A Foundation built on three words:
Pause. Inspect. Protect.
OUR VISION
To amplify the culture of safety through education and awareness, where
every generation is reminded to pause, inspect and protect what matters.
Because safety starts with a Maverick Minute.
The Foundation does not aim to tell people how to do their job.
We’re simply about taking a minute to make sure everyone’s safe, no matter what.
(We’re farmers, so believe us, we understand how stressful, distracting, urgent and hectic worklife can get.)
We’re about that pause, even when losing light, to inspect the surroundings.
We’re about forming a habit. Creating an impulse as natural as checking to your left
before you pull into traffic. Making that Maverick Minute second nature.
Meet our Founders
Dedicated leaders committed to farm safety and the Maverick Minute mission.
Stephanie Flinn
PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD,
MAVERICK MINUTE FOUNDATION
Stephanie is most proud to be called “Gigi.” She is the grandmother of Maverick and three other little precious farm boys. Family is the heartbeat of her life. She is also the daughter of “Nanny,” who, along with Maverick, was lost in the same tragic incident.
That devastating loss did more than break her heart — it ignited her and her mission.
Stephanie leads with the fierce love of a grandmother and the unwavering resolve of a daughter. Through the foundation’s work, she is determined to honor her family and turn grief into action. For many years she’s been a mission-driven nonprofit leader and strategic communicator known for building meaningful relationships, inspiring generosity, and guiding organizations through thoughtful growth.
As Executive Director of the Schneck Foundation, she leads philanthropic strategy in support of Schneck Medical Center. Under her leadership, the Foundation has experienced significant growth in annual, corporate and planned giving, alongside strong physician and employee participation — a reflection of her belief that philanthropy succeeds when people feel personally connected to a shared purpose.
Stephanie brings a unique blend of nonprofit leadership, business strategy, and marketing expertise to her role. Prior to joining the Foundation, she spent 20 years at Dicksons, Inc., where she held senior leadership roles in marketing and product development. There, she guided cross-functional teams, launched thousands of products, and built data-informed strategies that balanced creativity with operational discipline. This background continues to shape her collaborative leadership style and systems-based approach to growth — and will be invaluable to the success of The Maverick Minute movement.
“I believe in connecting people’s values, stories, and hopes for the future to drive real change,” says Stephanie. “I grew up on a family farm, where I learned the value of hard work early, and that growth takes patience, stewardship and faith in what you’re building.” That’s especially true of starting an international movement — but never underestimate Gigi.
Tony Wesner
CEO, ROSE ACRE FARMS, INC.
Tony comes to Maverick Minute Foundation with enthusiasm and deep concern for all who work in agriculture.
He has been involved in agriculture since his childhood days, growing up on a grain farm in southwest Jackson County, Indiana. He has worked at Rose Acre Farms, the second largest egg producer in the nation, for more than 40 years in a variety of roles, from his beginnings in the transportation department to Chief Operating Officer to his current roleas the Chief Executive Officer of the company.
A renowned leader in the egg industry, he currently serves as a board member for the United Egg Producers, the American Egg Board, and HATCH for Hunger.
Tony considers it an honor and blessing to be able to get up each day and help feed people, and believes passionately in the cause of farm safety.
Denise W. Connell
BOARD MEMBER SINCE 2025
Denise has been an attorney since 2000 and brings her background in business and corporate law to our Maverick Minute cause.
Currently a partner at Lorenzo, Bevers, Braman & Connell, Denise says, “I’m a farm kid, plain and simple. My family still actively farms, and I’m determined to help make sure every farmer knows to ‘Pause. Inspect. Protect.’” She’s in it for the long haul, here to use her skills to bring people together and create change.
Keith Inman
BOARD MEMBER SINCE 2025
For years, Keith helmed Kosair Charities, working with a 25-member board and overseeing a large endowment. He has deep experience with organizing and planning charitable activities — improving efficiency and managing funds, all while keeping an eye on the mission.
From fundraising expertise to sharing personal experience and insights, Keith will be an invaluable asset as we move forward to create national awareness for the Maverick Minute.
“It surprises me that there has never been a thorough, determined, organized effort to raise awareness of the urgent situation of farm injuries and fatalities — and I am honored to be part of finally making it happen,” says Keith.