From answering tough financial questions to discussing how AI can be implemented in the workplace to in-depth conversations about how business leaders can respond to changes they would never choose, classes at the 11^th Annual Ignite Conference on May 19 at the Ramada Plaza aim to provide attendees with business strategies and innovations they can bring back to work to help their companies thrive.

Stefanie Gilbert, mortgage expert with Altitude Home Mortgage, will lead “Financial Clarity That Fuels Confident Business Decisions.” Financial decisions impact every part of a business, yet many professionals operate without true clarity around cash flow, debit, credit and long-term planning. This session breaks down the key financial principles every business owner, manager and employee should understand in order to make confident, informed decisions. Attendees will walk away with practical tools to assess financial health, avoid common mistakes and create a clear path forward for sustainable growth.

Gilbert is a mortgage expert with over 15 years of experience helping individuals and businesses navigate complex financial decisions. A passionate educator, Gilbert has taught financial literacy classes to local employers, first-time buyers and professionals seeking clarity around money management, debt reduction and long-term planning. Known for her relatable teaching style and practical approach, Gilbert empowers audiences to take control of their financial future with confidence.

Jeffrey Nichols, agent and owner of the Nichols Agency/Farmers Insurance, will lead “Buying Personalities: Close More Sales.” In this session, attendees will learn how to identify and respond to different buying personalities by listening for key words and phrases that signal how each customer makes decisions. By tailoring your approach, you can improve your closing ratio and drive stronger revenue growth.

Nichols has spent the past decade in the insurance sales industry, building a results-driven approach centered on understanding people and how they make buying decisions. His performance and commitment to excellence have been recognized with both the Topper Club and Triple Crown Awards through Farmers Insurance. Beyond the office, Nichols is deeply invested in coaching and mentorship, focusing on building confidence, discipline and teamwork in young athletes.

Connor Sullivan, founder of PFL Systems in Gillette, will lead “While You Sleep: Automating the Jobs Your Hate Doing.” Every missed call is a missed customer. Every forgotten follow-up is money walking out the door. Every hour you spend on repetitive tasks is an hour you’re not growing your business. In “While You Sleep: Automating the Jobs You Hate Doing,” attendees will watch a real AI system handle customer calls, capture leads, send follow-ups and notify the owner — completely automatically, live in the room. They’ll leave knowing exactly what automation can do for their businesses today, and what it would take to make it happen.

Sullivan is the founder of PFL Systems, an AI Automation Agency based in Gillette. Largely self-taught over the last decade, Sullivan formalized his expertise with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Western Governors University. He builds intelligent workflows that eliminate the repetitive, time-draining tasks that keep small business owners working in their business instead of on it — using tools like n8n, Supabase and Twilio.

Two sessions will focus on how attendees can respond to changes at work, drawing advice from real-world examples.

PJ Burns, the Northeast Regional Director for the Wyoming Small Business Development Center will lead “Strategies for Dealing with Changes You Would Never Choose: Lessons from Debra Searle.” Running a small business means constantly navigating uncertainty — but some changes hit harder than others. Whether it’s losing a key client, shifting markets, economic downturns or personal challenges that impact your business, how you respond can make all the difference. In this powerful and practical session, Burns draws lessons from the remarkable journey of Debra Searle, who found herself alone in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean after her rowing partner had to leave their expedition.

Burns serves as the Northeast Regional Director for the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, where she champions entrepreneurs and fuels small business growth across the region. Burns is a graduate of the University of Wyoming and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management. A proud Wyoming native, Burns brings deep-rooted passion and firsthand understanding of the state’s business landscape to her work.

Retired Executive Douglas D. Lee will lead “Chaos, Change and Calm in Life Work and Business.” This session will guide attendees through assessing challenges, leading effective change and creating a path toward stability. Attendees will gain practical steps to evaluate situations, implement change with confidence and recognize and sustain periods of calm, supported by a real-world example.

Lee retired in 2015 after 36 years of working in homebuilding and mortgage banking. In the construction industry, Lee has served as a construction superintendent, new homes salesperson and sales and marketing director. He also was a mortgage loan officer for JPMorgan Chase, branch and area manager of Norwest Mortgage/Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and a regional manager of Citizens Bank Mortgage. Lee is a Leadership Evergreen graduate. He has coached 3rd-8th grade youth tackle football for 25 years in multiple states and continues coaching Little Guy Football in Sheridan.

The 2026 Ignite Conference will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Ramada Plaza. For more information on these sessions and others, visit https://sheridanwyomingchamber.org/programs-events/ignite-conference/.

Registration costs $175 for chamber members and $210 for non-chamber members. Additional registrations from the same company will receive a $10 discount per registration. Your registration includes five breakout sessions, morning and breaktime refreshments, lunch and bonus keynote and wrap-up sessions.

For any questions, contact the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce at 307-672-2485 or email info@sheridanwyomingchamber.org.