This year marks a decade of inspiring conversations, remarkable leaders, and meaningful community connections through the Pay It Forward Luncheon Series. To honor this milestone, we’re pulling out all the stops.

Join us this October for a special anniversary edition: Turning Struggles Into Strength: How Adversity Shapes Entrepreneurs, featuring Kodey Wells, president of Wells Upholstery, Inc., a Central Valley–based leader in custom commercial seating serving clients nationwide.

Wells' career has been defined by grit, vision and entrepreneurial spirit — transforming challenges into opportunities at every stage of life.

By the age of 15, Wells endured the loss of both parents, an experience that forced him to grow up quickly and instilled in him a deep understanding of resilience. At 23, he launched a company out of his garage. Today, at 33, he leads a team delivering projects across the nation for world-class clients including Apple, Google, LinkedIn, Amazon and more — recognized for both quality craftsmanship and artistic innovation in custom seating.

A proud Fresno State graduate, Wells' journey has come full circle: from sitting in the audience at the Pay It Forward Luncheon 10 years ago, to now returning as keynote speaker. His story embodies the power of belief, resilience and the truth that adversity is not the enemy, it’s the advantage.

Beyond business, Wells is passionate about giving back — paying it forward through mentorship, community service and investing in the next generation of leaders. His message is simple yet profound: In the face of adversity, you can either make excuses to stay where you are or find reasons to push forward. Excuses whisper. Reasons roar. Which will you listen to?

Registration is required and space is limited.

Date: Thursday, Oct. 16
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Lynda and Stewart Resnick Student Union
Register: Here

For more information, visit the Pay It Forward website or contact Tina Baker at tibaker@mail.fresnostate.edu.