Lathay R. Pagues
President/CEO, JohnTom’s BBQ
Lathay R. Pegues was born in Muncie, IN, attending Muncie Community Schools. He graduated from Muncie Central High School, where he was co-captain of the celebrated Bearcat basketball team. Lathay furthered his education at Indiana University-Bloomington with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. During his undergraduate studies he served as president of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, Incorporated, Alpha Chapter.
Considered a dream career since he was in high school, Lathay landed his first broadcasting job as a producer/general assignment reporter with WGEM News, a NBC affiliate in Quincy, IL. He quickly worked his way up to the “lead anchor” position for WGEM News Weekend Edition, during which he won a Regional Emmy Award for excellence in Journalism. After spending five years reporting in the Tri-State area, Lathay moved on to a reporting/anchor position at Milwaukee’s WVTV-TV. After nearly two years with that station, the company shut down its news operation, leaving employees scattering for jobs. It was at this time Lathay decided to put his career on hold and chase another dream, launching JohnTom’s Barbecue Sauce company, inspired by his grandfather’s secret sauce recipe.
Lathay moved his family to Muncie and successfully started the business before landing another reporting job at the Muncie Star Press. After seven years of juggling a career and small business, Lathay decided it was time to permanently leave the journalism world and focus solely on his own company. In 2014, he left the Star Press and went full time for JohnTom’s. Since then, the company has grown exponentially, landing accounts with Kroger, Target, Fresh Thyme, Ball State University, and Indiana University, to name a few. The sauce also was awarded “Best Sauce in Indiana” from Indianapolis Monthly Magazine.
In his off time, Lathay volunteers throughout the Muncie community, serving as Commissioner for Delaware County Housing Authority, 2nd Vice President of Muncie-Delaware County Black Chamber of Commerce, and Committeeman for Delaware County Community Development. In his spare time, he enjoys playing drums, grilling, walking the Muncie trails, golfing, and creating memories with his family.
