Leadership Lecture - A Panel Discussion on the Challenges and Rewards of Small Business Ownership

May 15, 11:00 PM – May 16, 12:00 AM (UTC)

Central Ohio

Join Our Panel Discussion: The Challenges and Rewards of Small Business OwnershipAre you an aspiring entrepreneur, a cur...

Get Tickets

About This Event

Join Our Panel Discussion: The Challenges and Rewards of Small Business Ownership

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur, a current business owner, or simply curious about what it takes to build something from the ground up?

The BYU Management Society — Central Ohio Chapter invites you to a candid and insightful panel discussion on the realities of small business ownership. We have gathered a diverse group of local entrepreneurs and experts to pull back the curtain on what it’s actually like to be the boss.

What to Expect:

  • The Rewards: Beyond the bottom line—discussing the freedom, impact, and personal growth that come with ownership.

  • The Hurdles: Real talk about the "midnight calls," financial risks, and the steep learning curves of the first few years.

  • Practical Advice: Hard-won lessons on scaling, managing teams, and maintaining a work-life balance (or trying to!).

  • Q&A Session: Your chance to ask our panelists about their specific journeys and get advice for your own ventures.

Event Details:

  • Date: Friday, May 15, 2026

  • Time: 7:00 PM

  • Location: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7135 Coffman Rd., Dublin, OH 43017

  • Cost: This event is free and open to the public.

Whether you are looking for the inspiration to start your first LLC or you're a seasoned pro looking to connect with peers, this evening will provide valuable networking and professional insights.

Panelists Include:

Matt Perkins Founder of Exit Game Plan, Matt is an Ohio-based business broker and M&A advisor. With over 15 years of experience in corporate America, he brings a strategic perspective to sell-side advisory—all while navigating the daily rewards and challenges of operating his own business.

Rachel Bailey A versatile business owner and project manager based in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. As the founder of Rachel's Soap, she successfully grew a bath and body brand from a personal passion into a thriving small business, all while managing professional consulting roles and a busy family life.

Andrew Walker Founder and CEO of Oak Lane Dental, Andrew is a healthcare operations expert. With an MBA from Harvard and a background at BCG, he now leads a dental support organization focused on consolidating clinics to improve patient care and operational efficiency.

When

When

May 15 – 16, 2026
11:00 PM – 12:00 AM (UTC)

Organizers

  • Andrew Nicoll

    Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff LLP

    President

  • Scott Alpeter

    Izba Consulting

    President-Elect

  • Kimmi Wernli

    Crazy Richard's

    Past President

  • McKay Noll

    Nationwide Children's Hospital

    Treasurer

  • Gavin Waits

    Young Leaders Director

  • Stephen Kron

    Kreber

    Executive secretary

Contact Us