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Entrepreneurship
Morris & team led a $2 billion IPO of Rubicon to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), with it named “1 of the World’s Most Innovative Cos.” by Fast Co, an “Industry Disruptor” by Inc. Mag, & a Great Place to Work™ for 5 consecutive years! Rubicon is ONLY 1 of 9 KY. cos. to EVER go public in the 230+ year New York Stock Exchange history!
As founder/CEO of Wicked Sheets, she leads a company that specializes in innovative moisture-wicking/cooling bedding products, designed to alleviate night sweats & enhance sleep quality, are a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit offering a unique solution to a more common issue than many realize, sparking intrigue & interest.
Steve is a prominent American entrepreneur & art collector, best known as co-founder of 21c Museum Hotels-a unique boutique hotel chain that seamlessly integrates contemporary art into their design & visitor experience.
Steve Wilson
American Entrepreneur & Art Collector & Co-Founder of 21c Museum Hotels
Interviewed: 05-04-2024
Griffin Johnson
🏇🌹American Social Media Influencer, Actor, & Entrepreneur 🌹🏇
Interviewed: 05-04-2024
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.
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!
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
Growing up in rural South Carolina, his mom & mamaw instilled a passion for food at an early age. After going to culinary school at Johnson & Wales Univ. & working in Charleston, SC., he moved to Louisville in 2004, & felt the food scene had much to offer a young chef & fell in love with the city.
Chef Dallas McGarity
Executive Chef & Owner of The Fat Lamb Modern Kitchen & Bar & Portage House Restaurants
Interviewed: 12-13-2019
Since learning how to draw at the age of 2, Ms. Baker dreamt of becoming an artist. Endowed with a strong work ethic & the support of her parents, she continued to practice art until enrolling in college & graduated Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1964 from Baylor University.
Foster is a business executive & entrepreneur who has been involved with start-up & early-stage business enterprises as well as more mature companies.
T. Vernon Foster
Senior Executive Director/Assistant Dean-The University of Louisville, College of Business
Interviewed: 12-13-2019
A living legend in the world of professional wrestling! Since 1970, Jerry has headlined main events across the world for Memphis Wrestling, WWF, WWE, NWA, AWA, World Class Championship Wrestling, United States Wrestling Association, & Smoky Mountain Wrestling.
Her deep love for farm life, as well as her many years working her family’s land, have given her invaluable insight into growing the wide variety of crops used in Jeptha Creed’s products. It has also inspired the distillery’s distinct ground-to-glass maxim.
Joyce Nethery
Co-Owner & Master Distiller- Jeptha Creed Distllery- Bourbon & Beyond
Interviewed: 09-20-2019
Michael has been recognized as one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs 2013, winner of Bravo’s Top Chef, and hosted the Travel Channel series
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.
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.
How does a South African born beverage entrepreneur, who has founded 3 beverage companies, end up establish their first company actually based in Louisville.
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.
Learn how Fred overcame PTSD to become a world-reknowned Bourbon author and Bourbon connoisseur.
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
Twyman Clements is cofounder, CEO and President of Space Tango Inc. which enables R&D, bioengineering and manufacturing in microgravity with the mission to create new industries to improve the lives of people on Earth.
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
Nat Irvin, II has taught change management, leadership, future studies, and team dynamics since 2007.
Nat Irvin II
Author, Innovator, Futurist, Teacher, Commentator & Founder of Thrivals at IdeaFestival
Interviewed: 09-26-2017
Chef David Danielson
Former Executive Chef, Churchill Downs Racetrack (2011-2022)
Interviewed: 07-28-2017
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
Technology entrepreneur Stacy Griggs is a high energy executive with strong leadership skills.
Chef Peng S. Looi
Frmr. Exec. Chef of Asiatique Rest. (1994-2018) & Ptnr. August Moon Chinese Bistro
Interviewed: 03-24-2017
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.
Taylor Trusty
Founder, Blackstone Media, Digital Marketing Entrepreneur and Speaker
Interviewed: 11-20-2016
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.
Since Lee W. Robinson was seven years old and constructing scale models, he has had a passion for design and building beautiful homes.
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
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.
Matt Thornton cites his desire to win as the trait that drives him in his roles leading Thorntons and contributing to the community.
Cathy Fyock’s belief in being true to your heart sparked her career as an author and human resources consultant.
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.
Gill Holland’s curiosity has led to careers as an independent film producer, building developer, and former lawyer.
JK McKnight is the founder and captain of the Forecastle festival, a gathering of musicians, artists and activists.
David Easterling is a software entrepreneur engaged in a labor of love to bring back an iconic Louisville beer brand.
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.
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
A core believer in the servant leadership model, Greg Fischer is a successful businessman and civic leader in Louisville, Ky.
Dr. Jo Ann Rooney is an American educator, lawyer, businesswoman and public servant driven by seeing the achievements of students and the impact education has on their lives and their families.
Brenda Light's desire is to help women not only look and feel their best but to empower them as well.
Chef Dean Corbett (1962-2018)
Proprietor & Chef of Jack’s, Equus, & Corbett’s Restaurants
Interviewed: 05-30-2008
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
Heather French Henry is inspired by hard work and dedication and believes that everyone can choose to make a difference with the time they have.
Heather French Henry
Founder, H.F. Foundation for Veterans & Miss America 2000
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
Jonathan Blue loves finding new opportunities and growing them into successful enterprises.
