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Ryan Avery
Organizational Psychologist and Keynote Speaker Ryan Avery has spent the last decade researching, implementing, and teaching what it means to Go From A to THE® in life, answering the question: “What are the differences between those who are A versus those who are THE in the same industry?” After serving as the Director of Marketing for one of the largest sports non-profits in the world and working with Fortune 500 companies, Ryan founded his own firm in 2012 alongside his wife and business partner, Chelsea Avery. Ryan’s journey has taken him to keynote at more than 1,000 events across 33+ countries, break nine world records, and write two best-selling books, now translated into seven languages. Known for his relatable stories, relevant business insights, and real-life takeaways, Ryan equips audiences with actionable strategies to become THE in their field.
Garry Kishbaugh
After beginning his career in the medical field, Garry transitioned to entrepreneurship, owning and operating multiple businesses. Despite working long hours, he and his teams weren’t achieving the growth he knew was possible. Recognizing the need for change, he engaged a business coach—a decision that transformed his company.
Over several years, Garry’s business increased sales by 450%, acquired three competitors, and achieved profitability 40% above industry average while maintaining a healthy work/life balance. This success led him to an executive role at a Fortune 500 company, where he discovered that organizations of all sizes face similar challenges.
Inspired by his coach’s profound impact, Garry launched his own business coaching career to help others achieve breakthrough results. Over nearly two decades, he has coached more than 750 businesses nationwide to double and triple-digit profit increases.
Today, Garry is a highly sought-after business coach, executive coach, sales coach, speaker, and author. He has delivered presentations to audiences in over 70 countries and holds multiple professional designations, including Certified Innermetrix Consultant (CIC) and Certified Business Coach (CBC).
Garry specializes in helping leaders and organizations identify root causes of underachievement and implement practical strategies for sustainable growth. His approach focuses on prioritization, goal-setting, and creating systems that drive results without sacrificing quality of life.
A proud graduate of Bowling Green State University and devoted Buckeye fan, Garry resides in Westlake, Ohio with his wife. He enjoys spending time with his grown daughter and two dogs.
Greg Kettner
Greg Kettner is on a mission to help 1 million people WorkHappy.
His keynote, “The Power of Laughter,” will inspire and empower your workforce to create a WorkHappy culture that prioritizes people before profits.
The WorkHappy Framework has been developed from lessons learned during his 27-year sales and leadership career with such organizations as Nike, SAP, the National Hockey League, Business Objects, and BuildDirect.
Greg is a world-class connector who has had beers with Wayne Gretzky, shared the stage with Robin Williams, and almost knocked over Queen Elizabeth.
Connor Lokar
ITR Economics
Connor Lokar has been delivering economic keynotes, workshops, and webinars across North America since he joined ITR economics in 2014. Using his quick wit and knack for storytelling, he leverages his youthful appearance to upend expectations and successfully captivate and educate audiences. Thousands of business leaders have enjoyed his dynamic approach to speaking engagements; Connor emphasizes the applicability of economic intelligence and calls his audience to action. When he is not on stage, Connor consults directly with the management teams of businesses large and small, delivering his economic expertise in the role of trusted advisor. ITR’s clients meet with Connor at critical planning junctures to ensure that their strategic plans, goals, and internal initiatives are in alignment with their tailored forecasts, built specifically for them through ITR’s Executive Vantage Point™ program. Connor specializes in construction but consults and presents to businesses across all industries, helping them grow revenue and remain profitable through an everchanging business cycle.
Kendra Ramirez
KR Digital Agency
Nik Kottha
Nik Kottha is the VP of Training and Development at GMS Registrar, an ISO Certification Body in Cleveland, Ohio. He is also an Operations Improvement Consultant and the Founder of Leanwrx Consulting, where he helps middle-market manufacturers simplify complex processes, drive performance, and sustain results. With almost 20 years of experience spanning precision machining, aerospace, medical devices, and regulated industries, Nik brings a rare blend of Lean Thinking, Quality Systems, and cybersecurity awareness to the shop floor.
He has partnered with top-tier companies across manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and consulting to transform operations, reduce waste, and align teams around strategic process improvement goals. Nik’s mindful and practical approach enables organizations to break through “we’ve always done it this way” thinking and unlock meaningful change.
He is a:
– Certified PMP
– Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
– Lead Auditor for ISO 9001, 20000, and 27001
– CMMC Certified Professional
– CMMI Lead Appraiser
Whether he’s working with plant managers to reduce downtime, guiding leadership teams through cultural transformation, or preparing suppliers for DoD cybersecurity requirements, Nik’s focus is always on building capability, not dependency.
Nik holds a BA in Economics from Cleveland State University and an MBA in Management from Baldwin Wallace University. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, biking with his family, and trying to 5S his children’s rooms.
Melanie Webber
Fisher Phillips LLP
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