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Business
Elizabeth is Master Distiller for Woodford Reserve-a premium bourbon brand under the Brown-Forman Corporation. In February 2023, she became the 3rd person & the 1st woman to hold this position in the brand's 25+year history.
Prior to LULeague, Lyndon was a Student Development Specialist at TX A&M, where he assisted students in their personal growth & building their professional competencies & leadership skills.
Macrae is the 15th Head of School for Louisville Collegiate School & has spent over 35 yrs. working in independent school leadership!
Bobby Flay is a famous American chef, restaurateur, & TV personality. He is known for his expertise in Southwest cuisine & appearances on various Food Network shows, such as Iron Chef America, Beat Bobby Flay, & BBQ Brawl.
Robert is a Canadian-born American board game inventor who created the popular word-guessing game Pictionary in 1985. Since selling Pictionary, he has invented other board games & products.
A visionary behind impeccable service, legendary steaks, & a passion for showmanship! Yet, from a humble beginning at 15, he took control of his life by leaving a fatherless & problematic home, & with mentorship of a high school coach, Ruby mainly raised himself & forged his destiny!
Mrs. Eden Bridgeman Sklenar is owner, Chairwoman, & CEO of EBONY & JET & Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Manna Inc
Gwen is Cave Hill Cemetery's only 6th leader in almost 200 yrs. with roughly 300 acres & an arboretum, under her care! In fact, Cave Hill cemetery is considered by PBS to be 1 of the world’s greatest cemeteries!
Taylor believes life has presented him with challenges many Louisvillians face daily, which uniquely qualifies him to relate to their concerns & motivates him to fix them.
Impassioned after surviving a Sept. 6, 2018, mass shooting in Cincinnati, OH., Whitney cofounded Whitney/Strong-a non-profit focused on responsible gun ownership & ending gun violence by taking a non-partisan approach to legislation, with her husband, Waller.
Considered an expert in human behavior & org. dynamics, his vision is as a result of reading his books, attending his keynotes/workshops; participants are moved to achieve higher levels of performance & their organizations better places to work!
Being Master Distiller is something Brent Elliott says is hard to call a job because, to him, “it’s a privilege and a passion to be a part of Four Roses.”
Tawanda is a native of Zimbabwe, but has become an American immigrant success story! His favorite saying is that he enjoys mentoring young professionals to grow their wings “so they too can fly.”
Tawanda Chitapa
Zimbabwean Immigrant & American Healthcare I.T. Expert, Mentor, and Soccer Fanatic
Interviewed: 05-21-2021
Workforce thought leader Cara Silletto, MBA, CSP, works with organizations of all sizes to reduce unnecessary employee turnover by bridging generational gaps & making managers more effective in their roles.
Di's personal goals have been to champion small business ownership & success by working to remove the obstacles that keep people from achieving the "American Dream."
Di Tran
Serial Entrepreneur, Computer Engineer, Mentor and Vietnamese Immigrant
Interviewed: 01-24-2020
Robert is motivated by the form that a dancer gains from training in the traditions of classical ballet, where respect & discipline can facilitate breathtaking strength & freedom.
Marcia leads the Lean strategy for the business focusing on delivering winning products and services for customers and consumers while minimizing waste throughout ALL functions.
Marcia Brey
Vice President of Distribution at GE Appliances, A Haier Company
Interviewed: 08-23-2019
Josh celebrates the brilliance & strength of marginalized people including LGBTQ+ & Black communities through photography & collaborative storytelling.
She collects, curates exhibitions, writes, lectures, & appraises fine quilts. Zegart has curated many exhibits in the U.S. & abroad, & lectures on all aspects of quilt history & aesthetics.
Namm has been written about in The New York Times, The Economist, Slate, Business Week, Scientific American, The Atlantic & more. Naam is also the multi-award-winning author of five books, including "The Nexus Trilogy" science fiction novels.
His ability to analyze complex concepts & translate them into easily understood language has positioned him as an ambassador of some of Alltech’s most advanced technologies & their practical applications, taking him around the world as a much sought-after speaker & expert.
Radke is a fifth-generation rancher from Mitchell, South Dakota, who has dedicated her career to serving as a voice for the nation’s beef producers.
Samantha is an Australian-based Agri-Media Specialist, having worked for such organizations as Fairfax Media, Food Miles Magazine, the Daily Telegraph, & the Glen Innes Examiner. Based in Sydney, Townsend became the 2019 Runner-Up IFAJ Alltech International Award for Leadership.
As a lifelong cattle producer, she and her husband have used technology and data for production improvement and increased profitability since the late 1980s.
American actor, screenwriter, producer, and film director. He is best known for co-writing and producing the film Green Book, for which he received two Academy Awards
Nick Vallelonga
Academy Award-Winning Producer, American Actor, Screenwriter, & Film Director
Interviewed: 05-04-2019
In her role as Asst. Master Distiller, McCall will continue working under the direction of Master Distiller Chris Morris on the innovation & the development of new products within Woodford Reserve.
Steve Huey wrote of Lawrence's musical style that he was "one of a number of rock-tinged honky tonk singers who rose to fame in the early '90s" & "gained a loyal audience for his mix of modern & traditional country sounds"
Trained 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah & 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify. Baffert has won 5 KY Derbies, 7 Preakness Stakes, 3 Belmont Stakes, & 3 KY. Oaks.
Bob Baffert
Legendary American Racehorse Trainer & 2018 & 2015 Triple Crown Winner
Interviewed: 05-03-2019
Chef Thierry Rautureau, nicknamed "The Chef In The Hat", is the chef/owner of restaurants, Loulay and Luc, in Seattle, Washington.
Chef Thierry Rautureau (1959-2023)
Nicknamed- (The Chef in the Hat) & Chef/Owner of Loulay and Luc Restaurants
Interviewed: 05-02-2019
His passion for handcrafted quality is matched only by his dedication to his family. Peerless has remained in family hands for five generations, & the business is now bonded to stay in the family for at least five more generations.
Since 1984, Greg has served 35+ years with the Louisville Redbirds, Louisville RiverBats & now Louisville Bats in many diverse roles.
As President Texas Roadhouse, Inc., which owns & operates more than 575 restaurants in 49 states & 9 countries, Scott joined TX. Roadhouse in 2002 as the Chief Financial Officer-“CFO” & was promoted to Pres. in 2011
How does a South African born beverage entrepreneur, who has founded 3 beverage companies, end up establish their first company actually based in Louisville.
Kilburn became fascinated with the art of distillation during college and claimed it to be the perfect balance of chemistry, biology, & physics. His fascination led him to obsessively research the process & science of distillation.
Today the Healing Place campus is expanding & has several thousand alumni with a 75% recovery rate.
I’m not a stay-at-home wife. I’m an investor in real estate, the tech sector, & lifestyle brands.
Fawn Weaver
Bestselling Author & Co-Founder/Historian Uncle Nearest 1856 Whiskey
Interviewed: 09-22-2018
Learn the how and why Shawn, and in turn IQS Research, bring precision & scientific rigor to the process of conducting social science research.
Learn the underpinnings of why Kirt walked away from a commercial real estate career, and is now solely focused on finding the humanity behind some of today’s most inspiring individuals.
Flynn had plans to go into medicine, not to mention his 15 years of military service in the U.S. Army, as well as being based out of Landstuhl, Germany from 2002-2007, but let’s back up, Flynn decided to go into medical equipment & pharmaceutical sales instead, changing the course of his professional life.
Dr. Joseph Flynn
Executive Director & Physician-in-Chief, Norton Cancer Institute (NCI)
Interviewed: 12-08-2017
In 2015, he was chosen to lead the KY. Derby Museum, since taking the lead, Armstrong & his “KDM” staff have increased revenue by 22%, along with annual attendance increases.
Learn how Cynthia overcame crushing grief & how a Motown co-founder inspired the creation of Solid Light.
Cynthia Torp
President/Owner, Solid Light, Inc. (A 100% Woman-Owned Business)
Interviewed: 11-05-2017
Learn how Dr. Allan Parnell rose from a rural one-room schoolhouse to create a trucking empire.
Dr. Allan Parnell
Chairman of the Board, Mister “P” Express Trucking Company
Interviewed: 11-05-2017
Lukas Dwelly is a social entrepreneur who has worked with some of the largest organizations in our community.
Anshu Gupta, popularly known as the Clothing Man, is the Founder of an India-based nonprofit Goonj and one of India’s leading social entrepreneurs.
Anshu Gupta
Founder, India-based Nonprofit Goonj & One of India’s Leading Social Entrepreneurs
Interviewed: 09-26-2017
Deep Cotton is an American funk duo based in Atlanta, whose members are Chuck Lightning and Nate “Rocket” Wonder. Part of the Wondaland Arts Society, they are also sometimes called the “Punk Prophets”.
Chef David Danielson
Former Executive Chef, Churchill Downs Racetrack (2011-2022)
Interviewed: 07-28-2017
Michael Dale "Mike" Huckabee is an American politician, Christian minister, author, musician and commentator.
Wes Henderson
Co-Founder and Chief Innovations Officer, Angel’s Envy® Distillery
Interviewed: 04-23-2017
Dr. M. Bradley Calobrace, MD, FACS
Plastic Surgeon, CaloAesthetics Plastic Surgery Center
Interviewed: 04-23-2017
For 20 years, Mike Berry has been at the helm of the Kentucky Derby Festival (KDF), one of the nation’s largest and most notable civic celebrations.
Technology entrepreneur Stacy Griggs is a high energy executive with strong leadership skills.
Creativity, curiosity and discipline define Delanor Manson’s accomplishments across many fields.
Delanor Manson
CEO-Kentucky Nurses Assoc., Retired U.S. Navy Captain & Owner, Koi Gallery
Interviewed: 03-24-2017
Chef Peng S. Looi
Frmr. Exec. Chef of Asiatique Rest. (1994-2018) & Ptnr. August Moon Chinese Bistro
Interviewed: 03-24-2017
The desire to serve her community and have a greater impact on more people fuels Theresa Reno-Weber to excel.
Tom Cottingham is a serial entrepreneur who builds successful publishing companies in the digital age.
Terry Forcht is a leading Kentucky entrepreneur and investor and the founder of Forcht Group of Kentucky.
Donald E. Lassere leads the Muhammad Ali Center and fosters its mission of building and expanding on the Center’s educational programs, partnerships, and other outreach initiatives.
Taylor Trusty
Founder, Blackstone Media, Digital Marketing Entrepreneur and Speaker
Interviewed: 11-20-2016
James O’Connor is a former professional soccer player and is head coach of Louisville City FC.
Coach James O'Connor
Former Head Coach, Louisville City FC (Football Club)-soccer-(2015-2018)
Interviewed: 11-20-2016
Amanda Duffy’s desire to break boundaries and her competitive spirit to succeed drive her every day.
Ingrid Hernandez delivers high quality design while building personalized client relationships.
Joey Wagner, Owner of the J Wagner Group, has been putting on some of the biggest events in the city of Louisville and the midwest region for the past 10 years. J. Wagner Group, a full-service event planning, marketing, and promotions firm, serves many well-known and high-end clients.
Ankur Gopal’s desire to make an impact has fueled his success building a technology application company.
A competitive spirit drives Chris Morris in his pursuit for excellence as a master distiller.
Since Lee W. Robinson was seven years old and constructing scale models, he has had a passion for design and building beautiful homes.
Tom Jurich cites his motivation to do things right and see results as he leads athletic programs at the University of Louisville.
Tom Jurich
Former Vice President and Director of Athletics, University of Louisville
Interviewed: 11-13-2015
Heather Howell’s desire to inspire her children and fear of failure power her in selecting her projects and in growing beverage brands.
Heather Howell
Director of Global Innovation & Trademark, Jack Daniel’s Family of Brands
Interviewed: 10-23-2015
Vickie Yates Brown brings passion to all of her projects – from shaping health care policy to the Nucleus project.
Vickie Yates Brown
Former-KY. Sec. of the Cabinet for Health & Human Services (2015-2018)
Interviewed: 10-23-2015
Creativity in food, atmosphere and service fuel John Varanese in his career as chef and restaurant owner.
John Varanese
Chef and Restaurateur, Varanese, River House, and Levee Restaurants
Interviewed: 10-23-2015
Michael Blowen’s fear of horses grew into a deep love for horses, and for saving their lives.
Michael Blowen
Founder and President, Old Friends Farm – A Thoroughbred Retirement Facility
Interviewed: 07-26-2015
Robin Miller grew up in a family active in politics and the community, spurring her to serve in the public sector.
A love for horticulture inspired Lee Squires in his career managing the 300-acre Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, Ky.
Lee Squires
President & CEO (Retired), Cave Hill Cemetery Co., Inc. (1975-2015)
Interviewed: 03-27-2015
Diane Medley and her business partner founded their CPA firm to treat people in a way that they can achieve their dreams.
Fun and the challenge of creating a sense of wonderment drive Louisville-native Wayne Hettinger to create memorable events on a grand scale.
Matt Jamie’s motto of “Slow. Small. Simple.” guides his company in producing high quality, bourbon-based sauces.
Matt Jamie
Founder and Owner, Bourbon Barrel Foods LLC and Bluegrass Soy Sauce Co., Ltd.
Interviewed: 03-27-2015
As the owner of Joseph’s Salon and Spa, Kelly Flint Campbell sees the growth of her staff and client relationships as her inspiration.
Elizabeth Kitzito sees her cookie business as a way to provide for her family here and in Uganda.
Summer Auerbach is committed to local independent businesses and leads Rainbow Blossom Natural Foods.
Jim Allen
Vice Chairman at Baird & Former, President and CEO, Hilliard Lyons
Interviewed: 10-10-2014
Matt Thornton cites his desire to win as the trait that drives him in his roles leading Thorntons and contributing to the community.
Tom Partridge thrives on helping businesses secure capital for projects that will have a positive impact on their communities.
Tim Laird
former “C.E.O” Chief Entertainment Officer, Brown-Forman Corporation
Interviewed: 08-15-2014
Saul Garcia followed his dream of seeing people enjoying themselves while sharing a meal at his own restaurant.
Saul Garcia (1963-2021)
Co-Founder & Owner of the Los Aztecas & Sol Azteca Mexican Restaurants
Interviewed: 10-11-2013
Vincenzo Gabriele and his brothers grew up with a love for fine dining, inspired by their father, a captain in the Merchant Marine.
Robert Davenport
CEO, Kentucky Planning Partners & Founder, Louisville Concours d’ Elegance
Interviewed: 04-12-2013
Lynnie Meyer, a well-known civic leader and fundraising executive in Louisville, is fueled by her commitment to the community.
David Easterling is a software entrepreneur engaged in a labor of love to bring back an iconic Louisville beer brand.
A consistent love for sports and entertainment drives Lynn Abramson-Saltzman in her career.
Lynn Abramson-Saltzman
Past General Manager/Exclusive Marketer of the KFC YUM! Center (2011-2013)
Interviewed: 05-20-2011
Over the years, Kent Oyler has started 19 different business ventures and created over 1,000 jobs.
Kent Oyler
Former President and CEO, Greater Louisville, Inc. (2014-2020), OPM Services & Entrepreneur (1992-2015)
Interviewed: 03-25-2011
Hal Heiner served as a vice chairman of Greater Louisville, Inc., and in 2002, he was elected to the Louisville Metro Council. On the Council, he spent eight years focusing on finding efficiencies in services, shedding light on the inner dealings of Metro Government, and finding smart ways for the community to grow and prosper.
Louisville-born Greg Fischer is an entrepreneur and community leader. In 2008, Fischer ran for the Kentucky Democratic Primary for the U.S. Senate and finished second among the seven candidates.
Living with a core of gratitude and an attitude of caring and sharing, Bernard Trager founded and built Republic Bank, always with a heart to serve.
John Y. Brown, Jr. credits his father as the prime motivator and confidence builder in his life, driving his later successes such as making KY. Fried Chicken-a global fast food brand!
John Y. Brown Jr. (1933-2022)
1979-1983 Governor of Kentucky & Kentucky Fried Chicken Entrepreneur
Interviewed: 07-16-2010
David Jones Sr. co-founded Humana Inc. and considers the good job opportunities and chance for success that the company ultimately provided as his greatest achievement.
David A. Jones Sr. (1931-2019)
Co-Founder & Chairman Emeritus, Humana, Inc. (1931-2019)
Interviewed: 07-16-2010
A native of Ireland, Dr. T. Pearse Lyons is driven by making a difference in the world, and has built his company, Alltech, based on doing the right thing.
Dr. T. Pearse Lyons (1944-2018)
President & Founder, ALLTECH, Inc. And 2010 Title Sponsor, FEI World Equestrian Games (held Lexington, KY.)
Interviewed: 06-11-2010
Matt Bevin’s intellectual curiosity and love of learning have led him through several career opportunities in his lifetime.
Matt Bevin
Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky (2015-2019) and Past CEO & Principal, Integrity Asset Management
Interviewed: 12-04-2009
A custom builder and remodeler, Joe Pusateri thrives on challenge and using his talents to the best of his ability.
Louisville-native and restaurateur Kent Taylor has a passion for the food industry and for skiing.
Kent Taylor (1955-2021)
Founder, Texas Roadhouse & Aspen Creek Restaurant Chains (1955-2021)
Interviewed: 08-14-2009
After watching a close family member go through a painful bankruptcy, Mark Lamkin decided to pursue his dream of becoming a financial planner and made a promise never to let bankruptcy impact someone in his life again.
Mark Lamkin
President, Lamkin Wealth Management & Former 2005 “The Apprentice” contestant
Interviewed: 12-05-2008
A core believer in the servant leadership model, Greg Fischer is a successful businessman and civic leader in Louisville, Ky.
Brenda Light's desire is to help women not only look and feel their best but to empower them as well.
Jim King believes that success breeds success and that as he achieves more, he is able to do more things for more people.
Councilman Jim King (1951-2015)
Past President & CEO, King Southern Bank & 2011-2015 Louisville Metro Council President
Interviewed: 05-30-2008
Chef Dean Corbett (1962-2018)
Proprietor & Chef of Jack’s, Equus, & Corbett’s Restaurants
Interviewed: 05-30-2008
Michael Dalby is passionate about business and believes a strong and growing economy lead to a strong community.
Chris Thieneman is a competitor who loves to dream up new scenarios and strategies for success.
Jennifer Bielstein loves the art form and experience of live theatre and believes that it can change people’s lives.
Jennifer Bielstein
Former Managing Director of Actors Theatre of Louisville (2006-2016)
Interviewed: 12-05-2007
Steve Trager gets to make a positive impact every day in the lives of his associates and customers.
Glenn Hogan believes fear is a great motivator that will either paralyze you or drive you to success.
John Harralson, Jr.
Former Owner and Past Editor, The Voice-Tribune (1987-2005)
Interviewed: 09-26-2007
Owsley Brown Frazier has dedicated his life and fortune to improve his hometown for future generations.
Owsley Brown Frazier (1935-2012)
Philanthropist & Founder/Chairman, Frazier International History Museum
Interviewed: 09-25-2007
John Asher loves the sport of horse racing and is driven to make everything about Churchill Downs the best in the world.
John Asher (1955-2018)
Former-Vice President of Racing Communications, Churchill Downs (1999-2018)
Interviewed: 05-24-2007
Maria G. Hampton
Past VP & Sr. Branch Executive, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (2005-2014)
Interviewed: 05-24-2007
Sandra Frazier starts each day thinking about how she can contribute something that will make a difference.
Barbara Day draws her inspiration from being told as a little girl that she wouldn’t amount to much.
Barbara Day
Radio Host & Past Publisher, Kentuckiana Health Fitness & Healthy Woman Magazines (1997-2010)
Interviewed: 05-24-2007
For Chuck Denny, continuous self-improvement is a driving force that motivates him every day.
Chuck Denny
Former President and C.E.O., National City Kentucky/Tennessee Banking
Interviewed: 03-07-2007
Tyler Allen began life with a great foundation and believes that he has a responsibility to give back to the community.
Tyler Allen
President, USA Image Technologies, Inc. & Co-Founder of 8664.org
Interviewed: 03-07-2007
Steve Higdon orients his life and career around his family, striving to be the best husband and father he can be.
Steve Higdon
Past President & CEO of (GLI)-Greater Louisville, Inc. (1997-2005)
Interviewed: 03-07-2007
Bill Samuels, Jr., is wired to achieve and seeks opportunities that have a beginning, end, and outcome.
Ed Manassah
Former Executive in Residence, Bellarmine University & Former Publisher of C.J.
Interviewed: 12-06-2006
Jim Host loves Kentucky and he believes it has more potential than any other state in the country.
Jim Host
Former Kentucky Commerce Secretary & Founder of Host Communications
Interviewed: 09-27-2006
Growing up in Kansas, Steve Sexton learned a lot about the importance of a strong work ethic and goal setting.
Joe Regan is motivated by seeing lives changed through improved education and expanded employment opportunities.
Joe Reagan
Former President & CEO, “GLI” Greater Louisville Chamber of Commerce (2005-2012)
Interviewed: 05-24-2006
Jonathan Blue loves finding new opportunities and growing them into successful enterprises.
Debbie Scoppechio (1949-2017)
Founder, Scoppechio (formerly Creative Alliance) Ad Agency
Interviewed: 10-20-2005
