SCOTT BAUGH
​Scott Baugh has been married to his wife, Raquel, for 25 years. They are proud parents of two boys, ages 15 and 12. In 2002, Scott sold his business and entered a brief retirement. During that time, he and Raquel began hosting a small group Bible study and service group.
After about a year, they felt a strong calling to plant a church, leading to the launch of Journey Church in 2003. Today, Journey Church has grown to include three campuses across Palm Beach County.
NICK BERRY
Nick Berry is an American entrepreneur and business advisor with more than two decades of experience founding, scaling, and exiting award-winning small businesses. His companies have earned multiple Inc. 5000 rankings and national recognition from the American Business Awards, Franchise Business Review, Entrepreneur magazine, and Best Places to Work. ​
In 2025 Nick launched Redesigned Business, where he specializes in helping expertise-driven businesses in the “messy middle”. He helps owners clarify their vision, regain control, and shift from producing to leading so the business works for them instead of the other way around.
He is the creator of the Business Alignment System™, a framework used by thousands of business owners to align their leadership, strategy, and operating systems so growth becomes predictable rather than chaotic.
Nick also hosts The Business Owner’s Journey podcast, where he interviews experienced founders and shares practical insight from his experience as a founder and advisor to hundreds of small businesses. His advisory work focuses on guiding owners through the messy middle, simplifying operations, strengthening leadership, and redesigning businesses to thrive without constant founder involvement.
Nick has led philanthropic initiatives through his companies that have raised over $1.1 million and has mentored emerging leaders across multiple industries. He is known for his quiet authority, principled leadership, and ability to bring clarity to complex entrepreneurial challenges.
Originally from Kentucky, Nick and his wife Kelly now live in Hobe Sound, Florida with their daughter, Vivienne.
JAMES "JIM" BRANN
Born and raised in MA, graduated High School from Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational High. Worked for an HVAC company in Boston through an OJT program as a senior, trained here for 6 years before moving to FL in 1990.
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Presently the President of The Porch Factory an Aluminum Screen Business that employs 50 people. Currently my role is Mentor, Coach and Trainer for my Daughter and other Key employees running the business each day. I am enjoying
helping my team grow Past President of the Treasure Coast Builders Association, Past chair of the TCBA Work Force task force and current chair at Career Source Research Coast. Workforce Development has been a passion and allows me to give back.
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Enjoy traveling in My RV across this beautiful country, Enjoy spending time with my family and my 2 beautiful daughters.
BLAKE CAPPS
Blake Capps is part owner of Capps Roofing of Hobe Sound, FL, a family-owned and operated roofing company. The company began in 1993 and focuses on providing high-quality residential re-roofing and roof repairs in five neighboring counties.
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In addition to his business interests, Blake has a passion for public service that resulted in his election to the Martin County Board of County Commissioners in
November, 2024. Blake enjoys the opportunity to make a difference in the community he loves and appreciates the constant learning experiences – from preparing for meetings to interacting daily with residents and county staff.
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Blake and Robin, his wife of 40 years, have three adult children, one son-in-law and one grandson who all reside in Hobe Sound.
MICHAEL DEBOCK
Michael DeBock is vice president of Origination at NextEra Energy Resources, the largest energy infrastructure developer in the U.S. NextEra Energy Resources is a subsidiary of NextEra Energy, Inc.
As head of sales for the company, Mr. DeBock and his national team are directly responsible for helping customers across power, commercial and industrial (C&I) segments meet their power needs. The team collaborates
with customers to understand their business goals and develops custom energy solutions, focused on clean power generation, to meet specific financial and energy needs across the US.
Prior to his current role, Mr. DeBock was vice president of energy marketing and trading for Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), a subsidiary of NextEra Energy, and one of the largest investor-owned electric utilities in the nation. Since 2004, his business leadership at NextEra Energy has journeyed through diverse commercial leadership roles developing energy infrastructure projects in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
Mr. DeBock began his career in the United States Army where he served eight years as an Apache attack helicopter pilot, having logged flight time during peacetime and combat operations in the pursuit of America’s interests in Kosovo and Iraq.
Mr. DeBock’s leadership extends beyond the office as he carries a commitment to advance the local community to include leadership within Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach County, the Suncoast Community High School Foundation and the Wounded Veteran Relief Fund.
Mr. DeBock earned a bachelor’s degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point and a master’s degree in business administration from Florida Atlantic University. A decorated combat veteran, he and his wife reside in Jupiter, Florida.
CORY DEMMEL
Cory Demmel is a dynamic leadership coach, speaker, and consultant who helps leaders and organizations reach their full potential. He serves as the Lead Pastor of Cape Christian, a thriving church in Cape Coral, Florida, leading more than 5,000 in-person attendees and over 1,000 online each week. In addition to his pastoral role, he’s the founder of SWFL Leaders Luncheons—a monthly gathering that has equipped over 1,000 local business and community leaders with practical tools for growth.
​Licensed by Patrick Lencioni’s Table Group and certified in The 6 Types of Working Genius, Cory brings expertise in organizational health, team building, and leadership development across industries.
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Known for his high energy, humor, and authenticity, Cory’s leadership style is both inspiring and relational, grounded in his faith and love for people.
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A proud Nebraska native and passionate Huskers fan, he also enjoys golf and spending time with his wife Rebecca and their children, Madison and Blake. Whether in ministry, business, or the community, Cory’s mission is to empower leaders to live with purpose, lead with clarity, and create cultures where people thrive.
DR. WILLIAM "BILL" EICKHOFF
I graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and am a diehard Wolverine. I’ve been married for 53 years, have 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren. We moved to Florida where I practiced cosmetic dentistry for 50 years, (John became my patient after he moved to Florida), retiring 3 years ago and rewiring as a Founding Member of the John Maxwell Team. I am also a certified trainer on the Five Levels of Leadership.​
​During that time, I embraced Servant Leadership to build my practice and joined Christ Fellowship (John’s home​
church) where I led medical mission trips to Brazil, Mexico and Guatemala. I currently facilitate leadership masterminds for volunteers at Christ Fellowship as well as coaching several businesses.
JAMES "JIM" FASHANO
Jim is the CEO of Alliance Advisory Group, Inc. (AAG) and the General Agent for Guardian in upstate New York. He began his career with AAG as a financial representative in 1995. Under Jim’s guidance and leadership, the agency is a six-time recipient of GAMA's Master Agency Award representing the top 5% of firms in the world. Jim resides in Orchard Park with his wife Rachel and his three children Robert, Michael and Luciana.
Education and Professional Involvement
Jim is a 1990 graduate of Gannon University and holds his bachelor's degree in finance and economics.
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In the industry, he is a member of GAMA International, GAMA Foundation Platinum member, Leaders of Today and Tomorrow (LOTT), National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisory's and the Million Dollar Round Table.
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Community Involvement
Jim has served on the board of Trustees for Daemen College and treasury for the Orchard Park Boys and Girls club. Currently, he is a board member of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership and a board member of P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative, Inc.
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Awards and Recognition
A highly successful team leader and trainer, Jim's accomplishments include Most Valuable associate 2003, 2005 and 2007, the prestigious Guardian Leaders Club, the Guardian Executive Club, the Top of the Table, the Court of the Table and Park Avenues Equity Master Qualifier.
STEWART FEKETA
Pastor Stewart Feketa, age 55, is a long-time resident of Fort Pierce, FL. Married for 18 years, father of four beautiful children, two of which are in heaven, exemplifies the power of accepting Christ. Accepting the lord in his life has provided him strength, knowledge, wisdom and faith to overcome demons while guiding him through dark times. Since accepting Christ, Stewart has become a successful business owner of Nature’s Keeper (a second chance employer), in addition to becoming a Pastor at Way to Light Ministry & Plant A Seed Ministry.
Pastor Stewart also sits on six local boards for charity and Christ. Many know him as a rough around the edges type of guy, yet, honest, straight forward and empathetic with a huge heart. Pastor Stewart is also known for his heavy involvement within the community always willing to lend a helping hand.
JACOB FOWLES
Jacob Fowles is the Operations Pastor at Velocity Church. In that role, he oversees finance, budget, operations, human resources, and facilities, as well as the church’s local outreach and benevolence activities. He received his ordination in 2018 from Velocity Church and his PhD in public administration with an emphasis in public budgeting and finance from the University of Kentucky in 2010.
​Prior to his employment at Velocity, Jacob was a tenured associate professor at the University of Kansas, where he served as the Associate Director of the School of Public Affairs and Administration and the Associate Director for the Center for Research Methods and Data Analysis. In addition to those roles, Jacob taught graduate courses on public budgeting, public finance, public financial management, policy analysis, and econometrics. His research received grant funding from Arnold Ventures, the Kauffman Foundation, the Education Commission of the States, and the Spencer Foundation, among others.
Jacob and his wife Millinda have been married since 2005 and have a nine year old daughter, Cecilia, who loves Harry Potter, soccer, and Taylor Swift (although not necessarily in that order).
ERIC GAMERO
​Eric Gamero is an obsessive foodie, avid sneaker head, and the Lead Pastor of The Local Church in Davie, Florida, a thriving community known for being the perfect place for imperfect people to experience the presence of God. Since planting the church in 2012, he has led it through seasons of remarkable growth and national recognition, including being named by Outreach Magazine as one of the Top Multiplying Churches and Top 100 Fastest Growing Churches in America. Beyond preaching and leadership,
Eric is a devoted husband to Jessica and a proud dad to Ethan Ryan, Emma Grace, and Everett Allen, and his life reflects a simple conviction that God uses imperfect people to do extraordinary things.
TONY GROZA
John Anthony (Tony) Groza is a proud resident of St. Lucie County, a devoted husband, and a bonus dad to four adult children. As the owner of several businesses, Tony is a dedicated professional recognized for his strong work ethic, practical mindset, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
He holds both a Real Estate License and a General Contractor’s License in the state of Florida, a John Maxwell
Certified Coach, a sitting member of the board for Treasure Coast Builders Association, a sitting Board Member for TCBA Charitable Fund, and sits on the advisory board for Carebag. With a hands-on approach and a focus on results, Tony brings reliability, integrity, and attention to detail to every project he undertakes.
Outside of work, Tony is actively involved in his church and is passionate about continuous learning, personal growth, and giving back to the community. He supports several local charities, including Carebag (providing essential services for the homeless), DDS4Vets (a veteran support organization), TCBA Workforce Development, (focus on getting people back to working in construction) and ARC (a special needs support agency).
JUSTIN HAMILTON
​Justin Hamilton is the founding and co-lead pastor of Legacy Church in Chandler, Arizona. Founded in January 2023 to reach the unchurched, de-churched and over-churched with the mission to love, live, and lead like Jesus. Justin Hamilton is a dynamic communicator, TEDx speaker and founder of Amplify Communication Coaching. Amplify equips leaders to effectively reach wider demographics through connective communication. Justin leads one of the fastest growing churches in the country and helps
thousands of people discover and reignite their faith through creative Biblical teachings and the OverChurched Podcast.
CHRIS HURLEY
Chris Hurley’s professional journey spans more than three decades across the Information Technology, cybersecurity, and financial sectors. He has built a strong reputation expanding high-value business partner relationships while supporting long-term organizational success. For the past 16 years, Chris has served as Partner Sales Manager, Distribution at Check Point Software, a global leader in cybersecurity, following earlier roles at Nokia, AT&T, and The Bank of New York. A graduate of
Syracuse University, he brings sharp business planning skills and a commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships to every role he takes on.
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Beyond his professional focus, Chris is passionate about helping people connect, encouraging spiritual growth, and strengthening his walk with Christ. He values leading and spending time with his family and finds joy in the outdoors—especially camping, hiking, and experiences that inspire reflection and renewal. His blend of leadership, purpose-driven living, and dedication to others shapes both his career and his personal life.
JUSTIN JENKINS
​Pastor Justin Jenkins leads Velocity Church in Lawrence Kansas. He is passionate about building the local church and seeing people far from God find hope and life in
Jesus. For the past 14 years in September, he has been privileged to be a part of doing that not only in our community, but also in our world.
He is a sports fan and likes to golf, shop and check out local coffee shops whenever he travels. Along with his wife Marissa, the Jenkins live in Lawrence with their three sons, Reece, Oliver, and Grant, and daughter Pippa.
DONNY KARPINEN
Donny Karpinen is the Lead Pastor at Victory Church in Boca Raton, FL and the Founder & CEO of Legacy Leaders, a faith-based personal development organization for Christian entrepreneurs and CEOs.
His greatest treasure is his wife Brittany (his middle school sweetheart), and his two hilarious and beautiful daughters Jensen and Rowan. He is also an author, speaker, and songwriter.
NOE MADRIGAL
My name is Noe Madrigal, and I am a first-generation entrepreneur and the founder of A&A Roofing Services, one of the fastest growing roofing companies in the Pacific Northwest. I lead with the values I was raised with: humility, hard work, and gratitude, and I built my business on the principle #SavedByRelationships.
KELLY MERBLER
Kelly Merbler is a keynote speaker and founder of The Kelly Merbler Company, a South Florida leadership consulting firm specializing in employee engagement and workplace culture. She partners with organizations to strengthen teams, build trust, and create environments where people feel valued and perform at their best.
As a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, Kelly is a trusted partner to leading organizations across industries including healthcare, hospitality, human resources, and global
brands such as Louis Vuitton, Carnival Corporation, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
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Kelly is also the founder of the Senior Significance Project, a South Florida initiative dedicated to honoring seniors living with Alzheimer’s by providing heartfelt connection, essential needs, and support each holiday season, an extension of her mission to ensure people feel seen, valued, and remembered.
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A native of South Florida, Kelly is married to her husband Brian of 23 years and is the mom of two teenage boys, Evan and Cole.
GABRIELLA MICHELLE
Gabriella is a dynamic, results-driven leader recognized for elevating teams, strengthening operations, and inspiring a high-performance culture.
With a strong foundation in business administration and marketing, she blends strategic insight with emotional awareness to deliver consistent, measurable results. Gabriella leads with clarity, accountability, and an unwavering standard of excellence.
She empowers individuals to rise into their full potential, creating environments where team members feel valued, supported, and motivated to grow. Her leadership is defined by integrity, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to driving meaningful, lasting impact in every organization she serves.
ERIN MILLER
Erin is a trusted voice in content creation, book development, and strategic advising across both the for-profit and nonprofit divisions of the Maxwell Leadership enterprise. She serves as John Maxwell’s speaking agent, partnering with him to shape and book keynotes that influence audiences around the world. As a custodian of his body of work, she helps steward legacy while shaping future content.​
Working closely with the executive team, Erin brings insight and innovation to new ventures across the organization. A creator, connector, and natural entrepreneur, she is committed to making great people and great ideas even better.
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Erin lives in Georgia near her two greatest loves—her adult children, Mackenzie and Lucas.
EMMA MULLINGS
Emma Mullings is the co-founder and co-lead pastor of History Makers Church in South Florida, a thriving multicultural, multigenerational church based in Pembroke Pines. Before relocating to the United States in 2019, Emma built an extensive career in Australia as a TV presenter, radio announcer, recording artist, and media professional, bringing a strong background in communication and broadcasting to her ministry.​
​Emma has shared her story and preached at conferences and churches around the world. A graduate of music, journalism, and Bible college, she has written for various publications and continues to use her voice across multiple platforms to communicate the restoring power of God with clarity, honesty, and hope.
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Her own journey includes loss, abuse, and deep brokenness. Born and raised in church as a pastor’s kid, she walked away at 14 and spent eight years “in the wilderness” before powerfully reconnecting with Jesus at 22—an encounter that radically transformed her life. Out of this testimony, Emma is passionate about seeing people walk in the full restoration, healing, and freedom that only Jesus can bring.
BEN PIERCE
Ben Pierce is a former research chemist turned church planter, pastor, husband, father, and son who has committed his life to inspiring people to follow Jesus. He is the founder and lead pastor of Generation Church in Jupiter, Florida where he and his wife Melissa launched the church on Easter Sunday of 2008. Before stepping fully into ministry, Ben studied Chemistry and Biology after graduating from World Changers Bible Institute and spent a decade working in physiology research and pharmaceutical leadership with institutions such as Duke
University, the Medical College of Virginia, and Merck Pharmaceuticals. During those years in the business world, he gained clarity about his call to ministry, serving five years as a youth pastor before planting Generation Church. Today, Generation Church is a thriving, life-giving church where hundreds come to faith each year and thousands are reached through local outreach. Ben is known as an inspiring communicator and trusted leader in the community, serving on boards including Church United of South Florida and First Care. He and Melissa have been building the local church in South Florida for more than a decade and are raising two amazing sons, Hudson and Ethan.
JAMES "JIM" RHUBART JR.
I was raised in a family roofing company and in 2003 I partnered with my father and became the third generation owner of our family roofing company. I left the business in 2017 and worked for another bigger company as their head residential roofing sales. In 2019 I came back and asked my dad to allow me to build/scale business. By 2021 we 3x’d our revenue, hired a few employees, opened an office, and began creating great impact in the business and in our community. In 2023 I partnered with
another company to build and eventually sell to PE firm, which we did in February 2024 for $36 million. My current role is now salesman with the new PE firm, but I continue to lead my team, provide support to others and our customers. My current business interests are starting a consulting company to help those who were like me in 2017. I’d also like to start speaking at tech schools and on other stages where I may benefit those with the knowledge and wisdom I’ve earned through hard work and others who have graciously coached and mentored me my entire life.
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I believe my leadership style is one done by example, grace and compassion. My personality type is one of extreme work ethic, I've built grit from the way my father raised me working at a very young age and through sports and the amazing coaches I’ve had. It’s one of a visionary and I often explain to others that I’m an empath. I do my best to be accountable to the standard and integrity I want to live and be remembered by. I’m married to my amazing wife of 21 years and have three beautiful, amazing daughters. One of which is a junior in college, one is a senior in high school, and my youngest is sophomore in high school.
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I graduated from East Carolina University in 2002 with an elementary degree with a focus in Psychology.
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I donate to different charities through my church, as well as to those who reach out when doing fundraisers for first responders, under privileged children, or those battling some sort of life adversity. I also like to help others from time to time that may be struggling to make ends meet. I enjoy going to the gym early before our day gets rolling and also enjoy the outdoors. Hiking, hunting, boating, walking my dogs, etc. I played baseball and football in high school and enjoy catching an MLB/NFL game from time to time on tv.
One thing I love most is when my three daughters get a guitar out and jam out around our kitchen island or when they do open mic nights. My wife and daughters are absolutely my “why” and I’m incredibly blessed and grateful for any time I have with them.
VIRGIL SIERRA
Virgil Sierra is the lead pastor of Vertical Church (a.k.a. Iglesia Vertical) in Sunrise, Florida - Where they’re known as “One Church, Two Languages.” He is a respected leader and conference speaker in multi-cultural circles, both English and Spanish. Virgil is passionate about changed lives, church growth, and leadership. He currently serves as the media host for Avail Leadership where he interviews world-class Christian leaders for the Avail Leadership podcast. He is also a songwriter
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and international recording artist and was the lead singer of the Latin Christian band Contagious for 20 years. Virgil & Gislaine lead the church together. They’ve been married since April 2004 and have three wonderful children: Caleb, Sophia, and Nico.
Chris Shillington
Coming Soon!
KEVIN SMITH
God has provided Kevin with his greatest blessings, his wife Debbie – Kevin’s partner in life and service – and the joy, growth, and wisdom he gains through his grandchildren: Elliott, Oliver, Sofie, and Bobby.
Through opportunities made possible by the selflessness of “Best of Best” mentors, Kevin’s growth as a seasoned leader has unfolded along a diverse journey across education, business, and athletics. His leadership
experiences span higher education, K-12 leadership, nonprofit service, and roles (front line, middle, and executive) in business and manufacturing, providing a uniquely integrated perspective on people and purpose.
Living daily as a servant leader, Kevin seeks to be with, become like, and do as Jesus would do – leading with integrity, humility, and courage by living a “Pay It Forward” calling through developing leaders, strengthening organizations, and nurturing healthy cultures wherever he is blessed to serve.
With gratitude for God’s guidance, Kevin is committed to serving others with purpose, presence, and a heart to help them flourish.
DAVE WEST
Dave West is the founder of West Management Group, where he equips managers and business owners to execute with clarity and confidence. With over thirty years of experience in management and business ownership that began in the landscaping and golf industries, Dave brings a seasoned, practical perspective to building organizations that thrive. He has been married to his wife, Pam, for thirty-five years, and is blessed with three children and eight grandchildren.
DR. STEVE D. WHITAKER
Dr. Steve D. Whitaker has served as Head of School at The First Academy in Orlando for more than 22 years, advancing its mission to provide a premier PK–12 education grounded in a Biblical worldview. A visionary and servant-hearted leader, he focuses on strategic planning, empowering senior staff, and attracting exceptional educators who inspire students to discover their God-given potential. Under his leadership, The First Academy has experienced record enrollment growth, campus expansion, and over $55 million in philanthropic
support. Dr. Whitaker holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration and master’s degrees from the University of Louisville and MidAmerica Nazarene University. Active in national education circles, he has served on the boards of ACSI, FCIS, FHSAA, ABHE, and CES&A, and he founded Neighborhood Charter Schools to support urban churches in serving disadvantaged students. Guided by faith, family, and a love for tennis and writing, Dr. Whitaker leads with wisdom, generosity, and a heart for developing future Christian leaders.