Agenda

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Registration & Breakfast
Compliments of: Bank Director

8:30 AM – 8:35 AM
Welcome: Small Business Growth
Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
Rob McCabe, Chief Banking Officer & Vice Chairman of the Board, Pinnacle Financial Partners
Small businesses nationwide drive market growth and prosperity within their communities. As this week kicks-off 2026 Small Business Week across the U.S., Pinnacle Financial Partners and Bank Director invite you to Nashville for our inaugural Small Business Summit. Connect with industry experts, discover growth strategies and embrace innovative ideas.

8:35 AM – 9:15 AM
Economic Update
Peter Hansen, Director, Research and Policy Analysis, NFIB
Economic headwinds have impacted businesses across the country, from tariffs and the unforeseen impacts of climate events to the use of artificial intelligence and inventory and supply chain management. During this session, we navigate the current economic landscape and explore trends impacting small businesses. Stay informed and gain the knowledge needed to thrive in a changing market. Prepare your business for an evolving future with actionable takeaways.

9:15 AM – 9:55 AM
The Cost of Doing Business
Bonnie Horton, Owner and Operator, Drybar
Tiny Irwin, Proprietor, Southern Whiskey Society
Brian Moyer, Founder and Managing Partner, Moyer & Company LLC
Matt Proctor, Small Business Program Manager, Pinnacle Financial Partners
Moderated by: Rick Arthur, EVP, Consumer and Small Business Banking, Pinnacle Financial Partners
During this session, we hear from a panel of small business owners as we delve into critical expenses affecting small enterprises. Learn to manage operational costs, optimize budget strategies and boost profitability – all while meeting customer expectations. Gain practical insights to navigate financial challenges and ensure your business’s sustainable growth in today’s competitive landscape.

9:55 AM – 10:35 AM
Financial Intelligence
Christine Lapps, Deputy Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Revenue
Chris Dhanraj, Managing Principal of Investments, CLA
Moderated by:  Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
Join us for an in-depth session on mastering the key financial aspects of your small business. Learn to better manage your balance sheet, understand your financials, enhance your operational efficiencies and optimize your cash flow to drive real results to your top and bottom line.

10:35 AM – 10:50 AM
Refreshment Break

10:50 AM – 11:30 AM
Breakout Sessions
(Breakout Sessions run concurrently and are not repeated; please select one to attend.)

Breakout I: Business Structure Options
Van East, Partner, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
Nathan Harris, Partner, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
Navigate the complexities of business structures in our comprehensive session. Understand the differences and benefits of LLCs, Subchapter S Corporations, C-Corps, S-Corps, charters and bylaws. Learn how to choose the right framework for your business needs to ensure optimal legal protection, tax advantages and operational efficiency.

Breakout II: How To Prepare for an Audit
John Ricketts, Tax Audit Manager, Tennessee Department of Revenue
Michael Ward, Tax Audit Supervisor, Tennessee Department of Revenue
Join tax auditors as they share need-to-knows and what to expect should your business be selected for an audit by the Department of Revenue.

Breakout III:  How Decision-Making Mindsets Shape Performance
Kim Roseler, Program Manager, National Center for the Middle Market
What drives performance for businesses? While industry, size and external conditions all matter, a more fundamental driver lies in how leaders make tradeoff decisions under pressure. During this session, we dive into research from the National Center for the Middle Market and review best practices that drive success for companies nationwide. Participant hear real-world examples of businesses deciding between being risk-averse or innovative in certain scenarios.

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Networking Lunch
Compliments of: Pinnacle Financial Partners

12:30 PM – 1:10 PM
Utilizing Technology Effectively & Efficiently
Cory Kronheim, CEO, SM Advisors
Andy Newnham, Director of Transformation, CLA
Moderated by: Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
Position your business for success in our tech-driven world.  During this engaging session, discover how to leverage technology and AI to boost your business’s efficiency. Uncover cutting-edge tools and best practices for integrating technology seamlessly and learn how AI can streamline operations and enhance customer experiences to drive growth.

1:10 PM – 1:50 PM
Fraud & Cybersecurity
Protect your business from emerging threats and learn essential strategies to safeguard your data, detect fraud and implement robust security measures.  During this session, we provide expert insights and practical tools to help you stay ahead of cyber risks, ensuring your business’s resilience.

2:00 PM – 2:40 PM
Breakout Sessions
(Breakout Sessions run concurrently and are not repeated; please select one to attend.)

Breakout I: Providing THE BEST Customer Service
Jeff Molyneaux, Co-Founder & Executive Producer, Riverside Entertainment LLC
Michael Shinn, Co-Founder & COO, The Sanctuary Golf and Social
Larry Whisenant, Client Services Group Manager, Pinnacle Financial Partners
Moderated by: Courtney Theis, EVP & Managing Director, Bank Director
Elevate your customer service to the highest standard of excellence. Learn key principles for delivering personalized, exceptional experiences that foster loyalty and satisfaction. Gain insights into creating a service culture that exceeds expectations, ensuring your business stands out through its commitment to quality and attention to every customer detail.

Breakout II: Contracts & Agreements
Ann Cargile, Partner, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
Master the art of crafting and managing essential contracts and agreements. This session covers leases, vendor contracts and agreements with customers and employees. Learn to protect your interests, ensure clarity and foster positive business relationships through well-structured legal documents. Equip your business with the tools needed for sustainable, secure partnerships.

Breakout III:  Capital Raise – Making the Right Investments & Building Value
Speaker To Be Announced
Unlock financial growth in our session on building market value. During this session, we dive into money management strategies, explore insurance benefits and navigate potential M&A opportunities. We also explore effective capital raising techniques and how to enhance your business’s liquidity.

2:40 PM – 2:55 PM
Refreshment Break

2:55 PM – 3:35 PM
Breakout Sessions
(Breakout Sessions run concurrently and are not repeated; please select one to attend.)

Breakout I: Developing AI Use Cases for Your Business
Cory Kronheim, CEO, SM Advisors
During this session, SM Advisors demonstrates how businesses apply AI to unlock operational efficiencies and strategic growth. This interactive session explores practical, low-risk use cases with widely available, cost-effective tools. We’ll collaboratively design new, audience-driven use cases for those in the room – showing leaders how to move from abstract to AI concepts to concrete, value-crating initiatives.

Breakout II: Retail Accountability Program
Jeremy Baker, Tax Audit Supervisor, Tennessee Department of Revenue
Evgheni Cuzmin, Tax Audit Manager, Tennessee Department of Revenue
In an effort to ensure a level playing field, the Department of Revenue is constantly monitoring sales tax collected and remitted from all businesses. During this session, we discuss the importance and purpose of the Retail Accountability Program.

Breakout III: Family-Owned Businesses: The Next Generation
Prepare your family-owned business for generational success. This session delves into strategies for smooth transitions, fostering leadership in the next generation and balancing tradition with innovation. Learn to create a sustainable legacy that ensures your business thrives under future family stewardship while preserving core values and familial harmony.

3:45 PM – 4:25 PM
Data & Market Intelligence
Martin Wise, Founder/CEO, RelPro
Discover how to leverage data and market intelligence to identify new opportunities, understand your competition and make informed business decisions. During this session, RelPro demonstrates practical approaches to gathering and analyzing market data, helping you target the right prospects, expand strategically and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape.

4:25 PM – 5:25 PM
Networking Peer & Guest Reception
Compliments of: Pinnacle Financial Partners
As we conclude day one of the Small Business Summit, join fellow business owners and industry leaders to connect and share best practices.

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Registration & Breakfast
Compliments of: Bank Director

8:30 AM – 8:35 AM
Day Two Welcome: Thinking Beyond Your Market
John Michael Alday, Director of Business Development, Bank Director
As we kick off day two of the Small Business Summit, we share inspiring ideas for the audience to consider as they think about growth beyond their current markets.

8:35 AM – 9:50 AM
Daymond John’s 5 Shark Points:  Fundamentals for Success in Business and Life
Daymond John, The People’s Shark
Daymond John has been a phenomenally successful business person for over 25 years. Along his entrepreneurial journey, through his many successes as well as failures, he has learned about getting the best out of business and life. He believes the keys to his success include establishing the right mindset and following a few fundamental principles, which he calls his five “S.H.A.R.K. points.”

Get ready! Daymond John is going to share his unique goal-setting and achievement strategies, which will empower audience members to make positive changes in every aspect of their lives.

10:00 AM – 10:40 AM
Breakout Sessions
(Breakout Sessions run concurrently and are not repeated; please select one to attend.)

Breakout I: Scaling and Growth Planning
Unlock your business’s potential as we explore strategies for sustainable expansion, from market analysis to resource optimization. Learn to set realistic growth targets, leverage technology and build scalable systems, ensuring your small business is prepared for successful and manageable growth in a competitive landscape.

Breakout II: Accounting Need-to-Knows
Marcus Bowman, Principal, Client Accounting & Advisory Services, CLA
Demystify essential accounting principles for small business owners.  During this session, we cover key components of financial statements, cash flow management and tax basics. Gain the confidence to make informed financial decisions and strengthen your business’s financial foundation.

Breakout III: Loans & Financing
Tim McAuley, SVP and Small Business Lending Manager, Pinnacle Financial Partners
Hear from Pinnacle as they share best practices on how to secure loans, grants and build strong business credit. Learn strategies for managing debt wisely, enhancing financial stability and fueling growth. Equip your business with the knowledge to navigate financial resources effectively for sustained success.

10:40 AM – 10:55 AM
Refreshment Break

10:55 AM – 11:35 AM
Beyond Work-Life Balance
Roger Johnson, Founder, Head of Consulting, Vivero Leadership
Work-life balance is a moving target you will never hit, and it’s a distraction from the real issue: misalignment. Stop aiming for the “perfect balance” and start aiming for optimal impact. Learn how to locate your Leadership Sweet Spot and introduce a system that turns blind spots into competitive advantages.

11:35 AM – 12:15 PM
Building A Strong Team
Kyle Chowning, President, ROOTs Academy LLC
Matthew Svoboda, Founder, CFPO Consulting LLC
Moderated by: Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
Explore strategies for nurturing talent, fostering a positive culture and optimizing organizational structure. Learn how to inspire leadership at all levels, fostering a cohesive, high-performing team poised for success and innovation in your business.

12:15 PM – 12:20 PM
Closing Remarks
Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director