Richard Rogers, Founder

Richard Rogers has on many occasions received just one more chance.

In 1979, Richard and his brother, Steve, faced a dire family crisis. Following their father’s suicide, they confronted the overwhelming challenge of trying to save their family’s multi-generational business, United States Stove Company (USSC). Together, they brought the company from the brink of bankruptcy to profitability.

In 1992, Richard went on to become the sole owner and take USSC to new heights.

In 1995, Richard received the ultimate second chance…at life when he was struck by lightning. The strike stopped his heart and caused severe burns. A 14-year-old family friend who had learned CPR from a flyer posted on a refrigerator brought Richard back. The two years it took Richard to recover, the unspeakable physical and mental pain he had to overcome, led him to a place where he made a deal with God. If God would see him through, he would spend his life giving back to others.  This Foundation is Richard’s attempt to make good on that prayer.

Much of this is documented in the book Richard and his relatives wrote about their family history, “Resilience, Tragedy, & Tenacity: 150 Years of the U.S. Stove Story & the Family of S.L. Rogers, Sr.“.

August Jones, President

August S. L. Jones is the President of United States Stove Company, and also the fourth generation of ownership and leadership at USSC. He started working for the company as a factory worker in 2004 following his graduation at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga gradually working his way up through the organization.

August helped support the development of Just One More Foundation for the purpose and understanding that giving  second chances is something that has not only been afforded him in his life, but also strongly influenced by the second chances that United States Stove Company has had throughout its 150 plus years.

August is the proud father to three wonderful children Ayden, Austen and Autumn. He values his strong connection to his children and family.  He views the company as family which only further supports his motivation for giving back.

Will Clegg, Treasurer

Will Clegg’s life is about numbers.

By day he is a partner at HHM, a public accounting firm in Tennessee.

He provides small and medium businesses the guidance they need to manage complex tax challenges.

He volunteers his time and services to more than 10 non-profit organizations in Chattanooga including the Hospice Foundation of Chattanooga, Memorial Health Foundation, Autism and Behavioral Services and March of Dimes.

This significant journey of giving back brings him to Just One More Foundation. He says, “Oftentimes, people face hardships for which they don’t have the resources or funds to overcome. Given the right resources, support, and encouragement when facing obstacles, their life trajectory could take a vastly different and more positive path. I am looking forward to working with JOM to help support members in need find ways to change the course they’re on.”

Will and his wife have two children, with the third due to arrive in May.

Finally, there is his love for his beloved University of Tennessee Volunteers football team. Will’s passion for his alma mater is infinite knowing no bounds.

Kaye Stafford, Secretary

Kaye Stafford has the superpower connecting people. She’s made a career and life of making sure the right people meet each other building powerful relationships that help bring about change.

For much of her professional career she worked in the liquor wholesale business. She was the first woman hired at Athens Distributing selling spirits and wine to on-premise accounts, eventually becoming the Department Manager.

She’s now dedicated to forging relationships and connections for Just One More Foundation, making numerous second chances possible for those ready to put in the hard work.

Kaye lives in Tennessee where she raised her two daughters and delights in the company of her current favorite person, her first born grandson.

Stephanie Esper, Board Member

Stephanie has 23 years of pharmaceutical experience advocating for patients in Psychiatry, Cardiology, Neurology, and Hematology/Oncology therapeutic areas.

Over the years, Stephanie has enjoyed volunteering as a Cuddler at the UNC Children’s Hospital Newborn Critical Care Center, supporting and fundraising for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, March of Dimes and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Stephanie received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and lives in Raleigh, NC with her husband. They have three grown sons between the two of them.

Stephanie strives to live her life according to Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”  She views the Just One More Foundation as a way to shine a light on those who need one more chance.