Trevor Howell
Founder/President
A husband, father of four, and former college athlete, Trevor Howell has spent his life around sports — playing basketball, baseball, football, and eventually competing at the collegiate level in soccer. Growing up in a family of six, he learned early what it felt like to love sports but not always have access to the best teams, the best training, or the resources to keep up. That experience shaped his passion for making sports accessible to every kid.
For more than a decade, Trevor has coached athletes at every age level in soccer and later served as an Area Director for USA Prime, a national baseball organization focused on elite player development. His leadership style blends mentorship, fundamentals, and confidence-building — always centered around helping kids grow as athletes and as people.
That heart for development is what inspired Trevor to create R4 Sports Complex, a mission-driven youth facility rooted in opportunity, family, and community. R4 isn’t just courts and turf — it’s a place where confidence is built, character is shaped, and futures are changed. A place where every child, regardless of background, can train, compete, and belong.
Trevor’s vision is simple: we’re not just building a facility — we’re building a movement.
Aaron Rule
Treasurer
Leader | Athlete | Financial Professional
Aaron Rule is a former collegiate baseball pitcher whos competitive spirit and team-first mindset not fuel a successful career in the financial industry. A proud graduate of the Univeristy of Tennessee, Aaron earned his degree in Psychology—laying the foundation for his people-centered approach to leadership.
With over 15 years of experience in banking, Aaron has built a reputation for excellence in customer service, financial operations, and team development. He currently serves as a Branch Manager at a leading local Credit Union, where he oversees daily operations, coaches staff, and ensures members receive top-tier support and guidance.
Aaron’s background in athletics and leadership enables him to connect with people, inspire growth, and lead with integrity. His commitment to community, relationships, and long-term impact makes him a valuable asset to the R4 Sports Complex and its mission to shape future leaders through sports and service.
Matthew Samler
Strategic Advisor
Matthew Samler serves full-time as the Student Pastor for 747 Youth at Pathways Church in Sevierville, TN, where he and his team minister to hundreds of students each week. He’s been faithfully serving in full-time ministry for the past 8 years and considers it the most rewarding work of his life.
A graduate of Liberty University with a degree in Christian Leadership, Matthew is passionate about mentoring and equpping the next generation of Christian leaders. His background includes over 20 years in the entertainment industry as a singer, producer, and director, as well as experience overseeing a multi-million-dollar company as Director of Operations.
Outside of ministry, he coaches elementary basketball and flag football, using sports as a platform to build faith, character, and leadership in youth. Matthew is married to his wife, Nicole, and together they are raising two children, Audrey and Noah. His faith and famiily are at the center of everything he does.
He’s honored to serve on the R4 Board and help supports its mission of building strong athletes and even stronger leaders.
Michael & Bailey
Financial Expertise | Strategic Leadership
Michael is a Financial Advisor with Axiom Wealth Management, where he helps individuals and families navigate financial planning with a focus on long-term success and stability. With 14 years of coaching experience across multiple sports, Michael brings a deep passion for mentorship, teamwork, and character development. His unique blend of financial acumen and hands-on coaching insight offers R4 a valuable dual perspective—combining strategic thinking with a heart for young athletes.
Baily is a licensed CPA with a strong background in operations, compliance, and financial reporting. She has worked with both businesses and non-profits to strengthen internal systems, improve efficiency, and support long-term growth. Known for her ability to balance high-level strategy with attention to detail, Bailey is deeply committed to building community-driven spaces where young people can grow in both skill and confidence.
Together, Michael and Bailey bring complementary strengths and a shared commitment to the mission of R4 Sports Complex. Their combined expertise in finance, leadership, and youth development will play a key role in shaping an inclusive, impactful environment for athletes and families across the region.
Sean Gleason
Strategic Advisor
President & CEO of IB3 Global Solutions, and INC5000 national security firm, Sean Gleason brings a powerful blend of military discipline, executive leadership, and community service to the R4 mission. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Sean is also an elected member of Oak Ridge City Council and has served on numerous nonprofit boards supporting causes from economic development to veteran and first responder initiatives. As a proud father of three active children, he’s deeply passionate about building the infrastructure that empowers young athletes to thrive in our community.
Robbie Baker
Strategic Advisor
Robbie is a real estate entrepreneur, investor, and content creator based in Knoxville, TN. With over 20 years of experience in sales, leadership, and business development, he brings a strategic people-first mindset to every project. As the owner of Kingdom 865 Properties, Robbie is passionate about community growth, mentorship, and buiding spaces that create lasting impact. Whether closing deals or serving alongside others, he leads with faith, vision, and grit.
Rex Lane
Strategic Advisor
Veteran. Visionary. Leader.
From the U.S. Marine Corps to the boardroom, Rex brings decades of executive leadership and strategic insight to the R4 mission. Currently the CEO of CPS Products, he’s guided Fortune 250 and private equity-backed companies alike.
We’re proud to have his wisdom and integrity shaping our future.
Benjamin Gordon
Benjamin Gordon is a Maryville, Tennessee native with experience in hospitality and sales. A devoted husband and father of two, he is grounded in his Christian faith and actively attends Faith Promise Church. At 33, he brings a people‑first approach to his work and cheers proudly for the Tennessee Vols and Chicago sports teams.