Entrepreneurship

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.

Bobby Flay

American Chef, restaurateur, and TV personality

Interviewed: 05-06-2023

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!

Jeff Ruby

Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment

Interviewed: 05-06-2023

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.

Cara Silletto

Author and Founder/Chief Retention Officer of Magnet Culture

Interviewed: 08-21-2020

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.

Jill Baker

A Visual Artist & Writer & Owner of Jill Baker’s Artist’s Studio

Interviewed: 12-13-2019

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.

Jerry “The King” Lawler

American Professional Wrestler Best Known As

Interviewed: 11-22-2019

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 

Michael Voltaggio

American Chef & Restauranteur-Bourbon & Beyond

Interviewed: 09-20-2019

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.

Dr. Richard Murphy

Research Director-Alltech European Bioscience Centre

Interviewed: 05-21-2019

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.

Elizabeth McCall

Asst. Master Distiller-Brown-Forman/Woodford Reserve

Interviewed: 05-04-2019

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"

Tracy Lawrence

American Country Music Singer, Songwriter, & Record Producer

Interviewed: 05-04-2019

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.

Corky Taylor

Chairman & Founder of Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company

Interviewed: 01-25-2019

How does a South African born beverage entrepreneur, who has founded 3 beverage companies, end up establish their first company actually based in Louisville.

Joe Heron

Co-Founder-Copper & Kings American Brandy Company

Interviewed: 12-07-2018

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.

Shawn Herbig

President/Founder of IQS Research

Interviewed: 08-24-2018

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.

Ouita Michel has always made locally grown ingredients a priority in her restaurants.

Ouita Michel

Owner, Ouita Michel Restaurants Group

Interviewed: 12-08-2017

Learn how Fred overcame PTSD to become a world-reknowned Bourbon author and Bourbon connoisseur.

Fred Minnick

Author, Journalist and Whiskey Blogger

Interviewed: 12-08-2017

Angela Leet is an engineer, community leader, mom, and Metro Council member.

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.

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.

Twyman Clements

Cofounder, CEO and President of Space Tango Inc.

Interviewed: 09-28-2017

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

Fueled by new ideas, Kris Kimel began IdeaFestival and KSTC.

Kris Kimel

Founder, IdeaFestival®& Founder, Humanity In Deep Space

Interviewed: 08-27-2017

Chef David Danielson applies classic French training with fresh and local flavor.

Chef David Danielson

Former Executive Chef, Churchill Downs Racetrack (2011-2022)

Interviewed: 07-28-2017

Wes Henderson co-created Angel’s Envy craft bourbon.

Wes Henderson

Co-Founder and Chief Innovations Officer, Angel’s Envy® Distillery

Interviewed: 04-23-2017

A passion for wellness fuels Carlos Rivas.

Carlos Rivas

Owner & Chief Encouragement Officer of MyHeadCoach

Interviewed: 04-23-2017

Dr. Brad Calobrace is a leader in the field of cosmetic breast surgery.

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.

Stacy Griggs

President/CEO, El Toro

Interviewed: 03-26-2017

Peng Looi followed his heart and became a world-class chef.

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 loves building – be it business or digital properties.

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.

Sterling Lapinski is an entrepreneur and angel investor.

Sterling A. Lapinski

Co-Founder of Genscape & Founder, Clipperdata

Interviewed: 04-01-2016

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.

Joey Wagner

Owner & Event Planner, J Wagner Group & DerbyVIP.com

Interviewed: 12-04-2015

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.

Lee W. Robinson

Owner, The Lee W. Robinson Company

Interviewed: 11-15-2015

Kevin Grangier is driven by his desire to create things that make people happy.

Kevin Grangier

Fdr./CEO-Belle Noble Entertainment Group, LLC.

Interviewed: 11-15-2015

Heather Howell’s desire to inspire her children and fear of failure power her in selecting her projects and in growing beverage brands.

Vickie Yates Brown brings passion to all of her projects – from shaping health care policy to the Nucleus project.

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.

Kelli Campbell

President and Owner, Joseph’s Salon/ Spa

Interviewed: 03-06-2015

Elizabeth Kitzito sees her cookie business as a way to provide for her family here and in Uganda.

Elizabeth Kizito

Owner and Founder, Kizito’s Cookies

Interviewed: 12-12-2014

Matt Thornton cites his desire to win as the trait that drives him in his roles leading Thorntons and contributing to the community.

Matt Thornton

President and CEO, Thorntons Inc.

Interviewed: 10-10-2014

Cathy Fyock’s belief in being true to your heart sparked her career as an author and human resources consultant.

Cathy Fyock

Human Resources and Author Consultant, Your Possibility Partner

Interviewed: 10-10-2014

Challenge motivates Ed Hart, and business turnarounds meet that need for him.

Ed Hart

President & Partner, Kentucky Kingdom

Interviewed: 04-11-2014

Ed Webb thrives on the challenges of business, change and growth.

Ed Webb

Former President/CEO, World Trade Center of KY. (2008-2019)

Interviewed: 04-11-2014

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.

Vincenzo Gabriele

Founder, Vincenzo’s Italian Restaurant

Interviewed: 10-11-2013

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.

J.K. McKnight

Founder, Forecastle Festival

Interviewed: 12-19-2012

Sam Swope has had a historic 60 years in the automobile dealership business.

Sam Swope (1926-2014)

Founder & Chairman, Sam Swope Auto Group, LLC

Interviewed: 12-19-2012

David Easterling is a software entrepreneur engaged in a labor of love to bring back an iconic Louisville beer brand.

David Easterling

Past President & CEO, Falls City Brewing Co.

Interviewed: 12-02-2011

Over the years, Kent Oyler has started 19 different business ventures and created over 1,000 jobs.

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.

Hal Heiner

Republican Louisville Mayoral Candidate

Interviewed: 07-23-2010

John Y. Brown, Jr. credits his father as the prime motivator and confidence builder in his life, driving his later successes.

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.

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.

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.

Greg Fischer

Entrepreneur & 2008 U.S. Senate Democratic Candidate

Interviewed: 12-05-2008

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.

Dr. Jo Ann Rooney

Past President, Spalding University (2002-2010)

Interviewed: 09-26-2008

Darryl Isaacs is a family man who learned his work ethic from his father.

Darryl Isaacs

Attorney, Isaacs & Isaacs (aka “The Heavy Hitter”)

Interviewed: 08-08-2008

Brenda Light's desire is to help women not only look and feel their best but to empower them as well.

Brenda Light

Former Owner, Light Touch Day Spa (1981-2009)

Interviewed: 05-30-2008

Dean Corbett is passionate about seeing people enjoy themselves.

John Yarmuth has dedicated his life to public service to make a difference for others.

Deepak Tiwari lives by the motto: wish, will, and determination is the law of success.

Deepak “D.T.” Tiwari

Indian-Born American Entrepreneur

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.

Bill Weyland loves finding creative ways to solve big challenges.

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.

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.

Jonathan Blue

Founder, Blue Equity, LLC

Interviewed: 05-24-2006

Making a difference is what drives Jack Guthrie.

Jack Guthrie

Founder, Guthrie-Mayes Public Relations

Interviewed: 03-30-2006

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