Business Lexington, May 2025 by Smiley Pete Publishing

Rises

REGIONAL MARKET REVIEW 2025

Introducing Business Lexington’s Regional Market Review

Business Lexington and Smiley Pete Publishing are thrilled to announce the inaugural Business Lexington Regional Market Review—a premier annual publication covering the economic landscape of Central Kentucky.

Launching in October 2025, this glossy, table-top edition will provide in-depth insights into the region’s economic developments, challenges, and successes.

The NEW Regional Market Review will spotlight key market trends and analysis across Fayette, Clark, Scott, Bourbon, Woodford, Montgomery, Madison, and Jessamine counties, delivering essential information for business leaders, investors, and policymakers.

Stay ahead with expert reporting, datadriven insights, and a comprehensive look at Central Kentucky’s evolving market.

For advertising and sponsorship info email advertise@smileypete.com

BusinessLexington

PVAStatistics

The latest statistics on local residential properties PAGE 6

EconomicAnalysis

A monthly look at economic indicators compiled by the Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) at the University of Kentucky PAGE 7

WriteStu

Building a cohesive team in a remote work environment PAGE 7

CraveWorthy

Crust rises again: Local favorite wood-ﬁred pizza restaurant reopens in new location with updated menu PAGE 8

QuickBites

Radio Star Lounge brings ’80s glam to West Main PAGE 9

IndependentBusiness

A blooming collective: Three female entrepreneurs bring wellness, wine, and community to the Warehouse Block PAGE 10

SMILEY PETE PUBLISHING

BizLists

Banks PAGE 15

Credit unions PAGE 18

Employment Law Firms PAGE 20

Who’sWho Employment updates and notable achievements from around the Bluegrass PAGE 22

Live from Downtown, it’s Thursday Night!

Downtown Lexington Partnership’s signature event celebrates 30 years with an all-star lineup, LEX250 performances, and three decades of economic impact PAGE 12

Stable Returns:

Despite some banks ceasing agricultural lending programs, equine ﬁnancing continues to fuel Bluegrass economy PAGE 11

First Look: The Railyard: Developer Will Hanrahan launches $6 million mixed use project on Delaware Ave. PAGE 14

Q&A with Arthur Hancock III: The founder of Stone Farm on breeding Thoroughbreds, personal redemption, and the enduring power of music PAGE 21

BizBriefs

Bluegrass State Sees Tourism Surge as the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Breaks Visitor Record

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association reports that the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, a membership-based program designed to showcase the state’s bourbon industry and its partners, welcomed a record-setting 2.7 million visitors in 2024. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is this year celebrating its 25th annivesary.

Visitors from all 50 states and more than 20 countries across six continents poured into the Bluegrass State last year — up from 2.5 million in 2023 — marking the third straight year with more than 2 million tourists.

More than 20 million people have visited a Kentucky Bourbon Trail distillery over the past 25 years.

“The combination of American history, picturesque scenery and legendary Kentucky hospitality continues to attract people from all over the world to get a deeper look into what makes our Bourbon family so special,” said Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.

Historically, KBT visitors have come from states within a six-hour drive of Kentucky, the KDA reports. However, last year saw a surge of visitors from states beyond that range, including California, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, New York, and Pennsylvania.

The KDA created the Bourbon Trail in 1999 to give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at crafting America’s native spirit. At that time, only seven distilleries were open to visit — an itinerary that could be completed over a long weekend, the KDA notes.

The KBT now counts 60 participating distilleries across the commonwealth, with more on the way.

“There’s more to do, see, and taste than ever before,” Gregory said.

The KDA notes that Kentucky Bourbon Trail communities and partners continue to welcome guests with new restaurants, hotels, and bars, and benefit from an affluent, younger demographic that stays longer and has more disposable income than the average Kentucky tourist.

• 62% of Kentucky Bourbon Trail visitors have incomes above $100,000

• 76% of visitors are from outside Kentucky

• Most visitors stay three to five days in communities featuring a Bourbon Trail distillery

• Visitors spend between $600 and $1,400 on dining, entertainment, lodging, and transportation

“The Kentucky Bourbon Trail knows no limits in its popularity, and I can’t wait to see where it goes in our next 25 years,” Gregory said. “The possibilities are endless, and we look forward to welcoming millions more to enjoy it — responsibly, of course.”

PHOTO FURNISHED

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association reports that a record-setting 2.7 million visitors made stops along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in 2024, including at Castle & Key Distillery in Woodford County.

BizBriefs

Buffalo Trace Distillery Continues Recovery From Historic Flooding

Representatives from Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort report that the facility is now in recovery mode following recent flooding from the adjacent Kentucky River that inundated its campus, with cleanup and repair efforts well underway.

In April, nearly one week after the flood waters peaked, the distillery reported that more than 75 percent of the debris has been removed, and power had been restored to key areas. Production has resumed in its Blanton’s Bottling Hall and the main bottling operations, while restoration work continues inside the facility.

A team of contractors, engineers, and inhouse staff has been working to clear the site and repair the facilities. The interiors of major production buildings have been drained and are undergoing repairs. The distllery had recently completed a multyear, $1.2 billion expansion.

“Thanks to the tireless efforts of our contractors and dedicated teams, we’ve made tremendous progress in the distillery’s flood recovery plan. While there’s still work to be done, the resilience and determination demonstrated this past week is truly inspiring,” said Jake Wenz, Sazerac and Buffalo Trace Distillery CEO and President. “Each

day significant progress is made allowing the distillery to return to normal operations, and I am optimistic that, with this same spirit, we’ll be operating normally soon.”

In addition to its recovery efforts, Buffalo Trace is preparing to launch relief initiatives to support the community. The city has established a Franklin County Flood Relief Fund, and donations are being accepted to help those most affected by the flooding.

The distillery reports it has also begun a thorough inspection of barrels that may have been exposed to flood waters. This process includes both visual checks and quality testing, similar to the standard procedure for every bottle of whiskey produced at the facility. Based on experiences from previous floods, representatives expect that although this inspection process may take several weeks, the loss of barrels will be minimal.

Wenz provided further details in a LinkedIn update. He noted that no permanent structures were damaged although record flood water levels were recorded, particularly near the area known as Bourbon Pompeii. He confirmed that finished goods began shipping last week and that operations in the bottling hall have resumed. Wenz also mentioned ongoing efforts to repair electrical systems and motors that sustained damage during the flood, adding that both engineers and electricians are working quickly to address these issues. BL

Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Frankfort campus is shown at the height of the flooding on April 7, 2025.

FURNISHED BY BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY

PHOTO

PHOTO FURNISHED BY BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY

An aerial photo taken April 11 shows receding floodwaters and ongoing recovery efforts.

PVAStatistics

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 March 2025

3/18/25

3/10/25

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3/19/25

Residential Sales Data for March 2025

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 April 2025

Payroll emp. MSA****

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

Payroll Employment, US

Manufacturing Payroll Employment US Unemployment Rate, US

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

Index of Leading Indicators**

Fed’s Index of Industrial Production**

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

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 Karen Langer Little

Building a Cohesive Team in a Remote Work Environment

The physical office has made a comeback, but remote work is now a normal part of company culture. One challenge of remote work is building team cohesion. Teambuilding games and icebreakers can’t shoulder all of that burden!

Businesses thrive when employees understand current priorities and how their individual work contributes to big-picture goals. In person, coworkers more easily share a mission and mutual responsibility, and asking for support or negotiating process improvements can be spontaneous and casual.

Intentional goal-setting to promote cohesion can be done strategically online using Zoom meetings and spreadsheets. One model for using company-wide SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) remotely is to make a spreadsheet with those goals listed at the top.

Either synchronously in breakout rooms or in separate asynchronous meetings, each department should draft goals that will expedite or support those company-wide goals and post the drafts to the company spreadsheet for other departments to review. Goal-setting should be collaborative because teams may not realize how they impact one another, especially when they are working remotely.

For example, a healthcare company managing remote medical providers may set a SMART goal to serve 100 more patients per month on average than the previous quarter. To support that, human resources might aim to hire five new providers within the quarter. HR would rely on marketing to advertise the job openings, but it first must provide marketing with the necessary information. Marketing might then request that HR add a goal to deliver that information within two weeks.

Exploring these “supply chains” of information, fleshing out timelines, and refining goals based on interdepartmental responsibilities helps employees see both their own value and that of others. It also prevents resentment that can stem from misunderstandings of others’ needs and priorities. A spreadsheet visible to everyone and updated weekly with brief progress reports enables teams to monitor one another, spot stalled progress, and collaborate proactively to stay on track. BL

Karen Langer Little is Class Coordinator and Database Administrator with the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning, a nonprofit educational center offering seasonal writing, publishing, and language classes, among other community programming. For more info, visit CarnegieCenterLex.org.

CraveWorthy

Crust Rises Again

BY SHANNON CLINTON CONTRIBUTING WRITER

After closing in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, a local favorite is making a comeback with signature dishes alongside new menu items.

The group’s owner, Kuni Toyoda — who played a major role in Fazoli’s expansion — has been a ﬁxture of the local dining scene for nearly 40 years.

Marketing Director Jillian Richards explained that the original decision to close Crave coincided with its lease expiration and pandemic-related economic pressures.

“Crave had a following for a few menu items speciﬁcally — like the Dante Pizza, Garlic Knots, and our signature sandwiches — so of course those remain on the menu,” Richards said. “We also wanted to introduce some bold new dishes that make great additions.”

Thanks to a larger kitchen, the restaurant now o ers freshly made pasta entrées and an expanded appetizer selection. Appe-

tizers include charcuterie with local cheese, olives, meats, and seasonal accompaniments; burrata with prosciutto, ﬁg jam, ciabatta, and olive oil; Pane Forno with roasted red pepper coulis, kalamata tapenade, and roasted garlic; and meatballs in tomato basil cream sauce served with ciabatta.

Richards describes Crust’s concept as “authentic Italian meets bold ﬂavors.”

“We have items on our menu that we haven’t seen beyond a seasonal feature in Lexington — like ’nduja sausage, bottarga, and squid ink pasta, just to name a few,” she said.

“It’s a good feeling to give a fresh start to an old favorite,” Richards added. “Crave had such a cult following from the start, so to say it was devastating to close is an understatement. COVID-19 really took so much from us — just like it did for so many. Now, having the opportunity to bring it back to life is such a treat. Being in a di erent part of town and in more of a neighborhood setting is going to be a game changer.” BL Local favorite wood-ﬁred pizza restaurant reopens in new location with

Crave, a wood-ﬁred pizza and pasta restaurant, reopened in late March at 3195 Beaumont Centre Circle under the ownership of Bella Notte Restaurant Group (BNRG), which also operates Bella Notte, Smashing Tomato, and Bella Cafe & Grille.

Once conditions began returning to normal, BNRG o cials searched for a new location.

Nearly ﬁve years later, they found one. In the interim, the menu was carefully evaluated and tweaked to balance beloved classics with new items.

“It’s a good feeling to give a fresh start to an old favorite ... Being in a di erent part of town and in more of a neighborhood setting is going to be a game changer.”

JILLIAN RICHARDS, CRUST MARKETING DIRECTOR

Your business can reach hundreds of thousands of Central Kentuckians with Smiley Pete Publishing. For advertising or event sponsorship information, email advertise@smileypete.com or phone 859.266.6537.

SMILEY PETE PUBLISHING

PHOTOS FURNISHED

Crave, a wood-ﬁred pizza and pasta restaurant, reopened in late March under the ownership of Bella Notte Restaurant Group, bringing back old favorites and introducing new menu items.

Radio Star Lounge Brings ’80s Glam to West Main QuickBites

BY SHANNON CLINTON CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Eighties music trivia buffs know that the first video ever aired on MTV, back in August 1981, was “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles. That iconic moment inspired the name of Radio Star Lounge, a new bar at 123 West Main Street dedicated to all things 1980s. Opened in late March and welcoming guests from 8 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, it’s already become a neon-soaked destination.

Shea Thompson, representing Radio Star Lounge, says the goal was to create “a space that felt nostalgic but elevated.” Guests can reserve VIP booths for a fee, and a second floor private party space will open soon. “It’s a place where you could sip a great cocktail under the glow of neon, hear a song you hadn’t thought of in years, and immediately be transported,” Thompson said.

Inside, disco ball cocktails and neoninfused décor mingle with classic 1980s movie clips played on overhead screens. The challenge of transforming the former Phoenix & Third Trust Company Building, built in 1906, into an ’80s adult playground fell to Cara Drion Design, who preserved the building’s original architectural details while layering in vibrant color, geometric patterns and vintage memorabilia.

Thompson believes the 1980s resonate because it was “a time of bold self-expression” — a cultural moment people still crave today. “Radio Star is our love letter to that era: the sound, the sparkle, the spontaneity,” she said. “And, in a world that can sometimes feel a little too serious, we think everyone deserves a place to press play, escape, and just enjoy the night.”

In other food and beverage industry news:

Black Soil KY has launched a mobile food market called Sprout, which will visit locations from June 1 through Nov. 20 — in Lexington and as far away as Paducah — to distribute low and free fresh produce and boost food security. Director of Marketing and Special Projects Amber Fuller said that community groups can schedule two-hour (or longer) Sprout visits, offering premade

farmers’market grab bags at affordable price points and starting at $2,500 for up to 50 guests. Some visits may be fully sponsored. Email marketing@blacksoilky.com for more details.

Mileta has introduced a weekly Sunday brunch, served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring Executive Chef Alex Green’s Kentucky strawberry shortcake with buttermilk biscuits, honeywhipped ricotta and cream; Eggs in Purgatory with Calabrian chili tomato sauce, fontina and piadina; and crispy fried chicken thighs with smoked onion agrodolce.

Old North Bar has welcomed Irie Flavors to take over its kitchen. While the menu will center on authentic Jamaican dishes, several of Old North Bar’s longtime favorites will remain on the menu.

Operating out of Southland Bagel’s shared kitchen at 428 Southland Dr., The Crown African Cuisine is now serving Ghanaian specialties such as fried yam with fish or turkey wings, fufu with light soup, and jollof rice. Also operating out of the shared kitchen, Lexington Curry House offers lamb vindaloo, chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, biryani and other South Asian dishes.

After a several month hiatus, Jasmine Rice owner Kukie Ruadrew will relocate into the former Lee’s Garden space at 680 Lima Dr. on May 1, serving authentic Thai, Vietnamese and Laotian cuisine.

To celebrate Lexington’s 250th anniversary — and pay homage to the former Wrocklage music club (1988– ‘96) — Country Boy Brewing has released Wrock Lager, a malt-forward Festbier now available in its taprooms and at select retailers.

As of press time, Kentucky Native Café’s new bakery is nearing completion and hiring staff to join its team.

Damiano Pizza and Pasta has closed its 503 S. Upper St. location, making way for Pollo Azul, a Latin-inspired rotisserie chicken concept slated to open in April.

Lyndon House Bed & Breakfast announced it has rebranded as Chez Lyndon Manor, marking a new chapter for the historic building. BL

Have a food and beverage-related update to share with readers?

PHOTO FURNISHED

Amber Fuller, Ashley C. Smith, and Krysta Callinan of Black Soil stand in front of the nonprofit’s new mobile food market.

IndependentBusiness

A Blooming Collective

Three female entrepreneurs bring wellness, wine, and community to the Warehouse Block

BY BRENT OWEN AND SARAYA BREWER

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

The Willow, located at 825 National Ave., is a new addition to the Warehouse Block that brings together the talents of three local female entrepreneurs in a unique and dynamic way. Co-owners Avena Kiehly, Erin Goins, and Dani Dunmire describe the concept as “wellness by day, wine bar by night.”

Each woman brings a complementary background to the business: Kiehly also owns the downtown business collective The Grove; Goins runs the local food tour company Bites of the Bluegrass; and Dunmire is a dance and fitness instructor. Together, they’ve created a space that celebrates community, wellness, and connection — with a distinctly Lexington flair.

Housed in an industrial brick building near the corner of National and Ashland

The Willow’s airy, inviting space is designed to feel like a conservatory, filled with plants and natural touches. Its owners describe the concept as “wellness by day, wine bar by night.”

Avenues, the airy, inviting space is designed to feel like a conservatory, brimming with plants and natural touches. Earth-toned furnishings in velvet, rattan, and hardwood are arranged into cozy conversation nooks, and natural light pours in through skylights and glasspaneled garage doors. Two of the large interior brick walls feature murals by local artist Wylie Caudill, painted in soft shades of green.

In the mornings and early afternoons, The Willow offers a peaceful coffee shop atmosphere, serving locally produced coffee, tea, kombucha, and juices. After 3 p.m., a bar menu becomes available, with a wine list curated by sommelier and former Wine + Market owner Renee Brewer, and a cocktail menu crafted by Evan Akers and Erin Cox of Harvey’s Bar. Many of the cocktails are named for and inspired by the stories of wellknown Lexington women.

Food offerings include small bites such as chia pudding, snack-sized charcuterie boxes, feta-and-kale salad, and overnight oats — sourced from other local female-owned businesses, including Fable Charcuterie + Wine and Natalia’s Pastry Shop.

Up a short flight of stairs from the main space, a second, customizable room hosts low-impact fitness classes and wellness workshops, and serves as overflow seating or a small event space at other times.

Kiehly said she’s excited to create opportunities for people to enjoy a drink with their fitness classmates, rather than rushing out the door after a workout.

At its heart, The Willow is a collective platform for local female business owners—and a truly special new destination to work, socialize, and work out in the Warehouse Block. BL

PHOTOS BY EMILY GIANCARLO

Co-owners Avena Kiehly, Dani Dunmire and Erin Goins (l-r) opened the multi-tiered Warehouse Block concept Willow: A Blooming Collective earlier this year.

Stable Returns

Despite some banks ceasing agricultural lending programs, equine financing continues to fuel Bluegrass economy

BY LIZ CAREY

WRITER

The equine sector is an important aspect of the Bluegrass region’s agriculture industry. As in broader agricultural operations, lending and access to capital play an important role in facilitating continued investments, growth and profitability. Thoroughbred farms across Central Kentucky borrow to purchase horses and land or to finance ongoing operations.

While industry experts say many banks closed their equine lending programs in recent years — especially during the pandemic — the sector remains a key driver of Central Kentucky’s economy. Several local and regional banks and credit unions continue to offer loans in this specialized and nuanced niche.

“Agricultural lending is all we do — our sole focus is lending capital to farmers, and, in Lexington, that tends to be a lot of equine operations,” said Willie Wilson, Vice President of Credit with Central Kentucky Ag Credit.

“For us, equine lending has grown since COVID-19, because we saw some of our competition step away,” he said, noting that equine lending currently comprises about 15 percent of the credit union’s portfolio. “That isn’t really an option for us, and it’s by design that we don’t walk away from agriculture for good times or for bad. COVID was hard on a lot of horse farmers, especially with the closure of racetracks and sale barns, but we stood with our equine customers.”

Ted Berge, Director of Equine Services at Independence Bank, notes that equine revenues and expenses largely follow the cyclical nature of agriculture in general.

“The business of being a commercial breeder is very seasonal in terms of when money comes in and goes out,” he said. “The sales are all in the fall, so that’s when they make their money. Then the rest of the year they’re pretty much spending money. We provide lines of credit to deal with that seasonality.”

Those lines of credit cover general expenses — including stud fees, board, veterinary care, labor and training — until yearling sales in August, September and October bring in revenue. Other term loans finance the acquisition of livestock.

“Sometimes we handle acquisitions where someone is buying a big piece of a new stallion prospect, for example, which is very expensive, and then we try to do term loans that match roughly with the anticipated revenues from those sources,” Berge said.

“For example, with a stallion purchase you would hope to collect all of the purchase price of that horse over the first four or five years, and we would have a term facility that would amortize like that.”

Independence Bank also offers farm mortgages for longer terms loans, he said.

Like any business, the equine industry and associated lending needs carry risk. Banks can lessen risk by securing sufficient collateral to support the loan, but valuation of that collateral can fluctuate.

“When you look at general livestock lending like cattle, which are a commodity, I can look up market reports from [recent] sales and know where the cattle market stands,” Wilson said. “Equine valuations are completely different, and they get full appraisals on their bloodstock many times.”

Large operations will typically have their bloodstock appraised annually, he added. If a stallion’s offspring have a strong year at the sales or on the track, that stallion’s value will

Many commercial breeders utilize lines of credit to cover operational expenses

typically rise. “Their pedigree is what drives their value,” Wilson said.

While predicting the future is difficult, there is no reason to believe the Thoroughbred market will change in the near future.

“We’ve seen nothing but positive growth,” said Chad Lashbrook, Vice President and Senior Commercial Lender with Independence Bank. “Purses are up in a number of jurisdictions, which has really helped the auction market for racing prospects. The market for top broodmares has been very good.”

Lashbrook added that fresh blood — new horses, new owners, and new investors — continues to attract media attention and spur growth.

Wilson, of Central Kentucky Ag Credit, said that new investment trends and developments in other states’ racing industries also spur growth in Kentucky.

“There’s probably more foreign investment today than there was a decade ago,” he said. “I think the trajectory of the equine market will continue to grow over the next 5 to 10 years. I think it’s because of the changing landscape and horse racing in states outside of Kentucky, principally Florida and California, which is a good thing for Kentucky.” BL

WILSON

BERGE

LASHBROOK

Live from Downtown, it’s Thursday Night!

Downtown Lexington Partnership’s signature event celebrates 30 years with an all-star lineup, LEX250 performances, and three decades of economic impact

BY MATT WICKSTROM

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

For three decades, Thursday Night Live has been Lexingtonians’ go-to event to get their weekends started early. It’s also been a boon for downtown businesses, with well over 1,000 people flocking to Tandy Park for the weekly concert series, held April through October.

Overseeing Thursday Night Live for much of its lifespan is Laura Farnsworth, director of development and events for the Downtown Lexington Partnership — a private, nonprofit

member organization founded in 2008 that works to build a vibrant, economically powerful urban core.

Thursday Night Live is Downtown Lexington Partnership’s largest free-to-attend public event, and is responsible for funding the bulk of its programming, including the Mayfest Arts Fair and a seasonal ice rink at Triangle Park.

According to Farnsworth, the concept originated with Commerce Lexington after a 1994 leadership trip to Greenville, South Carolina. “They had this after hours event that brought people downtown with music and food, almost like a happy hour,” Farnsworth said. “The crew liked the idea, brought it back here, and the rest is history!”

Thursday Night Live debuted the following year and has been a fixture of Lexington’s cultural landscape ever since. It regularly features beloved cover bands and musicians — including Kenny Owens & Group Therapy, Rebel Without a Cause, and Vinyl Richie — and has also hosted regional favorites like Prestonsburg duo Sundy Best, who had four straight albums crack the top 50 of Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart in the 2010s.

For Farnsworth, her favorite moments have been when former President Bill Clinton stopped by during a soundcheck by

the Lauren Mink Band in 2015 while in town stumping for his wife, Hillary, during primaries ahead of the 2016 Presidential Election. She also mentions a tribute to Michael Jackson following his death in 2009.

“He died on a Thursday, and by the next week we had coordinated a ‘Thriller’ dance with Teresa [Tomb] from Mecca Dance, who also choreographs the city’s Halloween parade,” Farnsworth said. “It ended up being our most widely attended Thursday Night Live ever. His death impacted so many people, so to see people respond to our tribute to him in that way was very cool and impactful.”

This year promises the biggest season yet, with several shows tied to the city’s yearlong LEX250 celebrations and a finale concert at Legends Field on Oct. 16 to mark the baseball franchise’s 25th anniversary. The LEX250focused entertainment began April 17 with an ode to Kentucky music featuring The Swells, Jenkins Twins, and Possum Queens, followed on April 24 by blues rockers Magnolia Boulevard. Festivities will then commence again during June’s “Come Home” month on June 5 (artist TBA) and June 26 with a reunion from the Johnson Brothers, celebrating the band’s 30th anniversary.

Whether onstage, in the crowd, or behind the scenes, Farnsworth said it’s the people who make Thursday Night Live special. In terms of the flow of a typical Thursday event, she said that she notices three distinct phases in the crowd throughout the evening.

“From 5 to about 6:30 p.m. you have the business professionals stopping by after work for a drink and to network,” Farnsworth said. “Then, from 6:30 to 7:30, it’s

people who went home after work to change and gather their families to bring down. Then, from 7:30 on, we have a lot of college students come through who are just beginning their nights. It makes for an interesting and fun crowd every week.”

From families grabbing a bite to college students hitting the bars, Thursday Night Live crowds regularly spill into the rest of downtown, giving surrounding businesses a much appreciated boost. Despite hosting beer and food vendors each week, Farnsworth says one of the event’s biggest objectives is driving attendees to other downtown spots.

“Our goal, once the event ends, is to turn them onto the bars and restaurants like Corto Lima or Pies & Pints or a show at the Lexington Opera House,” she said. “Oftentimes it’s hard for me to leave the event and go to dinner and not see someone I engaged with earlier in the evening.”

Although the impact of Thursday Night Live has been significant, the producing team remains small. The Downtown Lexington Partnership currently employs only Farnsworth and one other full-time staff member, with a third set to join soon. Farnsworth takes pride in the event’s continued success, noting how it has evolved over time and attracted a steadily growing and loyal crowd.

“In 17 years I’ve seen little kids grow up to be adults who now drive themselves down here. That can be hard on the ego [laughs], but ultimately, it’s been a joy seeing folks return year after year,” Farnsworth said. “In a way they feel like family too, which has been really fulfilling both personally and professionally.” BL

PHOTO FURNISHED

Thursday Night Live regularly draws a crowd of more than 1,000 people for the free-to-attend concert series, which runs April through October.

First Look: The Railyard

Developer Will Hanrahan launches $6 million mixed-use project on Delaware Ave.

BY DAN DICKSON CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Anew mixed-use development is set to transform an emerging Lexington neighborhood.

With construction set to begin this summer, The Railyard will include three apartment buildings with a total of 32 rental units and a ground floor commercial space. Located at 1000 Delaware Ave. near the intersection of Winchester and Liberty Roads, the site is currently a vacant lot. The development’s name is a nod to the area’s former freight and passenger railroad hub and industrial spaces.

It’s the first such project for developer Will Hanrahan. As a resident of the nearby Kenwick neighborhood, Hanrahan says he knows the vicinity well and wanted to work “in my own backyard.”

“I have been following the Lexington development world and waiting for the right site and project that made sense so I could work on my first one,” Hanrahan said. “I didn’t want to end up driving around town, seeing sites, and wondering why I didn’t jump on those opportunities.”

The estimated $6 million project is due to be completed by summer 2026.

The plan calls for 20 of the 32 residential units to be offered for rent at market rates,

Construction on

“The site is underutilized and has been vacant for a few years. Previously, it had been used for industry. There is only an upside to developing it. You have heard a lot about the need for infill in Lexington. This is a site on which to do that.”

WILL HANRAHAN, THE RAILYARD DEVELOPER

while the remainder will be reserved as affordable housing units available to households earning 80 percent or less of the Area Median Income.

The Lexington Planning Commission unanimously approved the development project during an April meeting. Hanrahan has also applied for financial support through the Lexington Office of Affordable Housing.

“The site is underutilized and has been vacant for a few years,” Hanrahan said. “Previously, it had been used for industry. There is only an upside to developing it. You have heard a lot about the need for infill in Lexington. This is a site on which to do that.”

Delaware Avenue is currently lined with a couple of dozen small and medium sized businesses, including Paradise Cycles, which is located next door to the proposed one acre building site. There is a Baptist church nearby that was converted from a former passenger

train depot, and a handful of modest, older homes along the street.

Hanrahan said he was surprised to learn that thousands of acres of vacant land remain within the city’s Urban Services Boundary.

“If used creatively, could help meet our housing and economic needs without affecting our surrounding Bluegrass farmland,” he said.

The project has drawn the attention of 5th District Council Member Liz Sheehan, a member of the city’s Homelessness Prevention & Intervention Board, who wrote an open letter of support for what Hanrahan is trying to accomplish.

“This project serves as an example of adaptive reuse and infill development that is called for in our local Comprehensive Plan,” Sheehan wrote. “Reimagining this former industrial site to become a mix of residential and commercial space will enhance Lexington’s job growth and economic development opportunities and can hopefully serve as a model for other private developers within our community to prove the viability of mixedused, mixed-rate housing options.”

The project’s development team anticipates generating about 50 temporary construction jobs over the next year and 20 permanent positions once the apartment buildings and retail spaces are fully occupied and staffed.

As for design, Hanrahan emphasized that he wanted to create buildings that make sense on Delaware Avenue “and the stories we will share about the old rail line and the industrial heritage of the street,” he said.

Renderings of the apartment buildings show metal exterior wall panels and a masonry ground floor. Hanrahan calls it “urban industrial architecture.”

Hanrahan also pays tribute to several small businesses along Delaware Avenue, including Pasta Garage, an Italian café which helped pave the way for other development

along the street. He said he is also inspired by The Met, a nearby mixed-use commercial and residential property at the corner of Midland and East Third in the East End. It features 44 residential spaces split up between market rate and affordable units, and it contains a variety of small businesses, including a DV8 Kitchen location.

Hanrahan says that prior to selecting a project and a site, he studied social media comments about development in general in Lexington. The plea for affordability stuck with him. “I think we found the sweet spot,” he said.

Hanrahan is a native of Nottinghamshire, England. He moved to Lexington in 2012. His wife is a Kentucky native and a graduate of Transylvania University. Hanrahan has spent the past decade working in digital marketing for several Lexington brands. He helped companies build community online through loyalty programs and social media.

A career turning point for Hanrahan was his discovery of Lexington’s approach to growth and development and its commitment to preserving farmland through the Urban Services Boundary.

“It felt like the perfect place to model what’s possible through thoughtful infill — housing for middle income workers, commercial space for small businesses, and public areas that respect the neighborhood’s character and history,” he said.

That understanding led Hanrahan to the sometimes overlooked Delaware Avenue corridor and The Railyard project. BL

HANRAHAN

(figures

Central Bank & Trust Company

300 W. Vine St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 253-6013 centralbank.com

Chase Bank

201 E. Main St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 231-2122 chase.com

Fifth Third Bank

250 W. Main St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 455-5353 53.com

Traditional Bank 2801 Palumbo Drive Lexington, KY 40509 (859) 263-2801 traditionalbank.com

Bank of America 4023 Finn Way Lexington, KY 40517 (859) 629-3713 bankofamerica.com

PNC Bank 2452 Harrodsburg Road Lexington, KY 40503 (859) 281-5460 pnc.com

Community Trust Bank, Inc.

100 E. Vine St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 389-5350 ctbi.com

Stock Yards Bank & Trust 1792 Alysheba Way, Ste. 250 Lexington, KY 40509 (800) 625-9066 syb.com

WesBanco Bank, Inc. 110 W. Vine St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 253-2605 wesbanco.com

City National Bank of West Virginia

318 E. Main St. Lexington, KY 40509 (859) 367-3700 bankatcity.com

Republic Bank & Trust Company

333 W. Vine St., Ste. 102 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 300-3333 republicbank.com

Whitaker Bank 2001 Pleasant Ridge Drive Lexington, KY 40509 (800) 650-0099 whitakerbank.com

Truist Bank 360 W. Vine St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 281-2120 truist.com

Bank of the Bluegrass & Trust Co. 101 E. High St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 233-4500 bankofthebluegrass.com

Bank of Lexington 761 Corporate Drive Lexington, KY 40503 (859) 219-2900 bankoflexingtonky.net

Peoples Exchange Bank 901 Richmond Road Lexington, KY 40502 (859) 255-8193 pebank.com

US Bank 2020 Nicholasville Road Lexington, KY 40503 (859) 232-8181 usbank.com

Farmers Bank Jessamine County

200 N. Main St. Nicholasville, KY 40356 (859) 885-9481 myfarmersbank.net

$571,067

$2,006,634,130

$170,210,435

$723,416

$1,900,728,694

$421,723,211 $4,081,360

$5,993,141 $13,173,926

$4,646,069

$4,693,733 $1,244,315

$397,056,473 $0 $0 $206,113

Please email questions regarding our BizLists email bizlists@smileypete.com.

Luther Deaton, Jr. (Chairman, President and CEO)

Paul Costel (Managing Director and Kentucky Region Manager)/Evan Ezell (Market Director - Greater Lexington Area)

Kimberly Halbauer (President, Kentucky Region)

Anthony C. Baker (CEO)

John L. Gardner (President, Bank of America Kentucky)

John Gohmann (Regional President for Lexington and Central Kentucky)

Billie J. Dollins (Executive Vice President, Central Region President)

Louis Prichard (Central Kentucky Market President)

Abdul Muhammad (Central Kentucky Market President)

William Craycraft Lexington Market President)

Todd Ziegler (Central Kentucky Market President)

Elmer K. Whitaker (President and CEO)

David Kidd (Market President, Lexington and Eastern Kentucky)

BIll Allen (CEO)/ Tom Greinke (President)

Cindy Burton (President)

Anthony Parrish (President and CEO)

Stephanie L. McMahan (District Manager/VP)

Bruce Marshall (President and CEO)

Guardian Savings Bank

501 Southland Drive Lexington, KY 40503 (859) 263-3335 guardiansavingsbank.com

Forcht Bank

2404 Sir Barton Way Lexington, KY 40509 (866) 523-1445 forchtbankky.com

First Southern National Bank 3060 Harrodsburg Road Lexington, KY 40503 (859) 223-3743 fsnb.net

Old National Bank

110 W. Vine St., Ste. 100 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 825-6072 oldnational.com

South Central Bank 386 Waller Ave., Ste. 110 Lexington, KY 40504 (859) 223-0170 southcentralbank.com

Burke & Herbert Bank 1705 Bypass Road Winchester, KY 40391 (859) 744-1939 burkeandherbertbank.com

Peoples Bank

130 W. Main St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 422-8020 peoplesbancorp.com

Independence Bank

444 E. Main St., Ste. 108 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 967-1776 1776bank.com

Blue Grass Federal 600 High St. Paris, KY 40361 (859) 987-2951 bluegrassfederal.com

Monticello Banking Company

997 Governor’s Lane, Ste. 125 Lexington, KY 40513 (859) 268-2410 mbcbank.com

Cumberland Valley National Bank 1721 Nicholasville Road Lexington, KY 40503 (859) 268-1189 cvnb.com

Home Savings & Loan Company 2352 Sir Barton Way Lexington, KY 40509 (859) 899-8880 hslc.bank

First State Bank of the Southeast, Inc. 2257 Harrodsburg Road Lexington, KY 40504 (859) 278-5858 ourfsb.bank

Field and Main Bank

369 E. Main St., Ste. 100 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 554-9660 fieldandmain.com

Citizens Bank of Kentucky 695 Bullion Blvd. Winchester, KY 40391 (859) 462-2265 wercitizens.bank

Citizens National Bank of Somerset 601 Keene Centre Drive NIcholasville, KY 40356 (859) 881-4000 cnbsomerset.com

Woodforest National Bank 2350 Grey Lag Way Lexington, KY 40509 (859) 263-0510 woodforest.com

$933,267

$1,194,950

$984,653

$40,352,602 $1,518,613

$6,585,782 $7,270,003

$2,894,903 $0 $892,212

$634,795

Please email questions regarding our BizLists email bizlists@smileypete.com.

Kirk Koppenhoefer (President)

Tucker Ballinger (President and CEO)

Bryan Fuller (Community President)

Scott Cvengros (Market President)

Tommy Ross (President and CEO)

Toby Taylor (Market President)

Tyler Wilcox (President and CEO)

Stacy Schanher Berge (President, LexingtonFayette County)

Shanda Smith (President and CEO) Ryan Cooper (Senior Executive Officer)

Rockie Mason (Senior Vice President/ Lexington Market President)

Christopher Jones (President and CEO)

Katherine Reese (Chairman and CEO)

Lesley Fluke (Central Kentucky Regional President)

Leisha Maynard (President/CEO)

Joe Wilder (Area President)

Kenneth Collins (Regional Manager/AVP for Central Kentucky and Southern Indiana)

John Gardner President, Bank of America Kentucky

Ranked by total assets ending Dec. 31, 2024 Credit

Commonwealth Credit Union

417 High St. Frankfort, KY 40601 (502) 564-4775 ccuky.org

University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union

1730 Alysheba Way Lexington, KY 40509 (859) 264-4200 ukfcu.org

Park Community Credit Union 2217 War Admiral Way Lexington, KY 40509 (502) 968-3681 parkcommunity.com

Transcend Credit Union

2549 Regency Road, Ste. 105 Lexington, KY 40503 (502) 459-3000 transcendcu.com

Members Heritage Credit Union

440 Park Place Lexington, KY 40511 (859) 259-3466 membersheritage.org

Ashland Credit Union

100 Valvoline Way Lexington, KY 40509 (800) 245-8112 ashlandcu.org

Health & Education Credit Union 424 Park Place Lexington, KY 40511 (859) 231-8262 thefcu.com

EXPREE Credit Union

100 Moore Drive Frankfort, KY 40601 (502) 564-5597 expree.org

Greater Kentucky Credit Union, Inc.

1001 Red Mile Road Lexington, KY 40504 (859) 231-9300 gtkycu.com

KUE Federal Credit Union 1 Quality St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 367-1230 kuefcu.com

Metro Employees Credit Union

1306 Versailles Road, Ste. 140 Lexington, KY 40504 (859) 258-3990 metroemployeescu.org

Lexington Postal Community Credit Union 124 Louie Place Lexington, KY 40511 (859) 252-5151 lexpccu.com

$2,475,834,034

$1,564,069,482

$1,322,837,105

$540,184,102

$536,001,036

$404,109,117

$115,867,223

$104,580,206

$89,886,631

$1,803,595,537

$1,312,904,252

$973,393,785

$387,774,729

$365,565,661

$292,732,220

$26,246,637

6 - $500,000,000 and greater

5 - $100,000,000 to less than $500,000,000

4 - $50,000,000 to less than $1000,000,000

3 - $10,000,000 to less than $50,000,000

3 - $10,000,000

$2,129,027,772 $1,225,344,719 $1,071,698,540 $437,747,624 $467,808,665 $349,023,346 $98,369,918 $92,007,549 $79,421,480 $45,027,235 $41,663,581 $23,667,011

(President and CEO) Ryan Ross (President and CEO)

Jana Erny (President and CEO)

Richard Reese (President and CEO) Pat Ferry (President and CEO) Larry Lucas (President)

R. Henson (President)

John A. Graham (President and CEO)

Michael Little (President and CEO)

Stephanie Gillis (CEO and General Manager) Piper Graham (President and CEO)

Karen Harbin

Pam

Sharon Sta ord (President)

Employment Law Firms

Ranked by total number of attorneys in Lexington office

Frost Brown Todd

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

Sturgill, Turner, Barker & Moloney PLLC

333 W. Vine St., Ste. 1500 Lexington, KY (859) 255-8581 sturgillturner.com

Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC

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

Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP

250 W. Main St., Ste. 1600 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 233-2012 wyattfirm.com

Stites & Harbison

250 W. Main St., Ste. 2300 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 226-2300 stites.com

Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP

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

Lockaby PLLC

476 E. High St., Ste. 300 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 263-7884 lockabylaw.com

Roark & Korus, PLLC

401 Lewis Hargett Circle, Ste. 210 Lexington, KY 40503 (859) 534-7672 lexingtonemploymentlaw.com

Dentons

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

Landrum & Shouse LLP

106 W. Vine St., Ste. 800 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 255-2424 landrumshouse.com

Fowler Bell PLLC

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

Robert Abell Law 120 N. Upper St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 254-7076 robertabelllaw.com

Rosenbaum & Thompson, PLLC

201 W. Short St., Ste. 300B Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 259-1321 lexingtonkylawyers.com

Reinhardt & Associates, PLLC

449 Lewis Hargett Circle, Ste. 210 Lexington, KY 40503 (859) 277-7100 reinhardtlaw.com

Discrimination and harrassment; diversity, equity, and inclusion; wage and hours; workplace safety; labor relations; employee benefits; unfair competition; whistleblower and retaliation

Discrimination and harrassment; diversity, equity, and inclusion; wage and hours; workplace safety; labor relations; employee benefits; unfair competition; whistleblower and retaliation; public entity employment

Discrimination and harrassment; diversity, equity, and inclusion; wage and hours; workplace safety; employee benefits; unfair competition; whistleblower and retaliation; employee handbooks and contracts; severance and non-compete agreements

Discrimination and harrassment; diversity, equity, and inclusion; wage and hours; workplace safety; labor relations; employee benefits; unfair competition; whistleblower and retaliation

Discrimination and harassment; diversity, equity, and inclusion; wage and hours; employee benefits (restricted and unrestricted stock option plans, phantom equity/stock plans and award agreements, and other deferred compensation plans/awards); unfair competition; whistleblower and retaliation; contracts (employment/independent contractor agreements, arbitration agreements, severance/separation agreements); M&A (pre-close HR, labor, and employment due diligence and post-close integration); and defense government investigations (EEOC, Ky Commission on Human Rights, DOL, Ky Labor Cabinet, etc.)

Discrimination and harrassment; wage and hours; workplace safety; whistleblower and retaliation

Discrimination and harrassment; labor relations; whistleblower and retaliation

Discrimination and harrassment; diversity, equity, and inclusion; wage and hours; workplace safety; labor relations; employee benefits; unfair competition; whistleblower and retaliation

Discrimination and harrassment; diversity, equity, and inclusion; wage and hours; whistleblower and retaliation; workers compensation

Discrimination and harrassment; diversity, equity, and inclusion; wage and hours; workplace safety; whistleblower and retaliation

Jan de Beer (Office Partner-in-Charge)

Bryan H. Beauman (Member)

P. Douglas Barr (Managing Director)

W. Craig Robertson III (Partner-in-Charge, Lexington Office)

Cassidy Rosenthal (Lexington Office Executive Member)

Grahmn Morgan (Lexington Managing Partner)

Matthew T. Lockaby (Founder and Managing Partner)

Robert L. Roark (Founder)

Kimberly O’Donnell (Managing Partner)

Michael Hammond (Managing Partner)

Taft A. McKinstry (Managing Member)

Robert Abell (Founder)

Jason D. Thompson (Member)

R. Craig Reinhardt (Founder)

BizLexQ&A

Arthur Hancock III

BY CAMPBELL WOOD CONTRIBUTING WRITER

AThe founder of Stone Farm on breeding Thoroughbreds, personal redemption, and the enduring power of music.

rthur Hancock III, founder and owner of Stone Farm, a horse farm nestled in the rich Bluegrass country of Paris, Kentucky, has lived a remarkable life. He shares many of his personal stories in his recently published book, “Dark Horses: A Memoir of Redemption.”

Hancock was raised at Claiborne Farm in Versailles, founded by his grandfather, Arthur Boyd Hancock Sr. He learned his work ethic from his father, Arthur “Bull” Hancock Jr. To his father’s chagrin, Arthur, as a youngster, showed a strong inclination toward music, first picking up the ukulele and then the guitar. He went on to write songs recorded by Willie Nelson, Ray Price, Bobby Osborne and Grandpa Jones.

His memoir is also a redemption story, detailing his emergence from a volatile struggle with alcohol and his ouster from his “birthright” at Claiborne Farm, only to later found Stone Farm, which produced three Kentucky Derby winners: Gato del Sol (1982), Sunday Silence (1989), and Fusaichi Pegasus (2000).

Along the way, he found love with his wife, Staci; hosted Queen Elizabeth II at Stone Farm; and weathered a gambling mishap involving former Governor John Y. Brown that inadvertently drew FBI attention during investigations of what would become known as “The Bluegrass Conspiracy.” He relates how the late Anita Madden, famed for her extravagant Kentucky Derby parties, predicted a couple of his Derby wins. The book is rife with mentions of horse industry insiders and details of the horse trade. A highlight is his recounting of the fierce 1989 rivalry between his Sunday Silence and Claiborne-bred Easy Goer.

Today, Stone Farm remains a powerhouse in Thoroughbred racing. “This year we raised two fillies that are favorites for the Kentucky Oaks,” Hancock said. “One is Quietside, owned by John Ed Anthony, which just won the Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn. The other we raised for chef Bobby Flay. Her name is Tenma, and she just won the Santa Anita Oaks.”

Hancock has kept music in his life. In the early 2000s, he returned to the music studio and recorded

two albums, “Sunday Silence” and “Time,” with bluegrass and country musicians including Peter Rowan, J.D. Crowe, and Sam Bush. The Hancock family occasionally hosts private bluegrass jamborees on their farm, where Hancock sometimes gets onstage to join the music making.

Business Lexington spoke with Hancock about his book, the horse industry, and his music.

What motivated you to write your memoirs? I’ve got grandchildren, and I wanted to put my memories down. The story about Sunday Silence is an interesting one, and a lot of people over the years have said I should write something about it. It took me nearly five years to finish, mainly because I’ve been running the farm. I decided to share my struggle with alcohol and the spiritual experiences that helped me turn my life around. The feedback has been incredibly moving.

Can you talk about your family and how those lessons shaped your approach to breeding Thoroughbreds? When Gato del Sol

won the Derby, I dedicated that win to my dad, who taught me a lot of things. He learned everything from his father, who also learned from his father, who was a good horseman and had a farm in Virginia. I had the benefit of all their wisdom passed on to me, and hopefully I got a bit of my own along the way. But, no mat-

ter what you do in life, you’ve got to have the blessing of luck. I’ve been fortunate in that regard.

How prevalent is belief in luck, omens, and signs in horse racing? Some people embrace omens; others call them coincidences. I believe it’s best to keep your eyes open and pay attention to the universe. I speak to some of that in the book. I’ve lived on a farm all my life, and the idea is to stay attuned, watch nature, and don’t discount anything.

Your book details Thoroughbred breeding, including your family’s early embrace of introducing new bloodlines. Can you elaborate? My grandfather imported horses from England, including Blenheim and others. Daddy followed that and imported Nasrullah, who was one of the greatest foundation sires in America. Nasrullah sired Bold Ruler, and Bold Ruler sired Secretariat.

Daddy also studied genetics at Princeton, where he observed inbred flies. He said all they did was sit around all day, but he noticed that the ones that were outcrossed

had more vigor. We applied the same principle to horses, and it’s worked.

To what do you attribute Stone Farm’s success? We’ve had a lot of good people working here over the years. I also learned from my father and grandfather the importance of good land. We’re farmers, and the crop we raise is Thoroughbreds.

You can’t raise a good horse on bad land or water. The land out here is rolling and has great big trees. My grandfather always said large trees are a sign of good land, because the roots run deep into the ground and can withstand a storm. If you raise horses on bad land, you’re not going to get good bones or size, and you’re not going to be able to raise an athlete.

We’ve made great big fields out here on about 7,090 acres, and that can make the difference in winning — the horses go a long way running, playing, and grazing. I also don’t want to give them water with chemicals in it — just good well water. We’re producing good horses.

What are some highlights of your musical career? I would visit my grandmother every summer in Nashville, and she would take me to the Grand Ole Opry. She had seats on the second row, and I saw Hank Williams twice and Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys. The whole thing was wonderful. There’s a video on YouTube of Waylon Jennings and me singing “Good Hearted Woman.” I also heard Dolly Parton record her first album. Fred Foster discovered her. I played several of my songs for Fred in Nashville, and he signed me to Monument Records for three records, and we got to be friends. Kris Kristofferson also came by. He’d written three new songs, and he played them for me on his guitar. I was to choose one to record for myself. Fred said, “Arthur, I believe I’d record ‘Help Me Make It Through the Night.’” I said, “Fred, I don’t need anyone to help me make it through the night.” Well, it became one of the biggest songs ever. If I’d had a hit record with that, God knows what might have happened. I wouldn’t have won the Derby — I’d probably be dead, because I drank too much in those years. I would have gone fully into music, had it not been for the horses. BL

PHOTO BY PENELOPE MILLER

Arthur Hanock III with Roadster, a Stone Farm-bred colt, at Churchill Downs before the 2019 Kentucky Derby.

PHOTOS FURNISHED

Hancock’s newly published memoir features stories from his personal life and successful career as a Thoroughbred breeder and owner.

Who’sWho

New Hires & Promotions

Lauren Ridderikhoﬀ, DO, has joined Lexington Clinic’s team of board-certified family medicine physicians at its Beaumont location.

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System Foundation announced the appointments of three members to its board of trustees and the election of two officers. New members include: Nick Phelps, managing director, Fifth Third Private Bank; Adam Marley, vice president of employee benefits, Houchens Insurance Group; and Chad Harpole, director of government and community affairs, Century Aluminum. Linda Rumpke, director of government and public affairs for Columbia Gas, was elected treasurer, and Phelps was elected secretary.

Central Bank recently announced the following new hires and promotions: Ryan Leigh Chapman, director of client services officer; Jennifer Ward, vice president, commercial lending officer IV; Alex Wolf, vice president, private banking officer; Justin Smith, vice president, personal trust officer; Tim Hurley, assistant vice president, information security officer; Laura Warren, central insurance services office manager, officer; Laura Warren, central insurance services office manager, officer; and Danny Purvis, senior staff accountant, officer.

The University of Kentucky MartinGatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment recently appointed Rebecca Wilkes as its new director of the UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

Lexington Ballet has appointed Joey-Lynn Mann as the organization’s new senior ballet mistress.

Stites & Harbison, PLLC attorney Robin McGuffin has been appointed chair of the firm’s employment law service group.

Bluegrass Hospitality Group has named Eli Barber as new chief financial officer.

LexPhil announced the appointment of Brittany J. Green as the 2025-2026 Saykaly Garbulinska Composer-in-Residence.

Frontier Nursing University has named Kristin B. Ashford, PhD, WHNP-BC, FAAN, as the university’s new Dean of Nursing.

Jones Walker LLP has welcomed Laura D’Angelo as a partner in its corporate practice group and a member of the gaming industry team based in Lexington.

The Lexington Legends has expanded its front office staff ahead of the 2025 season. New members include: Morgan McEldowney director of special events and

promotions; Bethany Blair, content creation manager; Will O’Bryan, account executive; Jackson Davis account executive; Wil Eads, account executive, Emma Retherford operations assistant; and Jonathan Henderson, executive chef.

Rachel Ray has been named executive director of literacy based nonprofit International Book Project.

Traditional Bank has promoted Sarah Jeﬀerson to chief experience officer, a new position for the bank.

Kentucky Christian University has appointed Olivia Riddle, BSN, RN, as the student representative to the board of directors of the Kentucky Association of Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Midwives.

Kudos

Kentucky State University’s Amanda Fickey has been selected among 34 entrepreneurial professionals and scholars for Babson College’s Building an Entrepreneurship Education Ecosystem Leadership Program.

The University of Kentucky MartinGatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment recently recognized outstanding faculty for their significant contribution in research and extension efforts. Tiﬀany Messer, associate professor in the Department of Biosystems

CorporateSpotlight

old national bank

Leigh Ann Rinesmith has joined Old National Bank as the Banking Center Manager. Leigh Ann has been in the banking industry for over four years, with experience in business banking, merchant services, and retail operations. Leigh Ann is a seasoned customer experience professional, and her hometown is Paris, Kentucky. You can find Leigh Ann at Old National Bank on 110 W. Vine Street in Lexington. Reach out to Leigh Ann at Leighann.Rinesmith@ oldnational.com or 859-825-6077.

and Agricultural Engineering and Gatton Foundation Endowed Chair, was recognized with the Bobby Pass Excellence in Grantsmanship Award; Tomo Kawashima, associate professor in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, was recognized with the Prestigious Original Research Paper Award; and a Plant and Soil Sciences team consisting of Brad Lee John Grove Jason Unrine and Erin Haramoto were honored with the Research and Extension Impact Award.

The International Association of Fire Chiefs announced that Assistant Chief Joey Harris of the Lexington Fire Department has been accepted into the Fire Service Executive Development Institute.

Commerce Lexington has recognized Gina Greathouse for her 30 years of leading economic development efforts in Lexington and 35 years altogether in the industry.

Bardstown Bourbon Co., part of Lofted Spirits, was honored as Global Brand Innovator of the Year; and Estes PR was honored as Global PR Team of the Year at the recently held global Icons of Whisky awards in London, England.

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association has named Left Bank Bourbon in Jefferson County as the newest member of the nonprofit trade group that unites and leads

Kentucky’s signature bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Lexington Planning Commission has unanimously approved The Railyard, a $6 million mixed-use development that will bring new life to Delaware Avenue. The project includes 32 residential units and ground-floor commercial spaces designed to support locally owned businesses.

S&P Global Market Intelligence has named Republic Bank & Trust Company a Top 50 Community Bank with assets of $3-10 billion based on 2024 performance. Ranking 17th nationally, Republic is the highest ranked of any bank or financial institution headquartered in Kentucky.

Bourbon & Beyond and the Danny Wimmer Presents team announced that the festival was named Pollstar’s Music Festival of the Year (Global, over 30k in attendance). The 36th annual Pollstar Awards have been recognizing and supporting the live entertainment businesses’ most innovative companies, venues, artists, tours, and executives.

Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) has expanded its partnership with The Milk Bank to include a seventh drop-off location for frozen breast milk. Frankfort Donor Center is now accepting donations of frozen breast milk from approved donors of The Milk Bank. BL

MCGUFFIN

RAY JEFFERSON

UNRINE HARAMOTO KAWASHIMA

FICKEY

GREEN ASHFORD BARBER D’ANGELO

MESSER

HARRIS

RIDDLE

GREATHOUSE

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BGCF365 is more than a giving circle, it’s a community of neighbors investing in a stronger Lexington. Ready to make an impact? Join us today! bgcf.org/bgcf365