Business Lexington February 2024

IN THIS ISSUE

FEBRUARY 2024 | VOL. 20 ISSUE 2

CraveWorthy: Florida-based grocery store Publix announces a location on Romany Road PAGE 6

What’s Coming to the Commons?: Developers of the downtown-adjacent parcel plan for a mixed-use destination to work, live, and play PAGE 12

A Crafty Collaboration Two growing small businesses combine forces and meld operations, with a new Woodland Triangle location PAGE 8

Marin Fiske (left) and Kami Risk (right) are co-owners of Poppy & Pomelo and Wick & Mortar.

PHOTO BY ABBY LAUB

Q&A with Neil Kesterson: The Dynamix Productions founder on a career in audio engineering and growing a small business PAGE 22

BizLists Commercial Real Estate Management Companies PAGE 14 | Real Estate Law Firms PAGE 16 | Architecture Firms PAGE 18

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Servicing these industries: • Emergency Services • Restaurant and Bar • Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway/Other • Spa, Salon/Nail Salon • Medical Office, Clinic/Veterinary • Universi�es/Students • Equine Laundry Service • Hotels/Motels • Gyms/Health Clubs SCAN THE QR CODE FILL OUT YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS CHOOSE A PICKUP AND DELIVERY DATE

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splashemoutlaundry@gmail.com

10 LOCATIONS IN & AROUND LEXINGTON, NICHOLASVILLE & RICHMOND, KY

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FEBRUARY 2024

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BusinessLexington Chuck Creacy PUBLISHER

chuck@bizlex.com Chris Eddie

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CONTENTS PVAStatistics

The latest statistics on local residential properties PAGE 4

PUBLISHER

chris@bizlex.com Tom Wilmes EDITOR

tomw@bizlex.com Donna Hodsdon ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

donna@bizlex.com Drew Purcell ART DIRECTOR

drew@bizlex.com

EconomicAnalysis

A monthly look at economic indicators compiled by the Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) at the University of Kentucky PAGE 5

WriteStuff

The Art of the Cover Letter PAGE 5

Nikole Christensen COPY EDITOR

Tanzi Merritt BIZLISTS EDITOR

bizlists@smileypete.com Emily Marks

CraveWorthy

Florida-based grocery store Publix announces a location on Romany Road PAGE 6

SALES MANAGER

emily@smileypete.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Amy Eddie

amy@bizlex.com Ann Staton

ann@bizlex.com

QuickBites PAGE 7

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A Crafty Collaboration: Two growing small businesses combine forces and meld operations, with a new Woodland Triangle location PAGE 8 Y ILE PE

(859) 266-6537 www.smileypete.com advertise@smileypete.com info@smileypete.com

BizLists

Commercial real estate management companies PAGE 14 Real estate law firms PAGE 16 Architecture firms PAGE 18

Who’sWho

Employment updates and notable achievements from around the region PAGE 20

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RENDERING FURNISHED

Cibon, Wild Lab Bakery, Brown Barrel, highlight new openings and expansions

RD1 Breaks Ground on Downtown Bourbon Destination: As the anchor tenant of the Commons, RD1 Spirits anticipates its $4.8 million project will be a major draw PAGE 10

What’s Coming to the Commons?: Developers of the downtown-adjacent parcel plan for a mixed-use destination to work, live, and play PAGE 12

Q&A with Neil Kesterson: The Dynamix Productions founder on a career in recording and and growing a small business PAGE 22

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FEBRUARY 2024

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PVAStatistics “SITEK has been key to our growth for over 10 years. They developed our initial in-house data entry and reporting systems. They created remote data entry for our multi-state field inspection program. Ganesh has a bright, energetic team at SITEK which has made a real impact on our organization.

Their work has been very accurate and their response time for issues or changes has been excellent. SITEK really understands our operations and has been able to create imaginative solutions for our unique needs.”

– CUMBERLAND SURETY, INC

WE PROVIDE CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS FOR BETTER BUSINESS PROCESS, EFFICIENCY, AND OUTCOMES. MOBILE APP DEVELOPMENT WEB DEVELOPMENT CLOUD HOSTING APPLICATION SUPPORT PROJECT MANAGEMENT APPLICATION DESIGN & TESTING SYSTEMS INTEGRATION TECHNICAL STAFFING

SITEK INC

siteksolutions.com 1040 Monarch St. Ste. 205 Lexington, KY 40513 A MINORITY OWNED BUSINESS

These statistics on local residential and commercial property are compiled by the office of the Fayette County Property Valuation Administrator. The data reflect the most up-to-date information available at the time of printing for this publication, but monthly figures may be revised as additional public records of property transactions are submitted and become available.

Top Commercial Transactions for December 2023 DATE

ADDRESS

PRICE

ENTITY

12/21/23 1029 Cross Keys Road

$12,100,000* CKW Real Estate LLC

12/21/23 1021 Cross Keys Road

$12,100,000* CKW Real Estate LLC

12/21/23 1037 Cross Keys Road

$12,100,000* CKW Real Estate LLC

12/21/23 1033 Cross Keys Road

$12,100,000* CKW Real Estate LLC

12/21/23 1545-1565 Alexandria Drive

$12,100,000* CKW Real Estate LLC

12/21/23 1025 Cross Keys Road

$12,100,000* CKW Real Estate LLC

12/15/23 3264 Loch Ness Drive

$840,000

3264 Loch Ness Holding LLC

12/12/23 989 Governors Lane, Ste. 325

$808,000

Legacy Property Holdings LLC

12/20/23 1104-1108 Winchester Road

$600,000

Gullett Family Properties LLC

12/13/23 117 N. Limestone

$500,000

Freedom Ninety LLC

12/6/23

$349,900

Glock Nicholasville LLC

12/13/23 121-129 Prosperous Pl., Unit 6A

$321,021*

Shannon Family Trust LLC

12/13/23 121-129 Prosperous Pl., Unit 5A

$321,021*

Shannon Family Trust LLC

12/7/23

1824 Augusta Drive

$272,800

APB Properties LLC

12/4/23

1795 Alysheba Way, Unit 1103

$180,000

Bwi Properties LLC

361 Linden Walk

12/11/23 2121 Nicholasville Road, Unit 107 $143,500

Shree and S. Property LLC

12/15/23 724 N. Broadway

Lafayette Parkway Rentals LLC

$127,500

*Sale Price Based on a Multiple-Parcel Transaction ** Parcel includes multiple improvements, see property record for details

SERVING LEXINGTON SINCE 1960

CALL TODAY!

STORAGE CONTAINERS

Residential Sales Data for December 2023 The chart below shows the monthly residential sales activity in Fayette County for the previous 24 months. The data for the most recent month reflect a projected estimate from the office of the Fayette County Property Valuation Administrator and are subject to change.

2023 RESIDENTIAL SALES

2022 RESIDENTIAL SALES

800 700 TEMPORARY FENCE

RESTROOMS & OFFICES

BARRICADE RENTALS

600 500

COMING IN MARCH THE MARCH 2024 ISSUE OF BUSINESS LEXINGTON WILL FOCUS ON EDUCATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WHILE FEATURING THE FOLLOWING BIZLISTS: • COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES • PRIVATE SCHOOLS • MBA PROGRAMS AD MATERIALS DEADLINE: FEB. 23 ISSUE DROP DATE: MARCH 1 FOR ADVERTISING INFO CALL (859) 266-6537 OR EMAIL ADVERTISE@SMILEYPETE.COM.

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400 300 200 100

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

-36%

-32%

-17%

-39%

-28%

-21%

-19%

-20%

-17%

-15%

-7%

-12%

MONTHLY PERCENTAGE CHANGE OVER PREVIOUS YEAR For more local residential and commercial real estate information, visit the website of the Fayette County Property Valuation Administrator at www.fayettepva.com.

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EconomicAnalysis A monthly look at economic indicators compiled by the Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) at the University of Kentucky. For more on CBER, visit www.cber.uky.edu.

Recent Data Dec. 2023

1-Month Change

1-Year Change

Payroll emp. MSA**** Manufacturing Employment Durable Goods (KY) **** Manufacturing: Lexington-Fayette MSA Total Employees**** Unemployment Rate MSA****

299,200 Nov. 169,200 Nov.

-0.2% -0.5%

4.1% 2.2%

31,420 Nov. 3.20% Nov.

-0.6% 3.2%

-0.9% 14.3%

Payroll Employment, US Manufacturing Payroll Employment US Unemployment Rate, US

157,232,000 Dec. 12,986,000 Dec. 3.70% Dec.

0.1% 0.0% 0.0%

1.9% 0.1% 2.8%

Consumer Price Index, Southern Region Consumer Price Index, US Producer Price Index, US

298.8 Dec. 308.9 Dec. 249.5 Dec.

-0.0% 0.3% -1.1%

3.7% 3.3% -0.2%

Index of Leading Indicators** Fed’s Index of Industrial Production**

103.0 Nov. 102.7 Nov.

-0.9% 0.3%

-0.1% -1.0%

3-Month Treasury Yield*** 10-Year Treasury Yield***

5.40% Dec. 4.02% Dec.

-1.8% -10.7%

23.9% 11.7%

3rd Qtr. 2023

1-Month Change

1-Year Change

22,490,690.00

1.3%

NA

Real GDP (millions $)

Note: In some cases 1 mo. And 1 yr. changes are based on revised data from previous mo./yr/ * Source: The Conference Board Research Group; http://www.conference-board.org/ ** Source: Federal Reserve Statistical Release, http://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/G17/ *** Source: Federal Reserve Statistical Release; https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/h15/ **** Source: St. Louis Federal Reserve; https://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/ ***** GDP is reported as Real Gross Domestic Product, Chained Dollars [Millions of chained (2012) dollars] Seasonally adjusted at annual rates (Updated numbers as of Jan. 27, 2023); https://apps.bea.gov/histdata/histChildLevels.cfm?HMI=7

WriteStuff

By Erica Lynne Cook

The Art of the Cover Letter In today’s competitive job market, you might be considering how best to stand out as the right candidate. Even in a digital-first world, a potential candidate’s first impression is typically made with a well-written cover letter. Your letter should complement, not restate, your resume, all while commanding attention and highlighting your distinct qualifications. Here are some best practices to consider: Do your research first. Of course, you should carefully read the job description and peruse the company’s website and its social media pages. Do you have a personal connection with the company or know someone who works there? Mention it in the first sentence or two. Always address your letter to the hiring manager directly.

Write in a conversational yet professional style. Tailor your tone to the company’s culture. Avoid intricate sentences and jargon. Use action verbs and the active voice; convey confidence, enthusiasm, and respect. You want to show some personality but avoid letters that are too humorous or that may read as a sales pitch.

Emphasize your value. Show how your education and experience suit the requirements of the position. Elaborate on a few points from your resume to help explain what you could contribute to the organization. If you have brief examples or

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stats that demonstrate these skills, include those.

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Stress action and express gratitude.

As you wrap up your letter, indicate what accompanying material is being sent and offer to provide additional information (a portfolio, a writing sample, a sample publication). Thank the reader for their consideration and indicate that you are looking forward to hearing from them.

Proofread carefully. Carefully read and re-read your letter for grammatical errors, typos, and formatting inconsistencies.

Take some time between each time you proofread to increase your likelihood of catching errors.

Writing a unique and tailored cover letter can help you establish rapport with the hiring manager while expressing what value you can bring to the company. A good letter elaborates on your qualifications, showcases your ability to communicate effectively, and above all, illustrates your eagerness to excel in the position. BL Erica Lynne Cook holds a BA from Berea College in communications and is the marketing and communications director for the Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning. The Carnegie Center is a nonprofit educational center offering seasonal writing, publishing, language classes and community programming. For more, visit.

Carnegiecenterlex.org.

traditionalbank.com/zellebusiness

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CraveWorthy In January, Publix opened its first Kentuckybased store in Louisville’s Terra Crossing Shopping Center. The Florida-based grocery chain has announced five additional Kentucky stores, including three in Lexington.

The company anticipates the stores will create more than 900 new jobs.

PHOTO FURNISHED

Publix Announces a Location on Romany Chevy Chase neighborhood anticipates Florida-based grocer’s arrival after years-long planning process

BY SHANNON CLINTON

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CONTRIBUTING WRITER

he site at 344 Romany Rd. has historically been home to a grocery store, and its newest incarnation will too, though the company behind it is a newcomer to the area and to Kentucky.

Officials with Greer Companies and the Webb Companies have been working to bring a Publix to the property, which housed a Ran-

dall’s Supermarket, followed by Kroger from 1995 to 2015. Most recently, the property was leased by Cox Foods and Eastern-Kentuckybased Laurel Grocery Company with the intention to build an IGA, although those plans never came to fruition following some construction activity on the site.

After both developers sought further input from the community, Publix announced it has executed a lease on the property.

Greer Companies president Lee Greer, who along with the Webb Companies president Woodford Webb is also involved with bringing a Publix to the Fountains at Palomar Development, said plans are to have a nearly 38,000-square-foot footprint and an underground parking facility at the Romany Road location.

“From day one, we’ve pretty much heard or asked the neighborhoods … everybody’s really wanted a grocery there again,” Greer said. “So, we worked hard to make that happen, and we’ve had many different groceries we’ve looked at and couldn’t be more excited for Publix to come to Chevy Chase.”

Publix officials must now perform their due diligence with plans for the site, Greer said, estimating that planning and approvals may take two years or so, and about a year for construction.

For eager shoppers who can’t wait to try the Lakeland, Florida-based grocery chain, a Louisville location opened in mid-January, one of three planned there.

Greer said construction should begin soon on the Publix at Fountains of Palomar.

Another is planned for Citation Point on Stockton Way, and Publix officials have announced intentions to build groceries in Elizabethtown and in Boone County.

As for the Romany location, “we all have our fingers crossed that the plans get approved by the city and everything goes well, and we see this through to fruition for everyone,” Greer said.

Webb said he grew up two blocks from the Romany Road location and knows the area well.

“After we purchased it, we wanted to take our time to find the right use and

discussed multiple options with neighbors and received neighbor input,” he said. “The consensus always was that the neighborhood really wanted to see another grocery store, so we’ve been patiently waiting for the right use and feel that Publix is the right use for the property.”

He said Publix is known in the industry as a good company that treats its employees well.

“All that’s positive all around,” he said.

According to its website, Publix was founded in 1930 and has grown to become the largest employee-owned company in the United States. Retail sales in 2022 were $54.5 billion, and its 1,361 stores employ about 250,000 people.

Greer expresssed gratitude to community members for their feedback, patience, and assistance in bringing a grocery store back to Romany Road.

“This is a big get for Lexington and we couldn’t be more excited to be a part of bringing this to Chevy Chase and Romany Road,” he said. BL

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QuickBites Cibon, Wild Lab Bakery, Brown Barrel, highlight new openings and expansions

BY SHANNON CLINTON

Midwaybased Brown Barrel is expanding its “fine dining in a fast-casual atmosphere” to new locations in Georgetown and Frankfort.

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CONTRIBUTING WRITER

new gathering place with a spirits store, bourbon lounge, and wine and cheese bar is opening soon at 211 Rosemont Garden.

Managing member Megan Winfield and her husband, manager/owner and West Sixth Brewing co-founder Brady Barlow, are opening Cibon, which pays homage to a favorite weekend wine/charcuterie cafe hangout from their time living in Rochester, New York.

They asked the former owner for permission to use the name of the now-shuttered café, and she agreed, even sending them a Cibon sign, Barlow said.

The well-traveled couple has visited nearly 40 countries over the past two decades and want to bring their favorite food and beverage experiences and gift items from around the world to a Lexington audience, they said.

“It’s not going to be froufrou,” Barlow said. “It’s going to be nice, the furnishings are going to be nice, but it’s not the kind of place you’re going to have to wear a blazer to get a cheese plate.”

Hopes were to open by Valentine’s Day, but it will be a bit longer to get everything “just so,” Barlow said.

They’ll be offering wine and food pairings, rare bourbons, some beer, and local and imported food as well as food-related gifts, including favorites gleaned from their trips.

“We try to see the local flavor of every place that we go,” Barlow said.

In other local food and beverage news: Open since September 2017, Midwaybased Brown Barrel is expanding not only to Frankfort, but to Georgetown. Owner J.P. Gibson says he’s always had his eye on those towns, but the ideal buildings only came available recently, and nearly the same time, so he leapt at the opportunities.

The Frankfort location at 204 W. Broadway should open mid-February, and Georgetown at 135 E. Main St. in early March if not sooner, Gibson said. The restaurants will have the same menu and atmosphere of fine

PHOTO FURNISHED

Wild Lab Bakery, which began as a homebased business, is opening a location on National Avenue offering sourdough loaves, bagels, cookies, coffee, and other items.

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PHOTO FURNISHED

dining in a fast-casual atmosphere that diners have come to love at the original location, he said. Among the top-selling sandwiches is a salmon BLT on a brioche bun with sorghum apple cider glaze and crispy bacon; other favorite items include beef skewers with a loaded potato cake and port wine reduction, and blackened chicken ravioli.

Gibson said one key to success has been daily features at lunch and dinner, whether it’s an elk filet, sea bass, halibut, lobster, or another special entree he and the chefs have cooked up.

He said the restaurant is whatever you want it to be — whether it’s fine dining, a tasty sandwich, or game-day apps.

“I think that’s why we’ve been popular is we’ve been so versatile,” he said.

The Mediterranean and halal restaurant Yaffa Grill has opened at 98 Finley Dr. in Georgetown, with menu items including kebabs, shawarma, falafel, beef, lamb, fish and vegetarian entrees, hummus, soup, sides, and baklava.

After operating as a home bakery for several years, Wild Lab Bakery is moving to a new location, according to co-owner Andrew McGraw, with plans to open a storefront at 819 National Ave. in February. “We outgrew our home bakery and are excited for this opportunity to expand our operation so we can bake for more farmers markets and walk-in customers,” McGraw said. The shop will be open Wed.-Sat., with sourdough loaves, bagels, cookies, and coffee available for walkins; there will be no need to pre-order. “We hope to expand the menu once we have our feet under us,” he added.

Open every Saturday, Ghost Fox Winery has opened a tasting room at Chrisman Mill Rd. in Nicholasville after Ghost Fox purchased and renovated the former Chrisman Mill Winery. Ghost Fox Winery offers white wines that include oaked chardonnay and spicy cucumber, and reds that include cabernet and merlot. The winery has already earned three medals in the 2023 Kentucky Commonwealth Commercial Wine Competition, according to its Facebook page.

Golden Flame Hot Wings has opened at 141 Rojay Dr. Chocolate Holler, the coffee and chocolate shop on Old Vine Street which

announced a closure late last year, has now reopened under new ownership.

Representatives from Old Vine Bistro, located in the same shopping center, announced that owner Larry Dean has decided to close the restaurant and retire from the service industry. “You’ve seen him as a part of the infamous A1A, Wines on Vine, Chathams, OV Bistro, and many others,” an announcement read. “After a lifetime of great times with great friends, he’s going to take a break!”

Buffalo Trace has released a collaborative bourbon label with country music great Chris Stapleton, called “Traveller Whiskey.”

The libation’s tasting notes describe its nose as having “complex aromas of vanilla, aged fruit, and buttery shortbread, rounded off by caramel and a touch of oak,” with a palate with light sweetness “followed by spice, toasted nut and oak flavors, and a robust finish.”

A few restaurants recently announced their closure, including Broussard’s Delta Kitchen in Georgetown, which closed Dec. 24 after a five-year run. On a Facebook post, the popular restaurant cited the cost of supplies, labor, and the fact that the lease was up.

Another restaurant that closed its doors is Kismet at the Burl Arcade, which began as a pop-up, officially opened in 2020 and closed Jan. 21, 2024. “Thank you Lexington for the

love and we can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us,” their Facebook farewell post said.

The Social Vegan at Greyline Station announced its closure recently, characterizing it as not a goodbye but a “see ya later.”

Its website notes that the restaurant has expanded to Tallahassee, Florida. with plans to become the first national vegan restaurant chain in the United States.

According to the Lexington Herald-Leader, Osaka Japanese Restaurant is opening a second location this year in the Great Acres development off Leestown Rd. Cosmic Fry owner Katrina Buster recently announced on social media plans to open a new restaurant this spring at 1987 North Broadway with burgers, ice cream, allday breakfast and special events.

After several years operating as a food truck with a location inside the Pasta Garage incubator, Moody Mike’s will soon be providing vegan fare at Broomwagon Coffee + Bikes, a north Lexington coffee shop that recently closed the restaurant arm of its operation.

Wilson’s Grocery has opened under new ownership at 1010 Cramer Ave. BL Have a food- or beverage-related update to share? Please email info@smileypete.com.

Osaka Japanese Restaurant is opening a second location later this year in the Great Acres development off Leestown Rd. PHOTO FURNISHED

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IndependentBusiness

PHOTO BY ABBY LAUB

Kami Risk (left), owner of Poppy & Pomelo, and Marin Fiske (right), founder of Wick & Mortar candles, found business synergy — and friendship — by combining their enterprises under one roof.

A Crafty Collaboration Two growing small businesses combine forces and meld operations, with a new Woodland Triangle location

BY SARAYA BREWER & LIZ CAREY

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

usiness partners Marin Fiske and Kami Risk jokingly describe their first year of knowing each other as a “courtship” — one that led to the eventual marriage of their individual small businesses.

In 2022, Fiske approached Risk, who had opened the boutique Poppy & Pomelo in 2020, about the possibility of having her shop carry the line of handmade candles that Fiske had recently launched from her home.

Located in Greyline Station at the time, Poppy & Pomelo soon became the primary retail outlet for Wick & Mortar, Fiske’s candle business.

As Fiske and Risk got to know — and like — each other, they also became invalu-

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able resources for one another in growing the offerings of each of their businesses, as they partnered to present candle-making workshops in Greyline Station. These fun and increasingly popular workshops not only expanded exposure for both businesses, but allowed the business owners a creative outlet where they could interact directly with the local community.

Recognizing the common ground and overlap in their business aspirations, Fiske and Risk eventually decided to officially combine forces.

Today, both women are partners in both businesses, which now fully operate under the same roof in a new location, a historic building and former grocery store in Woodland Triangle. Located on the corner where High and Maxwell Streets merge with Kentucky Avenue, the light-filled storefront of-

fers an ideal space for showcasing Poppy & Pomelo’s retail goods — a curated selection of colorful, gift-worthy items, from textiles, greeting cards, and jewelry, to bath, kitchen, and bar products — as well as a beautiful, functional space for the candle-making workshops, which take place in the evenings.

And, as a noteworthy bonus, the checkout counter located along the back wall doubles as a cocktail bar where shoppers and class attendees can order specialty drinks. A fun selection of cocktails, such as cardamom/ sugar-rimmed mimosas with pomegranate juice and blueberry lemon sage Champagne, are available for purchase during any hours that the business is open, and plans are moving forward to open a larger bar in an adjacent space, also centered on crafting. Fiske hopes the bar, patterned after other “craft bars” that have become popular in other cities in recent years, will be a place where people can tap into their creativity, or just come and relax in a unique and laid-back setting. The owners hope that bar will open later this year.

“It’ll be open probably Wednesday through Sunday,” Fiske said. “If you wanted to meet up with somebody and do a craft, like make a little bracelet or something cute, you could come here, hang out and make something. But you don’t have to [create while you’re here]. It’ll just be kind of like a speakeasy neighborhood bar.”

PHOTO BY ABBY LAUB

The boutique recently relocated from Greyline Station to a storefront on the corner of High and Maxwell streets and Kentucky Avenue.

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In the meantime, those looking to get their crafting/craft cocktail fix at the venue can book a candle-making workshop at the Poppy & Pomelo website. The workshops are available for kids and adults, and they can accommodate individuals or groups of up to 15. Wick & Mortar candles are made from high-quality, clean-burning coconut wax and feature cedar wicks, which make a crackling noise when burned. The studio offers a wide selection of scents and add-ins, from crystals to glitter and herbs, as well as candle vessels, to help make each candle unique to the maker. All of the candle additives are eco-friendly and 100 percent vegan, Fiske said, and workshop attendees get the opportunity to participate in the entire candle-making process, from choosing the vessel, pouring the wax, and adding the wick, to adding scents and add-ons.

Fiske also makes special candles for individual clients, some of which have evolved into regular items to purchase in the store like the Bourbon Crush scent, which started as a custom scent that a couple had created for wedding party favor candles, but became so popular among wedding guests and others that it evolved into a permanent addition.

For Fiske, whose background includes events, arts, and marketing, the multi-faceted business is a natural extension of her love of community and creating.

“I have always been a maker,” she said.

“I was a ceramicist and I did collage work before I started making candles. But I also like teaching. As I was writing a business plan, I thought wouldn’t it be cool if I had a bar where I could make candles?” BL

PHOTOS BY ABBY LAUB

The boutique Poppy & Pomelo carries unique, giftable items such as jewelry, bath, and kitchen products, bags, greeting cards, and more. The shop also houses Wick & Mortar candle studio, where folks can create their own unqique candles.

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RD1 Breaks Ground on Downtown Bourbon Destination As the anchor tenant of the Commons, RD1 Spirits anticipates its $4.8 million project will be a major draw

BY DAN DICKSON CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A

fast-growing, three-year-old spirits company has ambitious plans at its development site off Leestown Road.

RD1 Spirits has broken ground for its $4.8 million brand destination as the anchor tenant in what will become a 40-acre mixed-use community and entertainment center known as the Commons. Located in a former tobacco warehouse district less than a mile from downtown Lexington, RD1’s two-story, 10,000-plus square foot building will welcome visitors to this latest stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Their bourbon’s name — RD1 — stands for Registered Distillery One, a nod to Ashland Distillery, Lexington’s first federally registered distillery established in 1865 on what is now Manchester Street next to The Manchester hotel. It was later renamed William Tarr Distillery.

Guests will experience an interactive look at Lexington’s bourbon history and wander the building on a tour that takes them from fermentation to distillation. There will be bourbon tasting rooms, a craft cocktail bar, and a VIP speakeasy tasting room. Souvenirs can be purchased at a gift shop. Outside, there will be space for private events, and the property’s historic water tower will feature RD1’s artwork, giving the brand visual name

RENDERING FURNISHED

RD1 Spirits’ brand home in the Commons will include a small distillery, tasting rooms, a cocktail bar, and both indoor and outdoor event spaces.

recognition. The project is scheduled for completion by late summer. Developers hope to open in time for the busy fall bourbon tourism season.

Lexington’s RD1 distillery will have two pot stills — one with an 800-gallon capacity and another with a 175-gallon capacity — a 1,000-gallon mash cooker, a 750-gallon

PHOTO FURNISHED

Owners, investors, and others involved with RD1 Spirits participated in a groundbreaking ceremony in January.

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fermenter, and space to age a limited number of barrels. When opened, the distillery is expected to produce one barrel of bourbon per week for the sole purpose of research and development. RD1 will continue to produce its Kentucky straight bourbon at Western Kentucky Distilling in Beaver Dam under eighth-generation master distiller Jacob Call.

Lexington native Barry Brinegar is a cofounder and RD1’s national brand ambassador.

“I preach the gospel of RD1 to the nation,” he said. Brinegar’s main job is sending marketing and sales teams to do deep market blitzes by penetrating and supporting new and existing markets. “No. 1, since we are a Kentucky brand, we wanted to have deep roots in Kentucky,” he said. “We began here and are now available for sale in 15 other states. We also wanted to make sure we had a wonderful infrastructure, and you see the start of that right here.”

The bourbon industry’s growth is tremendous, and liquor store shelves are crammed with dozens of brands. How will RD1 stand out? “When a customer first sees our bottle, it’s the start of the journey,” said Brinegar.

“The way we continue that is through innovation. We create a classic small-batch Kentucky straight bourbon and see what special barrel wood can do to influence the flavor profile. That’s because 50 to 70 percent of bourbon’s flavor comes from the charred oak inside the barrel, and we are changing the equation in unusual ways.”

After getting operations up and running in Western Kentucky, the company released its first bourbon last March in a distinctive bottle with the phrase “Kentucky Born & Raised” etched into the top of the bottle and a plank fence etched along the bottom. What followed was the release of three whiskies aged four years in different woods — ­ maple,

French oak, and Brazilian Amburana. Currently, the company is experimenting with aging whiskey in about a dozen different woods to create unique tasting experiences.

The bourbon is made with Kentuckygrown corn, along with rye and barley, and blended with local limestone well water. The results have been promising. So far, RD1 has earned 66 bourbon industry gold, double gold, platinum, and century awards.

RD1’s investors, which include University of Kentucky head football coach Mark Stoops, are aware of the history of bourbon making in Kentucky and want to stake their claim to it. “I thought coming into it, the bourbon industry in Kentucky was the ideal situation for us,” said investor and chief executive officer Mike Tetterton. “Because, like the Frank Sinatra song ‘New York, New York,’ if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere because the field is so crowded.”

Tetterton wants potential RD1 customers to know that the distillery is a small start-up with the roots of a large distillery. “We have the awards and we have the ‘juice’ of a big distillery,” said the CEO. “We will now have a Lexington home and expect to see 30,000 to 35,000 visitors here in the first 12 months. If you come hang out with us, we will educate you.” Tetterton adds that RD1’s investors did not know much about bourbon when they entered the arena. They are businesspeople.

But now they have learned the nuances from experts.

The Kentucky Tourism Development Finance Authority approved $521,000 in incentives for RD1’s venture. “As we continue to see growth in Kentucky’s signature bourbon industry, projects like this are adding momentum to our tourism efforts,” Gov. Andy Beshear said in a statement. BL

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RENDERING FURNISHED

What’s Coming to the Commons?

Developers of the downtown-adjacent parcel plan for a mixed-use destination to work, live, and play

BY CAMPBELL WOOD CONTRIBUTING WRITER

T

he Commons, a mixed-use development inside New Circle Road and adjacent to Lexington’s city core on the north side, is bringing a vibrant vision to a neglected part of town. “We say, ‘It’s a place to unite, work, play, and live,’” said

Daren Turner, the developer of the project and owner of Turner Properties. “And that piece of property was just sitting there. We’re enjoying rebuilding it and doing something with it.”

The Commons is bringing together light industry, office space, arts, dining, entertainment, retail, and Airbnb short-term rentals, all in the midst of lush landscaping with walking paths and water features. The development already has major tenants. RD1 Spirits recently broke ground on its brand home, adding the site to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

In 2020, Amy Mellinger, now leasing agent for the Commons, took Turner to view the 36-acre parcel alongside one side of Turner Commons Way, which borders Main Street near the Lexington Cemetery and terminates near New Circle Road. “I fell in love with it,” said Turner. He was taken with the massive

mature pine trees along the left side of the road. To the right, the Commons is bordered by railroad tracks.

The property has five 39,000-square-foot warehouses, built all in a row in the 1950s, that stored tobacco for the G.F. Vaughn Tobacco Company as recently as a decade ago. Located in line with the warehouses is a 127,000-square-foot warehouse built in 2002.

The property has two looming water towers, one of which is visible from New Circle Road.

“Those towers are iconic features,” Turner said. “We’re going to have some fun with those — bring them to life with some neat lighting and cool landscaping.” Two small pump houses that once served the water towers are being gutted and expanded. One will house a coffee house, and the other a stand-alone restaurant.

Soon after the initial acquisition, Turner

added four acres to the Commons with the purchase of an adjacent parcel that includes a 16,500-square-foot building. It also came with direct access to Forbes Road, adding a second entrance/exit to the property.

Three of the former tobacco warehouses and the larger warehouse have been renovated with interiors built to suit the occupying tenants. The variety in tenants is striking, and the cavernous interior spaces accommodate the unusual. Public-facing tenants include Sora Aerial Arts, which offers professional training for recreation and performance in the aerial arts and other fitness programs.

Battle Axes occupies a 63,000 square-foot space that includes a high-speed go-kart track, indoor zip lines, axe throwing, bowling, and a “rage room,” as well as food and beverage service. Gym Blue offers strength-building equipment alongside cardio machines and a small CrossFit rig.

Other tenants in the warehouses include Glass Doctor, Demolition Magicians, Heritage Window, Signs from Above, Amteck, Ruskin, SynTerra, and Lexington Manufacturing Center. Thoroughbred Engineering occupies the near 16,000-square-foot first floor of the Forbes Road building. A renovated mechanic shop now serves as the corporate office for the Commons, with tall ceilings and walls clad with wood salvaged from barns on the property. Sherman Carter Barnhart architecture firm now occupies 11,000 square feet of the

A planned walking trail will include benches and plantings, with areas overlooking a rainwater retention pond. A coffee shop is planned for a former water tower pump building.

RENDERINGS FURNISHED

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13

“We want to provide this project, a legacy, for Lexington.

It’s a project that we want to be proud of, that our kids and grandchildren can enjoy.”

AMY MELLINGER THE COMMONS LEASING AGENT

RENDERING FURNISHED

Mixed-use developments at the Commons will include first-floor retail with apartments and suites on upper floors.

first newly constructed building there, leaving 7,000 square feet for another tenant.

A major feature will be an entertainment center called the Rail. “We’re embracing the railroad,” said Turner. Turner and the team have designed the backside of the Rail building, which faces the tracks, to replicate a 1950s train station. (Because there are no railroad crossings along the property line, trains aren’t required to sound their whistles as they roll by.) The Rail will have capacity for about 1,000 people. The entertainment area will extend outside, where Turner said large screens and speakers will share what’s happening inside, which will include concerts, comedy acts, plays, and other productions. The Commons is in talks with a Texas outfit that may operate the entertainment venue.

Close to the Rail, a cluster of five buildings will have retail on the first floor, with Airbnb

luxury suites on the second and third floors.

“My goal is to fill [the retail floors] with lots of Kentucky artists,” said Turner. From hat makers to glass blowers, he’d like to attract a range of craftspeople as tenants, along with boutiques. The stores can range from 600 square feet to larger. The Commons currently has 52,300 square feet available for retail and restaurants.

The Commons includes 20 acres available for development. The entire property is zoned I-1, which means it’s zoned for light industry. As a first for Lexington, the city overlaid the property with a PUD-3 (Planned Urban Development) zoning, which allows flexibility for mixed-use development, including light industrial.

“What’s unique about Turner Properties is that we can do it all,” said Mellinger, leasing agent for the Commons. She said the

architects, construction managers, and real estate and property managers are all in-house.

“We all work together, which streamlines everything for the future tenant.”

Turner points out that the development right now has two architectural engineering firms, each with more than 100 employees.

“That creates a customer base for our restaurants and retail,” he said. “We’re working hard to get the right tenants.” Mellinger said they are not looking for franchise concepts. “We want unique eateries, and we want a familyfriendly environment,” she said.

The grounds will feature a 1.5-miles-long walking trail, with benches and plantings overlooking a rainwater retention pond with an underground stream that feeds into the Town Branch of South Elkhorn Creek. Turner said that landscaping and trees are important to the overall design.

“Over the next four to five months, you’ll see a lot of steel being hung with cranes down there,” said Turner. He projects that the RD1 Spirits and Goodwood restaurant and brewery, another tenant opening a location in the Commons, will open by late summer. Before that opening, construction will have begun on the Airbnb buildings and the Rail entertainment center, with its opening expected in the spring of 2025. Mellinger said she’s continually giving presentations and tours to prospective tenants, including a “global entertainment company” that’s looking at building a large facility.

“Everybody on our team is from Kentucky, and we all have raised families here,” said Mellinger. “We want to provide this project, a legacy, for Lexington. It’s a project that we want to be proud of, and that our kids and grandchildren can enjoy.” BL

The development is zoned I-1, with a PUD-3 overlay, allowing for both mixed-use and light industrial uses. There are currently about 20 acres available for development.

RENDERING FURNISHED

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Commercial Real Estate Management Companies Local companies listed by rentable square footage managed Jan. 2024 Rank

Company Name Address Phone Website

Local Rentable Sq. Ft. Managed 2024

Top Local Official

Principal in Charge of Property Management

Property Managers on Staff

Local Properties Managed or Number of Properties

1

The Webb Companies 205 W. Main St., Ste. 3000 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 253-0000 thewebbcompanies.com

4,933,866*

R. Dudley Webb (Chairman); Woodford Webb (President); Ron Tritschler (CEO/ Senior Legal Counsel)

Nick Schwendeman Clay Sizemore Lucas Michel

5

160 properties owned and/ or managed

2

NAI Isaac 771 Corporate Drive, Ste. 500 Lexington, KY 40503 (859) 224-2000 naiisaac.com

4,491,116*

Al Isaac (President)

Al Isaac

6

59 properties, including Chase Tower, Corp Plaza, Lexington Business Center, Bryant Road Industrial, Chinoe Center, Newtown Business Center, Keithshire Place Shopping Center

3

Anderson Communities 1255 Providence Place Pkwy.

Lexington, KY 40511 (859) 231-0099 andersoncommunities.com

3,215,527*

Dennis Anderson

Brian T. Hunt

13

26 properties owned and/ or managed

4

Turner Development 2464 Fortune Drive, Ste. 100 Lexington, KY 40509 (859) 977-0820

1,430,247*

Ron Turner; Troy Turner; Daren Turner

Kim Davis

4

41 properties owned and/ or managed

5

The Gibson Company 1050 Monarch St., Ste. 200 Lexington, KY 40513 (859) 224-8833 thegibsoncompany.com

1,320,551*

Billy Smith; Kevin Verhoven

Kevin Verhoven

2

57 properties, including Chevy Chase Place, Monarch Plaza Office Condos, Melbourne Plaza, Pasadena Plaza, Mist Lake Plaza

6

CBRE, Inc. 6060 Dutchman’s Lane, Ste. 100 Louisville, KY 40205 (502) 492-6700 cbre.com

1,285,538*

David Hardy (Managing Director)

Bruce Wibbels (Director, Property Management)

4

10 properties owned and/ or managed

7

Switzer Development 811 Corporate Drive, Ste. 303 Lexington, KY 40503 (859) 223-5353 switzerdev.com

1,284,177*

Ron Switzer

Ben Hammack

2

36 properties owned and/ or managed

8

SVN Stone Commercial Real Estate 270 S. Limestone St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 264-0888 svnlex.com

1,136,572*

Matt Stone, CCIM, SIOR, MBA

Shaun Cook

2

30 properties owned and/ or managed

9

Red Draw 1560 Delaware Ave. Lexington, KY 40505 (859) 225-3680 reddrawdev.com

1,004,925*

Craig Turner; Megan Walsen; Gary Denning

Megan Walsen

5

Mayo Underwood Building, 300 Sower Building, Historic Courthouse, KSU Housing

10

Haymaker 3120 Wall St., Ste. 200 Lexington, KY 40513 (859) 685-3032 haymakercompany.com

668,732

Tim Haymaker; Andy Haymaker

Fred Fiscus Leah Robey

2

16 properties owned and/ or managed

11

Greer Companies 100 W. Main St., Ste. 600 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 269-1966 greercompanies.com

654,172*

Lee Greer

Marlene Hollen

2

51 properties owned and/ or managed

12

Coleman Group, LLC 710 E. Main St., Ste. 130 Lexington, KT 40507 (859) 255-8855 colemangroup.net

599,523

Bob Cole (President)

Sydney Momeyer Michael Johnston

2

9 properties owned and/ or managed

13

Langley Properties Company 300 W. Vine St., Ste. 2200 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 253-2255 langleyproperty.com

593,130*

Scott Davidson

Scott Davidson

2

The Mall at Lexington Green, 300 West Vine

14

Schrader Commercial Properties 444 E. Main St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 288-5008 schradercommercial.com

483,151

Jamie Schrader (President)

Jamie Schrader (Property Manager)

2

21 properties owned and/ or managed

15

BC Wood Properties 321 Henry St. Lexington, KY 40508 (859) 335-9663 bcwoodproperties.com

473,768

Brian Wood (Founder & CEO)

Lee Cowden (Property Manager)

3

Eastland Shopping Center, Eastland Shopping Center Flex Development, Fayette Place Shopping Center

16

Silvestri Real Estate 444 E. Main St., Ste. 102 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 263-2300 kensilvestri.com

330,510

Ken Silvestri (Principal Owner-Broker); Brandon Cutwright (President)

Ken Silvestri

5

31 properties owned and/ or managed

17

AreaLex Commercial Real Estate 207 E. Reynolds Road, Ste. 260 Lexington, KY 40503 arealex.com

310,000

David Allen (Principal Broker)

David Allen

2

29 properties owned and/ or managed

18

CMI Properties 1795 Alysheba Way, Ste. 5101 Lexington, KY 40509 (859) 273-7389 cmiproperties.com

200,000

Cheryl Moss Johnston (Principal Broker)

Cheryl Johnston

2

12 properties owned and/ or managed

Source: Information obtained from Business Lexington questionnaires and company websites. Other firms may have been eligible but did not respond to requests for information. Key: *=Previous figures

BLX_Feb24_20.indd 14

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Real Estate Law Firms Local companies listed by number of real estate lawyers on staff Jan. 2024

For questions regarding the BizLists email bizlists@smileypete.com

Firm Name Address Phone Website

Real Estate Lawyers in Lexington Office/ Across All Offices

Number of Partners/ Associates/of Counsel/ Paralegals in Lexington Office

1

Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP 250 W. Main St., Ste. 1600 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 233-2012 wyattfirm.com

11/ 23

19/ 4/ 4/ 5

Real estate development; financing and transactions; construction; leasing; mortgage lending; title insurance; zoning and land use

Emily H. Cowles (Partner)/ 1977/ 5

2

Embry Merritt Womack Nance, PLLC Chase Tower 201 E. Main St., Ste. 1402 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 543-0453 emwnlaw.com

10/ 10

6/ 6/ 6/ 4

Commercial and residential real estate closings; condemnations; foreclosures; development; leasing; title insurance; construction; corporate formation; real estate litigation

Darren L. Embry; Samantha T. Nance (Managing Partners)/ 2011/ 3

2

McBrayer, PLLC 201 E. Main St., Ste. 900 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 231-8780 mcbrayerfirm.com

10/ 23

21/ 9/ 3/ 13

Real estate closings; planning and zoning; for sale by owner (FSBO); purchase and sale; student housing; creditors’ rights and foreclosure; commercial developments; shopping centers and other retail developments; residential and commercial leases; commercial and residential real estate transactions; commercial lease disputes; multi-family development and affordable housing

James H. Frazier, III/ 1978/ 3

4

Rose Camenisch Stewart Mains PLLC 326 S. Broadway Lexington, KY 40508 (859) 721-2100 rcsmlaw.com

9/ 4

6/ 4/ 3/ 2

Commercial real estate purchases, sales, and exchanges; zoning and land use planning; commercial real estate lending, including construction lending, representing both lenders and borrowers; commercial leasing for both landlords and tenants; real estate loan workouts and restructurings; real estate disputes and litigation; real estate development; title insurance and escrow services; 1031 exchanges, including qualified intermediary services; mineral acquisitions; divestitures; ventures and financings; construction contracting and dispute resolution; condominium law; syndications and securities offerings for real estate investments

Partner Managed/ 2015/ 1

5

Stites & Harbison 250 W. Main St., Ste. 2300 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 266-2300 stites.com

7/ 16

33/ 7/ 6/ 5

Commercial finance; community development; affordable housing and headquarters relocation; conservation easements; gaming; health care real estate; hemp industry; land use and zoning; manufacturing; public-private partnership (P3); real estate and land use litigation; real estate development and finance; real estate general practice; sports and entertainment; sustainability and emerging technologies

Cassidy Rosenthal (Lexington Office Executive Member)/ 1832/ 11 (6 states)

6

Dentons 300 W. Vine St., Ste. 1200 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 231-8500 dentons.com

6/ 13

13/ 4/ 2/ 2

Finance and lending; commercial and industrial development; land use and zoning; commercial and industrial leasing; title insurance claims; real estate and land use disputes and litigation; solar, mineral, limestone/quarry, oil/gas leases and transactions; affordable housing and tax incentive credits; commercial creditors’ rights and foreclosures; commercial leases and evictions

Kimberly O’Donnell (Managing Partner)/ 1978/ 166 internationally

6

Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC 300 W. Vine St., Ste. 2100 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 231-3000 skofirm.com

6/ 46

37/ 11/ 4/ 7

Zoning; rezoning; planning; variances; conditional uses; subdivisions and annexation; acquisition; development and disposition; office retail; warehouse and industrial leasing for landlords and tenants; representation of lenders and borrowers in financing real estate transactions; shopping center; office and industrial park; and planned unit developments; local counsel assistance in multi-state transactions; construction lending documentation for lenders and representation of borrowers; construction

Cassidy Rosenthal (Lexington Office Executive Member)/ 1832/ 11

8

Dinsmore 100 W. Main St., Ste. 900 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 425-1000 dinsmore.com

5/ 40

19/ 16/ 10/ 6

Real estate; acquisitions and dispositions; development and zoning; financing; leasing and property management; commercial finance

Grahmn Morgan (Lexington Managing Partner)/ 1997/ 30 offices firmwide

8

Kinkead & Stilz, PLLC PNC Tower 301 E. Main St., Ste. 800 (859) 296-2300 ksattorneys.com

5/ 21

15/ 7/ 1/ 0

Commercial real estate transactions; construction and development; landlord/tenant/leases; planning and zoning; entity formation and reorganization; tax planning; 1031 transactions (QI); litigation; title insurance; financing

Robert C. Stilz, Jr.; John S. Talbot, III (Real Estate Practice Leads)/ 1997/ 2

10

Fowler Bell PLLC 300W. Vine St. Ste. 600 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 252-6700 fowlerlaw.com

3/ 6

3/ 3/ 3/ 2

Commercial real estate transaction; residential real estate transaction; HOA and COA representation; landlord/tenant disputes; foreclosures and receivership; property development and acquisitions; lease negotiations

Taft A. McKinstry (Managing Member)/ 1897/ 1

Frost Brown Todd 250 W. Main St., Ste. 2800 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 231-0000 frostbrowntodd.com

3/ 3

16/ 4/ 2/ 5

Commercial real estate acquisitions; sales; development; leasing and finance with an emphasis on multi-family; retail; industrial; office; healthcare and equine properties; obtaining land use and zoning entitlements; issuance of title insurance policies and curing of title defects; prosecuting litigation and other disputes arising from real estate

Jan de Beer (Office Partner-In-Charge)/ 1919/ 16

Rank

TIE

TIE

TIE

TIE

TIE

TIE

TIE

10 TIE

Managing Partner(s) in Lexington Office/ Year Founded Locally/ Total Number of Offices

Main Practice Areas

Source: Information obtained from Business Lexington questionnaires and company websites. Other firms may have been eligible but did not respond to requests for information. Key: NA=Not Available

Business Lexington BLX_Feb24_20.indd 16

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Architecture Firms For questions regarding the BizLists email bizlists@smileypete.com

Local firms listed by number of architects in local office Jan. 2024

Rank

Firm Name Address Phone Website

Number of Architects in Local Office/ Number of Staff

Services

Notable Projects

Top Local Official(s)

Headquarters Location/ Year Founded

1

RossTarrant Architects 101 Old Lafayette Ave. Lexington, KY 40502 (859) 254-4018 rosstarrant.com

14/ 47

Architecture, interior design, civil engineering, landscape architecture

STEAM Academy (Fayette County Public Schools); Memorial Coliseum Renovation (University of Kentucky); Carter County High School and ATC (Carter County Public Schools)

Jeffrey C. Stivers, AIA, LEED AP (President)

Lexington, KY/ 1970

2

Sherman Carter Barnhart Architects 144 Turner Commons Way, Ste. 110 Lexington, KY 40508 (859) 224-1351 scbarchitects.com

12/ 40

Architecture, interior design, civil engineering, structural engineering

UK Funkhouser Building Renovation/Addition; BCTC Administration Building Renovation/Addition; Oldham County Judicial Center; Warren County Innovation Center; Beecher Terrace Neighborhood Revitalization; Bowling Green Veterans Center

Michael L. Smith, AIA,; LEED AP (President)

Lexington, KY/ 1979

3

EOP|Champlin Architects 201 W. Short St., Ste. 700 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 231-7538 eopa.com

10/ 23

Architecture, interior design, historic restoration, feasibility studies, programming planning, master planning

Kentucky Capitol Building Renovation; Central Bank Center/ Rupp Arena Expansion; Kentucky International Convention Center; FCPS Career & Technical Education High School; Horse Soldier Bourbon Distillery; Lexington Public Library Marksbury Family Branch; UK Chandler Medical Center Expansion

Richard Polk, AIA; Chris Estes, CIA, LEED AP

Cincinnati, OH/ 1981

4

JRA Architects 3225 Summit Square Place, Ste. 200 Lexington, KY 40509 (859) 252-6781 jraarchitects.com

9*/ 9

Architecture, interior design, planning

Jacobs Academic Science Building at the University of Kentucky; Ecofibre; Paducah Innovation Hub; Hermitage Farm; Alice Lloyd College Campus Center; Baptist Health Endoscopy Unit

Rob Deal, AIA

Lexington, KY/ 1946

5

Omni Architects 212 N. Upper St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 252-6664 omniarchitects.com

8*/ 8

Architecture, interior design, planning

UK Gatton Student Center; UK Chemistry-Physics Building Renovation; Boone County Central Library; ECTC Battery Manufacturing Training Facility for BlueOval/SK; Multiple KCTCS Workforce Training Centers; Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Renovation

Eric Zabilka, AIA

Lexington, KY/ 1975

5

CMW Architects & Engineers 249 E. Main St., Ste. 100 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 254-6623 cmwaec.com

8/ 16

Architecture, landscape architecture, civil engineering

Baptist Hospital - Hamburg Site Development; Elizabethtown Amphitheater; Versailles Police Department; Saint Joseph Women’s Hospital; Candlewood Suites (Shelbyville); Carson’s Food & Drink - Andover; Culver Academy Indoor Arena, Lexington Sporting Club Soccer Fields and Pavilions

Darenda Watkins

Lexington, KY/ 1962

7

Stengel Hill Architecture 501 E. High St. Lexington, KY 40502 (859) 402-8008 stengelhill.com

5/ 17

Full service architectural and interior design firm

Refer to stengelhill.com for exemplary projects

Paul Edwards, AIA

Louisville, KY/ 1996

8

alt32 + Cox Architecture 310 Old Vine St., Ste. 300 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 233-4804 alt32cox.com

3/ 6

Programming and concept design, construction documents, construction administration, project management, feasibility studies, master planning, specializations in building envelope, water intrusion, and historic preservation

New Magoffin County Schools CTE; Paintsville Independent Schools; STEAM Academy; Ashland Community and Techincal College roof replacements; U.S. District Court Courtroom B and Chambers remodel; Cynthiana Readiness Center exterior repairs; Big Sandy Community and Techincal College May Campus Dental Dept. Renovation; Lobby Security Upgrades at Hugo L. Black U.S. Courthouse; U.S. Marshall Prisoner Elevator Capital Security Project at the Terry Sanford Federal Building

Mike Sparkman, AIA

Lexington, KY/ 1989

8

Gibson Taylor Thompson Architecture & Design 169 N. Limestone St. Lexington, KY 40507 (502) 424-0032 gibsontaylorthompson.com

3/ 7

Architectural design, master planning, construction drawings, site planning

Refer to gibsontaylorthompson.com for exemplary projects

Baron Gibson; Darren Taylor; Vincent Thompson

Lexington, KY/ 2016

8

Summit Architects + Engineers 3205 Summit Square Place Lexington, KY 40509 (859) 264-9860 summit-ae.com

3*/ 13

Architecture, civil engineering, interior design, surveying, laboratory, mine permitting

Harrison County High School; Community Trust Bank; Harlan County Public Schools; Knox County Public Schools; City of Elsmere Police Station/City Hall; Sanitation District 4; Southeast Community and Technical College

D. Scott Noel, Assoc. AIA; Mike Hill, P.E.; Steven Maggard, P.E.

Lexington, KY/ 1977

8

Wilmes & Associates Architects 512 E. Main St. Lexington, KY 40508 (859) 233-4989 wilmesarchitects.com

3*/ 2

Architectural design, planning and programming, renovation and adaptive reuse, site design, feasibility studies, project management

City Center Penthouses; Ashland Plaza; ATS office building; Spendthrift Farm breeding facility; Godolphin at Jonabell Farm; UK Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority House; People’s Park (Hazard); 30+ transitional facilities nationally for Dismas Charities

Thomas Wilmes, AIA

Lexington, KY/ 1984

12

Joseph & Joseph Architects 628 Winchester Rd., Ste. 301 Lexington, KY 40505 (859) 523-0090 josephandjoseph.net

2/ 5

Full-service architecture, interior design, and master planning firm focused on the bourbon industry; adaptive reuse and historic renovation; hotels and hospitality industry design; park design; multi-family project design

UK Beam Institute; James E. Pepper Distillery; Four Roses Distillery; Bardstown Bourbon Company; Heaven Hill Distillery; Angels Envy Distillery; Michter’s Distillery; Parklands of Floyds Fork; Charler Young Park; Danville Master Plan and Fire Station; Trail Hotel in Bardstown; Dream Hotel Louisville; New Albany City Hall; Grocers Ice Lofts

Ian McHone, AIA

Louisville, KY/ 1908

12

Morris Workshop Architects 151 N. Eagle Creek Drive, Ste. 105 Lexington, KY 40509 (859) 300-3745 morrisworkshop.com

2*/ 4

Architecture, interior design, historic rehabilitation, pre-design feasibility, programming, project management

Maker’s Mark lab building; Maker’s Mark break and locker building; Studios180 @ MLK; Wrigley Media Studios @ Woodhill; Merrick Inn Restaurant Rehabilitation; Advantage Linen Headquarters; Luca Mariano Distillery (Danville); All Nations Distillery (Lancaster)

Bobby Morris

Lexington, KY/ 2016

12

Tate Hill Jacobs Architects 346 E. Main St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 252-5994 thjarch.com

2/ 5

Architectural design, renovation, adaptive reuse, feasibility studies, interior design

New Henry Clay High School; Frederick Douglass High School; New Tates Creek High School; Locust Trace AgriScience Center; Lyric Theater & Cultural Arts Center; Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center

Katrina Littrell; Sabrina Oaks

Lexington, KY/ 1975

15

PRP Architects 620 Euclid Ave., Ste. 105 Lexington, KY 40502 (859) 268-1720 prparc.com

1/ 2

Collaborative process toward energy efficient and/or “green” design, renderings, construction oversight

See prparc.com for exemplary projects

Clive Pohl, AIA

Lexington, KY/ 2000

TIE

TIE

TIE

TIE

TIE

TIE

TIE

TIE

TIE

Source: Information obtained from Business Lexington questionnaire and company websites. Other companies may have been eligible but did not respond to requests for information. Key: *= Previous figures

BLX_Feb24_20.indd 18

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20

FEBRUARY 2024

WWW.BUSINESSLEXINGTON.COM

Who’sWho

EMPLOYMENT NEWS AND AWARDS IN OUR COMMUNITY

BOWMAN

GLASS

STAPLES

FANNIN

MEEHAN

WALTER

BETHANY

QUARLES

CARLOUGH

BOISON

BLOWEN

NICHOLSON

BOUVIER

IACCARINO

ADKINS

CHELF

JESSIE

MCSWEENEY

MOORE

YOCUM

JOHNSTON

KAISER

GARDNER

MORGAN

RAMSEY

C. LAWRENCE

DARBY

COUCH

KUSMIC

SCOTT

SANDLIN

LESTER

SAWYER

New Hires & Promotions As McBrayer PLLC expands to a new Frankfort office, Joseph P. Bowman has been added to the roster of the firm’s attorneys.

Stites & Harbison, PLLC announced that Lexington attorneys Katie Glass and Drake Staples have been promoted to member (partner).

The law firm of Minner Vines Injury Lawyers announced that Jonathan Fannin has been named a partner in the firm; while Miles Meehan and Carl Walter II, have joined the firm as a trial lawyer.

BrightStar Care, the nation’s leading home care and medical staffing franchise with more than 380 corporate and independently owned and operated agencies, has opened a new location in Lexington. New franchise ownerRyan Bethany is also the director of nursing at Brightstar Care of Northern Lexington.

Following a national search, the Kentucky Community and Technical College System Board of Regents chose Ryan Quarles, a Kentucky native and former community college student, as its fourth president.

Dickinson Wright announced that Sloane Carlough has joined the firm’s Lexington office as of counsel.

Lexington and Fayette County Parking Authority/LEXPARK has appointed Laura Boison as its new executive director.

As Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm exits its 20th anniversary year, founder Michael

BLX_Feb24_20.indd 20

Blowen has announced he will be stepping down as president of the facility he created in Georgetown, in 2003. Taking over the reins as the president and CEO of Old Friends is John Nicholson, best known as the former executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park from 19972014.

Tim Couch has been elected to be Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Sturgill, Turner, Barker & Moloney, PLLC recently promoted Katie E. Bouvier to member of the firm, and welcomed new member attorney Carmine G. Iaccarino and attorneys Megan Adkins, Tyler Chelf, Zoe Jessie, James McSweeney, Andrew Moore, and Andy Yocum to the firm’s Lexington office.

Davis H. Elliot Company, Inc. recently appointed Rob Scott as its director of financial planning and analysis.

Dinsmore & Shohl LLP’s has elected Lexington attorneys Sara Johnston and David Kaiser to partnership.

The firm also welcomed corporate attorney Alexander Gardner to its Lexington office.

McBrayer PLLC has promoted Lexington attorney Anne-Tyler Morgan to equity member.

Derrick K. Ramsey, former secretary of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet and the state’s Labor Cabinet, has joined the Kentucky Community and Technical College System as special assistant to the president for strategic partnerships.

The Kentucky Bourbon Festival board of directors announced the election of Cordell Lawrence as its new chairman.

The NAI Isaac commercial real estate team has welcomed Max Darby as a sales/leasing associate.

Former University of Kentucky and Cleveland Browns quarterback

CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group – Gastroenterology in Lexington has welcomed Damir Kusmic, MD, to its distinguished gastroenterology team.

Community Trust Bancorp, Inc. has appointed Jeff Sandlin to its board of directors. Sandlin will serve on the Audit & Asset Quality Committee and the Risk and Compliance Committee.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bluegrass has named the following individuals to its board of directors: Katie Ann Lester, Interior Yardage; Hannah Sawyer, Keeneland Association; Gail Moses, Regency Interiors by Gail Moses; Brad Nahra, McDonald’s; and Ali Slone, M.D., Kentucky Children’s Hospital.

PLLC); Charlie Rowland, immediate past president (Regard Law Group, PLLC); Allison Helsinger, vice president (Moore, Ingram, Johnson, & Steele LLP); Ryan Graham, treasurer (Blue and Co., LLC); and Austen Bloomer, secretary (EY).

Frontier Nursing University Information Technology Director Marc Blevins has been promoted to the role of the university’s first chief information and digital officer.

Thomson Lawn announced the promotions of Angelo Capria to law care manager, and Joey Patterson to pest control manager.

Visit Horse Country has welcomed Jamie Hulet Frantz as its new lead concierge focusing on group tour sales and VIP experiences.

The partners of Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP have approved the election of Thomas E. Travis as partner in the firm.

Dennis Lawrence, president and CEO of CLARK Material Handling Company, has been appointed to the board of directors for CLARK Material Handling and will step down as president and CEO. Michael (Mike) Binnie has been appointed the company’s new CEO.

The following officers were elected to serve on Lexington Clinic’s annual board of directors: Michael T. Cecil, M.D., president; Tharun Karthikeyan, M.D., vice-president; Robby K. Hutchinson, M.D.; secretary; An-Yu Chen, M.D., treasurer.

Other members of the board include Brandon Devers, M.D., Jamil Farooqui, M.D., Kimberly Hudson MD., Jordan Prendergast, M.D., David Keilar, M.D., Nick Rowe and Paul Rooke.

Kudos

Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bluegrass also announced this term’s executive board of directors, which included Max Smith, president (Ward, Hocker, & Thornton

Dickinson Wright announced that two of the firm’s attorneys in the Lexington office, Brian M. Johnson and David A. Owen, have been named as 2024 Kentucky Super

Townsend Financial Planning announce the promotion of Nick Bailey, CFP, to the position of partner.

Lawyers. One attorney, Logan J. Mayfield, was named to 2024 Kentucky Super Lawyers Rising Stars.

Another record number of McBrayer attorneys have been named to lists of Kentucky Super Lawyers and Kentucky Rising Stars in the 2024 edition of Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers. The Lexington attorneys on the 2024 Kentucky Super Lawyers list includes Stephen G. Amato; Jaron P. Blandford; Keeana Sajadi Boarman; James H. Frazier, III; David J. Guarnieri; Douglas T. Logsdon; Robert E. Maclin, III; Luke A. Wingfield; and Jon A. Woodall. Jack A. Wheat has received the additional distinction of being listed in the Top 10 2024 Kentucky Super Lawyers list, while Stephen G. Amato is listed in the Top 50 2024 Kentucky Super Lawyers list. The following attorneys from McBrayer’s Lexington office received the Rising Star distinction: Jonas S. Bastien, Brittany Deskins, Chris Eller, Jason Hollon, AnneTyler Morgan, T. Neal Morris, Scott Schuette, Cassidy Sorrells, and Preston Clark Worley.

Community Trust Bank, Inc. was recently honored for the 15th consecutive year with the “Gold Lender Award” from the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) as Kentucky’s top volume SBA 7a Community Bank lender in federal fiscal year 2022–23.

Wiser Strategies, a Lexingtonbased strategic communication firm, took top honors in the 2023 Public Relations Society of America’s East Central District competition. The firm won ‘Best in Show’ for its work with LEXPARK’s digital marketing program, most notably promoting the use of a parking reservation app.

1/30/24 4:48 PM

21

FEBRUARY 2024

WWW.BUSINESSLEXINGTON.COM

Who’sWho

EMPLOYMENT NEWS AND AWARDS IN OUR COMMUNITY

MOSES

NAHRA

SLONE

CECIL

KARTHIKEYAN

HUTCHINSON

CHEN

SMITH

ROWLAND

HELSINGER

GRAHAM

BLOOMER

BLEVINS

CAPRIA

PATTERSON

HULET FRANTZ

TRAVIS

D. LAWRENCE

BINNIE

BAILEY

B. JOHNSON

OWEN

MAYFIELD

GERALDS

PENN

MORRETT

HAMMOND

WOLFE

F. JOHNSON

TAYLOR-HALL

Stites & Harbison, PLLC announced that Lexington attorneys W. Blaine Early, III​, Warren D. Schickli, ​ Michael S. Hargis, A ​ shley W. Ward, and Gregory P. Parsons office have been honored as Kentucky Super Lawyers for 2024. The firm also announced the following attorneys from the Lexington office were named as Rising Stars: Joshua F. Barnette, D ​ rake W. Staples, ​Gentry C. Collins​, Taylor J. Stuckey, R ​ obin E. McGuffin, ​Alison M. Zeitlin, and ​ Rebecca M.W. Sherman.

The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service has presented the Thomas Poe Cooper Farm Leadership Award to commercial farmer Clayton Geralds and Pennbrook Farm owner Frank Penn for their significant impact in Kentucky and beyond.

The Kentucky Small Business Administration has awarded the 2023 ‘Microlender of the Year’ award to nonprofit Community Ventures’ for the organization’s dedication to helping entrepreneurs launch and grow small businesses across the commonwealth.

Alltech recently presented a $100,000 check to GreenHouse17, an advocacy agency and emergency shelter in Central Kentucky committed to ending intimate partner abuse. The donation was made possible by the success of Alltech’s

second annual Make a Difference Golf Scramble and matching funds from the Pearse Lyons ACE Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports the philanthropic endeavors of Alltech and the Lyons family.

MML&K Government Solutions and McBrayer PLLC are proud to announce an expansion in Frankfort. MML&K Government Solutions will relocate from its current office at 305 Ann St. to a new office just across the street at 202 W. Main St., where the law firm of McBrayer PLLC will expand and open a new Frankfort practice to complement current offices in Lexington and Louisville.

Leadership Kentucky announced the graduates of the Leadership Kentucky Class of 2023. This year’s program consisted of 52 participants including Dorothy Lockhart, Anne-Tyler Morgan, Camden Skidmore, Jared Smith, John Cox, John Hampton, Dalton Hatfield, Ben Haydon, and Timothy Johnson from Fayette County.

Commerce Lexington announced the members of its 2024 Ambassador Committee, a select group of volunteers who serve as an extension of the Commerce Lexington Inc. staff, ensuring that member businesses are getting the most out of their membership. Members include: Francisco Castro, JCC

WHO’S WHO FOR YOU? BLX_Feb24_20.indd 21

Insurance Group, LLC; Nicole Corbin, David H. Elliot Company, Inc.; April Corwin, Forcht Bank; Alicia Cox, Stock Yards Bank; Ginger Davis, Churchill McGee; Brandy Drakeford, Xooker; Vicki Evans, TOPS Marketing; Caroline Francis, University of Kentucky Alumni Career Services; Jamie Hall, Don Franklin Auto Mall (2024 Committee Chair); Laura Justice, VisitLEX; Trey McCallie, Realty One Group Bluegrass; Laura MobleyCorn, Express Employment Professionals; Jeff Morrett, Parsons & Howard Insurance Group; Crystal Newton, 46Solutions; Dan Noel, Men In Kilts Lexington; Susie Patrick, WDKY FOX 56; Jessica Pfister, Heartland Payroll & Payments; Berry Popp, Whitaker Bank; Alisa Rose, Nimlok-Kentucky; Adam Routt, Quality Inn Lexington; Mike Sypolt, LW Office Furniture Warehouse; Becky Trimble, Central Bank Center; Kelly Webb, Houchens Insurance Group; and Mark Weimer, WesBanco Bank.

Commerce Lexington is proud to announce its annual awards recognizing community impact and volunteerism, which highlight individuals and organizations that have had a significant impact on our organization and the community.

The Volunteer of the Year Award recipient is Jeff Morrett from Parsons and Howard Insurance Group, while the nonprofit organization Lexing-

ton For Everyone has been selected for the Community Impact Award.

Bluegrass Community & Technical College recently received the Outstanding Community Partner Award from Beta Gamma Omega of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Daily Racing Form, and the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters have honored Tom Hammond, whose dynamic career of more than 50 years in broadcasting, television production, and numerous contributions to the Thoroughbred industry, with the Special Eclipse Award for Career Excellence.

Leaders from CHI Saint Joseph Health announced the recipients of $235,000 in grant funding to community organizations in the Lexington area. The grants are part of the CommonSpirit Health Community Health Improvement Grants program. Six local nonprofit groups will receive funding ranging from $20,000 to $50,000.

Saint Joseph Hospital has received national accolades for being one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for 2024, according to new research released by Healthgrades.

This is the second year in a row Saint Joseph Hospital has been recognized among the top 2% of hospitals nationwide for overall

clinical performance and, along with numerous other accolades from Healthgrades, reflects Saint Joseph Hospital’s commitment to exceptional patient care.

High-speed internet provider Kinetic has been named Business of the Year by the Somerset–Pulaski County (Ky.) Chamber of Commerce.

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System website was named to the Top 10 list of campus websites for 2023 by Modern Campus, the content management system vendor that sponsored the excellence in website design and management awards.

George C. Wolfe, three-time Tony award-winning director of plays and movies; Fenton Johnson, who wrote the first major work of fiction about the impact of the AIDS crisis on rural America; and Mary Ann Taylor-Hall, whose novel “Come and Go, Molly Snow” is a classic Kentucky story, are this year’s living inductees into the Kentucky Writers Hall of Fame. Joining the 2024 Hall of Fame are three deceased Kentucky writers: Mary Lee Settle, a National Book Award-winning novelist; Paul Brett Johnson, a landscape painter who wrote and illustrated children’s books; and Billy C. Clark, whose autobiography was considered by Time magazine to be “as authentically American as Huckleberry Finn.” BL

Submit your company’s recent hirings, promotions, and awards for listing in the Who’s Who section of Business Lexington.

Email a press release and photo to info@bizlex.com.

1/30/24 4:48 PM

22

FEBRUARY 2024

WWW.BUSINESSLEXINGTON.COM

BizLexQ&A

Neil Kesterson The Dynamix Productions founder on a career in audio engineering and growing a small business jobs on a digital workstation, usually taking about six hours — we had it done in an hour and a half.

Digital technology is incrementally getting better. The technology is now getting so that the listener is fully immersed, and it’s very close to reality. I’m also using artificial intelligence to some degree. We’re not generating new content with AI but rather using it to spot noise to get rid of in recordings.

I still use some analog technology. There’s a coldness to digital, a starkness, and people have realized that to make an artistic sound, you need to add color. Let’s say that I am recording something where the voice needs a pleasant warmth.

I will send it to a vacuum tube compressor that I have that’s maybe 50 years old and adds warmth and a gentle compression, and then I’ll record it back into my system.

BY CAMPBELL WOOD CONTRIBUTING WRITER

D

rawing on his nearly fourdecade career in audio engineering and 20 years of running his Lexingtonbased, award-winning audio firm, Dynamix Productions, Neil Kesterson has written a definitive book on the current state of the audio business: “Push the Right Buttons; A Practical Guide to Becoming and Succeeding as an Audio Engineer and Producer.”

The book is a compendium of facts and strategies to deliver optimal recording quality. It’s also rich in sound business advice for aspiring audio engineers and anyone embarking on small business creation or growth.

Kesterson peppers his writing with anecdotes and advice from personal experience. Having served as the live audio director for University of Kentucky football games for 16 years, he pulls back the curtain on what it takes to run sound for a stadium that seats 70,000, and it’s a lot — a lot of time and a lot of technical expertise, along with the flexibility to navigate the unexpected.

Having worked for films, TV productions, and radio (NPR included), he shares stories and advice for working with voice talent and actors. He recalls his work with William Shatner, the late Sam Shepard, and Steve Zahn.

After People magazine mentioned Dynamix in an article about Shatner, Dynamix received heaps of fan mail for Shatner and several surprise visits from fans hoping to meet the star.

Kesterson grew up immersed in music and recording. While he attended the University of Kentucky, Roger Chesser, then director of WUKY-FM, hired him to DJ a regular night shift and gave him a free license to experiment with a trove of recording equipment. He parlayed that experience into a career.

In 1985, he started work in

PHOTO FURNISHED

Neil Kesterson’s new book, “Push the Right Buttons; A Practical Guide to Becoming and Succeeding as an Audio Engineer and Producer,” details his nearly four-decade career in the industry.

audio engineering at House of Commons Films. In 1989, he began work with Host Communications.

As audio director, he oversaw the budget and audio work that would grow from a small in-house recording studio to an expanded studio that produced weekly national network television shows, serviced major agencies and brands, broadcast local, regional, and national radio shows, and operated the NCAA Radio Network, with more than 2,000 affiliates.

In 2003, Kesterson founded Dynamix, which has garnered awards from the International Broadcasting Awards, Telly Awards, Silver Microphone Awards, The American Advertising Federation, and one Emmy

nomination. Kesterson spoke with Business Lexington about his new book, his work, and the state of audio technology.

What inspired you to write your book? I’ve had a lot of students and interns over the years, and I always found it personally rewarding to teach something and see them have the “Aha!” moments. My mother was a teacher, and that influenced me. I saw a need in the audio industry. There were no books that I could find on how to break into the business.

There’s no clear path for entry into this field like in some other professions. I wanted to share the zigzags and bumps in the road I navigated to get to where I am.

What is audio engineering, and how does your work fit into that field? Audio engineering is a general term that covers anything and everything that deals with acoustics and sound. My specialty is recording and producing sound for films, advertising, audiobooks, radio shows, TV shows, etc.

Please talk about the changing technology of audio engineering. When I started in the mid-’80s, it was the end of the analog era and the beginning of the digital era. It was a revelation to see the audio on a computer screen and be able to drag and drop and move it around at will.

You can’t do that with analog tape. I remember one of our first

READ IT. PROFIT. BLX_Feb24_20.indd 22

Please talk about a memorable and challenging project you worked on. The most fun and stress I’ve been under at the same time would be working on the Triple Crown broadcasts. That includes the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont, plus there was the Breeders’ Cup — all with the same team. I got to work with professionals who had been in the field for so long, and it just didn’t faze them; the hard work, long hours, and challenge after challenge. In the end it was all for just one hour of broadcast.

My job was recording and editing little packages, vignettes, and interviews to play throughout the broadcast before the actual race. I learned so much.

I wouldn’t have been able to do it had I not had good mentors and had not worked side-by-side with great production people before I got on that national stage.

Lexington doesn’t realize how good the production companies are here. We have a great pool of talent, and any one of the crews I’ve worked with here would stand up to any worldwide. BL

BUSINESS FEATURES BIZLISTS ECONOMIC ANALYSIS NEW HIRES PROMOTIONS AND MORE

BusinessLexington 1/30/24 4:48 PM

S

LEY I M

PETE

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'S

. e c i o v r u o Y ! s e c i o h c Your

The final voting round for Smiley Pete’s Best of Lex is now open.

From top artists and writers to the finest restaurants and physicians – it’s in your hands. The nomination round is complete, and your vote decides the best!

Join us in celebrating Lexington’s unique charm.

Vote now for a community that stands out in every way!

Cast your vote now!

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Cast your vote here 1/30/24 4:48 PM

Dr. Tiffany Daniels, D.C. Co-Chair

Lisa Higgins-Hord Co-Chair

BUILD A BRIGHTER FUTURE. The Lexington Black Prosperity Initiative at Blue Grass Community Foundation was created to pursue the goal of strengthening, supporting and making a meaningful impact in Black communities.

Since its founding in the summer of 2020, LBPI has awarded more than $300,000 to local organizations that are building a brighter future and transforming lives.

Join us! Learn more about the Initiative and donate at bgcf.org/racialequity.

bgcf.org

BLX_Feb24_20.indd 24

499 East High Street • Suite 112 • Lexington, KY 40507 / 859.225.3343

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