2026 Fall Conversations in Entrepreneurship and Leadership with Lathay Pegues

Lathay R. Pegues was born in Muncie, IN, attending Muncie Community Schools. He graduated from Muncie Central High School, where he was co-captain of the celebrated Bearcat basketball team. Lathay furthered his education at Indiana University-Bloomington with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. During his undergraduate studies he served as president of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, Incorporated, Alpha Chapter. After graduating from IU Lathay landed his first broadcast job as a producer and general assignment reporter with WGEM News, an NBC affiliate in Quincy, IL. He quickly earned the “lead anchor” position for WGEM News Weekend Edition and won a Regional Emmy Award for excellence in Journalism. After spending five years reporting in the Tri-State area, Lathay moved to a reporting/anchor position at Milwaukee’s WVTV-TV. After nearly two years with that station, the company shut down its news operation, leaving employees scattering for jobs. That’s when Lathay decided to put his career on hold and chase another dream. Along with two partners, he launched JohnTom’s Barbecue sauce company, inspired by his grandfather’s secret sauce recipe. Lathay moved his family to Muncie and started the business before landing another reporting job at the Muncie Star Press. After seven years of juggling a career and small business, Lathay decided it was time to permanently leave the journalism world and focus solely on his own company. In 2014, he left the Star Press and started full time for JohnTom’s. Since then, the company has grown exponentially, landing accounts with Kroger, Fresh Thyme, Ball State University, and Indiana University, Lucas Oil Stadium, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, to name a few. The sauce also was awarded “Best Sauce in Indiana” from Indianapolis Monthly Magazine. In his off time, Lathay volunteers throughout the Muncie community, serving as Commissioner for Delaware County Housing Authority, Committee member for Delaware County Community Foundation, and member of Next Muncie. He was also a founding member of Muncie-Delaware County Black Chamber of Commerce. In his spare time, he enjoys playing drums, grilling, walking the Muncie trails, golfing, and creating memories with his family.