Emissary Authors
MAKE A DIFFERENCE


KAELYN QUERY-CALDWELL

Kaelyn Query Caldwell is an award-winning entrepreneur, event producer, author, and professor based in Lexington, KY. She founded Kentucky Event Company, LexEffect Venues, and hosts the podcast Big Ideas/Small Business. Kaelyn teaches entrepreneurship at Transylvania University and serves on multiple boards including Fayette Education Foundation (chair), Lexington Children’s Theatre (incoming chair), and the National Small Business Association. Her journey includes building multiple six-figure businesses, navigating bankruptcy, and rebuilding stronger—lessons she shares in her book So Worth It!

Books by Kaelyn Query-Caldwell:

  • So Worth It! The Guidebook to Success (and Failure) as an Entrepreneur

LARRY CRIPPS

Larry D. Cripps grew up in Blue Springs, a small farming community near Smithville, TN, raised by Christian parents shaped by the Great Depression and World War II. Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1969, he served with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Vietnam and Cambodia. After earning a B.A. in Biblical Education and History from Lee University, he pursued seminary and became a Navy chaplain. Over 32 years, he ministered during Vietnam, Desert Storm, 9/11, and the War on Terror, serving with the Marine Corps, Combatant Commands, and Naval Special Warfare. Larry and his wife, Charlene, live in Hendersonville, TN.

Books by Larry Cripps:

  • The Hope of War: A Chaplain’s Journey to Abiding Faith, Enduring Hope and Love Under Fire

RON DANIELS

Ron Daniels, a third-generation gardener and Master Rosarian with the American Rose Society, released his debut book, Rose Therapy, in 2023. A Master Gardener for Sumner County, Tennessee, and co-President of the Nashville Rose Society, Ron travels nationwide, speaking at American Rose Society meetings and gardening shows. In Rose Therapy, he combines Southern storytelling, traditional values, genuine care for people, and practical advice to help readers create and maintain stunning rose gardens.

Books by Ron Daniels:

  • Rose Therapy: My Journey of Growing and Caring for Roses

PAUL EDWARDS

Paul Edwards is the founder, chief editor and publisher at Emissary Publishing, a boutique independent firm focused on faith-based executives and leaders. Paul also serves as a communications expert and board member of On The Way International. He lives in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife, Shannon, and their two children, Grant and Chase.

Books by Paul Edwards:

  • Influencer Networking Secrets
  • Jesus in Context: Why a Jewish Jesus Matters to Christian Believers
  • I See You Everywhere: 42 No-Fluff Principles to Stand Out and Sell More

SAM FEENEY

Sam Feeney brings over 20 years of experience as a teacher and school counselor in Pennsylvania. Motivated by students’ struggles with college and career choices, he authored Hire Education. Observing similar challenges among adults, he wrote The Engagement Dilemma. After relocating to Colorado in 2020, he now speaks nationally and consults with leadership teams to boost employee engagement and productivity. He developed The Career Factors, a self-assessment tool, and republished its book in 2024. Sam lives in Denver with his wife, Marita, and their five children.

Books by Sam Feeney:

  • Hire Education
  • Sam Feeney’s Career Factors
  • Why Aren’t You Thriving?

DARIN KATZ

Doron Katz is the founder and president of On The Way International, a Messianic Jewish ministry which focuses on educating believers, Jewish and Gentile on the importance of Jesus’ Jewish Heritage. Doron resides in New Zealand with his wife, Amanda, and their two children, Holly and Benjamin.

Books by Darin Katz:

  • Jesus in Context: Why a Jewish Jesus Matters to Christian Believers

CORY SEXTON

Cory Sexton is the Pastor at Hoschton Baptist Church in Hoschton, Georgia. Under his leadership the church has experienced consistent growth in several key areas, and moved three times in the past 11 years to accommodate increasing attendance. Cory enjoys ministry, especially reading and preparing sermons. His hobbies are hunting, watching football, and spending time with his family. He and his wife Karla have been married for 32 years and have two adult children.

Books by Cory Sexton:

  • Your Church Needs You: Rediscover the Transformative Power of Serving Together
  • Forty Days: Nine Dependable Concepts from the Book of Jonah

DAVID SHAMSZAD

David Shamszad is the author of I Am Someone You Know: The Fight for Recovery and Mental Health. A Dartmouth graduate and Bay Area native, he battled untreated bipolar disorder and addiction for over a decade before finding recovery. Now founder and CEO of SG Real Estate, David speaks, writes, and mentors those struggling with mental illness and addiction, connecting authentically with at-risk individuals, families, and communities nationwide.

Books by David Shamszad:

  • I Am Someone You Know: The Fight for Recovery and Mental Health

DEAN SVARC

Dean Svarc is a veteran entrepreneur, turnaround specialist, and author of Trojan Horse: The Unseen Solution to Critical Business Problems. Trained across multiple skilled trades and certified in Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and Project Portfolio Management, Dean developed his proven B.A.S.I.C.S. framework after his own manufacturing company crashed to $10,000. Named Manufacturer of the Year by the Rockford, Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Dean helps leaders identify and defeat the hidden threats destroying their businesses from within.

Books by Dean Svarc:

Trojan Horse: The Unseen Solution to Critical Business Problems

JASON TODD

Jason Todd works with entrepreneurs and executives to build thriving businesses and careers, without losing their lives in the process. A career programmer and entrepreneur, Jason built companies in e-commerce, electrical contracting, marketing, healthcare, and technology services. He spent 2+ decades advising organizations and leaders, including the Better Business Bureau, public entities, private corporations, regional schools and universities. He resides with his wife near Janesville, Wisconsin.

Books by Jason Todd:

  • What Could Be: Creating a Life of Meaning and Purpose
  • I See You Everywhere: 42 No-Fluff Principles to Stand Out and Sell More