2026 Stanford Leadership Gathering Directory by FSNB Marketing

STA NFORD, KY | OC TOB ER 2026

Principled Leadership Meets Lasting Impact

Welcome to Stanford, Kentucky. We love our small town, and hospitality is one of our passions. It is a pleasure to welcome you here and share it with you. Over the years and hundreds of times, we have told parts of our story to a steady stream of Stanford visitors. We often hear that our journey is unique and that other business leaders might benefit from hearing what we have learned along the way. Nothing we share is original with us. The principles that have shaped us came from wise mentors and from the Bible. We have tested these principles over 43 years in business, and we want to share them with you. We have made plenty of mistakes, particularly when we violated these principles, and we have learned valuable lessons along the way. We can share with confidence that: • • • • • • • • •

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It truly is more blessed to give than to receive. Everything rises and falls on leadership. Walking with the wise helps you become wise. The relationship is more important than the deal. Compounding Relationships - great partners are a gift that keeps on giving. Your team is #1. How you treat your team will shape how they care for your customers. Steady plodding brings prosperity. Hasty speculation brings ruin. Debt should be handled carefully and wisely. You make money by doing what you and your trusted partners have proven you can do well. You tend to lose money on just about everything else. Surrounding yourself with SWAN’s makes life richer and a lot more fun.

These truths, and many more, aren’t theoretical to us, and we have stories to prove them. Our companies are not for sale because we know that if we were to sell to or merge with a group that does not share our mission, values, and purpose, many of the intentional inefficiencies that make our companies unique and special would likely be scrapped immediately and lost forever. That would be a shame. Our sincere hope is that these 48 hours together will prove to be of immense value to you — not only personally, but also to all those who rely upon your leadership. We are grateful you are here. We look forward to learning from you, sharing what we have learned, and enjoying this time together. Welcome to Stanford. Jess and Doug

TABLE of CONTENTS

Schedule of Events

Property Map

Speakers and Guides

Sessions

Attendees

SCHEDULE of EVENTS DAY 1: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Check-in Complimentary lunch at Bluebird 2:00 PM - 2:15 PM Introduction & Kickoff - Jess Correll

2:15 PM - 5:00 PM Session 1 - Our Story & Why it Matters - Jess Correll, Doug Ditto, Tom Darden

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Break 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Reception - The Terrace (weather permitting) 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Dinner 8:30 PM - TBD After Dinner Entertainment

DAY 2: 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Breakfast | Bluebird-at your convenience 8:45 PM - 11:30 AM Session 2 - Stewardship, Generosity & Hospitality - Jess Correll, Doug Ditto, Angela Correll, Adrienne Correll

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Lunch 1:15 PM - 4:00 PM Session 3 - The Power of Compounding Relationships - Jess Correll, Doug Ditto, Wes Perry, Luke Roush

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Break 4:45 PM Leave for the Correll Farm 5:00 PM Correll Farm Reception & Dinner

DAY 3: 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Breakfast | Bluebird-at your convenience 8:45 PM - 11:30 AM Session 4 - Succession & The Long Game - Jess Correll, Doug Ditto, Preston Correll, Adrienne Correll

11:30 AM Lunch in Mama DeVechio’s Pizzeria

S P EA KERS AND

GU I DES

The measure of a successful business is not simply what it earns, but the relationships it strengthens, the people it develops, and the good it accomplishes.

Jess CORRELL Jess Correll is the founder and chairman of First Southern Bancorp, Inc., parent company of First Southern National Bank, which he founded in 1983. Based in Stanford, Kentucky, the organization serves communities across 12 Kentucky counties with 14 locations and approximately 262 team members. As an entrepreneur with a deep commitment to generosity, Jess also founded The River Foundation, a private foundation that supports Christ-centered organizations locally and around the world. He serves as its president and chairman, helping encourage both charitable giving and mission-minded service among First Southern team members. In addition, Jess is chairman and CEO of UTG, an insurance company headquartered in Stanford, Kentucky. He also serves on the boards of Friends of the Good Samaritans, National Christian Foundation, and Cumberland Lake Shell, Inc. Jess is a seventh-generation Kentuckian and lives on a farm in Central Kentucky, where he practices sustainable farming. He and his wife, Angela, are also involved in several hospitality businesses in downtown Stanford and have received awards for historic preservation. Jess was inducted into the Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame in 2018. He attended Asbury College and is the father of three children and grandfather of six.

Doug DITTO Doug Ditto is a founding member of First Southern Bancorp and has served as a board member since 1987. He has served the First Southern family of companies in many roles over the past 40 years, including as CEO of First Southern Bancorp. He currently serves as vice president of Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company. Over most of his career, Doug has worked closely with Jess Correll in the acquisition and oversight of diverse investments. These investments include discounted commercial real estate loans acquired from the RTC in the 1990’s and from the FDIC in 2009 and 2010. Other investment themes include timberland, commercial real estate, and royalty interests in oil and gas, precious metals, and music. Much of our investment success has come from long-standing relationships with trusted partners who have proven expertise in their chosen field. Doug is a founding member and advisor to the River Foundation. He and his wife Karen enjoy life on the farm near Danville, Ky. They have two married daughters, one son, and three grandsons who all live nearby.

Wes PERRY

Wes and his wife, Roni, co-founded SES Investments, Ltd in 1980. SES is an oil, gas, and real estate investment company. He has served as Chairman of PBEX, LLC since July 2012. He co-founded EGL Resources, Inc., in 1994. He co-founded Master Mineral Holdings, Inc. in 1994. He founded MT223, LLC in 2001 and serves as its manager. He has been a Genie Energy, Ltd. (GNE) Director since September 2009. He is also Chairman of Genie Energy International Corporation. He has been a Director of Viper Energy Partners, LP (VNOM) since 2014. He has served as a director of First Southern National Bank since 2016. Wes served on the Midland City Council from 2002 to 2008 and as the Mayor of Midland from January 2008 through January 2014. Wes holds a BS degree in Engineering from the University of Oklahoma. He serves as a Trustee of the Abell Hangar Foundation and is VP of the Texas State Historical Association. He and his wife, Roni, co-founded the Milagros Foundation in 1996. They have three married children and eight grandchildren.

Pete OCHS

Pete is a lifelong faith-driven entrepreneur. His 30-year journey has been dedicated to building prosperous businesses God’s way. Pete’s life mission is to inspire and equip business leaders worldwide to live with a purpose greater than themselves, leveraging their businesses to make a Christ-centered impact on the world. He is author of High Impact LIFE and High Impact Business. Pete lives by four simple principles: Honor God; Serve People; Pursue Excellence; and Steward Capital. These four simple but powerful principles when brought to bear on creating Economic, Social and Spiritual Capital result in a High Impact LIFE. Before launching his impact investment company Capital III, Pete spent 8 years in the commercial banking industry. In 2018 Pete stepped out of the day-to-day operations of Capital III and currently devotes his time to equipping purpose driven businesses to implement the Stewardship Operating System and Stewardship Trust to protect their purpose and profits for generations to come. Pete and his wife Debbie have been instrumental in founding and growing several nonprofit enterprises. They live in Valley Center, Kansas. They have 2 children and 9 grandchildren.

Tom DARDEN

Tom Darden, 71, grew up in small towns in North Carolina and Virginia. He studied environmental policy at UNC, married Jody in 1977, and worked for the Korea Institute of Science and Technology before attending Yale Law School and joining Bain in Boston. In 1983, Tom, Jody, and their son Tom III moved to Raleigh, where James and Elizabeth were born. Tom bought eight brick plants and converted them to use wood waste fuel. He later developed bacteria for pollution remediation, built private equity funds focused on brownfield sites, and invested in land near Raleigh. He has started more than 50 technology companies and invested in about 50 others, focused on pollution, alternative energy, quantum computing, fusion, solar farms, and health supplements.

Luke ROUSH

Luke Roush co-founded Sovereign’s Capital in 2012 and serves as Co-CEO and board member. From 2013 to 2016, while living in Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta, he opened the firm’s Asia operations. Before Sovereign’s Capital, Luke spent 12 years in global commercialization and business development with venture-backed and Fortune 500 companies. He held leadership roles at TransEnterix and Liquidia Technologies, worked in sales and marketing at Boston Scientific and Newell Brands, and co-founded 410 Medical, a pediatric emergency care medical device company. He currently serves on the board of Bandwidth. Luke graduated summa cum laude from Duke University and earned his MBA from The Fuqua School of Business. He lives in Nashville with his wife, Brooke, and their three children.

Angela CORRELL

Angela is co-founder of The Stanford hospitality experience and continues to be involved in vision, design and guest experience. She and Jess have been awarded multiple preservation awards for their efforts in revitalizing downtown Stanford. In addition, she is an award-winning author of three fiction books, set in a rural Kentucky town and a trilogy of nonfiction books about their second home in Tuscany. Her fiction books have been adapted to the stage, and her first book, Grounded, was made into a movie for Great American Family. She serves on the boards of the River Foundation, Ethiopian Impact, and Trustbridge Italy.

Daniel ROBERTS

Daniel Roberts joined the First Southern Family of Companies in 2003, initially serving as an intern while in college. In 2009, he left First Southern to serve internationally, first teaching at Good Samaritan School in New Delhi, India and later serving with Vapor Ministries where he oversaw the international ministry operations. He returned to Kentucky and First Southern in 2016, serving in various roles before becoming President of Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company and Vice President of First Southern Bancorp, where he helps provide leadership for the Family of Companies. Daniel and his wife Mary Beth live in Stanford, Kentucky, with their four children and attend Grace Presbyterian Church.

Adrienne CORRELL

Adrienne is the Founder and President of the Appalachian Music Project, a nonprofit organization created in honor of her late husband. She also serves as Vice President of Stewardship & Generosity for FSNB and as Executive Director of The River Foundation. Adrienne holds a B.A. from Stetson University, has two children, and resides in Anchorage, Kentucky.

Preston CORRELL

Preston began raising and selling pastured poultry in 2006 and co-founded Marksbury Farm in 2010. He serves on the board of directors for UTG as well as Friends of the Good Samaritans, a support organization for the Delhi, India-based Good Samaritan Schools, with which Preston has been closely involved since 2003. He is married to Rachel, and together they have three children.

S ESSIONS

Session 1

Our Story & Why it Matters Speakers: Jess Correll, Doug Ditto, Tom Darden This opening session will set the foundation for the gathering by exploring the experiences, convictions, and defining moments that shaped our work. Participants will hear how purpose, faith, and wise mentors have influenced our journey and why the story behind the work continues to matter for leaders today.

Notes:

Session 2

Stewardship, Generosity & Hospitality Speakers: Jess Correll, Angela Correll, Doug Ditto, Adrienne Correll One foundational principle our mentors modeled was the practice of tithing. Shortly after acquiring our first bank, one of the first things we did was establish a charitable foundation. It was somewhat of a leap of faith, as our net earnings in those early years were tight. Yet the blessings and opportunities that have flowed from that discipline have been beyond measure.

Notes:

Session 3

The Power of Compounding Relationships Speakers: Jess Correll, Doug Ditto, Wes Perry, Luke Roush As bankers, we appreciate the power of compounding interest. As we reflect on our journey over the past 40-plus years, we’ve come to realize that compounding relationships are every bit as powerful. You will hear from some of the folks who have shared that journey with us.

Notes:

Session 4

Succession & The Long Game Speakers: Jess Correll, Doug Ditto, Preston Correll, Adreinne Correll A business cannot survive and thrive for 40-plus years without a succession plan. We have intentionally raised up capable servant leaders throughout our organization. Participants will discuss the importance of preparing the next generation, building with a long-term vision, and creating structures that enable values, culture, and mission to continue well beyond a single season of leadership. Notes:

AT TENDEES

A business can only be as strong as the people behind it. When we care for our teams, build trust, and lead with generosity, everyone benefits.

Chuck Bentley Crown Financial Ministries | Knoxville, TN Chuck Bentley is CEO of Crown Financial Ministries. He is the host of two daily radio broadcasts and author of numerous books and weekly articles on Biblical stewardship. He and his wife, Ann, recently released a new stewardship podcast in collaboration with KLOVE. He is the founder and executive director of the Christian Economic Forum which has an active membership of God inspired leaders from 40 nations. Chuck also serves on the Board of Trust Bridge Global and Foundations for Farming, International. He and Ann have been married since 1978. They have four sons and 7 grandchildren.

Jared Blong Octane Energy | Midland, TX Jared Blong, a third-generation Texas oil executive and fifth-generation rancher, is dedicated to land and resource stewardship in energy. As Founder and Co-CEO of Octane Energy, he has overseen over 2,000 wells. Jared works at the crucial junction of energy production and conservation. Passionate about regenerative agriculture, he was President and COO of AquaSmart, advancing water-smart technologies. An Eagle Scout, he shares his Texas land expertise on STCH Land Management’s board and advises the Permian Basin Water in Energy Conference and Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Life:Powered initiative.

Lori Blong Octane Energy | Midland, TX Lori Blong, lifelong Midlander, educator, business owner, and Midland’s first female mayor, has experience in education, energy, and public service. She co-founded Octane Energy in 2013, shaping her leadership in planning and resource use. Elected to City Council in 2019, she became mayor in 2023, focusing on finances, water, infrastructure, safety, and growth. Under her leadership, Midland improved finances, completed key projects, boosted public safety staff, and secured water resources. Blong’s blend of business and education guides her in tackling challenges with future-focused decisions.

Nick Burrows Metalworking Solutions, Inc | Chattanooga, TN Growing up on a family farm in Alabama, I expected a life in agriculture. My grandparents urged me to attend the University of North Alabama. In September 1999, I met Jesus with a beer in one hand and a Bible in the other. Though I considered ministry after UNA, I shifted to business in Chattanooga. I found my passion in manufacturing, building things and jobs. I helped Bill Hewgley start Metalworking Solutions in 2006. At 55, Bill made me his successor. We completed his exit via ESOP in 2024, growing the company from $0 to $40 million in 20 years. Now, I focus on creating jobs and expanding employee ownership with care.

John Coleman Sovereign’s Capital | Atlanta, GA Co-CEO of Sovereign’s Capital. Formerly with Invesco, Bridgewater Associates, and McKinsey & Company. Author of five books and graduate of Berry College, Harvard Business School, and Harvard Kennedy School. Married with four children.

Jamie Durham KSC Holdings | Danville, KY Jamie Durham, CEO, started in college ministry after graduating from Transylvania University. While ministering full-time, he invested in rental properties, building a multi-million-dollar portfolio by 2005. He then left ministry to focus on real estate. In 2009, he placed holdings under management and became CEO of a healthcare startup. With partner Todd Clark, he grew it from 6 to 21 locations and $20 million revenue. Now, Jamie leads KSC Holdings, investing in small businesses and real estate.

Benjamin Erskine Sovereign’s Capital | Chicago, IL Ben Erskine is a Partner at Sovereign’s Capital, a faith-based investment firm. He leads the firm’s real estate strategy (SCRE), working with faithdriven rental housing and real estate operators. With 20 years in commercial real estate, he started at The Staubach Company and was Managing Director at JLL. In 2020, he founded Callis Capital, acquired by Sovereign’s in 2023. Ben serves on the Apartment Life Advisory Council, leads the Faith Driven Investor Real Estate Group, and advises Sovereign’s portfolio. He lives in Clarendon Hills, Illinois, with his wife and son.

Jordan Harmon Angel Studios | Lehi, UT Jordan is Co-Founder and President of Angel, a studio behind crowdfunded projects like Dry Bar Comedy and films such as His Only Son and Sound of Freedom. He oversees workflows, works with filmmakers on branding, marketing, and crowdfunding, and uses data analytics to improve results. Previously, he co-founded Cove, growing it to $100 million in four years, was CMO at VidAngel, and consulted for Harmon Brothers, boosting client revenues over 300%.

Brian Holtz Compass Financial Ministry | Bedford, IN Former corporate executive with leadership experience across operations, HR, engineering, and strategy. Joined Compass in 2021 as COO and became CEO in 2024. Husband and father of four children.

DJ HILL Compass Surgical Partners | Raleigh, NC Healthcare services has been my passion throughout my career. In 2011 I co-founded an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) management company. I led it as CEO through 2025 and now serve as Chairman. I’ve been married for 31 years and have 3 daughters (21-23-25). We are an active family (hiking, skiing, etc). While I’m now active in investing and advising, I’m most interested in ensuring this next phase of the journey has impactful meaning and purpose.

Nate Johnson Potter Homes | Franklin, TN/Naples, FL Nate Johnson, CEO of Potter Homes, leads luxury homebuilding in Southwest Florida and Middle Tennessee. With 20 years’ experience, he builds companies focused on serving people and communities. After over ten years in pastoral roles, Nate values faith, leadership, and generosity. Now in Franklin, Tennessee, he’s growing Potter Homes TN. He and his wife Ashley have four children and cherish leadership, hospitality, and stewardship.

Stith Keiser Blue Heron Consulting | Danville, KY Stith Keiser is CEO of Blue Heron Consulting, where his team helps veterinary owners enhance their lives, teams, client service, profits, and patient care. He also speaks globally, writes for industry journals, teaches at veterinary schools, and researches rural practice success through grants. Stith manages mixed and small animal practices, supporting vets in building thriving practices and legacies through team growth, operations, finances, and leadership.

Alex Keltner First Southern National Bank | Russellville, KY Has served in operations and strategy roles throughout a 32-year banking career. Married to Kelly for 27 years and resides in Russellville, Kentucky.

Cale Kobza Clear Cos. | Cypress, Texas Co-CEO of Clear Cos., Texas A&M BBA, Univ. Of Houston MBA, Tenure at Clear began in 2002, Married to Kendall for 27 years, son Braeden (24) and daughter Brylee (21)

Chris Mitchell Applied Ceramics | Atlanta, GA Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, I am married to Elizabeth Ann and am the proud father of three wonderful children. Most of my professional life has been dedicated to Applied Ceramics, where I have held the roles of CFO and board member for both our company and its joint ventures. Additionally, I oversee our family office and investment operations. I am deeply committed to creating a positive influence in the world through responsible business practices and stewardship.

Bryan Owens Reunitus | Atlanta, GA Bryan is the CEO and owner of Reunitus, the only comprehensive solution for reuniting and repurposing lost luggage for airlines and travel companies. Reunitus consists of three businesses, beginning with Unclaimed Baggage, which Bryan’s father established in 1970 and Bryan purchased in 1995. Unclaimed Baggage operates a large retail store in Scottsboro, Alabama, and also sells online. The other two companies utilize advanced software and services to reconnect lost belongings with their owners. He is married to his wife and best friend of 37 years, Sharon. They have three sons, two daughtersin-law, a grandson and a granddaughter.

Sharon Owens Reunitus | Atlanta, GA As Chief Brand Officer at Reunitus®, Sharon Owens leads brand strategy for its B2B lost-and-found services and Unclaimed Baggage®. Passionate about storytelling, Sharon created projects that strengthen brand ties, including an annual partner event, the Unclaimed Baggage Museum with 100+ unique items, and a children’s book about a lost teddy bear. She and her husband Bryan founded Reclaimed for Good®, expanding impact via donations and community programs. Sharon began her career at Frito-Lay managing brands such as Fritos® and Cheetos®, launching SunChips®, and transforming losses into hopeful stories.

Nathan Parkey ZipLiens | Somerset, KY I’m originally from Somerset, and a decade ago my wife Rebecca and I returned to raise our three children in the community we cherish. I began working in the personal injury field at 19 and have developed my career there ever since. Currently, I am the Founder and President of Zipliens, where I manage a team of 150 people (70 based in the U.S. and 80 in the Philippines) providing technology-driven services to personal injury and mass tort law firms.

Chas Perry PBX | Midland, TX Business finance degree from Texas Tech University 2000-2004 Analyst/Executive Assistant at FSNB/UTG 2004-2006 President/CEO of Master Mineral Holdings I, II, III 2007-present President/CEO of Voyage Energy 2006-present President/CEO of PBX 2014-present Board of Directors, Teen Flow Trustee at Abell Hanger Board of Directors, Watersong Board of Directors, UTG

Bruce Robbins LaFayette Engineering | Danville, KY Born in Stanford, KY and met my wife in college. Moved to Boyle County after married, where we have 3 children that are all married, and 8 grandchildren (which are much better than I could have ever imagined). Started LaFayette in 1989 and have added Century (NJ), Kendale (KY), Mesh (GA), and Attabotics (Alberta, CAN)

Austen Roberts The Roberts Companies | Lake Butler, FL C. Austen Roberts is the President of the Roberts Companies. Active in his community, he is a member of the Florida Forestry Association Board of Directors and various regional chambers. Roberts is a seventh generation Floridian and played football while earning his bachelor’s degree from Valdosta State University.

Tommy Roberts FSNB | Stanford, KY I began working as a teller with First Southern National Bank, in my hometown Monticello, KY, 37 years ago out of college. I have been blessed to work in many different areas of the bank and able to develop long lasting relationships. Currently serving on our bank leadership team with primary responsibilities of managing an $800 million loan portfolio while ensuring our credit culture is maintained throughout our company.

Matt Stone SVN Stone Commercial Real Estate | Lexington, KY Matt Stone, Managing Director of SVN Stone Commercial Real Estate, has guided clients since 2006 in retail, office, industrial, multi-family, and hospitality deals. His team handles property and bookkeeping in Central Kentucky. He serves on boards for National Christian Foundation – Kentucky, Bank of the Bluegrass advisory, and Christian Student Fellowship at UK, and supports Young Life’s Golf Committee. Previously, he worked with Young Life and is active in Southland Christian Church and nonprofits. He enjoys golf, running, and traveling with his wife and three kids.

Jeremiah Sizemore Sounds Fun | Lexington, KY In 2010, I teamed up with two high school friends to launch an Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt shop in Lexington. Our timing was perfect, allowing us to expand rapidly to 12 locations. Later, we introduced a fast-casual salad concept called Vinaigrette. The escape room trend arrived in America in 2014, leading us to open 10 locations in 2015 and potentially 40 more afterward.

Jeff Thomas Arkos Global Advisors | Houston, TX Founded Arkos after 25 years at the largest firms in Wall Street. Arkos is an overtly Christian multi-family office that serves generous business owners. Jeff runs the Generous Business Owner ministry that includes a podcast, writing, speaking and events.

James Wessel Brindlee Fire Services | Huntsville, AL Married to Liz for 20 years and father of seven children. Lifelong resident of Huntsville and passionate about the fire service.

Austin Willard Faithful Platform | Lexington, KY Founder and CEO of Faithful Platform. Former college ministry leader. Graduate of Georgetown College and church elder. Married to Becky for 14 years with two children.

Casey Willis UTG, Inc. | Nicholasville, Kentucky Casey has worked with UTG for 14 years, helping lead large land and timberland investments and transactions across the United States. Previously, he served with Campus Outreach Lexington for 10 years. He and his wife, Erica, have been married for 21 years and have four children. He is passionate about faith, family, relationships, and stewarding land opportunities with purpose.

Quentin Young University of the Cumberlands Williamsburg, KY I serve as the 11th President of the University of the Cumberlands, bringing extensive experience in finance, technology, and institutional leadership. I am a strong advocate for accessible, affordable, and innovative education, with a focus on using emerging technologies to enhance learning and the student experience. I hold degrees in information technology, information systems security, business administration, and accounting, all from the University of the Cumberlands.

Success rarely happens overnight. It is built through steady effort, wise decisions, meaningful relationships, and a willingness to put others before ourselves.