8:10 a.m.
Setting the Stage Event Kick-Off
Logan Aguirre | Publisher, Biz 417
Tom Douglas | CEO, JMARK
Join Logan Aguirre and Tom Douglas as they kick off the day—get ready to challenge assumptions, think forward and think beyond as they set the stage for bold ideas and transformative strategies for the future of the Ozarks.

8:25 a.m.
This Place Is As Good As Any Thought Leadership
Jesse Tyler | Co-Owner, All True
Jesse Tyler offers a fresh perspective on what it means to love where you live. In this thought-provoking talk, he encourages us to recognize the good in the Ozarks and reject the pressure to compete with every other place. Instead, he inspires us to create a welcoming community rooted in authenticity, where people want to belong, not because it’s the best at everything, but because it’s uniquely ours.

8:40 a.m.
How to Disagree Without Being Disagreeable Business Tactic
Dwayne Fulk | President/CEO City Utilities
Dwayne Fulk shares his proven strategies for navigating difficult conversations with tact and professionalism. Drawing from his extensive experience as an attorney and president of City Utilities, Dwayne shares tips on how to argue a point effectively, listen actively, and keep emotions in check. Whether you’re a business owner or leader, Dwayne’s insights will help you approach crucial conversations with confidence and transform conflict into collaboration.

9:05 a.m.
Party in the (Conference) USA Future Forecasting
Patrick Ransdell | Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at MSU
Ryan Beard | Head Football Coach, MSU
Moderated by Callie Carroll | VP at OMB Bank
Join MSU Athletic Director Patrick Ransdell and Head Football Coach Ryan Beard for an engaging discussion on the university’s move to Conference USA. Discover what this pivotal shift means for the growth and brand elevation of MSU athletics, as well as the potential economic impact on our region. From boosting recruitment and visibility to fostering community pride, this conversation explores the far-reaching benefits of MSU’s next big step in the world of collegiate sports.

10:05 a.m.
Stop The Scroll: How Humor and Irreverence Transformed Silver Dollar City's Social Media Business Tactic
Joey Thorsen | Director of Content & PR at Silver Dollar City Parks & Resorts
In this engaging talk, Joey Thorsen,  Director of Content and PR for Silver Dollar City, reveals how leaning into humor, irreverence and viral trends has revolutionized the way the historic brand engages with audiences. Discover why he chose to disrupt expectations, how this approach has captured new audiences, and actionable strategies for businesses to reimagine their voice and image on social media effectively stopping the scroll and boosting engagement. 

10:25 a.m.
Strength in Every Step Thought Leadership
Ashleigh Bentz | Certified Prosthetic/Orthotic Assistant at CoxHealth
Ashleigh Bentz’s life began with a challenge, but it turned into a powerful mission. Growing up with a prosthetic taught her lessons about empathy, acceptance, and living life without limits. Now, as a prosthetic assistant, she helps others navigate similar journeys. In this heartfelt talk, Ashleigh explores how her experiences have shaped her perspective and encourages us to live a more empathetic life.

10:40 a.m.
Adapt to Thrive Future Forecasting
Tom Douglas | CEO of JMARK
In this forward-thinking talk, Tom Douglas, CEO of JMARK, delves into three critical areas shaping the future of business: preparing for the economic crisis of the 2030s, harnessing the power of AI as a service, and developing the leadership skills necessary to thrive in times of rapid change. With decades of experience leading innovative IT services, Tom offers a compelling vision for how our region can embrace uncertainty, seize new opportunities and lead with purpose in a fast-changing world.

11:05 a.m.
Finding Purpose Through Pain Thought Leadership
Zach Troutman
In this deeply personal and thoughtful talk, Zach Troutman shares how the loss of his best friend to suicide led him to his life’s mission: normalizing conversations about mental health. Drawing from his experience with leadership, coaching and overcoming personal adversity, he inspires you to embrace vulnerability, prioritize open conversations, and be part of a movement that empowers individuals to seek help and heal.

Enjoy a grab-and-go style lunch curated by Simply Delicious, making it easy to refuel without missing a moment of Think Summit. Each meal box will be clearly labeled with allergens, we have done our best to make accommodations for most major food allergies.

Lunch Options Provided by Simply Delicious
All lunches include chips and a homemade dessert.

• Honey Pecan Chicken Salad Croissant – DF (Note: Croissant is not dairy-free)

• Turkey, Ham, Bacon & Cheddar Croissant

• Angus Roast Beef & Cheddar Wrap
With lettuce and horseradish aioli.

• Grilled Chicken House Salad – GF, DF, Alpha-Gal Friendly
With cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots and balsamic dressing on the side.

• Tuna Salad Bento Box – DF, Alpha-Gal Friendly
Served with naan bread, veggie sticks with hummus and fruit salad.

12:05 p.m.
Leading with Legacy: The Intentional Culture that Drives O’Reilly Auto Parts' Growth Business Tactic
Julie Gray | Vice President of Corporate Services / Corporate Secretary, O’Reilly Auto Parts
Kari Hamra | Director of Communications and Recognition / Assistant Corporate Secretary, O’Reilly Auto Parts
O’Reilly Auto Parts started as a family-owned business with a strong, people-first culture, and despite massive growth to over 6,000 stores, the company has been intentional about preserving that culture at every level. This discussion explores key areas of culture transfer and leadership development, offering lessons for businesses looking to scale without losing their core values.

12:35 p.m.
The Championship Mindset Thought Leadership
John Perry | Head Football Coach, Nixa High School
Drawing from his success as head football coach at Nixa High School and his work as a certified Mental Performance Coach, John Perry delivers a motivational talk on cultivating a winning mindset. Discover how to overcome challenges, develop better habits and lead yourself and others to greatness.

12:55 p.m.
Permission to Rebrand Thought Leadership
Jason Hynson | Executive Director, Victory Mission
Change is essential—for businesses and individuals alike. In this inspiring talk, Jason Hynson explores why companies must continuously evolve to stay relevant and how people can do the same. Through the lens of his work at Victory Mission, he’ll share insights on personal reinvention, breaking free from the past, and embracing a new future. 

2:15 p.m.
Turn It Off: The Case for Sabbaticals Business Tactic
Andy Hedgpeth | Vice President of Human Resources, CoxHealth
David Cameron | City Administrator with City of Republic
Linda Daugherty | Academy of Hair Design
Join a dynamic panel of leaders from diverse sectors as they discuss the profound impact of sabbaticals on their lives and businesses. From navigating the challenges of disconnecting to uncovering new perspectives, these leaders share why stepping away from work is essential for personal growth and organizational success. Learn why they believe in creating time for key employees to recharge and how this practice can benefit both individuals and businesses.

2:40 p.m.
Riding the Past Into the Future: Using Consumer Insights to Drive Growth Future Forecasting
Brad Thomas | President of the Silver Dollar City Company
Brad Thomas, President of the Silver Dollar City Company, shares his vision for the future of one of the Ozarks' most iconic destinations. With a deep commitment to preserving the park's heritage, Brad reveals how data-driven insights are guiding new developments, attracting diverse audiences and shaping upcoming attractions. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the innovative plans that will keep Silver Dollar City growing while staying true to its roots.

3 p.m.
Oh! One More Thing All-Speaker Panel
We close the day with this fast-paced segment featuring all of the Think Summit speakers on stage at one time to share one key takeaway or piece of advice.