.
Carrie Huffman
November 3
Carrie Huffman serves as Director of Operational Excellence at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, where she works alongside clinical and operational leaders to advance strategic priorities and support organizational growth. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience in nursing, clinical operations, and practice management, she has helped guide complex change management efforts, supported the development of organizational structures, and executed large-scale projects that improve care delivery and operational effectiveness. Carrie has contributed to initiatives focused on expanding access to care, redesigning service models, and fostering innovation through partnerships, including work with Google to explore technology solutions for nursing practice. She is passionate about developing people, building collaborative relationships, and helping teams navigate change in ways that create lasting impact.
Roman Baisa
November 17
Roman is a real estate entrepreneur and the founder of Carmel Tipsy Tour. He graduated from Ball State University in 2018 where he played baseball. Since then, he has built a real estate business that has sold over $70 million in sales and has built a life of independence through entrepreneurship.