Conversations in Entrepreneurship and Leadership Series with Lathay Pegues

Lathay Pegues graduated from Indiana University with a degree in broadcast journalism and began his career as a reporter and anchor at television stations throughout the Midwest. His work in broadcast news earned him a Regional Emmy Award.

When the station where he worked unexpectedly ceased operations, Pegues decided to place his journalism career on hold and pursue another ambition. Together with two business partners, he launched JohnTom’s Barbecue Sauce, a company inspired by his grandfather’s secret sauce recipe.

Pegues moved his family back to his hometown of Muncie, Indiana, where he began building the business while also working for The Star Press. In 2014, he committed to JohnTom’s full-time. Since then, the company’s sauces have appeared on the shelves of numerous retailers, and JohnTom’s was named “Best Sauce in Indiana” by Indianapolis Monthly.