The Speakers and Panelist

Joe, originally from Glasgow, Scotland, and raised in Johnson City, Tennessee, graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2018 with a degree in accounting and finance, earning a 3.99 GPA. He was debt-free and ranked in the top 1% of his class. While in college, Joe sold books door-to-door, earning over $100k in just three summers. He spent over 7,000 hours helping families and built new businesses in various towns, eventually making over $200k in a single summer.

After graduation, he became the second youngest district sales leader in the company's 168-year history, managing a $1.2 million sales organization at 24. Joe co-founded Elevate Wellness, scaling it to six figures in under a year. He is also the founder and host of the Knowledge Gap Show, focusing on purpose and business growth. Joe launched The Knowledge Gap Foundation, creating a club at the University of Tennessee to help students discover their purpose. Additionally, he founded Knowledge Gap Consulting Services, helping entrepreneurs, businesses, and individuals improve branding, systems, and processes to grow their ventures.

Rob Ball is a seasoned professional in the furniture industry, boasting a career that spans over a decade. His journey commenced at the age of 18, inspired by his mother's own success in sales within the furniture sector. Within a year, he assumed the role of showroom manager at Raymour and Flanagan, marking the inception of his remarkable trajectory.

Driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence, Rob's tenure with Ashley and Badcock Furniture encompassed diverse responsibilities ranging from sales and collections to management and business development. This multifaceted experience honed his acumen and fueled his determination to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

Currently at the helm of over a dozen retail establishments, Rob's entrepreneurial spirit shines through as he leads a consortium of 27 locations, collectively generating an impressive $70 million in annual revenue. From bustling urban centers like Tampa to quaint towns such as Walterboro, South Carolina, his retail footprint resonates far and wide.

Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Rob is a visionary co-founder of the HFA Sales Academy, where he assumes the role of Managing Partner and Sales Trainer/Strategist. Under his guidance, the academy has flourished, boasting a membership of over 1000 users and serving as a beacon of industry expertise for more than 200 retail establishments across the United States, Canada, Italy, and South America.

Rob's expertise and leadership are widely recognized within the home furnishing sector, with his insights frequently featured in esteemed publications such as HF Business, Home Furnishings Association, and Furniture Today. A sought-after keynote speaker, he has graced the stages of prominent industry events hosted by renowned manufacturers including Best, Progressive, and Calligaris.

Rob Ball's unwavering dedication to excellence, coupled with his passion for transforming the landscape of home furnishing, positions him as a stalwart figure within the industry, poised to shape its future trajectory.