Ben Spurlock
Co-Owner of Southeast Impressions, Co-Owner of The Shirt Bus
Ben Spurlock was born and raised in Lebanon. He shares two boys with his wife, Maggie, and you’ll often catch them eating out during the week. He says, “Everyone has embraced us and our kids and it really just feels like family everywhere we go.”
He envisions Lebanon as his forever home and wants to make a difference. One of the ways he’s making a positive impact is through employment opportunities. He employs over 45 people and has always worked with halfway houses, rehabs, and other organizations to provide jobs for people seeking second chances.
On how he views success and influence: “Young Ben would tell you success was working and running a successful company. Today, success to me is having some freedom in a schedule that allows me to spend time with my wife and kid.”
One of the greatest lessons Ben’s learned is that life is short. He says, “Enjoy the times with friends and family.”
While he hopes to make an impact in the community, he wants to set an example for his kids that anything is possible when you work hard to achieve your goals.
Kevin New
President of PR Services
Kevin New’s journey in Lebanon began in 1987. He packed up tools in his truck, $240 in hand, and made the long drive from Houston. “I was nine hours from home and didn’t know a single person. What I found was incredible generosity. The people of Wilson County welcomed me and helped me get started. Lebanon reminded me of the giving spirit I grew up around in Texas—it felt like home.”
That spirit of generosity is something he’s passionate about paying forward. After rising early to take meetings with company project managers, he turns his attention to organizations he’s involved with. “My wife and I are currently serving as chairs for Dinner in the Vines through the Joe Beretta Heart Foundation, and I also sit on the foundation’s board. Supporting that mission is something I care deeply about.”
When asked if his definition of success has changed over time, he said, “Absolutely. I’ve been semi-retired since I was 40, and that shift changed everything. My success is a direct reflection of my team—without them, none of this would be possible. What success means to me now is having the time and ability to give back, whether that’s financially or through service. Being able to support causes and people…is what I value most today.”
He’s learned a lot throughout his career. The greatest lesson? “Don’t be afraid to take risks. Step out, try something new—and always help someone in need.”
His contributions to Lebanon and beyond are manifold, but when asked about legacy, he’d most like to be remembered as “someone with strong conviction and a foundation of faith.”
Nick Hays
Owner of Sports World
Spring is a busy time for Nick Hays. As the owner of Sports World, his job kicks into high gear once youth sports leagues start up on top of school business. He says in this season that, “We are putting some extra hours in for sure.” Outside of work, he spends time with his wife, Brandy, and their three children: Brody (21), Cooper (19), and Hadley (16). His oldest coaches middle school baseball, and his youngest plays volleyball, so games and tournaments often fill their weekends.
He says Lebanon is a special community. “The people here seem to go out of their way to help each other, support schools and youth sports, or events, or whatever is going on…People genuinely care about the town, what is happening here, and about each other.” He experienced this support firsthand as people showed up for him and his family over the years, asking if they needed anything and always offering a helping hand.
It’s important to him to offer that same support. “I try to just do my small part of spreading the word that we have a pretty special community here, and also pitch in when I can to help these teams, schools, clubs, etc., just like people helped my kids.” He also serves in the community through his role on the Lebanon City Planning Commission.
His definition of success and influence has changed over time. Where he once viewed success as money-oriented, he now sees it as family and service-oriented. “Don't get me wrong, everyone needs money, but now I think providing for my family, doing a good job in my business, helping out when I can, and having more time with the family is enough, and what I focus on.”
One of the greatest lessons he’s learned and wants to pass on is the importance of honesty. “Things happen in business and in life, nobody is perfect, sometimes you just have to say I messed up, I'm sorry, let's fix it.”
On legacy, he says, “I think I just hope people remember me as a pretty good guy.”
Joey Clark
Executive Director of Marketing & Communications, Cumberland University
Joey Clark has a full schedule. He’s passionate about serving the community through his role at Cumberland University, as a member of the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors, and as Vice Chair of the Chamber’s Government Relations Committee.
In addition to his work at the university and alongside the Chamber, Joey enjoys spending time with friends and family. He’s also gotten involved with Stage Local, participating in “The Wizard of Oz” last year with more shows on the roster. “Being in a show again as an adult was challenging and exciting. You are never too old to be vulnerable, step out of your comfort zone, and do something you love.”
When asked what Lebanon means to him, he said, “Lebanon is home, and I don’t just mean the city, but the community, the people, and the memories made and life lived here. This home has raised me, supported me, challenged me, encouraged me, and, honestly, set the example and standard for who I am today.”
His view of influence is guided by a personal philosophy: Significance over Success. “It’s not about what I have but what I can do for those around me that matters…Significance requires you to be present in life, not only in the big moments but in the little moments too, to listen when it may not be easy or comfortable, and problem solve while putting the needs of others first.”
One of the greatest lessons he’s learned is that “Life is not something you can win, but it is something you can enjoy. You don’t have to have the answers to take the next step…There is so much in life that we can’t plan for or anticipate, but we can’t be stagnant. We have to be bold, courageous, and if we fall or fail, we have to get up and try again.”
Joey hopes his legacy is rooted in thoughtfulness. “I firmly believe that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. I want to be remembered for caring deeply.”
I was nine hours from home and didn’t know a single person. What I found was incredible generosity. The people of Wilson County welcomed me and helped me get started. Lebanon reminded me of the giving spirit I grew up around in Texas—it felt like home.