Business Lexington, January 2026

C E L E B RAT I N G 2 0 Y E A R S

BizLex

Q&A

CannaBuzz's Annie Rouse Leininger Cabinet & Woodworking Celebrates 75 years

COMING FULL CIRCLE

The Fountains at Palomar

MediaLex recenters its mission, becoming a multilingual media hub

JANUARY 2026 | VOL 22 ISSUE 1

MEDIALEX GENERAL MANAGER MARK ROYSE | PHOTO BY MICK JEFFRIES

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Your voices!

Your choices!

It’s time to celebrate the heart of our city — Best of Lex is officially back!

Starting Dec. 19, you’ll have two weeks to nominate the businesses, creatives, restaurants, and community champions who make Lexington feel like home.

Once we compile the top picks, voting begins Jan. 7.

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scan here to nominate!

Lift up your favorites. Support the places you love.

And yes, nominate your business, your go-tos, and anyone you think deserves recognition!

Together, let’s honor the best of everything and everyone that makes our city exceptional.

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Act now to secure your sponsorship and advertising space.

Contact advertise@smileypete.com to reserve your placement today.

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JAN 2026 VOL 22 ISSUE 1

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Business Lexington is a production of Smiley Pete Publishing PUBLISHER

Chris Eddie

chris@bizlex.com

Contents Business Briefs

PAGE 4

Local business news in brief

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Donna Hodsdon donna@bizlex.com EDITOR

Tom Wilmes

tomw@bizlex.com ART DIRECTOR

Drew Purcell

drew@bizlex.com COPY EDITOR

Nikole Christensen

mail@nikolechristensen.com

Real Estate

PAGE 8

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

Crave Worthy

PAGE 10

Quick Bites

SALES MANAGER

Independent Business

Emily Marks

emily@smileypete.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Amy Eddie

amy@bizlex.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Ann Staton

ann@bizlex.com

SMILEY PETE PUBLISHING www.smileypete.com

For advertising information contact (859) 266-6537 advertise@smileypete.com info@smileypete.com

PAGE 14

An Integrated Approach: A problemsolving mindset and thoughtful growth has positioned Synergy as a dependable home-energy partner

BizLex Q&A

PAGE 16

Annie Rouse: The CannaBuzz owner and longtime hemp advocate on how changing federal regulations could impact the rapidly growing industry

BizLists Wealth Management Firms Accounting Firms

PAGE 26 PAGE 28 PAGE 32

Who’s Who

PAGE 34

Advertising & Creatve Agencies

Local employment news and awards

BUSINESS LEXINGTON JANUARY 2026

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PAGE 18

PAGE 12

Tanzi Merritt

bizlists@bizlex.com

MediaLex recenters its mission, becoming a multilingual media hub

A Fount of Activity: Established brands and new concepts alike are finding a receptive local audience at the Fountains at Palomar

Well-known Lexington team launches Black Squirrel in Versailles

BIZLIST EDITOR

Coming Full Circle

Built to Last Founded in a Lexington home 75 years ago, Leininger Cabinet & Woodworking has evolved into one of Kentucky’s leading commercial cabinetry firms PAGE 22

Navigating Uncertainty Financial advisers urge discipline as market volatility continues to test investors PAGE 24

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BUSINESS BRIEFS

BusinessLexington

p The University of Kentucky will use a record-setting $150 million donation to create an arts district along the South Broadway corridor, linking the

campus more closely with downtown.

PHILANTHROPY

Largest Donation in UK History to Create New Arts District The University of Kentucky announced plans to transform the western edge of its campus into a new arts district thanks to a $150 million donation from the Bill Gatton Foundation, the largest in the university’s history. The donation, accepted Dec. 2 by the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees, will support the creation of an arts district and green spaces along the South Broadway corridor, linking the university more closely with Lexington’s growing downtown core.

Plans call for a new home for the College

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of Fine Arts next to the recently completed Gray Design Building, along with a performance venue capable of hosting dance, music and theater productions. The district will also include a public pavilion and green spaces connecting several blocks near Bolivar Street and the existing School of Art and Visual Studies.

“This gift will realize a vision to create an arts district on the western edge of our campus,” UK President Eli Capilouto said.

“There, we can integrate art into an area of Lexington that is an increasingly vibrant and vital intersection of campus and city.”

From a development perspective, the project strategically links the campus to the Distillery District, Central Bank Center, and the city’s new Gatton Park at Town Branch. Construction will move forward once the Kentucky General

Assembly authorizes bond issuance, a step that already has legislative support.

Senate President Robert Stivers noted the potential for the district to boost the state’s film industry workforce.

The gift builds on the legacy of the late C.M. “Bill” Gatton, a UK alumnus whose foundation has contributed more than $200 million to the university. Past gifts have supported the Gatton College of Business and Economics, the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, and the Gatton Student Center.

University officials said the College of Fine Arts will play a key role in shaping programming for the new district, and long-term plans are underway for the future use of existing arts facilities, including the Singletary Center for the Arts and the UK Art Museum.

BUSINESS LEXINGTON JANUARY 2026

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BUSINESS BRIEFS MANUFACTURING

Toyota Boosts Hybrid Production with Georgetown Investment Toyota is pouring more than $900 million into its U.S. manufacturing footprint to boost hybrid production, including a major expansion at its flagship Kentucky plant. The investment is part of the automaker’s plan to spend up to $10 billion nationwide over the next five years as demand for hybrid vehicles accelerates.

In Georgetown, Toyota will invest $204.4 million and add 82 jobs to install a new machining line for 4-cylinder hybrid-compatible engines. The company expects the line to come online in 2027. Toyota Kentucky, the company’s largest plant worldwide, employs nearly 10,000 people and represents more than $11 billion in cumulative investment.

Gov. Andy Beshear praised the announcement. “I want to thank Toyota for once again investing in our people and the company’s largest global manufacturing facility in Georgetown,” he said. “The Kentucky-Toyota partnership has driven decades of success, and I am proud to see that relationship grow even stronger.”

The Kentucky expansion is one piece of a $912 million multistate package covering plants in West Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi and Missouri. In total, Toyota will add 252 jobs to expand hybrid engine and component production and begin assembling hybrid-electric Corollas in the U.S. for the first time.

With electrified vehicles now accounting for nearly half of Toyota’s U.S. sales, the company continues to expand hybrid capacity across its North American network as it moves toward a broader mobility strategy.

p Toyota will invest $204.4 million and add jobs at its George-

town plant to install a new machining line for four-cylinder, hybrid-compatible engines.

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BUSINESS BRIEFS

BusinessLexington

HEALTH CARE

Lexington to Offer Large-Scale Medical Debt Forgiveness Lexington will soon erase millions in medical debt for thousands of qualifying residents through a new partnership with Undue Medical Debt, a national nonprofit that buys and mitigates outstanding debt for pennies on the dollar.

The Urban County Council unanimously approved $1 million for the program last October. City officials say the investment is expected to eliminate upward of $90 million in medical debt for Fayette County residents. Undue Medical Debt typically erases $100 in debt for every $1 donated, representatives said.

“With costs going up on everything, we had an important opportunity to put real money back into Lexington families’ pockets,” Vice Mayor Dan Wu said in announcing the program. “We may not be able to fix all the problems with the national health care system, but as the form of government closest to the people, we can take meaningful steps to improve day-to-day lives."

The first phase of the initiative will alleviate $12.6 million in debt for 6,484 residents. Eligible recipients must live in Lexington-Fayette County and either earn up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level or hold medical debt equal to at least 5 percent of their annual income.

Undue Medical Debt will notify qualifying residents by mail. The relief carries no tax penalties.

“Please don’t throw away your letter from Undue Medical Debt,” Wu said. “It can be used as proof for creditors that your debt is canceled.”

Lexington is the first community in Kentucky to launch this type of medical debt relief, joining a growing number of cities taking local action to ease financial burdens for residents.

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p The Rail, a new 2,000-person capacity music venue and event space, is scheduled to open in

October at The Commons.

ENTERTAINMENT

The Rail Aims to Fill Lexington’s Mid-Size Concert Gap A new 2,000-capacity music venue and event space is coming to The Commons, a 42-acre mixed-use development in Lexington led by developer Daren Turner.

The Rail, scheduled to open in October, is designed with a flexible layout aimed at enhancing artist comfort, elevating the guest experience, and encouraging daily engagement with the surrounding neighborhood. Plans call for mezzanine seating, private VIP decks, and other amenities that position the venue as a mid-size option in a market that has long lacked one.

“The development of the project has been a passion project for everyone involved,” said David Helmers, a co-producer of the Railbird Music Festival who’s also involved with The Rail. “We are aligned to create something unique and tied to the community. The scale of The Rail fills a significant

gap in the market. The facility will reflect our commitment to, and love for, the region we call home. I believe The Rail will be a transformative addition to the entertainment scene in Lexington and a cultural game-changer.”

Organizers say the venue’s programming strategy will be broad and ambitious, spanning a mix of musical genres along with comedy, club nights, special events, and private functions. Events will be produced by Worcester-based MassConcerts, a company with 25 years of experience in venue ownership, operations and talent buying.

The firm, led by John Peters, recently expanded its Kentucky footprint with the acquisition of Louisville’s Headliners Music Hall.

“Independent, locally owned, and purpose-built — that’s exactly the kind of venue artists and agents want to see more of,” said Mike Marquis of Creative Artists Agency. “Lexington’s had the energy for years, and The Rail only cements it as a tour stop. We can’t wait to put shows there.” — Matt Wickstrom

BUSINESS LEXINGTON JANUARY 2026

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BUSINESS BRIEFS NEW CONSTRUCTION

The Railyard Breaks Ground on Delaware Avenue The Railyard, a new $7.5 million residential and retail development located at 1000 Delaware Ave., broke ground in early December.

The project is spearheaded by developer Will Hanrahan, a former corporate marketing professional, and financer Paul Metzler. The development will transform a one-acre brownfield site — previously home to a railway maintenance station and stone cutting facility — into a mixed-use complex.

Plans call for three buildings housing 32 rental units and two 1,500-square-foot retail spaces.

Addressing the city’s need for workforce housing, 12 of the residential units will be income-restricted for residents earning 80 percent or lower of the area median income.

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The project utilized a capital stack that relies heavily on public-private partnership. The city contributed approximately $1.6 million in public funding, including grants from the public infrastructure and stormwater quality funds.

Additionally, the project secured two loans from Lexington’s affordable housing fund — an $800,000 forgivable loan with no interest and a $200,000 low-interest loan — which subsidize the cost of the affordable units. The Kentucky Brownfield Program also contributed resources to assess the site’s suitability for construction.

Denver Haddix, Jr.

KELLY CAPITAL GROUP

The Railyard is the latest investment in the Delaware Avenue corridor, which sits adjacent to the popular National Avenue and Kenwick areas. The project is slated for completion in late 2026. n

A CONVENIENT CROSSROADS IN THE BLUEGRASS The Foun T Fountains u ains at Palomar developm unt development pm ment site heart Lexington’s sit te iiss llocated oca ated ed in the h eartt of ear of Lexi L exi xingt ngt gton’s gt prestigious 40513 p restigio gious 405 gio 0513 05 513 zip code, at the intersection o’’ War Boulevard int ters ersection ion on off Man o War B oulev lev evard ard rd Harrodsburg Road, conveniently and Ha an arrodsb sb burg rg R oad, d, an and d conveni ient ently ly y located near Airport locat ca a ed d nea ea ar tthe he e Bl Bluegrass Airpo p rt and Keeneland with easy access Ke eene eland d wi ith t ea asy acce cce c ss to New w Road.

Circle R Ci oad. d. d.

p The mixed-use Railyard complex will include 32 rental units

and two 1,500-square-foot retail spaces.

BUSINESS LEXINGTON JANUARY 2026

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REAL ESTATE

BusinessLexington

PVA REPORTS 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 Nov. 2025 DATE

ADDRESS

PRICE

STRUCTURE

NEW OWNER

11/14/25 11/14/25 11/12/25 11/12/25 11/12/25 11/12/25 11/7/25 11/7/25 11/13/25 11/26/25 11/14/25 11/10/25 11/21/25 11/10/25 11/6/25 11/25/25 11/17/25 11/26/25 11/24/25

3001 Blake James Drive 1028 Wellington Way 137-145 N. Upper St. 221-239 W. Short St. 221-239 W. Short St. 102-112 W. Short St. 2405 Harrodsburg Road 800 Corporate Drive 250 Lima Drive 2109 Cornerstone Drive 1718 Alexandria Drive 870 S. Broadway 799 Enterprise Drive 870 S. Broadway 1208 Old Main St. 257 S. Limestone Unit 101 160 E. Reynolds Road 3292 Eagle View Ln. Ste. 260 80 Codell Drive Unit 140

$6,384,386 $5,871,456 $5,250,000* $5,250,000* $5,250,000* $5,250,000* $4,800,000 $4,000,000 $3,200,000** $2,100,000 $1,800,000 $1,515,000 $1,500,000 $1,490,000 $577,500 $422,500 $350,000 $240,000 $190,000

Health Spa Health Spa Parking Garage Structure or Lots Parking Garage Structure or Lots Parking Garage/deck Parking Garage Structure or Lots Medical Office Office Building Warehouse Office Condo Office Building Franchise Food Office/warehouse Franchise Food Retail Office Condo Office Building Office Condo Office Condo

Genesis Health Clubs Blake LLC Genesis Health Clubs Wellington LLC Lexington and Fayette County Parking Lexington and Fayette County Parking Lexington and Fayette County Parking Lexington and Fayette County Parking Auspay Lexington LLC MML LLC Hall Family Holdings Inc. Lexington Cornerstone LLC Alexandria Commons LLC Z Market #2 Inc. Lokits Properties LLC More Real Estate LLC WDL Property LLC WSW 5810 Properties LLC Union Holding Property LLC Miller, Neil and Jenny Madison Healthcare Services LLC

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

Residential Sales Data for Nov. 2025

600

The chart below shows the monthly residential sales activity in Fayette County for the previous 24 months. The data for the most recent month reflects a projected estimate from the office of the Fayette County Property Valuation Administrator and is subject to change.

500

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300 200 100

2025 RESIDENTIAL SALES

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

2024 RESIDENTIAL SALES

1%

-21%

-4%

-8%

-1%

7%

0%

12%

5%

-15%

-27%

0%

2023 RESIDENTIAL SALES

8

400

MONTHLY PERCENTAGE CHANGE OVER PREVIOUS YEAR

BUSINESS LEXINGTON JANUARY 2026

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We recently celebrated the grand opening of our new state-of-the-art HVAC facility right here in Lexington!

To everyone who came out to support us – thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

This milestone wouldn’t be possible without this amazing community that has believed in us from day one.

A special thank you to Mayor Linda Gorton and Adam Edelen for taking the time to speak and share in this moment with us. Your words meant the world to our team. And to Commerce Lexington Inc. — thank you for being there and for your continued support of local businesses like ours.

Lexington isn’t just where we do business – it’s our home. Growing here, hiring locally, and serving our neighbors has always been at the heart of what we do. The new facility represents our commitment to this community and our promise to keep delivering excellence for years to come.

To our team, our customers, our partners, and every single person who will walk through these doors — we’re so grateful for you. Here’s to the next chapter of growth, innovation, and serving the community we love!

And of course a huge thank you to Season’s Catering for the amazing food!”

Call Synergy Home for a free estimate for any of your home improvement needs: solar, HVAC, geothermal, generators, or spray foam encapsulation.

859-687-0553

801 WINCHESTER RD., LEXINGTON MYSYNERGYHOME.COM

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JAMIE CLARK PRESIDENT OF SYNERGY HOME LLC

12/17/25 1:13 PM

CRAVE WORTHY

BusinessLexington

A Fount of Activity Established brands and new concepts alike are finding a receptive local audience at the Fountains at Palomar

BY SHANNON CLINTON

long with the opening of a nearly 56,000square-foot Publix on Fountain Blue Lane this summer, several restaurants, cafes and destinations for drinks and sweet treats have opened for business in and around the Fountains at Palomar shopping center.

According to developer Greer Companies’ website, the mixed-use development covers 16.25 acres at the corner of Man O’ War Boulevard and Harrodsburg Road and is designed to accommodate tenants in retail, restaurant, health care, fitness and banking industries, serving Palomar Hills, The Glades and surrounding areas, including South Lexington and Nicholasville.

Company president Lee Greer said the company first became involved with the development in 2018, with the idea of bringing “an exciting mix of tenants that all complemented one another” to south Lexington.

“We have spent a lot of time in restaurants over the years and are putting our best effort into bringing first-class concepts and operators to the development,” he said.

Greer said he has frequented Papi’s, Omakase, Jersey Mike’s and Bella Cafe’s other locations over the years and was pleased these operators chose to expand at Fountains at Palomar, adding that they’re performing better than projected.

He said the development’s allure lies in its proximity to popu-

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lar neighborhoods like Beaumont, Palomar, Wellington and others, whose residents prefer the convenience of retail locations on the west side of Nicholasville Road to eat, shop and exercise.

The Fountains at Palomar is situated on one of the few tracts between Beaumont and Bellerive that could be developed, because areas to the west are protected from development due to the airport, Greer said.

Malone’s Palomar and Harry’s Palomar, both renovated in 2022, have been in the vicinity for some time. A Sedona Taphouse location arrived in 2018, followed by Papi’s Palomar in 2021.

Adding to the mix is Playa Bowls that opened in 2024; Omakase Sushi & Grill, which expanded on its Chevy Chase location and opened last January; and Floating Lotus Kitchen, which opened in August. A new Graeter’s Ice Cream, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill and Nothing But Noodles are expected to open in 2026.

Chip Graeter, fourth-generation co-owner and chief of retail operations for Cincinnati-based Graeter’s Ice Cream, said the Palomar location should open in March, adding to existing company-owned locations in Lexington on Euclid Avenue and Justice Drive.

The rationale for locating in Palomar was a simple matter of supply and demand.

“It’s an area of town that we felt was underserved,” Graeter said. “Plus, the opportunity to be a part of a new development with a drive-thru was really appealing.”

While maintaining the Graeter’s look and feel, the new site will have a digital menu board and outdoor patio, Graeter said.

BUSINESS LEXINGTON JANUARY 2026

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CRAVE WORTHY

BusinessLexington

t Proximity to popular neighborhoods, including Beaumont, Palomar and Wellington, has made the Fountains at Palomar a popular draw for dining, shopping and services.

“We are excited to be a part of the neighborhood and are hoping that our new store fits in well and is a hit with ice-cream lovers in the area,” he said.

The neighborhood also includes a Mirror Twin Brewing taproom set to open in mid-January in nearby South Elkhorn Village, with a Rolling Oven Pizza as its food partner.

Dee Smith, owner and CFO of Playa Bowls Lexington, said there’s a lot to love about the development.

“There's a large vision for the center, which is still being built out, and we could really see it becoming a place that's frequented often by people on this side of town,” he said. “Demographics and the amount of traffic of course play a part as well.

The Harrodsburg Road area continues to grow, and we are glad to be a part of that growth.”

Smith said there’s also a sense of community among the local business owners.

“Certainly, while we haven't met all the owners in the center, we have gotten to know the ones closest to us,” he said. The people at “Omakase, which is next door to us, have been great friends.”

Bella Cafe & Grille at Palomar opened at 3901 Fountain Blue Lane in fall 2023, and representatives have watched with interest as new neighbors have opened their doors over the past two years, bolstering the area's overall draw.

“The Fountains at Palomar has definitely risen in popularity,” said Jillian Richards, marketing and training director. “The opening of the Publix was a part of the area booming, but we saw an increase even before Publix opened. Once the biggest

BUSINESS LEXINGTON JANUARY 2026

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part of construction was finished and guests could get in and out easier, we saw it take off. We were able to really create a friendly relationship with all our neighboring businesses as we learned to navigate the construction times together.”

She said a bonus, and a big difference compared to the group’s other locations throughout Lexington, has been the consistency of business at Palomar, with fewer “big rushes” and more of a steady stream of customers.

“We are really able to connect with guests who work close by or live in the surrounding area,” she said.

A cafe and catering enterprise, Floating Lotus Kitchen opened in August on Old Harrodsburg Road in the South Elkhorn Village area of Palomar. Eric Montanez, whose mother, chef Melissa Chulavalli, owns the restaurant, described the concept.

“We’re a small-batch kitchen,” Montanez said. “Everything is made thoughtfully with wholesome ingredients. We want to make eating well easy, but not preachy, for the community.”

Each of these new and soon-to-open offerings benefits visitors and residents alike. As VisitLEX President Mary Quinn Ramer said: “We continue to see interest from visitors in all areas of our community, and that certainly includes the southwest part of Fayette County.

“In recent months, we have seen expanded hotel offerings, as well as several new food and beverage establishments, especially at the Fountains at Palomar. The Fountains have completely transformed an important intersection in this area of Lexington, which serves not only our locals, but the many visitors in for Keeneland; arts, entertainment and sporting events; and who visit the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.”

Greer said the last two available pad sites could accommodate a freestanding restaurant or retailer, along with lease options between 2,000 and 10,000 square feet within Palomar Springs. Greer Companies representatives speak to interested parties daily.

“Currently we are working on deals with two full-service restaurants and two quick-service restaurants that we are excited to announce very soon,” Greer said. n

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QUICK BITES

BusinessLexington

t Richard

Turnbull and Cole Arimes opened Black Squirrel in downtown Versailles.

Well-Known Lexington Team Launches Black Squirrel in Versailles

BY SHANNON CLINTON

A

fter the whirlwind of the holidays, the new year brings plenty of new options for restaurants in the Lexington area, among them Black Squirrel, which was set to open by the end of December at 175 N. Main St. in downtown Versailles.

Named for a famed Woodford Countyraised Saddlebred stallion, the breakfast and lunch eatery is the latest from chef Cole Arimes, who is partnering with Richard Turnbull.

Also part of the day-to-day team will be Director of Operations Chris Hutchison, along with former Manchester Hotel sous chef Olivia Jackson, now serving as chef de cuisine.

“Black Squirrel really became a reality for us because of this building and the location,” Arimes said in a statement.

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“I’ve always had this restaurant concept in the back of my mind. Once we walked through the building and saw how incredible the space was, I knew we had to grab it. Versailles is in an exciting time right now, and we cannot wait to be a part of it.”

In other local food and beverage news: Silk’s Steakhouse recently opened in The Aldenberg Hotel, a new 22,000square-foot boutique hotel in downtown Versailles.

Located at 101 N. Main St. and developed by Single Barrel Group, the steakhouse is a white-tablecloth destination with prime dry-aged beef, along with wine and spirits and, coming soon, a rooftop bar with small plates and a curated cocktail program.

Chicken Salad Chick has opened its second Lexington location, at 254 E. Brannon Rd. Franchise owner Vickie Tranter said she’s been looking to open in the Hamburg area for more than nine years. The chain offers a dozen flavors of fresh, house-made chicken salads and two flavors of pimiento cheese.

Papi’s Citation, the local restaurant chain’s fourth location, opened in November at 1988 Stockton Way. Millstone at Dudley Square opened mid-November in the historic 1881-era Dudley Square building at 380 S. Mill St. Starting with dinner service, lunch was scheduled to be added in December.

Cafe Patachou opened in late November on Finn Way at Fritz Farm with an all-day breakfast and lunch menu, kids’ menu, coffee bar, cocktails, grab-and-go items and pastries.

As of late November, a new Dunkin’ was nearing completion at 2304 Norman Ln.; Georgetown-based Frank’s Donuts is expanding to Cynthiana; and Futile Bakery moved to Greyline Station at 101 W. Loudon Ave. Bella Cafe & Grille - Hamburg opened in mid-November at 2200 War Admiral Way. Dutch Bros at 2084 Harrodsburg Rd. has opened.

Fresh Market held a grand opening for its new location in December at 2321 Sir Barton Way, Lexington’s second site for the upscale grocer.

Wawa Georgetown opened in December at 900 E. Main St. Another location, at 1170 Newtown Pike, is planned.

Charlie Gs BBQ Grill has opened at 4300 Winchester Rd. n

MILLSTONE | PHOTO FURNISHED

BUSINESS LEXINGTON JANUARY 2026

12/17/25 1:50 PM

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12/17/25 2:10 PM

INDEPENDENDENT BUSINESS

BusinessLexington

t Owner Jamie Clark speaks at an October ribbon-cutting

ceremony for Synergy’s new 14,000-square-foot headquarters on Industry Drive.

J

PHOTO FURNISHED

An Integrated Approach A problem-solving mindset and thoughtful growth has positioned Synergy as a dependable home-energy partner

BY MATT WICKSTROM

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amie Clark’s entry into the HVAC business began at age 19, when he took a job with a Louisville company while attending community college. At the time, he viewed it as a temporary gig. “I remember telling my boss I was probably only going to work there six months and go back to school full time, but 32 years later I’m still here,” Clark said with a laugh.

In 2014, Clark opened his own shop, Synergy. What started as a small operation has grown into a Central Kentucky leader in HVAC and home energy services. Today, Synergy’s offerings extend well beyond heating and cooling to include spray foam insulation, air filtration, solar, generators and other energy-efficiency solutions.

Clark’s motivation to diversify grew from his earliest years in the field. He recalled struggling to pay bills during slow seasons — an experience that shaped his approach to building Synergy. “In the mid-2000s, I opened an insurance business on the side because I thought I wanted more of a white-collar career,” he said. “I thought being more professional and wearing a suit every day would fit me better, but the fact is I’m really good at getting into crawl spaces, attics and other places people don’t want to go.”

Clark has also expanded Synergy through acquisitions, including in 2017 Sorg Heating and Cooling in Frankfort and Gibson Heating & Cooling in Georgetown. Those purchases have broadened the company’s footprint and deepened its employee and customer base.

Training and customer service, he said, are central to Synergy’s identity. “I want my guys to be the smartest people in Lexington, so when they go into homes to troubleshoot problems, they know what they’re doing,” Clark said. “When you call, it’s because something’s broken — not because everything’s running smooth.”

As the business has grown, so have its needs. In October, Synergy moved into a renovated 14,000-squarefoot headquarters on Industry Drive in Lexington, a major upgrade from its 4,000-square-foot Winchester Road location. The new building includes a state-of-theart training room, office space for the company’s nearly 40 employees, and enough warehouse capacity to store it’s roughly four dozen work vehicles indoors. “We used to put electric space heaters inside the trucks overnight to keep them warm, which definitely wasn’t the safest idea,” Clark said.

BUSINESS LEXINGTON JANUARY 2026

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INDEPENDENDENT BUSINESS The larger space and office efficiencies also help Synergy to improve and streamline its processes and to redouble its service-oriented approach. Much of the company’s business comes from referrals, Clark said, and many customers call after other firms were unable to resolve their issues. “It’s important for us to always be learning and growing so when [technicians] out there with my logo on their chest, they’re representing the Synergy brand and image well,” he said.

That focus on long-term customer relationships, Clark said, distinguishes Synergy in a market where many independently owned HVAC companies are being bought and consolidated by national brands. “The minute [technicians from many of those companies] walk into your home they’re trying to sell you equipment — they aren’t even trying to fix anything,” Clark said. “It results in them churning through their customer base, when you should instead be nurturing it, so people trust and return to you for years.”

Looking ahead, Clark is eyeing another expansion. He hopes to move Synergy into the plumbing sector in 2026, once he finds the right partners. “Most of the plumbing companies in Lexington are one guy who owns two or three trucks,” he said. “The business model is very different, which has made it a struggle to find [a partner] who can work within our model and how we treat people. At the end of the day, I’m looking at people and looking at services.” ■

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 Synergy’s staff has grown to nearly 40 employees.

BUSINESS LEXINGTON JANUARY 2026

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BizLex

Q&A

Annie Rouse

The CannaBuzz owner and longtime hemp advocate on how changing federal regulations could impact the rapidly growing industry

BY MATT WICKSTROM

S

ince the 2018 Farm Bill’s passage that legalized industrial hemp, the industry has grown into a multi-billion-dollar sector employing more than 300,000 Americans and about 3,500 Kentuckians.

That growth is now at risk because of a provision tucked into a November bill that reopened the federal government from its record shutdown.

The measure, supported by outgoing Sen. Mitch McConnell, who helped secure hemp’s inclusion in the 2018 Farm Bill, would place new limits on hemp-derived THC products.

The proposal would effectively ban most hemp-derived THC items such as gummies and drinks, making illegal anything using cannabinoids not directly produced by the plant, including delta-8 THC. It would also prohibit products containing more than 0.3% total THC or more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per container.

The potential fallout has raised concerns among many in the hemp industry, including Annie Rouse, a longtime advocate who

16

BLX_Jan26.indd 16

PHOTO BY COLLEEN LANIER

opened CannaBuzz, a Lexington-based cannabis microdistillery serving THC- and CBD-infused products, in 2023.

Rouse began working in the field while studying economics at the University of Kentucky in 2009. She later studied in Canada on a Fulbright Scholarship, where she evaluated hemp supply chains.

After returning to Kentucky in the mid-2010s, she contracted Lyme disease and found relief from some symptoms through CBD, which helped motivate her to launch the business that became CannaBuzz.

“Hemp and cannabis have such a rich history in our community — they’re right there alongside horses and bourbon,” she said, citing the crop’s early economic role in Lexington. “The potential is there to continue growing it to further help farmers, the economy and people’s health.

With less than a year until the new hemp rules go into effect on Nov. 12, 2026, Business Lexington spoke with Rouse about the changes, what advocates are doing to find a middle ground, and the potential impact on producers, farmers and consumers.

BUSINESS LEXINGTON JANUARY 2026

12/17/25 1:50 PM

BizLex

BusinessLexington

Q&A What was your initial reaction upon discovering these new hemp provisions in the bill to reopen the government?

AR: The 2018 Farm Bill contained broad language, and cleanup needed to happen. Some products allowed on store shelves are unregulated and have no business being there. Many of those products differ significantly from what we’re doing at CannaBuzz. Everything we use is plant-derived. We’re not artificially creating something that’s not found in the plant.

A lot of artificial cannabinoids are manufactured using chemistry and lack safety studies. We don’t know many of their effects. Because of issues like that, I expected reform, but I did not expect such a broad restriction on cannabinoids.

What are some suggestions you have for taking a better approach or reaching a compromise?

AR: I thought it was damaging and a rush to put that language in an appropriations bill. If that’s the route, then appropriate money to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to study how to properly regulate hemp or appropriate money to states to build regulatory frameworks. Right now, it feels like everything we’ve built over the past seven years is being threatened. People assume this only affects the THC market, but it’s more expansive. Consumers rely on these products for a range of uses, including sleep and pain management — even combatting lyme disease symptoms, like with me.

Kentucky has been leading the way on regulatory foundations. CannaBuzz is regulated by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the Cabinet for Health & Family Services and Alcoholic Beverage Control. Improvements could be made to THC milligram caps, which currently would make anything containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per container

BUSINESS LEXINGTON JANUARY 2026

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PHOTO BY COLLEEN LANIER

p Owner Annie Rouse sips an infused drink at CannaBuzz, 938 Manchester St., which opened

in 2023.

illegal. Our gummies contain 5 milligrams of hemp-derived THC each. Streamlining licensing so we pay one fee instead of three would help too — something like a Cannabis Control Board aligned with ABC. The existing tax framework for infused beverages could also be applied to edibles and other products, with revenue directed toward research, including at the Cannabis Center at UK. Outside of yourself, how do you foresee this language affecting farmers and other parts of the hemp business?

AR: People on the grain and fiber side often want to be separate from the cannabinoid side, but in reality fiber production needs cannabinoids to scale and compete with petrochemical products.

Hemp has also offered new opportunities for struggling farmers. With thin margins, rising input costs and market pressure from tariffs, farmers can feel stuck in an unsustainable system. We should be rewarding the people who pro-

duce our food, not adding more stress by removing a crop that many say helps them maintain financial stability and has drawn younger people into agriculture.

What are your next steps for responding to these new hemp rules?

AR: When the state passed SB 202 earlier this year, which limited cannabinoid milligram caps in infused beverages, the industry was caught off guard.

Now we’re better prepared. We’re beginning conversations with lawmakers and looking for potential sponsors of a bill that would streamline regulations and protect the market.

It’s also important for legislators to hear that it’s not just business owners concerned about profitability. Consumers want continued access to these products too. It will be critical for stakeholders to speak up not only in Kentucky but also on the federal level to ensure access to regulated hemp products is maintained. n

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 MediaLex staff members PHOTO BY MICK JEFFRIES

BLX_Jan26.indd 18

(l-r): Kiah Arnold, Jacobo Aragón Torres, Mark Royse, and Diego Espinoza Masais

12/17/25 1:50 PM

COMMUNITY

BusinessLexington

Coming Full Circle

MediaLex recenters its mission, becoming a multilingual media hub

BY HANNAH HOBBS

O

ver the course of its 10-year history, the community radio station RadioLex has evolved to fit the ever-changing needs of the community it serves.

Looking to the new year ahead, the organization is preparing for its most significant transformation to date.

RadioLex, which started as a volunteer-driven low-power FM radio station, is now MediaLex, a comprehensive multilingual media center that will offer training, resources and platforms for Lexington residents to produce podcasts, short films and community-centered journalism.

RadioLex officially launched in 2015, under the leadership of founder Deborah Hensley and a small group of likeminded community members, many of whom had been involved in one form or another with WRFL, the college radio station that has been operating from the University of Kentucky since 1988. The organization started as a grassroots project focused on bringing critical attention to public health, with a strong focus on serving Lexington’s rapidly growing Hispanic communities, an audience largely overlooked by mainstream media.

The first seeds for the station were sowed in 2011, when Hensley secured two low-power FM licenses in a rare federal release window. Granted on the grounds of public safety and a pressing need for increased Spanish-language communication, it was a notable acheivement for a Lexington entity to be granted those licenses, as most of them were designated for rural areas. This paved the way for the launch of two broadcast channels: WLXU 93.9 FM in English and WLXL 95.7 in Spanish. For years, RadioLex has operated as a radio station by and for the community, with programming cen-

BUSINESS LEXINGTON JANUARY 2026

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“Our current model was not sustainable.

It was a moment of ’we’ve got to go big, or we’ve got to home.”

MARK ROYSE MEDIALEX GENERAL MANAGER

tered on locally created news, entertainment and conversation. Its role and reach, however, saw a shift with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic.

When Governor Andy Beshear advised businesses to shut down, critical information failed to reach non-English speakers, said the organization’s general manager, Mark Royse.

“A lot of businesses in the Hispanic corridor didn’t shut down, because no one had communicated to them in Spanish,” he said. In response, RadioLex mobilized a team of volunteer interpreters and partnered with city and state officials to translate and broadcast daily updates into 20 languages over the course of the pandemic. “That’s when we discovered our power as community radio and the importance of it,” Royse said.

While hard-won trust has been a central facet of the station, as with many nonprofits and public broadcasting organizations across the country, it has found itself in challenging times in recent years. The station faced a 50% decrease in fundraising between 2022 and 2023. That deficit was pushed further by recent significant funding cuts at the federal level, forcing the organization and other smaller broadcasters to compete with larger stations for limited resources.

“Our current model was not sustainable,” Royse said. “It was a moment of ‘we’ve got to go big, or we’ve got to go home.’”

This reckoning led Royse to look to other organizations for inspiration, including a longstanding model established by the Grand Rapids Community Media Center, which has operated for 50 years with various media sources bringing the community together.

With support from the Bluegrass Community Foundation and its Press Forward Bluegrass initiative, a nationwide network designed to strength-

19

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COMMUNITY en community news organizations, the vision for MediaLex is working its way to fruition. One of the primary goals for the transition will be the launch of a new Community Media Academy, with a community correspondent program at its core. That program will train residents in the basics of journalism, media ethics and production skills, creating pathways to new opportunities for the underserved to share their stories. It’s Royse’s hope that the academy will also continue to foster more formal partnerships, with plans to offer mentorship opportunities to juniors and seniors of the University of Kentucky School of Journalism, as well as a youth broadcast training collaboration with the STEAM Academy.

This initiative is just the beginning of a much broader transformation. Under the media academy, the organization plans to offer affordable memberships. Members will have access to ongoing media training including podcasting, video production and media literacy. Members who complete foundational courses will gain access to professional q Newly reorganized as MediaLex, the nonprofit plans

to launch a Community Media Academy to train residents in the fundamentals of journalism, media ethics, and production skills.

PHOTOS BY MICK JEFFRIES

equipment and studio space. The academy is designed to increase community connection and empower new generations of local storytellers.

A key component of this structure will be the launch of a community newsroom and newswire, where trained correspondents will produce local news stories in a variety of languages that can be distributed and published across partner outlets throughout Central Kentucky and the Appalachian region.

Notably, MediaLex also aims to expand its multilingual broadcasting, including a new digital station for African diaspora communities, focused on broadcasting in Swahili, French and Kinyarwanda. This initiative aims to address gaps in trustworthy reporting that’s locally and generationally relevant for underserved communities. In parallel, MediaLex also plans to develop a local podcast network to both elevate and connect existing and aspiring podcast creators from across Lexington. Rather than producing the shows itself, MediaLex would act as a curator and promoter, boosting local voices, helping find audiences, and providing technical and distribution support.

While Royse and the MediaLex staff have worked hard to flesh out this vision, Royse emphasizes that there’s still a long way to go to bring the vision to fruition. The plans are still contingent on funding, community interest and buy-in, and other factors. To sustain and scale these efforts, MediaLex plans on developing a media services subdivision designed to support the community while also supporting itself. The division would offer sliding-scale services, including video production, social media management, and digital storytelling for local nonprofits. This initiative will provide essential, affordable resources to mission-driven organizations while creating a reliable revenue stream to continue funding MediaLex’s broader community programs and its mission of connecting people from different backgrounds and cultures.

“We have always called RadioLex the voice of the people and MediaLex will continue to be that,” Royse said. n

20

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BUSINESS LEXINGTON JANUARY 2026

12/17/25 1:50 PM

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INDUSTRY

BusinessLexington

PHOTO FURNISHED

PHOTO FURNISHED

BUILT TO LAST Founded in a Lexington home 75 years ago, Leininger Cabinet & Woodworking has evolved into one of Kentucky’s leading commercial cabinetry firms

BY DAN DICKSON

22

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W

hen Leininger Cabinet & Woodworking (LCW) opened its doors in 1951, it began as a modest Lexington woodworking shop located in a home and later, in a garage. Now, nearly 75 years later, the company remains a cornerstone of custom-made cabinetry and architectural millwork built to last for customers across Kentucky and the country.

The original shop, located in the Forbes Road area, was operated by Bob Leininger, a graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology’s School for American Craftsmen in upstate New York. In 1951, cabinetry was often mass-produced or built by smalltime carpenters with limited scope. But Bob envisioned something more and different: finely made, custom cabinetry and millwork that blended artistry and function. His early customers were mostly Lexington-area homeowners, but as his reputation grew, so did the demand for his work and the scale of his projects.

“People still brag that they have Leininger cabinets in their homes, and that is a big pat on the back for us,” said John Leininger, Bob’s son and the current president of the company. “Obviously, I am proud of it all. Not many second-generation businesses make it to 75 years. I am fortunate because we have had incredible people over the years. The secret is finding the right people and keeping them.”

In the early years, LCW created many mid-century modern furniture designs, including kitchen cabinetry, built-in shelving, bars, stereo cabinets and more. Bob worked at home for several years but soon outgrew that space and purchased nearby lots and buildings to grow and continue his attention to detail, quality of finish and reliability.

John, a University of Kentucky graduate, decided to follow his father’s path. He traveled to the Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts to study with famed English cabinetmaker Ian Kirby. He returned to Lexington and, in 1980, began to assume management of his father’s business.

John and his brother, Jim Leininger, concentrated on modernizing the

BUSINESS LEXINGTON JANUARY 2026

12/17/25 1:50 PM

INDUSTRY business. “The brothers focused on getting us computerized,” recalls Nancy Lacy, Leininger’s vice president and a Jill-of-all-trades for the company for the past 37 years. “The main thing they did was develop stronger accounting, estimating practices and costing systems. They expanded into a larger production shop and began doing more commercial work with plastic laminate finishes.” The company also invested in modern fabrication and finishing technologies, which helped with precision and consistency.

Today, Leininger still uses a variety of wood veneers and hardwood in its projects, as well as plastic laminates. About 95 percent of today’s business is commercial. LCW collaborates with architects, designers, business owners, homeowners and medical, educational and athletics facilities. The company is able to produce cabinetry and millwork tailored to a wide variety of commercial needs.

LCW has overseen many installations in the medical community. For example, it has completed extensive work for Saint Joseph Hospital and Baptist Health Hospital. “We do quite a bit of plastic laminate casework, exam rooms, nurses’ stations, blood-draw rooms, break rooms and more. Anywhere they may need cabinets,” Lacy said. “The really fine woodworking would go into a hospital’s meeting rooms or an auditorium, or into a CEO’s office.”

Leininger installed cabinetry as part of a major renovation at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville. Teams worked with various contractors to prep it for the 2024 PGA Championship. “That job had miles of woodworking in it including a big, extensive bar,” Lacy said. Speaking of bars, Leininger has left its mark on many in the region, such as a signature look for downtown Lexington bar and restaurant ItalX. Leininger has also worked for Keeneland, a property rich in history, and several distilleries, which of-

PHOTO FURNISHED

BUSINESS LEXINGTON JANUARY 2026

BLX_Jan26.indd 23

PHOTO BY TOM WILKE

s Leininger

Cabinet & Woodworking designed and installed the millwork for the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres in Buffalo, New York.

q Below, the

company’s custom cabinetry at Valhalla Golf Club’s clubhouse interior includes the main bar.

ten outfit their tasting rooms in rich wood finishes.

Occasionally, Leininger travels out of state for a job, such as to Indiana, Ohio, South Carolina or West Virginia, where it performed work for the Greenbrier.

Modern collegiate and professional sports locker rooms are quite elaborate, and Leininger seeks out those new-build and renovation assignments. “There is an absolute need out there for custom sports locker rooms,” said Lacy. “We are always willing to take on that kind of work.” University of Kentucky Athletics has used Leininger numerous times. Other sports-related work included a new locker room for the Buffalo Sabres, a National Hockey League team.

Leininger belongs to the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI), the national leader in setting benchmarks for woodworking excellence. Lacy notes that Leininger’s membership requires adherence to rigorous quality standards. Bob and John Leininger were highly active members of AWI and developed a vast network of outstanding woodworkers to draw upon for help with certain projects, she said.

There are several Leininger family members left but, for now, no one wishes to take over the business.

“We would love to continue the Leininger name, but no matter what, we are excited to keep this business going forward,” said Lacy. Although he has retained the title of president, John Leininger has stepped away from most day-to-day company activities, relying on Lacy’s expertise. “We have a good customer base, and things are running well,” said Leininger. “I feel lucky. I would do it all again.” n

23

12/17/25 1:50 PM

FINANCE

Navigating Uncertainty

Financial advisers urge discipline as market volatility continues to test investors

BY LIZ CAREY

W

ithout question, 2025 has brought enough volatility to make many investors reassess their strategies.

Uncertainty around Federal Reserve policy, inflation, elevated stock valuations, and geopolitical tensions continues to create unease despite pockets of positive data. Mixed economic signals — from high-profile layoffs alongside strong demand for skilled labor, to a surging stock market paired with persistent consumer anxiety about prices — have left investors and business owners weighing the risk of a potential slowdown. Even speculation about a cooling AI sector has added to the wait-and-see mood.

The equity markets illustrate the turbulence, rising and falling with each new headline. At the same time, the unemployment rate has risen to 4.4 percent in September, after starting off the year at 4 percent.

Even so, Lexington financial planners say the smartest response in uncertain markets is to stay the course.

Andrew Barker, a wealth advisor with Gratz Park Private Wealth, said disciplined investors who diversify and rebalance with their long-term goals in mind are best positioned to navigate volatility.

“I think having that core investment strategy and being consistent with that is the most important thing,” he said. “Just because one area of the market is up doesn't mean that another is going to be up and sometimes the area that was the worst performing area of the market the previous year will be the best performing area of the market the year following. If you always have diverse portfolio and are rebalancing the portfolio, it gives you the opportunity to capitalize when there are dislocations or volatility in the market.”

24

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BusinessLexington

Barker said the most common mistake during uncertain periods is abandoning the plan.

“It’s absolutely understandable for when the market goes down for people to feel some discomfort, but that’s why you build that [investment] plan — for those periods when the market is not performing quite as well. Having that sound strategy that even when the market isn't performing well you still have confidence over the long term.”

Chasing short-term fads is another pitfall.

“People can get in trouble by trying to chase the hot stock or like a ‘meme stock,” he said. “That's more of investing speculatively, because you're probably going to be chasing things that don't have sound fundamentals but are currently the hot popular thing. You have to time those correctly in order to really be successful.”

Greg Watkins, investment advisor with Stock Yards Bank & Trust, agreed. Market timing, he said, requires investors to be right twice — an unlikely scenario.

“To try to time it right to get out and then try to get back in, you're probably taking more risk than you are just staying in the market and allowing the market to decline and subsequently rebound,” he said. “When you have really big down days, statistics show that some of the best market days are embedded very close to those really bad days. So, if you sell out on one of those really, really bad days, there's a very high probability you're going to miss the positive rebound. You don't have to go back any further than April of this year to see exactly that example” Instead, Watkins recommends focusing on long-term allocations. A traditional balanced portfolio, he said, remains roughly 60 percent equities and 40 percent more stable assets such as bonds.

“The smart money allocates their dollars based on the amount and the timing of cash needs, so if you do happen to have excess cash sitting on the sidelines, when and if the market pulls back, it's a great opportunity to invest,” he said. Those are great opportunities to take advantage and maybe reallocate some shorter-term fixed dollars to some longer-term equity dollars and take advantage of investing in good companies at much cheaper prices.”

Rebalancing during strong market periods can also help maintain discipline. For example, if equities rise to 65 percent of a portfolio while bonds fall to 35 percent, the additional equity exposure can be trimmed and reinvested in bonds to restore balance.

Overall, he said, it’s important to ensure you have three to six months’ worth of cash reserves on hand for any emergencies and to not panic.

“Had you invested [in stocks] this time last year, and then the downturn happened in April, if you had just said, ‘You know what, I know these are good companies. I'm going to stick with them,’ you’d be sitting pretty good right now,” he said. “But if you'd have panicked in April, you'd probably be kicking yourself right now.” n

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12/17/25 1:13 PM

BIZLIST

BusinessLexington

Advertising & Creative Agencies RANKED BY NUMBER OF ADVISORS IN LEXINGTON AREA DEC. 2025 Agency Name Address Phone Website

Number of Local Employers

Number of Active Client

Cornett 249 E. Main St., Ste. 400 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 281-5104 teamcornett.com

50

13

A&W Restaurants, Busch Light, GE Appliances, Keeneland, LEGOLAND, Tempur Sealy International, University of Kentucky, UK HealthCare, VisitLEX

Right Place Media 437 Lewis Hargett Circle, Ste. 130 Lexington, KY 40503 (859) 685-3800 rightplacemedia.com

17

27

Fazoli’s, Lexington Clinic, Taco John’s, University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union, Berea Tourism

3

Bolt Marketing 333 E. Main St, Ste. 160 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 321-1378 buildwithbolt.com

15

70+

Kentucky Three-Day Event, United Motorsports, The Kentucky Castle, Alltech, Manchester Coffee, Rising Sun Construction, Silent Guard

Stephanie Kaewell (Account Director)

Chase Fairchild (CEO & Founder); Sam and Maddie Duff (Partners and Co-Founders)

4

Bullhorn Creative 109 E. Loudon Ave. Lexington, KY 40505 (859) 258-2244 bullhorncreative.com

14*

40

God's Pantry Food Bank, First 5 Lex, Fooji, Sensiba, TalkAbroad, Stockton Mortgage

Adam Kuhn and Chris Jackson

Brad Flowers (Managing Partner)

Mediocre 714 N. Limestone St. Lexington, KY 40508 (859) 242-1006 mediocre.rodeo

10

25

Activate, Breakout, Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC, Heller Built, Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP), Lexington Philharmonic, 250Lex, AbsDabs Accounting

Stevie Morrison

Shawn Saylor (Partner); Sarah Brown (Partner)

6

Brand Advertising Group 128 E. Reynolds Rd., Ste. 250 Lexington, KY 40517 (859) 293-5760 baglex.com

11

35

Rocky Top Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, Rocky Top Ford, McKeever RV & Marine, Halloween Express

Susie Merida

Susie Merida (President/Owner); Anna Hartje (Partner)

7

Harris & Ward 333 E. Short St., Ste. 130 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 214-0004 harrisandward.com

8

80+

Prefer not to disclose

NA

Corey Maple (Partner); Todd Boak (Partner) Bradley Nolan (Partner)

8

Joker Advertising/ Joker Business Solutions 1204 Winchester Road Lexington, KY 40505 (859) 554-0003 jokeradvertising.com jokerbusiness.solutions

7

431

Norma, True Timber, GAS Bowstrings, Powell County Tourism, Red River Gorge Tourism, Reel Fishing Roasters, Lexington Athletic Club, Lucky's Autosports, Primate Rescue Center

Nate Eldridge

Mike Johnson (President); Nate Eldridge (Vice-President)

9

Kismet Marketing, LLC 5087 W. Second St., Ste. 120 Lexington, KY 40508 (859) 910-5125 kismet-marketing.com

6

32

Commerce Lexington, Traditional Bank, Apiary Fine Catering & Events, TP Mechanical, Transylvania University, Atkinson, Simms, & Kermode, PLLC, Lexington Children's Museum

Lindsey Cheatham, CPSM

Lindsey Cheatham (Partner); Jess Haney (Partner) Emily Whitley (Partner)

Rank

1 2

5

Notable Clients

Creative Director

Top Local Official

Whit Hiler (Chief Creative Officer)

Christy Hiler (Owner & CEO); Jessica Vincent (President) Joel Rapp (CEO/President)

N/A

CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

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BUSINESS LEXINGTON JANUARY 2026

12/17/25 1:50 PM

BIZLIST

BusinessLexington

Advertising & Creative Agencies RANKED BY NUMBER OF ADVISORS IN LEXINGTON AREA DEC. 2025 Agency Name Address Phone Website

Number of Local Employers

Number of Active Client

Trifecta!

721 W. Main St. Lexington, KY 40508 (859) 303-4663 trifectaky.com

6

120

Traditional Bank, Georgetown College, New Vista, Highbridge Springs

Kevin O'Dea

Jonathan Moore (Partner); Kevin O'Dea (Partner)

BORN 155 E. Main St., Ste. 100 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 806-3856 ideasareborn.com

5

17

NA

Bill Michul

Jennifer Larkin (Partner and Account Director); Bill Michul (Partner and Creative Director)

12

Tunnel Vision Design LLC 2021 Willis Drive Lexington, KY 40511 (859) 951-8412 tunnelvisiondesign.com

4

30+

Langley Properties, Lexington Green, Platinum Equine Auctions

Chad Young

Chad Young (Creative Director)

12

The Williams McBride Group P.O. Box 910433 Lexington, KY 40591 (859) 253-9319 williamsmcbride.com

4*

11

University of Kentucky College of Nursing, University of Iowa Tippie College of Business, Norton Healthcare

Melissa Weber

Tim Smith (President)

Wiser Strategies 109 Esplanade, Ste. 240 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 269-0123 wiserstrategies.com

4

20

Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, University of Kentucky, Dean Builds, Jessamine County Fiscal Court, Kentucky American Water, EKCEP, Christian Appalachian Project

NA

Nancy Wiser (President)

15

Cre8tive Group 304 E. Main St. Wilmore, KY 40390 (859) 858-9054 cre8tivegroup.com

3*

8

All Star Purchasing, Armag Corporation, Berea College, Bluegrass Allergy Care, Bluegrass Community Bankers Association, BrookeUSA, Solarity, Strategic Assurance Consulting

David Merrell

Chad Crouch (President)

15

Balance Creative 400 E. Vine St., Ste. 210 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 381-9510 balancecreative.net

3

10

Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate, Frontier Nursing University, Winchester-Clark County Tourism

N/A

David Caldwell (Principal & Owner)

15

Big Echo Creative 185 Pasadena Drive, Ste. 240 Lexington, KY 40503 (859) 309-5454 bigechocreative.com

3*

40

The Moonshine Trail, Back Construction, Paul Miller, Association Management Services, Ray Jones, Elle Skin and Beauty Co., Fayette Plumbing HVAC, LCA, Sherwin-Williams

Emily Conley

Emily Conley (Co-owner); Kevin Wathen (Co-owner)

15

Stablemate Creative, LLC 400 Old Vine St., Ste. 206 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 277-0715 stablematecreative.com

3*

27

AAEP, Blue Grass Airport, Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass, Kentucky Travel Industry Association, Kentucky 811, The Lexington Cemetery, Lexington History Museum

Kelly M. Johns

W. Grady Walter II (Member/Partner); Kelly M. Johns (Member/Partner)

Rank

10 11

TIE

TIE

12 TIE

TIE

TIE

TIE

TIE

Notable Clients

Creative Director

Top Local Official

Source: Business Lexington questionnaire, representatives and websites of named agencies. There may have been more companies eligible but they did not respond by given deadlines.

Key: NA=Not Applicable or Not Available Footnotes: *Previous figures. Did not respond by deadlines.

BUSINESS LEXINGTON JANUARY 2026

BLX_Jan26.indd 27

27

12/17/25 1:50 PM

BIZLIST

BusinessLexington

Wealth Management Firms RANKED BY NUMBER OF ADVISORS IN LEXINGTON AREA DEC. 2025 Firm Name Address Phone Website

Number of Local Advisors

Other Staff

Stock Yards Bank & Trust Wealth Management & Trust 200 S. Fifth St., Ste. 100N Louisville, KY 40202 (502) 625-1005 syb.com/wealth-management

38

NA

James A. Hillebrand (Chairman/CEO); Philip Poindexter (President); Shannon B. Budnick (Director of Wealth Management & Trust)

Baird Private Wealth Management City Center 100 W. Main St., Ste. 500 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 255-9681 lexington.bairdwealth.com

29

20

Stephen Grossman (Managing Director)

Meridian Wealth Management, LLC 250 W. Main St., Ste. 3150 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 543-4516 meridianwealthllc.com

29

21

Gregory W. Couch (Founder/CEO)

4

Community Trust and Investment Company 100 E. Vine St., Ste. 501 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 389-5300 ctbi.com/ctic

26

22

Andy D. Waters, ATFA, CTFA (President/CEO)

5

MCF 333 W. Vine St., Ste. 1740 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 967-0880 mcfadvisors.com

24

9

David L. Harris, Jr. (CEO)

6

Merrill 300 W. Vine St., 10th Floor Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 231-5000 ml.com

20

NA

Mollie Brennan (Senior Vice President/Senior Resident Director)

7

WealthSouth 106 W. Vine St., Ste. 600 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 523-2600 wealthsouth.com

17

5

Thomas Hager (President); Bill Howell (Senior VP/Lexington Market Director)

8

Keystone Financial Group 527 Wellington Way, Ste. 225 Lexington, KY 40503 (859) 317-8316 keystoneky.com

15

3

Michael W. Kretz Toby R. Jenkins, MS, CFP

9

Central Bank & Trust 300 W. Vine St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 253-6423 centralbank.com/personal-wealth-management

13

NA

Barry Hickey (EVP) Kathy Wilson Gibson (Senior VP)

10

WesBanco Trust & Investment Services 400 E. Vine St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 244-7204 wesbanco.com

12

NA

Thomas E. Hatton (VP/Senior Investment Officer)

Rank

1 2 TIE

2 TIE

Top Official(s)

CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

28

BLX_Jan26.indd 28

BUSINESS LEXINGTON JANUARY 2026

12/17/25 1:50 PM

BIZLIST

BusinessLexington

Wealth Management Firms RANKED BY NUMBER OF ADVISORS IN LEXINGTON AREA DEC. 2025 Firm Name Address Phone Website

Number of Local Advisors

Other Staff

Top Official(s)

American Trust Company 2353 Alexandria Drive, Ste. 100 Lexington, KY 40504 (859) 411-8781 americantrust.com

10

NA

Kevin Avent, CFP, AIF (Managing Director)

Meritrust Wealth Management 333 W. Vine St., Ste. 3000 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 514-7800 meritrustwm.com

8

3

Marcia Cammack (Partner); Thomas Furlong (Partner) Frank Hill (Partner); John G. Kallis (Partner)

University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union 1730 Alysheba Way Lexington, KY 40509 (859) 264-4200 ukfcu.org

7

2

Joel Aran (VP of Retail Branches & Financial Advising)

14

Asio Capital, LLC 220 Lexington Green, Ste. 420 Lexington, KY 40503 (859) 785-4131 asiocapital.com

6

1

R. Tracy Osborne (Founder/CEO); John C. Cheshire (Founder/CIO); Ryan M. Gray (Founder/Senior Wealth Strategist); Erin Hershey Serrate (Founder/Senior Wealth Strategist)

14

Ballast 360 E. Vine St., Ste. 400 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 226-0625 ballastplan.com

6

8

John V. Boardman, III, CFP, CPWA (Founder/CEO); Andy Reynolds, CFP, CEPA, MBA (Partner/COO); Brian Burton, CFP, CIMA (Partner/Chief Investment Officer); Cameron Hamilton, CFP, CPWA, MBA (Partner/Director of Financial Planning)

14

Family Wealth Group, LLC 2704 Old Rosebud Road #180 Lexington, KY 40509 (859) 309-0349 thefamilywealthgroup.com

6

7

Donald E. Bentley (Financial Advisor/Owner); Jeff Sheppard (Financial Advisor/Owner); Brian K. Staples (COO/CFO)

14

Wallace Hart Capital Management 1792 Alysheba Way, Ste. 390 Lexington, KY 40509 (859) 300-3030 wallacehart.com

6

3

Jeremy Wallace (Founder/CIO); Andrew Hart (Founder/Chief Planning Strategist)

18

Joule Financial 1216 S. Broadway Lexington, KY 40504 (859) 881-0777 joulefinancial.com

5

2

Quint Tatro (Managing Director/CIO); Daniel Czulno (Managing Director/COO)

18

Wells Fargo Advisors 100 W. Main St., Ste. 800 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 233-.321 wellsfargoadvisors.com

5

NA

Justin Schappe (Managing Director/WFA Market Leader)

18

Alpha Financial Partners 710 E. Main St., Ste. 110 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 785-2660 alphaky.com

5

1

Marc Cobane (Co-Founder/Partner); Greg Turcotte (Co-Founder/CCO); Aaron Ammerman (Co-Founder/Partner)

Rank

11 12 13 TIE

TIE

TIE

TIE

TIE

TIE

TIE

CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

BUSINESS LEXINGTON JANUARY 2026

BLX_Jan26.indd 29

29

12/17/25 1:50 PM

BIZLIST

BusinessLexington

Wealth Management Firms RANKED BY NUMBER OF ADVISORS IN LEXINGTON AREA DEC. 2025 Firm Name Address Phone Website

Number of Local Advisors

Other Staff

Top Official(s)

Dean Dorton Wealth Management 250 W. Main St., Ste. 1110 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 425-7780 deandortonwealth.com

4

1

Diego Vallota (Managing Director)

Dupree Financial Group 237 E. Main St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 233-0400 dupreefinancial.com

4

2

Tom Dupree (President and Founder)

E.S. Barr & Company 1999 Richmond Road, Ste. 18 Lexington, KY 40502 (859) 266-1300 esbarr.com

4

2

Edward S. Barr (President)

Gratz Park Private Wealth 110 E. Third St. Lexington, KY 40508 (859) 259-0909 gratzparkprivatewealth.com

4

5

Sherry D. Holley, CPWA (President)

Kelly Capital Group 80 Codell Dr., Ste. 240 Lexington, KY 40509 (859) 273-0200 kellycapitalgroup.com

3

1

Patrick J. Kelly (CFP)

Russell Capital Management 476 E. High St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 254-5225 russcap.com

3

3

Jack Russell (CEO)

UBS Global Wealth Management 307 S. Ashland Ave. Lexington, KY 40502 (859) 335-8107 local.ubs.com/lexington-ky

3

NA

Ron T. Bass (Executive Director/Market Director)

25

VFG Wealth Management and Benefit Solutions 131 Prosperous Place Lexington, KY 40509 (859) 312-1216 vfginvest.com

3

1

Adam Legate (Principal); Kevin Kitchen (Partner); Jason Young (Partner)

29

Cumberland Valley National Bank 1721 Nicholasville Road Lexington, KY 40503 (859) 268-1189 cvnb.com/trust-and-investments/wealth-management

2

1

Whitney Greer (Senior Investment Executive/ Program Manager)

30

Monticello Wealth Management Monticello Banking Company 997 Governors Lane, Ste. 125 Lexington, KY 40513 (859) 268-2411 mbcbank.com/personal-banking/wealth-management

1

NA

Kezia Ramsey (Financial Advisor)

Rank

21 TIE

21 TIE

21 TIE

21 TIE

25 TIE

25 TIE

25 TIE

TIE

Source: Information was obtained through the Business Lexington questionnaire and firm websites. Key: NA=Not Available

30

BLX_Jan26.indd 30

BUSINESS LEXINGTON JANUARY 2026

12/17/25 1:50 PM

BLX_Jan26.indd 31

12/17/25 1:59 PM

BIZLIST

BusinessLexington

Accounting Firms RANKED BY NUMBER OF LICENSED CPAS IN LEXINGTON AREA DEC. 2025 Firm Name Address Phone Website

Number of Licensed CPAs in Lexington/ in Firm

Dean Dorton 250 W. Main St., Ste 1400 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 255-2341 deandorton.com

% of Business

Tax

Accounting/ Financial Reporting Auditing

65/ 200

44%

10%

26%

20%

0%

Elizabeth Woodward (Forensic & Valuation Services Director and Lexington Market Leader)

Blue & Co. LLC 250 W. Main St., Ste. 2900 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 253-1100 blueandco.com

26/ 192

32%

8%

28%

31%

1%

Jennifer Miloszewski (Director-In-Charge)

3

RFH, PLLC 300 W. Vine St., Ste. 2800 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 231-1800 rfhcpas.com

19/ 19

40%

5%

50%

3%

2%

Brad Hayes (Managing Partner)

4

Crowe LLP 541 Darby Creek Road, Ste. 140 Lexington, KY 40509 (859) 263-7344 crowe.com

18*/ 1,478

40%

0%

37%

23%

0%

Jennifer Burke (Office Managing Partner)

Radwan, Brown & Company, PSC P.O. Box 1485 Lexington, KY 40588 (859) 233-4146 radwanbrown.com

13*/ 13

60%

15%

0%

20%

5%

Troy Mulligan, Randy Hatfield; Leah Christopher; Stephen Horn (Shareholders)

6

Besten & Dieruf PLLC 190 Market St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 254-4427 banddcpa.com

9/ 9

55%

10%

25%

5%

5%

Chris Besten (Partner); Andrew Dieruf (Partner)

6

Cloyd & Associates PSC 2410 Greatstone Point Lexington, KY 40504 (859) 223-3318 cloydcpa.com

9*/ 9

60%

20%

15%

5%

0%

J. Michael Cloyd (Partner); Madgel Miller (Partner)

8

Hisle and Company 277 E. High St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 259-3403 hisle-cpa.com

8*/ 8

45%

15%

15%

13%

10%

Kent Hisle (Managing Partner)

9

FWK and Associates PLLC 401 Lewis Hargett Circle, Ste. 110 Lexington, KY 40503 (859) 219-0098 fwpllc.com

6/ 6

78%

0%

20%

3%

2%

Jesse Kelly, CPA (Managing Partner)

Rank

1 2

5 TIE

TIE

TIE

Consulting Other

Top Local Official

CONTINUED ON PAGE 33

32

BLX_Jan26.indd 32

BUSINESS LEXINGTON JANUARY 2026

12/17/25 2:06 PM

BIZLIST

BusinessLexington

Accounting Firms RANKED BY NUMBER OF LICENSED CPAS IN LEXINGTON AREA DEC. 2025 Firm Name Address Phone Website

Number of Licensed CPAs in Lexington/ in Firm

Miller, Mayer, Sullivan & Stevens LLP 2365 Harrodsburg Road, Ste. A-100 Lexington, KY 40504 (859) 223-3095 mmssllp.com

9

% of Business

Tax

Accounting/ Financial Reporting Auditing

Consulting Other

Top Local Official

6*/ 15

30%

25%

30%

5%

10%

Jan Marshall (Co-Managing Partner); Alyssa Winfrey (Co-Managing Partner)

SKW CPAs & Advisors PLLC 183 Walton Ave. Lexington, KY 40508 (859) 721-1820 skwcpas.com

6/ 6

55%

20%

10%

15%

0%

Donna J. Smith (Managing Partner)

9

SLT CPAs | Advisors 2365 Harrodsburg Road, Ste. B-240 Lexington, KY 40504 (859) 514-3300 sltcpas.com

6/ 6

35%

45%

0%

5%

15%

Jacob Sizemore (Managing Partner)

13

Crosslin PLLC 318 E. Main St., 2nd Floor Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 254-4428 crosslinpc.com

5/ 20

35%

9%

5%

0%

1%

Scott L. Romans (Managing Tax Partner)

13

Kring, Ray, Farley, Riddle PSC 444 E. Main St., Ste. 203 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 231-0541 krfrcpa.com

5*/ 5

75%

15%

0%

5%

5%

E. Hunt Ray, III; Tammy D. Farley; Christoper W. Riddle (Shareholders)

14

MCF Advisors 333 W. Vine St. Ste. 1740 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 967-0999 mcfadvisors.com

4*/ 4

55%

40%

0%

5%

0%

David L. Harris, Jr. (CEO)

Rank

9 TIE

TIE

TIE

TIE

TIE

Source: Information was obtained through the Business Lexington questionnaire and firm websites. Other firms may exist, but were unable to provide information by deadline.

Footnote: *Previous figures. Did not provide updated information by deadline.

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12/17/25 2:06 PM

WHO’S WHO

FRAZIER

BLANDFORD

MORGAN

JONES

BUTLER

ALEXANDER-DELPECH

LIPSON

MILLER

NUNLEY

MOSIER

TYRA

BIBB

NEW HIRES & PROMOTIONS James H. Frazier III, longtime managing member at McBrayer PLLC, will become the firm’s first chief executive officer, focusing on strategy, growth, and innovation. Jaron Blandford, a senior leader at the firm, will assume the role of managing member, overseeing daily operations and attorney development.

Anne-Tyler Morgan, equity and executive committee member at McBrayer PLLC, has been elected to serve on the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

Hunter Jones was recently named director of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Division of Agricultural Economic Development.

Jordan Butler has joined the Lexington office of Stites & Harbison, PLLC, as a member of the torts & insurance practice service group.

34

BLX_Jan26.indd 34

BusinessLexington

Frontier Nursing University dean of student success Paula Alexander-Delpech, PhD, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FAANP, has been appointed to Insight Into Academia’s 17-member editorial board.

Commerce Lexington has promoted Kristie Woodrum to Senior Manager of Investor Development.

Nicole Newsome has been promoted to the position of Winchester Market President of Community Trust Bank, Inc. Saint Joseph Health has named Wayne Lipson, MD, MBA, as the new chief medical officer for the ministry.

Republic Bank & Trust Company has promoted Emily Miller to managing director of Retail Banking.

Tamara Davis and Caitlin King have joined the board of directors for The Nest – Center for Women, Children & Families.

Jonathon Nunley has joined White Oak Commercial Real Estate as a broker in investment sales and leasing.

Don Mosier has been named next president & CEO of East Kentucky Power Cooperative.

KUDOS Commerce Lexington has recognized Tyrone Tyra for his 20 years of leading the organization’s award-winning Community & Minority Business Development Program and 30 years altogether with economic development entities.

Commerce Lexington director of marketing, Brett Bibb, has been named to the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives' 40 Under 40 list.

The Lexington Public Library has received a $10,000 gift from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. This gift is part of the corporation's Carnegie Libraries 250 initiative.

WOODRUM

NEWSOME

Saint Joseph Hospital and Saint Joseph East have again been recognized for clinical excellence for service lines by Healthgrades, a leading resource for consumers searching for a doctor or hospital.

Baptist Health Lexington and Baptist Health Richmond have earned the top rating of “A” for hospital safety from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization.

For the 17th consecutive year, Community Trust Bank, Inc. has earned the "Gold Lender Award" from the United States Small Business Administration as Kentucky's top volume SBA 7(a) community bank lender in federal fiscal year 2024–25.

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association named Benson Valley Bourbon as the newest member of the non-profit trade group that leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. n

BUSINESS LEXINGTON JANUARY 2026

12/17/25 1:50 PM

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY!

We’re celebrating 101 new charitable funds this year.

Join our growing community of givers!

Partnering with Blue Grass Community Foundation brings your philanthropy to life.

Let’s talk about whatWELCOME your generosity accomplish, together!

1965 Medical TO Foundation THEcan FAMIBerea Arts Council EndowLY! 1965 Medical Foundation Gatton Park Conservancy Endowed Mike and Jonna Knox Charitable Fund ment Fund Berea Arts Council Endowment Fund Fund Mission Health Lexington Reserve Fund Bill and Doris Settles Endowment Fund Gene and Mary Ann Burch Family Fund Mong Family Charitable Foundation Bill and Doris Settles EndowBilly F. Van Pelt, II and Todd R. Cheever, Goetz and McCormac Charitable Fund Mong Family Charitable FUND ment MD Charitable Fund Goetz andFund McCormac Designated Fund Mt. Sterling Montgomery County Bim Group Employee Assistance Fund Greely Family Foundation Community Fund Billy F. Van Pelt, II and Todd R. Brad and Susan Tanner Charitable Fund High Street Neighborhood Center Fund Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fund Cheever, MD Charitable Fund Brewer Family Fund for FarmacyWV Hoffman Rose Fund Paris Enterprise Endowed Fund Buck and Lillie May Patrick Scholarship Holley-Slaughter Charitable Foundation Paris Westside Neighborhood Bim Group Employee AssisFund Jane Schoenfeld Shropshire Legacy Association Fund tance Fund Build A Bigger Table Fund Peter and Debra Hille Family Fund Carol Spurlin DeJarnette Knaus Janice Kuperstein Tzedakah Charitable Brad and Susan Tanner Chari- Robin Gwinn Award for Academic Charitable Foundation Carter-Wolfe Legacy Fund Christopher Haley Logan Foundation Citizens for Bourbon County Foundation Fiscal Sponsorship CivicLex Endowment Fund Community Pollinator Garden Courtelis Charitable Fund Crawford Cemetery Fund Dahlhus Fund Damron Charitable Fund David Gross Family Charitable Fund Deborah Alexander Charitable Foundation Deep Gladness Fund Donna L. Hutton Charitable Fund Elkington Giving Fund Erin and David Young Charitable Fund Ezrine Sanctuary Fund for Ohavay Zion Synagogue Father Norman Fischer Foundation Faulkner Morgan Archive Endowment Fitts Charitable Fund Four Corners Building Supply Charitable Fund Frankfort Feeds Friends of Latrobe’s Pope Villa Fund Gary and Tiffany Bizzack Family Foundation

BLX_Jan26.indd 35

Fund Janie (Allen) Holbrook Memorial Fund John and Margaret Wharton Charitable Fund Joni Fowler Family Foundation Josiah Dale Trade School Scholarship Kelley’s Landing Fiscal Sponsorship Kelley’s Landing Fund Kentucky Educational Television (KET) Endowment Fund Kentucky Social Welfare Foundation Kentucky State Parks Foundation Education Fund Klausing Group 10% for the Community Charitable Fund KSVT Future Fund Leeds Center for the Arts Non-Endowed Fund Lexington Challenger Tennis Charity Inc., Fund Lexington Public Art Maintenance Fund Liam and Jane D. Moriarty Fund Lillian Delaney Educational Fund through the Pearls of Service Foundation Inc Linch Family Trades Fund Marcie Reynolds Thomason StudentAthlete Memorial Scholarship Mattress Firm Foundation Max B. Morris Benevolency Fund

Achievement Robin Gwinn Tuition Scholarship Rompf Family Fund Salmon Family Fund Schuermer Family Fund Sharon M. Naas Charitable Fund Sigma Tau Delta Charitable Fund Spinoza Society Fund St Mary Buchanan Fund St Mary School Susan Margaret Dann Fund Susan Spires Medical Endowment Fund Switzer Charitable Fund The AVOL Endowment Fund The Ellmers Family Charitable Fund The Schoenfeld Shropshire Fund The Sisters Legacy Fund Thomas W. Hafley Scholarship Three Cashews Endowment Tom and Carol Woods Foundation Tom and Teresa Young Fund for Fundacion Hombro a Hombro Trellis Fund Trinity Church of Columbia, KY Property Endowment Trinity Church of Columbia, KY Youth Endowment Undermain Fund - America250KY WinCity Media Fund You Are Co Programming Fund for Precious Life Foundation for Africa

12/17/25 1:13 PM

We hope that your 2026 will be filled with much love, happiness, good health and prosperity.

Our wish for you is that the best is yet to come!

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”

-UNKNOWN

Mina Mattone

cell 859.420.1135 office 859.268.0099 www.bgsir.com minamattone@gmail.com

BLX_Jan26.indd 36

Alex Lennon

cell 859.608.8025 office 859.268.0099 www.bgsir.com alexsellsky@gmail.com

Bluegrass Sotheby’s International Realty® is a licensed trademark to Sotheby’s International Realty Afffijiliates LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company.

Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Offfijice is independently owned and operated.

12/17/25 1:13 PM