Breakout Sessions

Evans Kariuki

CEO, Circle K Supply Chain Solutions, LLC

Bio: After an 11-year lean career at Toyota as a Kaizen Specialist, Evans Kariuki founded Circle K Supply Chain Solutions to train business leaders in the Toyota Production System. Under his leadership, Circle K has helped clients achieve 32.4% savings per project and 17.2% yearly revenue increases while training over 8,000 leaders. Evans developed the Lean Shepherd Training program, integrating operational excellence with Christian values, and helped one client grow from $45M to $80M in revenue through operational excellence.

Abstract: In his talk, Evans Kariuki presents practical tools for process excellence rooted in faith and efficiency. With the current economic outlook in mind, Evans explains how to raise an army of problem-solvers to identify issues, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and maximize results with existing company resources. Evans walks you through the problem-solving frameworks of A3 thinking and the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) checklist. Walk away with insight to build a culture of innovation, address problems at their roots, and use data to avoid complacency and sustain growth.

Garrett Blackwelder

Michael Thompson

Cheri Garcia

Founder & CEO, Cornbread Hustle

Bio: As the founder of Cornbread Hustle, Cheri Garcia has placed over 2,500 formerly incarcerated individuals into meaningful jobs across the US, including her latest venture, Junk Hustlers, LLC. Drawing from her personal struggles with addiction, Cheri created the 12-Week Starting Over Program to prepare her clients for placement. Her diverse background includes roles as an inventor, marketer, television reporter, and public relations specialist. Cheri’s expertise in second-chance hiring has made her a valuable consultant for businesses of all sizes, from small enterprises to Fortune 500 corporations.

Abstract: In her session, Cheri Garcia will discuss common fears business leaders have around second-chance hiring, drawing from over a decade of experience helping formerly incarcerated individuals find work and create generational change for their families. She will share real-life examples, data, and unique approaches to ensure success for those with criminal records or in recovery. You will learn how to create a criminal background policy that works for your business, the importance of empathy, and strategies to conduct manager training to effectively support second-chance hires.

Dr. Rica McRoy

Co-Founder, R City Eye Care

Bio: In 2018, Dr. Rica McRoy co-founded R City Eye Care, a Kingdom-focused optometry clinic dedicated to holistic patient care and community welfare. Blending clinical excellence with spiritual guidance, R City Eye Care has flourished and expanded into a multi-doctor, multi-site practice over the past five years. Dr. McRoy’s innovative approach integrates cutting-edge technology with a culture of prayer, fostering impactful patient interactions. Rica and her team seek to provide exceptional eye care and make a life-changing impact through individual patient encounters and partnerships with over 15 organizations in the community.

Abstract: Dr. Rica McRoy shares her journey of transforming her optometry practice into a generosity engine to raise awareness and rally behind local non-profits. From being raised in a Hindu family through personal struggles to becoming a Christian, Rica’s story is one of surrendering to God’s unmistakable call on her life. She discusses her practice’s unique mission, dedication to prayer, and how her strategic commitment to supporting community partnerships has led to profound impacts. Learn practical ways your business can serve the community, embodying Christ’s love and generosity.

Robb Wilson

Joe Valind

Owner, Auto Safety Center

Bio: With 25 years of experience in the auto repair industry, Joe Valind has been the owner of Auto Safety Center for over 15 years. Under Joe’s leadership, the company has grown from a single location generating $489K in revenue in 2009 to three locations with almost $8M in total revenue in 2024. Nine years into the business, after an ill-conceived expansion, Joe was on the edge of losing the company. His story is one of resilience, hardship, and sacrifice, containing hard-won insights into financial management and leadership.

Abstract: In his talk, Joe Valind reveals the critical lessons he learned while running a successful and expanding business, only to face a near disaster due to unrecognized financial weaknesses. In a talk relevant for all technicians in the CEO seat—from doctors to recruiters to electricians—Joe’s journey underscores the necessity for proactive financial management and the business acumen required of a CEO. He emphasizes that business owners must continuously review financials, KPIs, and budgets to adapt their strategies to thrive. Joe’s story is a powerful reminder of the commitment required to manage business finances effectively.

Mary Elaine Baker – Panelist

Co-Founder, VAUSA

Mary Elaine Baker, co-founder of VAUSA, is a visionary leader who creates meaningful remote work opportunities for military families. As a military spouse, she experienced firsthand the challenges of balancing her career and family amidst frequent deployments. Established in 2018, VAUSA provides flexible job opportunities and fosters a thriving virtual community through ministry programs and corporate chaplaincy. Passionate about reducing depression, anxiety, suicide, and divorce rates, Mary Elaine is dedicated to building a Kingdom culture remotely for faith-driven businesses.