Episodes

Join us as we interview Aaron Woolum and Melissa Wilburn, teachers at Russell Area Technical Center where they challenge students in the mastery of academics and technical skills. Aaron is the welding teacher and Melissa is the business teacher at RATC. We speak with them about the purpose of RATC, why RATC is important, and the impact they are making on younger generations through skilled trades and entrepreneurship. By having a variety of programs for students to learn great skills for their f...

Did you know Louisville cuts down 55,000 trees within its own city limits every year? We didn’t. That is until we interviewed Josh Weber, owner of Timber Woodcraft located in Louisville, KY. Timber Woodcraft is a family-owned company that partners with local arborists to salvage urban timber. They repurpose that timber to provide milled and kiln-dried lumber as well as live edge slabs. Join us as we interview Josh Weber and discuss why he and his wife, Krista, have built Timber Woodcraft into wh...

Join us as we interview John-Mark Hack, Chief Strategy Officer of Thoroughbred and Vice-Chair of the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. Thoroughbred, founded in 1986 and headquartered in Lexington, KY, is a #onestopshop for #design, #engineering, and #construction. Because Thoroughbred has everything one needs under one roof, they can complete land development projects from site selection all the way to turnkey construction. Thoroughbred’s model allows the owner of the project to be in a rev...

Please join us as we interview Chris Naber, Director of Product Development, of FirstBuild. FirstBuild is a Subsidiary of GE Appliances with a start-up feel. Located in Louisville, KY right on the corner of the University of Louisville. FirstBuild is focused on inventing what’s next for the home through a different process than the ordinary. They believe in co-creation with you! Anyone can share ideas, interact with them on social media about an idea, or even visit their location to share and wo...

Please join us as we interview Jeremy Prichard, Director of Sales and Marketing, of TrinDocs, headquartered in Lexington, KY. With their proprietary software, TrinDocs helps companies' back offices become paperless by automating their accounts payable, tailored integrations to mid-market ERP, and invoice PO matching. If your back office looks like a paper tornado or your processes seem to slow down your production, check out TrinDocs today to solve those problems. Visit them at https://trindocs.com/ or email info@trindocs.com for more information. We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, …

Please join us as we interview Diane Evans, President/Owner of Evans Gourmet Foods and Kentucky Beer Cheese, headquartered in Nicholasville, KY. Although Diane and her husband Chris didn’t purchase the company until 2004, Kentucky Beer Cheese has a rich 35-year history with its founding in 1987 by Sue & Jim Castano. With some luck, a superior flavor and award-winning recipe, Kentucky Beer Cheese have expanded into 13 states, over 300 retail locations, and many restaurants and bars. Visit your local retailers' dip section today for some Kentucky Beer Cheese, or https://kentuckybeercheese.com/ to buy online. We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washingto…

Please join us as we interview John Mittel, Co-Founder, of Phocus headquartered in Louisville, KY. Phocus is a tea-caffeinated sparkling water that was born from John Mittel and Tom O’Grady’s need for an alternative to energy drinks or soda. Phocus’ mission is to support healthy and productive lifestyles by eliminating the harmful impacts of sugar and sweeteners in beverages with their delicious, health-conscious, and thoughtfully caffeinated sparkling water. If you’re interested in an alternative to your energy boost selection, check out Phocus at your local grocer. You can also purchase Phocus online at www.drinkphocus.com. We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Fr…

Please join us as we interview executives, Ben Johnston, Eric Gardner, and Chris Johnston, from Pittsburg Tank & Tower Group headquartered in Henderson, KY. PTTG designs, builds, and maintains tanks, communications towers, and support systems for our nation’s infrastructure. PTTG plays an integral role, not only in our nation’s infrastructure but also in 67 other countries around the world. PTTG is okay with being old school with many facets of their company except for one, their employees. In 2021, the Johnston family graciously created an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan), transferring ownership to their employees and impacting their lives in an incredibly huge way. This is just one example of many that makes PTTG great. Great for their employees, their community, and great for Kentucky. If you would like more information about PTTG, visit https://www.pttg.com/. Here you can find out how to work with PTTG, work for PTTG, or just read their awesome story. We want to t…

Please join us as we interview Ryan Jones, Co-Founder, of Roots & Jones headquartered right outside of Louisville, KY in Oldham County. Ryan began making pens as a hobby and to get back to his roots with his grandfather, Jim Cantrell, after graduating from the University of Kentucky. Today Roots & Jones has success with direct-to-consumer road shows, a consumer-facing website, and has pens in over 50 retail stores across the United States. Roots & Jones’ mission is to facilitate connection one pen at a time. If you’re tired of cheap plastic pens or want to tell a story with a custom pen visit https://rootsandjones.com/ to grab one of their uniquely handcrafted storytelling tools. We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is …

Please join us as we interview Peter Mitchell, Owner, of Capitol Bicycle Company based in the heart of London, Kentucky. Capitol Bicycle Company produces handmade, bespoke bicycle frames, unique to each cycling client. With fit and comfort as his primary objectives, Peter curates custom “One of One” bicycles through current and upcoming design trends and paintwork that represents YOU. Capitol Bicycles has the ability to ship nationally or internationally. If you’re in the market for a custom “One of One” bicycle check out http://www.capitolbicycles.com/ and get with Peter for your consultation. We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whe…

Please join us as we interview Joshua Peters, Creative Director, of Open Grain Woodwork. Established in 2007, Open Grain Woodwork is a creative studio locally owned and operated in Louisville, KY. Their team is comprised of expert craftsmen with decades of experience to bring your vision to life. Everything from coasters and cabinetry to CNC machining and prototyping, Open Grain Woodwork strives to provide the best custom creations for your project. You can find Open Grain Woodwork at https://opengrainwoodwork.com or email them directly about your vision at makeit@opengrain.com. Don’t forget to check out their Brag Book for great examples of their work and some inspiration for your creation! https://opengrainwoodwork.com/brag-book/ We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving b…

Please join us as we interview Corey Roppel, Third Generation and Executive of Roppel Industries, headquartered in Louisville, KY. Celebrating its 75th year, Roppel Industries has been Making America Run since 1947. From custom fabrication to heat exchange service, repair, and rebuilding. Check out Roppel Industries at https://www.roppelind.com/ for all your heat exchange needs. We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has its members covered. Learn more and become a member by visiting www.kam.us.com

Please join us as we interview David Horne, President of Tag Your Swag, located in Louisville, KY. We talk to David about the origins of Tag Your Swag. How it was born out of his family-owned and operated contract decorator company, Stitch Designers, as a direct-to-consumer logo’d apparel and products company. Tag Your Swag cuts out the middle man, handles the full supply chain, and ships directly to your door. Check out Tag Your Swag here https://www.tagyourswag.com/ for all your logo’d apparel and products needs. We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM h…

Join us as we interview Jim Higdon, Co-founder of Cornbread Hemp located in Louisville, KY. We talk to Jim about the rich history of hemp here in Kentucky and what Cornbread Hemp is doing with the first-ever USDA certified organic Flower-Only CBD oil. Find all of your CBD needs at https://www.cornbreadhemp.com/ We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has its members covered. Learn more and become a member by visiting www.kam.us.com

Join us as we interview Ruth Moore Vice President of HR for Aristech Surfaces located in Florence, KY. We talk with Ruth about the lasting impact Aristech has had on the community and the families employed by Aristech Surfaces for over 50 years. Aristech Surfaces has produced and marketed a broad range of world-class surfaces and design materials to provide quality, cost-conscious, and high-end aesthetic solutions sought by OEMs, architects, designers, and fabricators for industries around the globe. Please check out www.aristechsurfaces.com for information and career opportunities available at Aristech Surfaces! We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Wa…

This week we are interviewing Bob Martin, President and Chief Commercial Officer of Fives Machining Systems in Hebron, KY. Fives Machining Systems has a long history in manufacturing dating back to 1884. It was founded as Cincinnati Screw and Tap before becoming Cincinnati Milling Machining Company in 1900. In 1970 the company became known as Cincinnati Milacron, one of the most widely recognized machine tool builders in the world to this day. After several sales and acquisitions Fives Group purchased the Metal Cutting and Composites divisions in 2013. With a history of many firsts in manufacturing, Fives Machining Systems is still producing industry leading metal cutting and composites machine tools in a variety of exciting sectors such as Space, Aerospace, Defense, and many more. Please visit www.fivesgroup.com. We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through a…

This week we are interviewing Nick Baute of Hound Dog Press. A Letterpress Printing company founded in 2008 and located in Louisville, KY. They specialize in custom invitations, greeting cards, stationery, posters, and prints. Join us as we learn more about letterpress printing and how it's used today. If you need custom printing feel free to reach out to Nick through his website or email at www.hounddogpress.com. We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has its members covered. Learn more and become a member by visiting www.kam.us.com

This week we are interviewing Larry Williams of Aviation Safety Resources. Founded in 2000 and located in Nicholasville, Ky. Aviation Safety Resources address the safety needs of new-generation aircraft with new parachute canopy design and manufacturing, ballistics & ejection technologies, and aircraft interface engineering. Keep an eye out for Aviation Safety Resources when Advanced Air Mobility/Urban Air Mobility begins to integrate into our everyday lives. Their technology is and will be lifesaving in aircraft emergencies. We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health ins…

This week we are interviewing Angie and Tony Alexander, two siblings working together to continue the great craftsmanship at Mike Alexander Dies, Inc. Started in Louisville, KY in 1984 by the company namesake, they manufacturer rotary and flat steel cutting dies. Mike Alexander Dies, Inc. utilizes state-of-the-art CNC (Computer Numerical Control) and water jet equipment to produce consistent quality products for packaging and printing customers. Join us as they tell their story and why they are located in Kentucky. We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has…

This week we are interviewing Chad Rosen, the founder of Victory Hemp Foods. Victory Hemp Foods creates highly functional, great-tasting hemp ingredients for super-nutritious, plant-based, vegetarian, and vegan foods. They have an interesting story to tell, along with news of raising $4.5 million in capital for their expansion, and why they are located in Kentucky. We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has its members covered. Learn more and become a member by visiting www.kam.us.com

Central KY Tool is a small woman-owned business, located in Lebanon, KY. They have a rich history of manufacturing precision parts and fabrication solutions. With 50+ years of business under their belt, they are your one-stop shop for any of your machine and fabrication needs. Join us as we interview Sarah Smith, the owner of Central KY Tool. If you need a job done, please feel free to reach out to Central KY Tool via their website www.ckytool.com, or by phone (270) 692-4556.

No expletives intended folks, but hear us out! Big Ass Fans headquartered in Lexington, KY provides air quality solutions in industrial, commercial, and school system settings. BAF is here to make your employees or students safer, healthier, and more productive with the solutions they provide. Join us as we interview Alex Risen, Public Relations, of Big Ass Fans. If you would like to contact BAF feel free to call 1(877)BigFans or visit their website at www.bigassfans.com.

Muth’s Candies, located in Louisville, KY, believes in old-fashioned attention to craft and detail, applying it to each candy piece they produce. Spokesperson Sarah Blazin says this, combined with four generations and one hundred years of experience, sets them apart from most other candy makers worldwide. Muth’s Candies is globally known for many of its specialties, and so we urge you to savor this episode! Get your candy today by visiting https://muthscandy.com/

Join us as we interview Aaron Lanning of Lanning Chemical and Lanning Paints. With years and years of industry knowledge Lanning Paints can meet any paint or coatings need. If you would like to contact Aaron visit www.lanningpaints.com or give them a call at 502-618-2138. Don't forget to check out their new line of Select Paints at www.lanningselect.com