5th ANNUAL ROY HALL JR. LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
JUNE 18TH | 9:00AM - 4:30PM | COLUMBUS, OH
The next level of your leadership starts in this room. At the 5th Annual Roy Hall Jr. Leadership Conference: Fight Through It, you’ll gain practical tools and timeless principles to lead with resilience, clarity, and purpose, no matter your industry. Expect real takeaways you can apply immediately, at work, at home, and in the way you show up every day.
CONFERENCE
SPONSORS
The 5th Annual Roy Hall Jr. Leadership Conference: Fight Through It
brings together leaders and teams from business, education, and high-performance environments for a powerful day of resilience, mindset, and practical leadership. Headlining this year are Ryan Day (Head Coach, Ohio State Football), Clark Kellogg (CBS Sports college basketball analyst), and Troy Smith (Heisman
Trophy quarterback), along with six additional dynamic speakers offering real
world perspective on building culture, earning trust, and performing with consistency.
Attendees will leave with practical insight they can put to work immediately, both professionally and personally. Including how to lead under pressure, build stronger teams, navigate adversity, and stay anchored when the demands get heavier. Expect high-energy storytelling, honest and actionable takeaways, and a clear call to raise your standard so the impact goes far beyond a moment of motivation and leads to lasting growth.
ROY HALL JR.
MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER
CEO, ROY HALL JR. COMPANIES
MORE ABOUT ROY
Roy Hall Jr., former Ohio State and NFL wide receiver, has transformed his platform from the field to the stage, emerging as one of the most dynamic and sought-after speakers, educators, ministers, and corporate consultants in the country. With an unmatched passion, relentless energy, and a no-nonsense approach, Roy delivers powerful, high-impact messages that challenge individuals to rise above adversity, give their best effort daily, and adopt the mindset of a champion; both personally and professionally. His words don’t just motivate; they ignite lasting change.
RYAN DAY
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
MORE ABOUT COACH
Ryan Day is the head coach of THE Ohio State Football team and one of college football’s most consistent program builders, known for pairing elite standards with a culture rooted in development, toughness, and team-first leadership. As Ohio State’s head coach, Day owns an 82–12 career record (.872 winning percentage), reflecting sustained excellence at the highest level of the sport. Off the field, he’s widely respected for leading with authenticity and care, particularly in the area of mental wellness, establishing the Nina and Ryan Day Resilience Fund to support mental health research and services.
CLARK KELLOGG
COLLEGE BASKETBALL GAME AND STUDIO ANALYST
CBS SPORTS
MORE ABOUT CLARK
Clark Kellogg is a CBS Sports college basketball game and studio analyst and one of the most respected voices in March Madness, known for pairing sharp insight with contagious enthusiasm and a deep love for the game. Each spring, he’s a centerpiece of CBS/TNT’s NCAA Tournament studio coverage, sharing the desk with fellow analysts Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith as the tournament’s biggest moments unfold. A standout at The Ohio State University (1979–82), Kellogg earned All-Big Ten honors and conference Most Valuable Player recognition before being selected 8th overall in the 1982 NBA Draft and playing professionally with the Indiana Pacers.
TROY SMITH
HEISMAN TROPHY WINNER
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
MORE ABOUT TROY
Troy Smith is a former NFL quarterback, Ohio State Football legend, and the 72nd Heisman Trophy winner (2006), one of the most decorated players in Buckeye history. Also a member of Ohio State’s 2002 National Championship Team, Smith went on to become a unanimous All-American and the face of an undefeated regular season in 2006 before being selected in the 2007 NFL Draft and playing professionally for multiple years. Today, Smith is a well-established entrepreneur and business owner, and he’s equally committed to impact, organizing initiatives like the Troy Smith Buckeye Celebrity Golf Scramble, which supports mental health and NIL-related causes for current Buckeyes.
KATIE KOVACS
PROFESSIONAL CLINICAL COUNSELOR
OWNER | KOVACS COUNSELING
MORE ABOUT KATIE
As the owner of Kovacs Counseling, licensed professional clinical counselor, and supervisor, Katie Kovacs has spent over a decade helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with resilience and self-discovery. Specializing in anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and personal growth, she understands that true transformation begins when people feel safe, supported, and empowered to confront their struggles. A two-time speaker at the Roy hall Jr. Leadership Conference, Katie’s passion for learning, healing, and leadership aligns powerfully with this year’s Fight Through It theme, because to serve others at the highest level, you must first be in the best mental shape yourself. Her journey, both as a therapist and as someone profoundly impacted by counseling herself, fuels her commitment to equipping leaders with the emotional strength, self-awareness, and mental resilience needed to show up fully
for those they lead.
PAUL RANKIN
OWNER OPERATOR
CHICK-FIL-A-FRANCHISE
MORE ABOUT PAUL
Paul Rankin is a servant leader, business owner, and mentor with 20+ years of leadership experience spanning higher education, corporate leadership, and restaurant ownership. As the Owner-Operator of two Chick-fil-A locations, he has built a reputation for excellence in service, culture, and leadership development. Paul understands that true leadership isn’t about position, it’s about serving others with excellence, consistency, and an open heart. He's mastered the art of welcoming people, creating a culture of belonging, and building trust; values that have fueled his success in both business and relationships. His passion for serving well, leading with integrity, and inspiring others to embrace a standard of excellence makes him a powerful voice for leaders in any field. A two-time speaker at the RHJ LC, Paul’s leadership philosophy is simple: When you serve people well, success follows.
JOEL KOVACS
LEAD PASTOR
FIVE14
MORE ABOUT JOEL
Joel Kovacs, a seasoned speaker and Lead Pastor, stands at the forefront of transformational leadership. As the guiding force behind Five14, alongside his dedicated team, Joel endeavors to create a welcoming space where individuals from all walks of life, irrespective of their past or present circumstances, find solace and belonging. With a keen focus on communication and team building, Joel is renowned for his ability to foster cohesive and empowered teams that drive impactful change. A returning speaker (5x) at the Roy Hall Jr. Leadership Conference, Joel brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to the stage, inspiring leaders to navigate challenges with clarity, purpose, and authenticity.
CAROLINE INSPIRES
POET-SINGER
OWNER | CAROLINE INSPIRES, LLC
MORE ABOUT CAROLINE
Caroline Bennett (CarolineINSPIRES) is a youth development expert, two-time TEDx speaker, and dynamic poet, singer, and professional emcee who has impacted more than 41,000 people across 19 states. A John C. Maxwell Certified Speaker, Coach, Trainer, and DISC Consultant, Caroline has delivered more than 350 speeches and workshops nationwide. Born and raised in North Tulsa on the legacy of Greenwood’s Black Wall Street, Caroline now helps young people discover their voice, value, and vision. She partners with schools, nonprofits, and community organizations to deepen youth engagement and strengthen their impact. Through initiatives like KnewNorth™ and Tunes, Turkey, Thanks, and Therapy, she has raised more than $127,000 to create transformative spaces where Black youth are reminded they have every right and reason to survive, thrive, and shine.
CHARLES BUCHANAN
SENIOR LECTURER, THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
COLONEL (RET) | OHIO ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
MORE ABOUT CHARLES
Charles Buchanan is a distinguished authority on leadership, leadership development, organizational development, and teamwork, whose expertise has been honed through a career spanning over 24 years in the military. As a senior lecturer at OSU since 2016, Col. Buchanan brings unparalleled insights and real-world experience to his role. With three deployments under his belt, serving in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kosovo, Col. Buchanan has demonstrated exceptional leadership and resilience in high-pressure environments. A five-time speaker at the Roy hall Jr. Leadership Conference, Col. Buchanan continues to serve by imparting invaluable lessons on leadership to the next generation.
Join us for a powerful leadership experience featuring Ryan Day, Clark Kellogg, Troy Smith, and a curated lineup of impactful speakers.
This experience is designed for anyone ready to grow, push through challenges, and operate at a higher level, wherever they are in life.
What You'll Walk Away With
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How to fight through adversity with resilience, clarity, and confidence
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How to build a stronger team culture rooted in trust, accountability, and consistency
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How to build the mental toughness and discipline to keep going when it would be easier to quit
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How to strengthen your mindset so your thoughts don’t work against you in critical moments
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How to communicate better, handle conflict well, and build stronger relationships
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How to improve communication, alignment, and efficiency so people work better together
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How to take ownership, make better decisions, and show up at a higher level in every area of life
VIP EXPERIENCE
⚠️ Only 30 VIP Experiences Available
$499 – EARLY ACCESS
Early Access pricing available for a limited time $599 | Regular
Once VIP is sold out, it’s gone. No upgrades. No exceptions.
Designed for leaders who want proximity, access, and deeper connection.
☑️ Early VIP Entry
(Private access before general admission)
☑️ Reserved VIP Table Seating
(Front-of-room)
☑️ Access to VIP Hospitality Suite
(Private lounge)
☑️ VIP Meet & Greet + Networking w/ Speakers & Special Guests
☑️ Exclusive VIP Pre-Conference Leadership Session
(An exclusive VIP kickoff designed to set the tone for the day)
☑️ VIP Photo Experience
(Photo opportunities with Roy Hall Jr. and select conference speakers & special guests)
☑️ VIP Pre-Conference Leadership Briefing
(An exclusive pre-event video message to prepare you for the experience)
☑️ Premium VIP Credential + Keepsake Experience Item
☑️ Conference Lunch Included
👉 If you don’t just want to attend… but want to be in the room where access happens, this is for you.
GENERAL ADMISSION
$179 – EARLY ACCESS
Early Access pricing available for a limited time $199 | Regular
Be in the room. Be in the environment.
Be in position to grow.
✔️ Full Access to All Main Stage Sessions and Speakers
✔️ High-Impact Leadership Content From Elite Leaders
✔️ Networking Opportunities With Professionals and Leaders
✔️ Conference Lunch Included
✔️ High-Energy Experience Designed to Challenge & Elevate You
Perfect for attendees who want the full conference experience.
TEAM TABLE EXPERIENCE
$1799 – EARLY ACCESS
Early Access pricing available for a limited time $1999 | Regular
Bring your team. Sit together. Get better together.
Designed for organizations, teams, and leaders who want to experience the conference together, without the hassle of
finding seats or being separated.
✔️ (8) Standard Access tickets
✔️ Reserved table seating for your group
✔️ Premium placement closer to the stage
✔️ Dedicated space for note-taking, collaboration, and discussion
✔️ Streamlined check-in for your entire team
✔️ Shared experience that strengthens communication and alignment
Perfect for businesses, leadership teams, schools, and organizations looking to grow together in one environment.
GROUP RATE
(5+ ATTENDEES)
Attend with your team, colleagues, or network and receive preferred group pricing.
✔️ Save when you purchase 5 or more tickets
✔️ Flexible seating (not reserved tables)
✔️ Ideal for small teams and organizations
For reserved seating and a more elevated experience, explore our Team Table option.
Roy Hall Jr. With Two-Time Heisman Trophy Winner
Archie Griffin at the 2025 RHJ Leadership Conference
PAST ROY HALL JR.
LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
RYAN DAY
OHIO STATE HEAD FOOTBALL COACH
JIM TRESSEL
LT. GOVERNOR & FORMER OSU COACH
ARCHIE GRIFFIN
TWO-TIME HEISMAN TROPHY WINNER
CAMERON MITCHELL
CAMERON MITCHELL RESTAURANTS
ANTONIO SMITH
FORMER OSU & NFL PLAYER
ELIZABETH BROWN
PRESIDENT – YWCA CENTRAL OHIO
TYSON GENTRY
NEW PERSPECTIVE FOUNDATION
DR. JULIE WILKES
AUTHOR
BILL MONTGOMERY
CEO – 104.9 THE RIVER
DR. BRANDON SHRINER
OWNER – REVIVE CHIROPRACTIC
ELIZABETH MARTINEZ
CEO – BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS
KATIE KOVACS
OWNER – KOVACS COUNSELING
CHARLES BUCHANAN
COL. (Ret) – OHIO ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
URBAN MEYER
FORMER OSU HEAD FOOTBALL COACH
DEBBIE PENZONE
CHARLES PENZONE, INC.
NATE SALLEY
FORMER OSU & NFL PLAYER
DR. SEAN ROSS
PCA
JEFF ZWIEFEL
COO – LIFE TIME
NICK CHUMA
SS BENDURE-HARTWIG
STACIA NAQUIN
WKYC NEWS
EMILY QUICK SHRIVER
CEO – THE MATRIOTS
BRANDON SMITH
CEO – TAILWIND GROUP
PAUL RANKIN
OWNER/OPERATOR – CHICK-Fil-A
JIM SURACE
PARTNER – SURACE-SMITH AGENCY
NATHAN DEMIAN
FORMER OSU SOCCER PLAYER
FIVE14
5744 N. HAMILTON RD.
COLUMBUS, OH 43230
The FIVE14 Church building is a massive 36,000 square feet with a main auditorium and separate work spaces. This modern church design has plenty of space for community related events. You'll see how excellent it is on June 18th at the Roy Hall Jr. Leadership Conference.
Don’t just attend another conference. Step into a leadership experience designed to sharpen your perspective, strengthen your resilience, elevate your team’s culture, and challenge you to lead at a higher level. This is where inspiration meets execution, and where leaders rise with greater purpose, clarity, and impact. ALL TICKET PURCHASES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE