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I N - F O C US

Beyond the Grind I N - F O C US

Curtis May: Building Wealth for a Better Future

Chad Tons THE LEADING FORCE O F I N N OVAT I O N

Access to Capital H O W P R I VAT E S AV I N G S B A N KS E M P O W E R E NT R E P R E N E U R S

INN O VATIVE

E D I TO R I A L L E T T E R

Innovation is not just about creating something new; it’s about reshaping the future. At Exeleon Magazine, we recognize that innovation stands at the heart of business progress. It's the force that disrupts industries, reinvents processes, and rede ines customer experiences. In this spirit, our latest issue celebrates the Most Innovative Business Leaders of the Year, highlighting those visionaries who have not only pioneered change but have also set new benchmarks in the business world.

Our cover story features the epitome of such innovation: Chad Tons, the CEO and Founder of In inity Marketing Team (IMT). Chad's journey is a testament to how innovative thinking can transform a vision into a reality. Under his leadership, IMT has emerged as a powerhouse in experiential marketing and event production. His approach is not just about creating events; it's about creating experiences that resonate. From spectacular movie premieres to globally recognized marketing tours, IMT's work is a blend of creativity and strategy, reaching audiences in the most impactful ways.

Chad's philosophy of using an "in inite realm of methods" to strengthen brands and amplify their voices in the marketplace aligns seamlessly with what we at Exeleon admire in business leaders. His ability to see beyond the present and his commitment to excellence have positioned IMT as an industry leader and himself as a luminary in experiential marketing. Join us in celebrating these trailblazers and scrolling through the pages of this issue. DARYL YEUNG

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Editor-in-Chief – Daryl Yeung (Story-Tailor) Art Director – Naomi Lam (Design Ninja) Managing Editor - Matt Reis (Wordster) Creative Director – Adam Waring (Graﬁsta) Contributing Editors – Ian O'Shea, Matt Hale, & John Riggs (Three Musketeers) Content Curator – Cathy G. (Explorer)

Sales Project Manager – Josh Wilder (Cultivator) Marketing Manager – Mike Jackson (Marketeer) Senior BDM – Katherine Price (Sustainer) BDM – Richard Dann (Facilitator)

For any advertising related information, please contact info@exeleonmagazine.com. Submissions as well as contributions to the magazine are welcome.

Take a moment and let us know about our magazine; whether it be about the design or a possible mistake, we would appreciate any feedback from your end. You can reach out to daryl@exeleonmagazine.com.

Copyright © Exeleon Media LLC. All rights reserved. The design, images, and content in this issue should not be reproduced in any manner or by any means, i.e. mechanical, electronic, recording, photocopying, or otherwise, without any permission from Exeleon Media.

CONTENTS

12 CHAD TONS

CONTENTS

36 AMANDA LUDWIG

CONTENTS

48 BETSY PHILLIPS

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C O V E R S T O R Y

THE LEADING FORCE OF INNOVATION

Founder & CEO Inﬁnity Marketing Team

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C O V E R S T O R Y

is the catalyst of progress, driving transformative changes across every facet of human existence. It is the relentless pursuit of novel ideas, technologies, and approaches that reshapes industries, propels economies forward, and transforms our lives.

Marketing is no stranger to this impact of innovation, as it has continually evolved to adapt to changing consumer behaviors and technological advancements. The industry has witnessed a seismic shift in recent years, with traditional methods giving way to digital, datadriven strategies. Amidst this evolution, visionaries have emerged, reshaping the marketing landscape, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

One such visionary is Chad Tons, the CEO and Founder of In inity Marketing Team (IMT), a fully integrated and award-winning agency in experiential marketing and event production. From spectacular movie premiere event productions to jaw-dropping tradeshow displays to globally recognized mobile marketing tours, IMT uses an in inite realm of methods to assist companies in strengthening their brands and enhancing their voices in the marketplace.

Spearheaded by Chad, IMT has positioned itself as an industry leader in experiential marketing. Fittingly, Chad Tons features on the Cover of Exeleon Magazine's Most Innovative Business Leaders of the Year.

THE EARLY ROAD

Growing up, Chad's entrepreneurial mindset allowed him to visualize opportunities and innovate ideas for potential business ventures. 14

He recalls one such instance when he tapped into the booming baseball card industry and built a side business around it. “It was summertime and there were many baseball card shows and conventions in close proximity to where I grew up. I spent that summer attending countless shows, waiting in crazy long lines for new card drops, then would resell the newfound cards to local baseball card stores in the area.”

At the age of 12, what started as a summer hobby soon turned into a thriving business venture for Chad. He went onto use his earnings to purchase even more expensive baseball cards and resold them at a higher margin.

By the end of summer, Chad generated a lot of earnings and would eventually use the amount for his irst stock market investment. THE NIKE AND ADIDAS EXPERIENCE

During his graduation at the University of Southern California, Chad was one of the original “Nike Student Representatives” responsible for many of the branded events and campaigns. Recognizing his creative inputs and event executions, Nike launched his career after graduation in their newly established Sports Entertainment Department. Chad was tasked with handling global entertainment productions, grassroot PR, events, and experiential marketing for top talent.

He shares, “I was able to work with and learn to craft key sports entertainment campaigns, including the Brazil Soccer Team World Tour, Track & Field Championships, Tiger Woods Japan Golf Tournament, and the Nike Basketball Global Tour.”

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C O V E R S T O R Y

Soon after, Chad joined Adidas America, wherein he was their youngest Sports Marketing Manager, conceptualizing activations for global events like the 2000 Olympics, Boston Marathon, and the inaugural Women's World Cup.

Talking about his experience working with this two global giants, he mentions “There's nothing quite like learning how to market the world's biggest athletes and products from these two sports marketing powers.”

THE INFINITY EXPERIENCE

After gaining considerable experience working with both Nike and Adidas, Chad returned home to LA and started In inity Marketing Team in 2001.

During the irst year, the company was able to secure large multi-million-dollar client contracts to execute bold, innovative campaigns. This includes an award-winning partnership with tech giants HP.

Chad points out, “While we've been blessed to have many wins and globally recognized campaigns throughout our journey, it was one particular campaign that really got both IMT – and the entire experiential marketing industry – noticed.”

The launch of the YOU+HP Experience campaign in 2006 was a resounding success, one that impacted the entire industry.

He mentions that the campaign was the most aggressive experiential mobile tour ever created. “It housed over 40 HP products, had on-site sales that outsold HP partner stores, and was attended by over two million consumers during its run!”

“As the remarkable sales results began to roll in during the campaign, it was the irst time that strategies for national brand campaigns and public relations eﬀorts all shifted to accompany an experiential platform. I am proud to have led this change,” he adds.

Today, IMT stands out as an industry leader with over 150 recognized awards, positive client responses, successful campaigns, and recognition as one of top Experiential Marketing irms across annual listings for the last 2 decades.

REDEFINING EXPERIENTIAL MARKETING

IMT's success spans across diverse industries, from technology and inance to fashion and automotive. Despite the diﬀerent industries, the common thread that enables the 16

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One Book Entrepreneurs must read – ‘The Art of War’ by Sun-Tzu. It remains one of the most inﬂuential books relating to strategy and skillset analysis. One Productivity Tool / App that you use – I'm a big fan of Notion. It's a notes app with built in AI and some really deep modiﬁcations. One Movie / Show / Podcast to recommend – 'Moneyball'. A great movie that showcases the importance – and opportunity to be had - of experimenting with ideas that stray from the norm. One Marketing Advice that you Follow – “The best marketing doesn't feel like marketing.” This quote from Tom Fishbourne of Marketoonist is simple yet brilliant strategic advice. One Thing that makes a Leader Innovative – Willingness to embrace opportunities.

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company to tailor its strategies is through the art of innovative storytelling.

According to Chad, “The beating heart of our agency is our passion for creative storytelling.”

The team at IMT understand that stories have the ability to connect on a deep level, evoke emotions, and create lasting impressions. “This underlying 'why' drives our commitment to delivering exceptional results. Every project, regardless of its size or budget, is approached with unwavering dedication and innovation,” he explains.

The company is constantly pushing and innovating its storytelling approach in order to evolve with an ever-changing landscape. From branded video games and immersive dome content to game shows and engaging keynotes, IMT ensures that their campaigns are cherished, not just consumed.

Beyond innovative marketing, IMT champions sustainability and social responsibility. Their commitment extends to workplace equality, work-life balance, and creating positive impacts within the company and through their work. Sustainability, in IMT's eyes, is a holistic endeavor that encompasses ecological responsibility, company growth, and personal well-being.

BOUTIQUE-STYLE CUSTOMER SERVICE

While working on the brand side to start his career, Chad realized that he preferred working with agencies that had a personalized 18

touch, instead of the ones that made him feel like just another number in the client directory.

Leveraging this experience, Chad established IMT with a clear intention “I wanted to make sure we always felt 'boutique' to our clients but could compete with all the big players.”

The innovative leader makes sure to integrate this philosophy into his day-to-day role with the company. “I remain heavily involved in the areas of new business, client relations, project strategy & concepting, and overall accounting/reporting.”

For Chad and IMT, creating a culture that encourages positive work-life balance is incredibly important, especially in an industry that equates to long hours on projects, working on the weekends for events, and facing highly stressful situations.

PIONEERING NEW FRONTIERS According to Chad, his vision for IMT will always remain the same – Groundbreaking. Innovative. Disruptive. He passionately asserts, “We are trailblazers, seeking out the uncharted terrains of branding narratives, ensuring that the experiences we create are not

just another brand campaign, but roaring epics that stand the test of time.”

Chad further highlights a signi icant milestone in IMT's journey. The partnership with Pico Corporation that has truly brought together the best of the best in the industry. Under the new IMT-Pico umbrella, the company has expanded its oﬀerings to 2,000+ event professionals on staﬀ, of ices, and facilities in 44 cities globally, 5 million sq meters of gross exhibit space, 100,000 sq meters of production facilities, and the greatest creative minds in the world now collaborating together! This partnership symbolizes an even grander vision for IMT, promoting boundless innovation. Chad Tons and In inity Marketing

Team are proof that innovation is not a destination but an ongoing journey. Their relentless pursuit of new ideas, storytelling prowess, and commitment to sustainability make them a transformative force in the marketing world. As they continue to push the envelope and craft tales that stand apart, the potential is undeniably in inite for Chad Tons and IMT. E X E L E O N M AG A Z I N E

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We Embrace Excellence! Exeleon Magazine features some of the leading players in business and shares their journey of excellence to inspire aspiring leaders across the globe.

www.exeleonmagazine.com

I N – F O C U S

E X E L E O N M AG A Z I N E

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Dean Hallett President - Hallett Leadership

Empowering Transformative Leadership

n a world illed with constant change and challenges, there are rare journeys that remind us of the power of leadership and the impact it can have on people, organizations, and even entire work cultures.

These journeys nestle into our hearts and minds; captivating us unlike anything else. They become vibrant threads that weave through the fabric of our existence, breathing life into our experiences, emotions, and aspirations.

Within these stories, we discover solace, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. And among the rich mosaic of leadership stories, one igure stands out: Dean Hallett, an LAbased transformational leader.

His unique journey delivers guideposts, encouraging us to tap into our hidden reserves of strength through creativity and to navigate the ever-changing tides of life with resilience.

As we delve into his narrative, we witness a multifaceted individual—a trainer, entrepreneur, high-performing executive, author, speaker, and more—who embodies the essence of inspiring leadership. W W W. E X E L E O N M AG A Z I N E . C O M

In fact, his journey resonates with the universal longing for purpose, growth, and meaningful connections. BREAKING WALLS, BUILDING BRIDGES

For Dean, his introduction to coaching has been deeply transformative, exploring the why & how of what holds executives back.

As he re lects on his own past, Dean acknowledges that while his childhood wasn't marked by adversity, he developed limiting beliefs that hindered his recognition of self-worth. His elder brother who bullied him instilled the belief that it was better to be seen and not heard, perhaps even better to be invisible.

With conviction, he asserts, "I constructed formidable walls and convinced myself that I could navigate life solely on the strength of my intellect. How mistaken I was!”

Fortune smiled upon him when he encountered emotional intelligence training in his early twenties. It was then that he realized the vast expanse of life he had been missing.

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He reconnected with forgotten parts of himself, honing attributes that enabled him to bring out the best in those around him. The revelation of his personal power and the ability to create profound connections with people pushed him forward on his journey.

Once Dean tapped into the human connection he had been longing for, there was no turning back. While emotional intelligence training was the catalyst for self-discovery, his journey of growth has continued throughout his life. As he ventured into the business world, he built upon his ability to connect with others, helping them 24

unlock their full potential. “I created work environments that were based on trust and mutual respect, which in turn allowed me to build teams that truly thrived.”

While at 20th Century Fox, Dean launched and led accelerated leadership initiatives, and the studio went on to achieve eight record years in a row, and nine record years in a 10-year span.

THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF DEAN'S COACHING Enter Hallett Leadership —a beacon of transformation in leadership development. Led by Dean, Hallett Leadership oﬀers

executive coaching and the highly acclaimed Accelerated Leadership Program (ALP).

Executive Coaching runs for typically six months with the focus on “expanding the executives' selfawareness and developing leadership skills for building an engaged and aligned workforce.”

Here, by challenging limiting beliefs and behaviors, Dean helps these leaders uncover the underlying sources of their potential, encouraging a meaningful shift in their approach to leadership.

The ALP Program, on the other hand, oﬀers a nine-month

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UNVEILING THE LEADERSHIP GAP Dean believes that many companies overlook the importance of investing in leadership development until it's too late.

They assume that leadership skills either come innately or are acquired through osmosis. Surprisingly, research from Harvard Business Review reveals that the average age at which managers receive their irst leadership training is at a staggering 42 years old, while they assume managerial roles at just 30 years old. This has left most managers fumbling in the dark for over a decade!

Dean shares that when individuals are encouraged to step into leadership positions, they often succumb to the belief that they must possess all the answers and project an image of lawlessness. Consequently, they hesitate to seek input and feedback, making uninformed decisions W W W. E X E L E O N M AG A Z I N E . C O M

that sti le team engagement and creativity.

Moreover, as individuals ascend to lead teams, many remain ixated on their own performance, neglecting to share vital information with their colleagues. This act of withholding casts a shadow upon the team, thus derailing collective growth.

These disruptive behaviors are re lected in a Gallup Poll which found that 85% of the overall workforce is unengaged or actively disengaged, and many are actively subverting an organization's eﬀorts. Disengagement comes at a price: the annual US economic cost for disengaged and under-engaged employees exceeds $550 billion. Moreover, turnover increases 18% to 43% in lowengagement teams. 25

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immersive experience for a cohort of up to 25 individuals who continue performing in their existing roles.

This program takes a holistic approach to leadership development, encouraging growth in individual leadership, team leadership, and overall organizational leadership.

From authentic leadership to maximizing pro itability, from promoting trust and mutual respect to driving collaboration and high performance, the ALP Program equips leaders with a rich toolkit to thrive in today's dynamic business landscape.

These transformative oﬀerings provide individuals and organizations with the right tools and support needed to achieve exceptional levels of performance across all levels of the company.

Dean and his team have built a robust talent pipeline, shaping the most trusted leaders of tomorrow. In fact, he proudly highlights his company's success in nurturing a bench of future leaders, as well as their track record of coaching senior executives to secure their irst CEO positions.

At the heart of Hallett Leadership lies the belief that every individual, at any level of a company, has the power to create a lasting impact.

EMPOWERED LEADERSHIP, TRANSFORMED FUTURE

Dean has witnessed irsthand the powerful transformations that his coaching programs can unfold. 26

It is often the simplest moments that hold the greatest power. By oﬀering feedback to address behaviors that disrupt team dynamics, relationships can undergo remarkable changes. These subtle shifts have a ripple eﬀect, reshaping the culture of organizations as a whole.

Moreover, by investing in leadership development through Hallett Leadership, client companies embrace a culture of collaboration and alignment,

resulting in engaged, highperformance teams that drive sustainable success. A recent study by LSA Global found that highly aligned companies increase revenue 58% faster than their less aligned peers and are 72% more pro itable. How much money is your company leaving on the table?

In a nutshell, Dean's oﬀerings stand apart from the competition for two key reasons.

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Leadership apart from other career academics and consultants.

With a successful 25-year tenure in the challenging entertainment industry, including leadership roles as CFO for two major studios, he brings real-world insights and "war stories" to the table.

This practical experience allows clients to grasp the tangible application of leadership in diverse circumstances, solidifying Hallett Leadership as a trusted partner in driving meaningful change. THE DELICATE ART OF WORKLIFE Firstly, the programs hold the philosophy of transformation close to their heart. It embraces the power of personal choice, empowering every individual to consciously present themselves as their best selves.

His coaching philosophy transcends super icial change, exploring core beliefs and behaviors that in luence the actions of leaders. Secondly, his decades of experience in the trenches set Hallett

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Dean's in luence extends far beyond coaching and leadership development.

As an entrepreneur, coach, speaker, and trainer, he leads a rich and multifaceted life driven by a deep passion for family, work, and personal pursuits.

By cherishing what truly matters, he inds ful illment both in the warmth of personal connections and the accomplishments of his professional journey. THE LIMITLESS ROAD AHEAD

As Hallett Leadership sets its gaze upon the future, the path ahead shines bright with promise. Word of mouth continues to spread about the transformational work he and his team deliver.

Executives who have gone through Hallett Leadership programs consistently express the tremendous value gained, not only in their professional lives but also in their personal relationships.

With a focus on conscious leadership and the ability to inspire greatness in others, Hallett Leadership is poised to revolutionize leadership development on a global scale.

Dean's unshakable commitment to empowering leaders and creating high-performance cultures will shape the landscape of organizations for years to come. With a future illed with limitless potential, Hallett Leadership is set to rede ine the boundaries of what is possible in the world of leadership and workplace culture.

Moreover, he has mastered the art of work-life balance, skillfully tending to each aspect with care and dedication.

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5 STEPS TO CREATE A

— AND BRING IT TO LIFE

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A world-class company vision statement — one that inspires the hearts and minds of all stakeholders — can distinguish extraordinary companies from ordinary ones. Here are ﬁve critical steps to creating the type of company vision that elevates an organization and changes lives.

STEP 1. SHOOT FOR THE MOON Company leaders often create a vision statement that feels achievable. But a truly great vision — one that makes people want to work at your company every day — is both ambitious and meaningful. It tackles a worthy problem that is bigger than your company itself. Examples include:

Ÿ In 1994, Interface's late CEO Ray Anderson read The Ecology of Commerce by Paul Hawken. Anderson called it a “spear-in-thechest moment,” as the leader of a highly extractive carpet-manufacturing company. What Anderson and his team did next exempli ies the diﬀerence between a mediocre corporate vision and a gamechanging one: rather than simply launching a new sustainability initiative or department, they aimed to entirely eliminate all negative impacts of their company and inspire their entire industry to do the same.

Ÿ When Biggby Coﬀee co-CEOs Bob Fish and Mike McFall crafted their vision, they set the W W W. E X E L E O N M AG A Z I N E . C O M

goal of supporting every single employee in leading a life they love, which later extended to engaging their coﬀee suppliers, too.

Ÿ Oklahoma-based First United Bank set a bold vision to elevate 10 million lives through love and impact by 2030.

STEP 2. TRULY UNDERSTAND THE ISSUES Bringing a game-changing vision to life requires company leadership to have a multidimensional understanding of the issues at the heart of their vision, which requires the perspectives of company stakeholders and topical experts. Examples include: Ÿ When Interface embarked on their sustainability journey, they created a “dream team” of environmental experts — including the author of the book that irst inspired their CEO. This team educated Interface leadership on the primary issues of sustainability and was intimately involved in developing implementation plans for the organization for years.

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Ÿ When Bob Fish wanted to explore direct-trade relationships with Biggby Coffee's farmers, he visited one of his coffee suppliers to understand their needs irst-hand. He and his wife Michelle now personally visit every coffee farm they plan to establish direct-trade relationships with to ensure they understand the key issues through their initiative One Big Island In Space.

Ÿ First United Bank embarked on a two-year listening tour with local business owners, government of icials, nonpro it leaders, employees, and customers from the communities they sought to impact, which helped identify solutions that each community actually needed when it came to elevating their lives.

STEP 3. MAKE IT MEASURABLE

To ensure your vision doesn't fall lat, you must create speci ic metrics to measure progress. Examples include:

Ÿ Interface created Mission Zero, which set the aspirational goal of reaching zero carbon emissions as a company by 2020. Once achieved, they set their next ambitious vision through the Climate Take Back program.

Ÿ Biggby Coffee set two goals: 1) Have 90% of their team respond with a score of 9 or 10 on a 10point scale when asked, “Is Biggby Coffee supporting you in living a life that you love?” 2) Procure 50% of their coffee from direct-trade farmer relationships by the end of this year and 100% of coffee from direct-trade relationships by the end of 2028.

Ÿ Private equity giant KKR has an ambitious vision centered on employee ownership and has the goal of transitioning 100 portfolio companies to employee ownership by 2030. STEP 4. ALIGN YOUR TEAM

It's imperative to build team alignment around successful implementation. Employees must have clear direction around how their role relates to the vision and feel they have the necessary knowledge and opportunity to contribute to progress. Examples 32

include:

Ÿ All Biggby Coﬀee corporate employees and franchise owners are enrolled in an internal program called LifeLab. They're paired with a coach and led through customized curriculum to help them build a plan for leading a life they love.

Ÿ Charter Next Generation holds quarterly ownership meetings to work toward its larger vision of generating collective wealth through successful employee ownership for their more than 1,700 employees around the country. Everyone on staﬀ is invited to review fully transparent inancial performance, cultural performance measured by the Gallup Q12 survey, and progress toward their growth targets. They're then invited to provide suggestions to help the company achieve its inal goal.

STEP 5. COMMUNICATE PROGRESS

The organization must regularly communicate how much progress has been made and how much still needs to happen to reach their inal goal. This shows all stakeholders that the company's vision is a priority and is constantly in motion. Examples include: Ÿ Interface has weekly sustainability meetings, factory-level awards, staﬀ-wide summits, immersive deep dives, and day-to-day metrics regarding waste and energy used on whiteboards at all of their factories.

Ÿ First United Bank developed Key Purpose Indicators to track progress on their four main company values and the impact of their community initiatives, which is regularly shared with staﬀ.

Each of the companies mentioned has either already or is well on their way to achieving something extraordinary. With meaningful and ambitious goals, a nuanced understanding of their key issues, metrics for progress, team alignment, and consistent communication, they're bringing their gamechanging visions to life, bolstering company performance, and changing lives in the process. all focused on making business better for all. E X E L E O N M AG A Z I N E

ABOUT THE

The Co-Founder of Stakeholder Business, Meghan French Dunbar's work has touched the lives of nearly 1 million people worldwide. To date, she has launched ﬁve successful brands, including the ﬁrst nationally distributed print magazine in the U.S. focusing on impact-driven business, Conscious Company Magazine, and the largest event in North America for purposedriven women leaders. She's a sought-after speaker on women's leadership and the future of business, writes for leading business outlets like Inc. Magazine and Business Chief Magazine, and leads executive workshops and retreats for leaders of major brands like Leonard Green, Charter Next Generation, and Onyx Renewables —all focused on making business better for all.

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Amanda Ludwig on Leading the #AntiHustleMovement

or Amanda Ludwig, her advocacy for the #antihustlemovement is not just a trend; it's a testament to her personal journey and a pivotal aspect of her leadership philosophy. As a transformational leader, Amanda intertwines her exceptional business acumen with a profound understanding of the human element in the corporate world.

Her approach goes beyond traditional metrics of success, focusing on cultivating a culture that values rest, critical thinking, and personal well-being alongside professional achievement.

In this exclusive interview, Amanda Ludwig discusses her journey from 36

a self-driven entrepreneur to a visionary leader advocating for the #antihustlemovement. She delves into the importance of understanding the "why" behind the "how" in leadership, the need for unconventional thinking, and the signi icance of identifying the root causes of restlessness.

What according to you makes one transformational? How do you integrate the same thought into your leadership?

A truly exceptional leader not only boosts a company's inancial performance but also shapes its culture. These two components are vital for long-term growth and prosperity in any organization.

As a leader, I prioritize two key elements that achieve both

objectives:

Unlocking the power of unconventional thinking. Critical thinking skills are in short supply in today's workforce, regardless of age, gender, or education level. My aim as a leader is to help teams see things that may not be obvious at irst glance. I encourage them to ask questions, voice theories, and contribute their insights to solve problems. Teaching the "why" behind the "how." Any leader can provide standard operating procedures (SOPs) to their team. However, a truly transformational leader goes beyond that and explains the reasons behind the tasks they E X E L E O N M AG A Z I N E

Founder | Increase Expert

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assign. By doing so, I empower my team to excel in their roles, boosting job satisfaction and con idence.

Implementing these two approaches may require extra time when onboarding new employees. Yet, I have consistently witnessed the bene its over the years. Empowering employees in these ways cultivates self-suf iciency, con idence, and independent decision-making abilities, ultimately leading to signi icant time savings in the long run.

Talk to us about your growing up years. What is your earliest memory as a leader / entrepreneur that you can remember? From a young age, I displayed a natural knack for managing money, staying organized, and taking charge of my time. According to my mother, I kept track of my allowance money in a ledger when I was 4! (I think I was likely closer to 6!)

By middle school, my entrepreneurial spirit was evident. I chose homeschooling because I believed I could save time by teaching myself rather than relying on a teacher. At the beginning of each school year, my textbooks would arrive, and I would sit down with a calculator, divide the number of pages in the text by the number of days I wanted to study (usually 3-4 months), set my daily goals, then get to work. My mom mentioned that if she saw me playing outside, she was con ident that my work was done for the day! 38

By my senior year of high school, my passion for business led me to work at a prestigious inance company during the day and complete my studies at night.

But it wasn't just innate traits that shaped my entrepreneurial journey. My father, a lifelong entrepreneur, passed down a mindset of endless possibilities. He instilled in his children that everything is igureoutable long before Marie Forleo wrote about it! His example instilled in me the con idence that I could “ igure out” how to succeed at just about anything!

How are you helping entrepreneurs and executives improve their overall business performance without sacri icing their personal lives? In 2021, my life took an unexpected turn. I was forced to step away from my thriving career, sell my client list, and face a challenging illness head-on. Burnt out from the demanding pace of working nonstop, I realized I needed a diﬀerent approach to not only ight this illness, but also to prioritize my overall well-being when I returned to my career.

Throughout my journey, I had the privilege of working with top doctors, therapists, mentors, and coaches. Drawing from my experience as a business advisor and fractional CFO for over a decade, I've developed a unique methodology that blends professional success and personal well-being.

Let me share the core idea behind my methodology through this funny story. I once con ided in my sister about a tough situation with a client, expressing my wish to escape to a tranquil tropical island and have a zero-responsibility job at a snow shack. I'll never forget her life-changing response. She reminded me that my ambition and drive would inevitably lead me to not just manage the snow shack, but “You'd open your own snow E X E L E O N M AG A Z I N E

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shack, and soon, you'd start a snow shack franchise, and you'd be on all the islands. It's just who you are.” And she was right! I irmly believe that our inability to unwind and embrace rest is often a symptom of a deeper issue. That's why my work focuses on: Ÿ Identifying the root cause of our restlessness.

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Ÿ Objectively viewing whether pressures that are causing stress are from external factors or internal insecurities.

Ÿ Implementing eﬀective strategies to maintain focus and productivity during peak business seasons, while also allowing for periods of rest and recovery that fuel mental clarity and creativity.

You have been vocal about the #antihustlemovement. Talk to us about this movement and the importance of attaining worklife balance. When I am speaking on this topic, I often have the audience envision their career goals. I can always feel the energy in the room while people are envisioning the status or the income they aspire to. 39

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increased signi icantly, so the competition is now worldwide.

So, my best advice to emerging women entrepreneurs is to be 100% authentically and unapologetically you. There is only one you, and if your brand shows the world who you are, you will attract the people who have been looking for you! Looking ahead, what is your vision for your brand? What are you most excited about?

Then I ask them to envision themselves when they reach that goal. Who will they be? Will they be happy or stressed? Do they look tired or energized? Are they surrounded by friends and family?

Sadly, every time I reach that point in the exercise, the mood in the room plummets. So much of what we learn in our youth revolves around an “achievement leads to reward” structure. Especially in America, we are taught that hard work and dedication always pays oﬀ. To hustle and to grind is to win. But what is missing in that tale is that without substantial teaching on the bene its of rest and a focus on health, the hustle isn't sustainable. And then comes the guilt and shame we put on ourselves for becoming too burnt out to remain successful. So, we hide it and push even harder, often leading to serious health consequences. 40

Having nearly lost my life to success, I'm on a mission to ensure others don't take the same path that I did. Coining the term #antihustlemovement, I am here to give hope that sustainable success is achievable without giving up everything! What would be your advice for emerging women entrepreneurs when it comes to establishing market presence? I am seeing a huge shift in the market over the last 5-7 years, and what it boils down to is that people are truly seeking out authenticity. Between social media and userfriendly platforms that allow us all to create our own websites overnight, the market is overwhelmed with choices of service-providers. And, since COVID, the increased level of consumers/companies willing to have work done remotely has

Sharing my experiences and methodology from the stage, through podcasts and workshops, and in 2024, in a book, is extremely powerful and ful illing work. But the vision doesn't stop there. I want to be in the room when corporations are having the conversation about converting to a 4-day work week for the wellbeing of their employees.

I want to educate and inspire the leaders that decide our labor laws. And most importantly, I want to see the #antihustlemovement become part of mainstream culture, which means that in my lifetime, I'll see a decrease in stress-related illnesses, less people suﬀering from depression and anxiety, improved family structures and wealth generated by executives and entrepreneurs who have the energy and vision to ful ill their purpose.

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Founder & President Practical Wealth Advisors

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Curtis May BUILDING WEALTH FOR A BETTER FUTURE

ransformational leadership is an in luential leadership approach that aims to inspire and motivate individuals to reach their highest potential and drive positive change in the world. This transcends the conventional model of leadership that solely trades rewards for compliance. Rather, transformational leaders' endeavor to establish a collective vision and stimulate people to collaborate towards a shared objective.

Curtis May is a visionary in this approach. He is a inancial advisor, author, and speaker with over 25 years of experience in the inancial services industry. Additionally, he is the Founder and President of Practical Wealth Advisors, a inancial planning irm that teaches principles-based planning to help clients achieve inancial freedom.

May is on a mission to empower people towards inancial independence, and his journey to success is a testament to his expertise. As the Founder of Practical Wealth Advisors, he uses his passion and

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knowledge to guide his clients towards a inancially secure future.

As a transformational leader, Curtis believes “you must be committed to creating a positive change in the world.” Being a passionate business owner, he often thinks about who he wants to serve and the results he hopes to achieve.

For most of his clients, that means living their life to the fullest without any inancial worry in the world — which, again, is a truly transformative goal. However, he feels, many of these individuals have limiting beliefs and mindsets that prevent them from reaching this objective.

“As a leader, my job is to help transform their belief system and expand their thinking. I focus on helping people work on their mental game when it comes to money, leadership, and wealth consciousness, as I believe this is essential for true transformational change,” he explains.

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THE ONSET OF NURTURING A GROWTH MINDSET As a third-generation entrepreneur hailing from Philadelphia, Curtis grew up in a middle-class family that owned a supermarket. From a young age, he held an

unconventional belief that majoring in business would pave the way for a successful career in entrepreneurship. In fact, his family instilled in him the idea that working for oneself, rather than as an employee, was essential to tap upon inancial success.

At just 10 years old, Curtis began to showcase his inner entrepreneurial drive, raising money for his little league team and sparking a new mindset of generating his own income. He reminisces, "I always had little hustles, selling seeds in the back of comic books, and setting

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THE RISE OF PRACTICAL WEALTH ADVISORS After spending over 20 years in the inancial advisory business, Curtis realized that he was following the typical traditional path of advising clients — invest in mutual funds, buy term insurance, and max out your 401Ks. However, after reading the book 'Rich Dad Poor Dad', he recognized a signi icant diﬀerence in how rich people think and handle their money.

This realization sparked a desire to learn more and apply the same strategies to his personal inances. As he delved deeper into the principles of wealth creation and inancial freedom, he became determined to share this knowledge with his clients.

By transforming his thought-process about money and teaching his clients the truth about inance, Curtis was able to help others achieve their inancial goals. With a new perspective on personal inance, he continues to guide his clients towards a path of inancial freedom and success.

up lemonade stands, which fueled my brain with countless business ideas."

Curtis credits his family's entrepreneurial background for his outlook on money, seeing it as a tool to employ others and create opportunities rather than just a W W W. E X E L E O N M AG A Z I N E . C O M

means of personal gain.

“My grandfather employed 20 people in the '50s, while my father employed over 12 to 15 individuals in the supermarket business,” he recalls. Moreover, Curtis has owned multiple other businesses and always found himself in the role of

an employer — leading him to have a healthy relationship with money and an absence of a poverty mentality. Re lecting on his upbringing, he acknowledges that many people fear the prospect of earning signi icant amounts of money, but he does not share this fear. He credits this fearlessness to his entrepreneurial roots and the familial success they had experienced together.

Despite his introverted nature, he persevered in his aspirations to attain signi icant success in life. He believes that studying successful people has shown him that, “the thread of success was woven into the fabric of these accomplished people's lives from an early age, and that they consistently pursued it throughout their existence.” HIS INNOVATIVE FINANCIAL STRATEGY

At the core of his approach to inancial advising is the concept of reverse engineering. Curtis believes, “Traditional inancial advice often doesn't work for entrepreneurs, especially those who have diﬀerent goals when compared to salaried folks.” According to him there are two types of individuals: cash earners, people with jobs, and he interacts with many of them, and cash creators, those who generate wealth through entrepreneurial ventures.

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Many entrepreneurs approach him with a prior understanding about their businesses. Some even believe that their entities have the potential to yield greater returns than the S&P or certain mutual funds.

But for a cash creator, the challenge lies in storing their wealth eﬀectively. “They require access to capital, the ability to capitalize, and the skill to save money. We educate them on a technique known as In inite Banking or Becoming Your Own Banker, which empowers them to create and manage their own banking system,” he says.

Infact, his approach is focused on minimizing losses rather than chasing high returns. By helping his clients manage their cash low, mortgage payments, taxes, and quali ied plans, his team creates wealth and helps achieve their inancial goals.

Additionally, he also works with business owners to help them see the potential returns on investing in their own business, rather than relying solely on external investments. “The key to building wealth is not just about picking winners, but also minimizing losses and being ef icient with your money,” he clari ies. UNLOCKING THE POWER OF PRIORITIZING

Ef icient time management is key for business owners, and Curtis understands it to the core. He schedules everything in his life, from personal time to family time, and color codes it all on his Google Calendar.

With an inbound call system, he wakes up to a structured day and aims to work only four and a half days a week. “I set boundaries by not working on Friday nights, Saturdays, and Sundays,” he adds.

“Be sure to choose resources that cater to your goals and aspirations, not just middle-class advice that won't help you achieve true inancial freedom,” he asserts.

Add to this, Curtis also follows Dan Sullivan's philosophy of focusing on his unique ability and only working in that area, thereby making the most of his time and expertise.

PRACTICAL WEALTH ADVISORS: A BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD

With over two decades of experience, Curtis is dedicated to teaching his customized approach to inancial planning and helping people build the life they want.

The company's goal is to help take clients from upper-middle-class to af luent and beyond, and to continue on the crusade of teaching inancial principles that help clients become and remain inancially free.

Focusing on the importance of productivity, Curtis advises business owners to design their ideal week and focus on maximum output. He also regards delegation as a crucial element and has two great assistants to help him stay on track.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR YOUNG LEADERS

His leadership style is bold and impactful, as he focuses on helping his clients achieve inancial liberation — a transformative goal that requires a shift in mindset and a strong commitment to personal growth.

Curtis' advice for young black leaders struggling with inancial literacy is: Start with Reading. He recommends reading at least one book a month on money and inance, along with books on leadership, negotiation, and marketing.

He and his team are expanding into education and coaching, with the goal of helping clients become inancially independent by teaching principles-based planning. He also suggests, “Save, protect, and build your legacy, while keeping in mind the importance of liquidity and the velocity of money.”

Practical Wealth Advisors is expanding into education and coaching, with a strong emphasis on guiding clients towards inancial independence.

Additionally, Curtis May is working on his books, where one of them will be updated and published based on his philosophy and the others will expand upon the 'Money for life process'. On a personal front, Curtis continues to see himself grow the company and help clients achieve inancial freedom.

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At the Heart of Real Estate the world of real estate, Betsy Phillips stands out as a remarkable woman who is rede ining success through empathy, compassion, and a deep understanding of her clients' needs. With a background shaped by personal challenges, she has honed her listening skills and advocacy abilities. Betsy's journey, from overcoming dyslexia to navigating the complexities of raising children with learning diﬀerences, has given her unique problem-solving skills.

Her journey, fueled by compassion and a commitment to serving others, is inspirational. Herein, this exclusive interview, Betsy Phillips shares her journey, philosophy, and mission going forward.

What according to you makes for a successful woman realtor? How have you integrated the same thought into your real estate journey? A successful woman Realtor needs to be able to fully understand not only her clients' current and future housing needs, but also their equally as important emotional situation. This requires the ability to listen actively, act compassionately, and provide viable solutions. My own experiences have given me these skills. I faced many challenges early on as a child with dyslexia. I learned to navigate school by using my listening skills and by speaking up to advocate for myself. I would seek help from teachers and others, and I was able to graduate with a BA in American Studies, while never inishing a novel. Audio books had not come into being yet.

Then, as a mother of three children who all have learning diﬀerences, one with Autism Spectrum Disorder, I used my evolving problem-solving skills to get them the services they needed. I was determined to help my children through their early years.

But I also had inspiration. My father was an entrepreneur and built his business on strong relationships where he always put his team and customers irst. I learned from the best. As an agent today, I use the skills that I developed throughout my life to connect with and serve my clients. I hear their problems and help guide them through manageable actions, alleviating their concerns.

What prompted your interest and subsequently your foray into the real estate space?

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I often say that my life's journey has provided me with the skills and expertise needed to run a successful real estate business that is both pro itable and embodies my core values.

I married very young and quickly discovered that my husband was a master carpenter and master gardener. We bought our irst condo before we were even married, but then he needed a yard for gardening. We tried to sell our condo, but with interest rates at 17% this became impossible. We discovered that we could rent our unit, cover our expenses and depreciate the property. We became landlords, and our journey began.

Throughout the years we moved several times, building homes, renovating houses, and owning various rental properties. I now have a son who is a professional carpenter and a daughter who is an interior architect.

As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist, talk to us about how you're helping seniors transition out of their homes.

Unfortunately, my husband and I divorced, and years later he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. I quickly became personally involved with caring for a senior who needed to transition out of his current home and into a community. My children and I navigated the entire system including his medical diagnosis, the guardianship process and then ultimately the management of his estate. He died of COVID in 2020. The experience made me instantly passionate about helping others 50

through this dif icult life-changing transition. It was frightening, stressful, and all-consuming. Most of us are not at all prepared to face the time in life when we can no longer care for ourselves. There are so many misconceptions and a great deal of information that is sales and pro it driven. Consumers are left to fend for themselves and are often taken advantage of or misguided during a time of crisis.

Hence, I became a Certi ied Senior Housing Professional. I studied and continue to study the best practices and have now devoted the rest of my life to advocating for, educating, and empowering seniors and their families through the emotional and physical demands of late life transitions.

I truly care about my clients, and I get deep satisfaction from helping them through this dif icult time in their lives. Maybe I have gone from being a full-time problem solver for myself, as a dyslexic student, and for my kids, to doing the same for seniors.

What are some of the emotional and logistical challenges that you face when it comes to providing seniors with housing solutions? There are many challenges that seniors face as they begin to contemplate transitioning into alternative housing. As we age, leaving a legacy and maintaining control becomes increasingly more important. Emotionally, we catalog the years of our lives and begin to try to make sense of their meaning. Our homes are a physical representation of that, compounding the emotional trauma of selling the home and parting

with many of our treasured possessions. Moving often also signals the end of our independence; another emotionally charged step. This is why appropriate listening skills and legacy coaching of a skilled Realtor is so important.

While emotionally and logistically handling the needs of seniors might be cumbersome for some, for me it is easy. Clients may need help with electronic signing or may call several times a day with the same question. But after so many years of juggling my children's emotions primarily on my own, I absolutely do not mind handling whatever my clients bring my way. In fact, I tell them, I answer all calls as long as the call is not one of my kids asking for money.

For me personally, I ind that helping seniors has helped me to reconcile my own legacy. I have found a purpose and a passion that I am hopeful will result in the betterment of others' lives. What does a day in the life of Betsy Phillips look like? How do you ensure work-life balance?

I am an early riser and do my best work in the morning. This is when I write and do any kind of detail work. I am often attending networking and educational events and spend a great deal of time meeting new people and exploring options for my clients. The senior space is ever changing, and we need to keep up with the moving pieces.

As far as work life balance is concerned, my children are grown and I have plenty of time to do what I truly love. While I do spend most

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of my time working, I now have the opportunity to “read” by listening to audio books, which I love. I am also a gym rat and a devoted dog lover. Anyone who knows me certainly knows my dogs, Leo and Kramer.

Finally, talk to us about your vision going forward for your brand and network. As our population ages, both

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healthcare and housing are becoming increasingly more complicated to navigate. In response to this, beginning in January 2024, I will be oﬀering a free educational series called “Strategic Senior Solution Strategies” with monthly panel discussions designed to separate truth from iction on senior related topics. My vision is to create a trustworthy resource with easy access for the ever-growing senior population. I am hopeful that

through my work more seniors will face their housing options with knowledge and less stress.

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n the dynamic arena of entrepreneurship, access to capital often determines whether a bold idea can transform into a viable venture. For entrepreneurs to kickstart a business, they must have the necessary funds to drive its growth and navigate through make-or-break periods. The thing is, securing capital isn't a walk in the park, and this signi icant hurdle can overwhelm many budding entrepreneurs. This is where private savings banks can play a pivotal role as they provide the inancial lifeline these businesses need to thrive.

Understanding Private Savings Banks With their deep-rooted history, private savings banks have long been pillars in the world of inance. This is no surprise as they can oﬀer individuals a safe haven to deposit and grow their savings. However, their role extends far beyond being mere repositories of money. They also serve as critical intermediaries, channeling the funds from savers to those who need them urgently. One such recipient is the entrepreneur looking to fuel their business dreams.

Unlike their commercial counterparts, private savings banks often have a more localized presence. They may also be keener on serving individuals and small to medium-sized enterprises rather than large corporations. This emphasis places

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them in a unique position to meet the speci ic needs of self-starters.

How Private Savings Banks Propel Future Moguls Discover just how these banks help entrepreneurs get their companies on the road. They:

1. Infuse capital on which to build entrepreneurial dreamsAt the heart of how these savings and thrift banks empower entrepreneurs is their ability to deliver much-need capital. For a business idea to come into being, funding is required for various aspects. These include product development, marketing, hiring, and operational costs. Without suf icient cash, even the most innovative ventures can stumble at the starting block.

So private savings banks bridge this gap by oﬀering a range of loan options to meet diverse business needs. From capped credit lines to inancing for equipment and real estate, these entities provide entrepreneurs with the inancial impetus to start and expand their startups. In addition, given their deeper understanding of local market conditions and individual business models, private savings banks can typically oﬀer more lexible and favorable lending terms

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(compared to larger irms).

2. Oﬀer inancial guidance and expertiseAside from providing capital, private savings banks also bring a wealth of inancial wisdom to the table. While experts in their chosen ield, entrepreneurs may not always possess the acumen required to navigate the complex world of business inance.

Through their team of inancial advisors and specialists, private savings banks can oﬀer guidance on a multitude of critical areas. Examples are cash low management, inancial planning, risk mitigation, and investment strategies. For entrepreneurs, especially novices, this can be invaluable in making informed decisions, optimizing their resources, and steering their businesses toward success.

3. Leverage technology to tap opportunitiesAs inancial technology gains more prominence in the 21st century, private savings banks are now incorporating digital inancial solutions, such as bitcoin banking options for entrepreneurs. This allows startups to enjoy the bene its of blockchain in securing ef icient and seamless international transactions.

4. Provide personalized support One distinctive advantage of

private savings banks lies in their relationship-driven approach. They invest time and resources to better understand each entrepreneur-customer's vision, goals, and challenges. This enables them to tailor their oﬀerings to address these founders' business problems or concerns.

And this can mean more than just customized inancial solutions. It also translates into faster decision-making, easier access to services, and a inancial partner genuinely invested in their success. In the often-turbulent journey of entrepreneurship, having such a reliable and competent ally can make a world of diﬀerence.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

Despite the numerous advantages, it's important to note that borrowing from private savings banks also involves certain challenges. Entrepreneurs must navigate interest rates, repayment schedules, and sometimes complex application processes. Also, as with any borrowed capital, there's always the danger of over-leveraging (overborrowing beyond what one can comfortably manage), which businesses must be cautious about.

deep knowledge of their inancial needs and capabilities, entrepreneurs can eﬀectively leverage the bene its while mitigating potential risks.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Indeed, without private savings backs, it can be dif icult for entrepreneurs to access capital and do anything. By oﬀering much-needed cash low, expert inancial advice, personalized support, and more, they help pave the way to successful ventures.

As we look towards a future where small businesses and startups continue to drive innovation and economic growth, the role of private savings banks will undoubtedly become increasingly important. More than just inancial institutions, they are your growth and innovation partners. With capital within reach of entrepreneurial individuals, private savings banks are propelling our economies forward and shaping the businesses of tomorrow.

For more eﬀective ways to level up your company, head on over to Exeleon Magazine for exclusive insights from the top business leaders of today.

However, with careful planning, prudent decision-making, and a

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Most Innovative Business Leaders to Watch | 2023 | Chad Tons