Speakers

Our keynote speaker Jake Harriman.

How Servant Leadership Can Enhance Your Business: Servant leadership fosters a culture of trust, where employees feel valued and supported. In today’s competitive employment market, cultivating such an environment is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent.

Jake Harriman has been leading teams in extreme environments for over 25 years - first in combat as a Force Recon Platoon Commander and then as the Founder and CEO of an organization operating in conflict zones to help stop the spread of Al Qaeda and ISIS. Over the years, he's come to believe that servant leadership is an incredibly powerful form of leadership that can enable teams across industries, cultures, and geographies to accomplish the impossible. Jake will share key lessons in servant leadership that he's learned from the heroes he served alongside by telling their powerful stories of courage and hope.

Doug Gray

ITPA members should be aware that over 60% of GDP and new jobs in North America come from family-owned businesses, many in trucking. With the $74T wealth transfer underway, older owners face challenges with succession planning, while younger leaders need to demonstrate their readiness. Our workshop will provide strategies for effective succession planning, offering a written plan, resources, and a copy of *The Success Playbook for Next Gen Family Business Leaders (2024)*. Join us in Del Mar, CA, to learn how to ensure your business’s long-term success and smooth transition.

Steve Simmons

Steve is a seasoned Mergers & Acquisitions professional with over 40 years of experience. He started his career at Arthur Andersen, CPA's, and then joined Waste Management in Chicago. Steve subsequently moved to LKQ Corporation, where he played a key role in its expansion from $50 million to over $4 billion through strategic acquisitions. After retiring from LKQ and Parts ASAP, he is now the lead financial director for a paint manufacturer undergoing North American expansion. Steve is a cum laude graduate of the University of Central Florida with degrees in Accountancy and Finance, and he holds an MBA from Wake Forest University, earned while working on M&A projects for Waste Management.

Spousal Activity

For our members' spouses, we have a walking food tour planned. Explore the charm of Del Mar while savouring a curated selection of local culinary delights. It’s a wonderful way to experience the area’s vibrant food scene and enjoy a memorable day out.