In this episode, Tommy sits down with Wes Morin, Vice President of Operations at AquiSense, a Kentucky-based water technology company recently named Small Manufacturer of the Year by the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers (KAM). AquiSense is a global leader in UV-LED water disinfection technology, designing and manufacturing systems that help…
I’m excited to share my latest podcast episode featuring Tyler Cox, Manufacturing Coordinator at WaterStep and the 2025 Manufacturing Employee of the Year, awarded by the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers and KCTCS. Tyler led WaterStep through a major challenge: A million-dollar contract required the team to build 28 mobile water…
In this episode, I sit down with Justin Falck, Marketing & Communications Manager at @Fives_Group, to explore the cutting-edge technology behind the Cincinnati Robotic Viper—a high-speed automation system redefining what’s possible in advanced manufacturing. 🤖⚙️ Justin shares how the Robotic Viper is designed to boost efficiency, precision, and flexibility on…
This week, we’re highlighting a finalist making a real difference—custom prescription eyeglasses for veterans, proudly made by PDS Optical. 👓 I had the pleasure of talking with Sean Loosen, CEO of PDS Optical, about how their team combines innovation, precision, and purpose to serve those who’ve served us. From Kentucky…
In this Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky spotlight, we’re featuring Link-Belt Cranes and their powerful 120|HT Hydraulic Truck Crane—a true giant in Kentucky-made innovation! 🚛🏗️ Built for strength, speed, and reliability, the 120|HT is engineered to handle big jobs with precision and power. Manufactured right here in Kentucky, this crane…
We’re shining a spotlight on one of the top contenders from the Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky tournament this year—Brown-Forman's Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked! 🥃🔥 In this spotlight, I sit down with Elizabeth McCall, Master Distiller at Woodford Reserve, to talk about what makes Double Double Oaked such a…
In this Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky spotlight, we’re featuring National Band & Tag Company and their innovative Paw Finders Tag—a game-changer for lost pet recovery! 🐶🐱 The Paw Finders Tag helps reunite lost pets with their owners using a simple yet effective QR code system, providing instant contact information…
In this Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky spotlight, we’re featuring Lion Group and their game-changing V-Force PPE—designed to protect those who protect us. 🦺🔥 Lion Group has set the standard for firefighter gear with their V-Force PPE, offering top-tier protection, mobility, and durability for first responders. In this spotlight, we…
🌊💧 Built in the Bluegrass is back with another Spotlight, featuring WaterStep and its life-changing WoW Cart – a participant in the Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky Tournament! 🏆 The WoW Cart (Water on Wheels) is revolutionizing access to clean water, bringing safe drinking water and sanitation to communities in…
Welcome to another episode of Built in the Bluegrass, where we highlight the most innovative and exciting products made right here in Kentucky! 🔵🏆 In this episode, we sit down with Beltways, a standout competitor in the Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky Tournament. We dive into their story, the impact…
🔦 Coolest Thing Made in KY Spotlight: Armag Corporation & Their EMP Shielded Generator Shelters In an increasingly uncertain world, protecting critical infrastructure from electromagnetic threats is more important than ever. That’s where Armag Corporation steps in, designing and manufacturing EMP Shielded Generator Shelters and HEMP Shielded ISO Containers that…
In this episode of Built In the Bluegrass, we’re diving into the world of cybersecurity with Rich Connor, President of LockStock Cybersecurity & Analytics. With the increasing threat of digital vulnerabilities, LockStock is on the front lines, providing cutting-edge security solutions to businesses big and small. Join us as we…
Join us in this episode as we delve into the fascinating world of Bourbon Barrel Foods with the visionary entrepreneur and founder, Matt Jamie. From humble beginnings in Louisville, Kentucky, Matt embarked on a culinary journey that would lead him to create an empire built on the rich heritage of…
Join us for an exciting new episode featuring SpanTech’s Co-CEO, Tiffany Somerville. Established by her father, James “Bud” Layne, in his garage in 1978, SpanTech is now co-led by Tiffany Somerville and her sister, Lisa Held. Based in Glascow, KY, SpanTech specializes in custom conveyors designed to navigate any obstruction…
Join us for an insightful interview with Michael Golway, CEO of Advanced Solutions, Inc. (ASI). Founded in 1987 in Louisville, KY, ASI began as an Autodesk software reseller before Golway's acquisition in 2004 transformed it into a pioneering biofabrication technology company. Inspired by a visit to the Cardiovascular Innovation Institute…
Kentucky Association of Manufacturers Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky voting is underway at coolestthingky.com. Having been established for 69 years, Campbellsville Industries is the oldest and largest steeple and cupola manufacturer in the US. We have completed well over 20,600 projects, including historical replications and new constructions. One of our…
Kentucky Association of Manufacturers Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky voting is underway at coolestthingky.com. HempWood® is a sustainable healthy building material. HempWood® is not only made in America but also only made in Kentucky. Find all Built In The Bluegrass links here https://linktr.ee/builtinthebluegrass We want to take a moment to…
Kentucky Association of Manufacturers Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky voting is underway at coolestthingky.com. Perfetti Van Melle is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and distributors of confectionery and chewing gum. With more than 150 global brands, Perfetti Van Melle chose Erlanger, KY as the home of #Airheads.
Kentucky Association of Manufacturers Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky voting is underway at coolestthingky.com. Celebrating 150 years of business in 2024, Link-Belt Cranes, at 2651 Palumbo Drive in Lexington, has entered into the contest their 300|AT. The 300-ton, five-axle 300|AT all-terrain crane is designed, manufactured, and built right here in…
Join us for an exclusive interview with Jon Andrews, the Plant Launch Operations Manager at General Motors Chevrolet Corvette. Since its production shift from St. Louis, MO to Bowling Green, Kentucky in 1981, General Motors has maintained the Corvette's legacy as an American icon for over three decades. We delve…
Join us as we interview Steven Dossey, General Manager and Wine Maker, of Purple Toad Winery. Headquartered in Paducah, KY, and founded in 2009, Purple Toad Winery was named after the color of your toes when grapes were pressed the old-fashioned way, with your feet. Purple Toad Winery found its…
Join us as we interview Greg Wilson, owner of Fibonacci LLC and Founder of @hempwood2602. HempWood is located in Murray, Kentucky where the hemp industry was welcomed after the 2018 farm bill, and the first hemp seeds were planted in Kentucky. We talk with Greg about why he chose Kentucky…
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…
