Lathay Pegues
September 9
Lathay Pegues graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. After graduation he worked as a reporter and anchor for various news stations in the Midwest, even winning a Regional Emmy Award. However, once his news station suddenly shut down operations, he and others were left scrambling for jobs. He decided the put his career on hold and chase another dream. Along with two partners, he launches JohnTom's Barbecue Sauce, inspired by his grandfather's secret sauce recipe.
Lathay moved his family back to his hometown of Muncie and started the business while also working for the Muncie Star Press. In 2014, he decided to take JohnTom's full-time! Since then, the sauce has been on shelves in numerous stores and even awarded 'Best Sauce in Indiana" by Indianapolis Monthly Magazine.
Bill Bussick
September 16
Bill Bussick is the founder and current President & CEO of DuraMark Technologies, Inc., based in Westfield, Indiana. DuraMark Technologies produces durable labels for industrial equipment manufacturers such as Toro, Terex, Toyota Fork Trucks, JLG and General Motors. Bill attended Ball State University-Miller College of Business and graduated with a Marketing degree in 1982. In 2021, Bill sold DuraMark to Cardinal Equity Partners, an Indianapolis based private equity firm. Bill currently sits on the Board of Advisors for the Ball State University Entrepreneurship Center. Bill and his wife Kris have four children and currently live in Noblesville, IN.
Jon Langford
October 14
Jon Langford has served in leadership roles of various non-profits and industries for over twenty-five years. In 2011, Jon began his Disney leadership career in Parks and Resorts at Walt Disney World. His background in change management would lead him to Disney Springs as part of the reimagining team. From there, Jon joined the Learning and Development Leadership Team at Disney University before joining the Facilitation Team at Disney Institute. As a Corporate Trainer for Disney Institute, Jon has successfully worked with clients of all sizes including fortune 500 companies. Currently Jon serves as a freelance speaker and consultant sharing Disney Leadership Legacy Experiences and Expertise.
Adam Weber
October 21
Adam Weber is an executive coach who helps leaders manage pressure, sift through competing inputs, and assert meaningful change while leading as their authentic selves.
Adam knows the challenges of leadership firsthand. He’s co-founded and successfully exited two tech companies—Emplify, an employee engagement platform, and Bluebridge, a mobile app platform. With over 15 years of C-level experience in leadership and culture, Adam brings practical insights and deep expertise to his coaching practice.
He is the best-selling author of Lead Like a Human and has been recognized as a “Top Voice” by LinkedIn and a “Rising Star” by Business Insider. His expertise has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, and HR Executive Magazine.
Adam holds a master’s degree in organizational communication from Ball State University. He lives in Zionsville, Indiana, with his wife, two sons, and their dog, Poppy. In his free time, he’s an avid pickleball player.
Tiara Hicks
October 23
Tiara Hicks is a seasoned human capital executive, entrepreneur, and community builder with over 15 years of experience leading people strategy, organizational development, and business growth. She currently serves as Vice President of Human Capital at enVista, where she drives strategic talent management, benefits optimization, leadership development, and cultural initiatives that empower teams to thrive.
As the Founder of Next Steps Consulting, LLC, Tiara partners with entrepreneurs and small business leaders to navigate the pivotal stage that comes after building their initial teams—helping them refine operations, strengthen recruiting processes, implement Standard Operating Procedures, integrate technology solutions, and foster sustainable, people-focused growth. Her hands-on, strategic approach has supported diverse clients in scaling with confidence and clarity.
In 2020, Tiara expanded her entrepreneurial portfolio by launching Rosebud Coffee House, a vibrant community café in Muncie’s 8Twelve neighborhood. Known for its eclectic, welcoming atmosphere, locally roasted coffee, and dedication to the arts, Rosebud has become a hub for connection, creativity, and conversation—serving both Ball State students and local professionals.
Tiara’s corporate career includes executive and senior leadership roles with organizations such as LHD Benefit Advisors, EnerDel, and Prime Hospitality Group, where she spearheaded initiatives in total rewards, performance management, succession planning, and employee engagement. She is recognized for her ability to bridge the gap between business strategy and human capital needs—whether guiding a Fortune 500-level initiative or helping a local startup lay its cultural foundation.
Driven by her belief that people are the heartbeat of every successful business, Tiara blends strategic vision with a passion for community impact—building workplaces and businesses where both people and performance can flourish.
Jennifer Wiese
October 30
Jennifer Wiese is a mother of four boys with dietary needs. When her eldest son was diagnosed with autism at the age of 8, she discovered that following a gluten- and casein-free diet helped him be a happier, thriving little boy. The hitch was that the gluten-free foods available on grocery store shelves were dry, bland, and very expensive. Jennifer started BeeFree in January 2010 from the desire to feed her kids foods that fit their dietary needs and still tasted great. BeeFree is committed to bringing great tasting treats to anyone while sticking to their gluten, grain, and dairy-free standards. BeeFree is owned and operated in Noblesville, IN and can now be found on Amazon and in grocery stores around the nation.
Christiana Mann
November 18
Christiana Mann is a faculty member at Ball State University’s Miller College of Business, where she teaches in the Applied Business Studies department with a focus on hospitality, innovation, and leadership. With more than 40 years of experience in the food service industry, she brings a wealth of real-world expertise into the classroom to prepare the next generation of business and hospitality leaders.
In addition to her academic role, Christiana is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-owner of Three Bears Concessions and proprietor of The Culinary Cottage, ventures that showcase her passion for food, service, and community. Her diverse career has spanned nearly every corner of the industry — from retail and brick-and-mortar establishments to mobile, temporary, and seasonal operations. She has also managed large-scale contracts with state parks and universities and has unique insight from her work in public health enforcement with federal, state, and local health departments.
Known for blending practical industry knowledge with an innovative teaching style, Christiana is dedicated to helping students and colleagues connect theory to practice.
James "JP" Payne
November 20
Although the third in the line of James Payne’s, he tops the charts at Number 1 when it comes to his skills and experience in creating world class guest experiences. He developed fundamentals in Marketing and Public Relations from Ball State University, as well as Adult Training and Consulting from North Carolina State University. He harnessed veteran customer service skills acquired at Disney Institute Training. He works around people, with people, and for people. He earned a Hospitality Certification from IUPUI, venturing into positions with small and large organizations alike. In February 2024, he served as lead concierge to the NBA All-Star game and host committee. In February 2011, he worked as the Chief Concierge and Hospitality Training Specialist during Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis. James has developed a trained team of hospitality professionals to create memorable Game Day/Fan Experiences for the Indianapolis Colts, resulting in club and suite renewals.