Fall 2013

Happy hour Kentucky’s signature spirit provides bright spot in economic downturn

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3 FROM THE EDITOR 20TS AR Fall is here and BG Editor Abby Laub talks about Inspired by a childhood fascination, Tony Davis Fall 2013 Volume 5, Issue 2 the season’s highlights. creates one-of-a-kind treasures out of reclaimed bourbon barrels that scream “Kentucky.” 4 NEW IN THE BLUE The Bluegrass is buzzing this fall and winter. New 22 ENTREPRENEUR places to eat and drink, new accolades, businesses, Raleigh Bruner’s moving business has exploded in a and a long list of holiday events to enjoy. short amount of time. Along with growing his company, he has challenged a state law in place since the 1950s. 10TH HEAL The Miss Fits are pulling huge numbers in the gym, 24 FEATURED COUPLE setting national records and inspiring other women Steve and Andrea Kohlman lead busy lives with to take control of their wellness. two kids, five dogs, busy jobs and a creative COVER STORY nonprofit that is raising thousands of dollars for From Pikeville to Paducah, in needy children in Haiti. counties wet, dry and moist, the commonwealth’s signature spirit 12 TRENDS is taking on a new mantle and Beer, baked goods and sausage are just a few of the bringing home the bacon. BG takes craft items available in a vibrant startup community. 26 EQUINE a look at the best places to drink bourbon and learn how it’s made. Fall is a great time to enjoy horses, and Churchill Downs and Keeneland are setting records, pulling Cover photo by Shaun Ring 14 COVER STORY in big numbers and keeping the stakes high. Kentucky’s signature spirit pumps millions of dollars into the state’s economy, despite the financial down- turn, thanks in part to a surge in bourbon tourism. 28 10 THINGS WE LOVE The Bluegrass has more than enough places to ride bicycles, and fall is the time to do it.

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BG FALL FINAL JM.indd 2 10/29/13 12:02 PM from the editor Fall is my favorite Not only do we have great outdoors, but this time of year issue is full of exceptional Fall is my favorite time of year, young people who are continuing to especially with the abundance of enter- make the Bluegrass a better place to tainment opportunities in the Bluegrass. live. Like Raleigh Bruner, who built a More than anything else, being outdoors booming company practically overnight is the best thing about this season. all while fighting to change state laws in favor of entrepreneurs like him. Abby Laub is editor Or check out The Miss Fits, a group of BG Magazine. She can be reached at of seriously buff yet perfectly nor- [email protected]. mal women who are improving the lives of other women — one blog In the fall, Central Kentucky is tough post at a time. Our featured couple is to beat. Be sure to check out aromatic raising thousands of dollars for Haitians local apples and colorful squashes and while working full time jobs and rais- greens at the area’s farmers markets. ing two children. We have great people Head out for a bike ride (see our 10 here, great ideas and great opportunities Things We Love column for some ideas), to enjoy ourselves. Happy fall! visit the area’s many fall festivals, or head to Red River Gorge for a hike or paddle All the best, the Kentucky River surrounded by tree- Abby Laub laden palisades.

EDITOR Abby Laub MANAGING EDITOR Lorie Hailey PUBLISHER/CEO CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ed Lane Jessica Merriman EDITORIAL DIRECTOR CORRESPONDENTS Mark Green Stephanie Apple, Esther Zunker, BG Magazine is published by: Anne Sabatino Hardy, Kathie Stamps, ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lane Communications Group Katheran Wasson, Zoya Tereshkova Kathie Stamps 201 East Main Street 14th Floor Lexington, KY 40507-2003 ADVISORY BOARD ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERS [email protected] Stephanie Apple (Robert Half Management Resources) Dick Kelly Meredith Lane (realtor and former BG editor) Donna Hodsdon Nathan Brown (Bluegrass Capital Advisors) For more information and Vitale Buford (Stoll, Keenon, Ogden PLLC) CONTROLLER advertising rates contact: Myndall Coffman (Central Baptist Hospital Jeromie Kirk Phone: 859-244-3500 at Baptist Health) Jorge Gotuzzo (Alltech) DESIGN & PRODUCTION Please send subscription requests Hannah Huggins (W. Rogers Company) PJB Marketing to [email protected]. Rodney Jackson (Fayette County Schools) Harmony Little (Kentucky Community PRINTING, OUTPUT & PRE-PRESS SERVICES and Technical College System) BG Magazine corrects all significant errors Christa Marrillia (Keeneland) Publishers Printing Co. that are brought to the editors’ attention. Stephanie Shrewsbury (UK Tracy Farmer Center for the Environment) Lane Communications Group is a member of © 2013 Lane Communications Group All editorial material is fully protected and must not be reproduced in any manner without prior permission.

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Powering the world Further solidifying Kentucky’s emerging role in the development of next generation batteries, NOHMs Technologies Inc. has chosen Lexington to locate its R&D, prod- uct development, business operations and a state-of-the-art research, manufacturing and product development facility for military, cell phone and electric vehicle lithium-ion batteries. The company plans to create up to 162 jobs and invest more than $5.3 million in the project, utilizing the Ken- From left, Nathan Ball, CEO of NOHMs Technologies Inc., tucky-Argonne Battery Manufacturing recently opened the company’s headquarters in Lexington and posed with Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear; Commerce Research and Development Center and Lexington CEO Bob Quick; University of Kentucky UK’s Spindletop Administration Building. President Eli Capilouto; and Lexington Mayor Jim Gray. Founded in October 2010, NOHMs Technologies has developed a battery based on lithium-sulfur chemistry, with a vision to The Amazon Customer Service Center, commercialize the technology to revolutionize vehicle markets from spacecraft to electric nicknamed “Win,” is located on Rolling Hills Lane in Winchester. automobiles. NOHMs says its lithium-sulfur batteries can deliver enough energy at a cost low enough to allow mass commercialization of electric vehicles. Bezos in the Bluegrass Hilton on the horizon Amazon’s new 80,000-s.f. customer service NAI Isaac recently brokered the sale of 2.696 acres center opened in Winchester over the sum- of P-1 zoned land in the Nicholasville Road corri- mer, at an investment of more than $20 mil- dor to CVH Lexington LLC, which plans to construct lion by the Seattle-based company. The proj- a new Home 2 Suites by Hilton hotel. The land is ect will create more than 550 full-time jobs behind Trader Joe’s on Professional Heights Drive. and hundreds of seasonal jobs over the next few years, providing customer service and technical support for Amazon’s customers. Kentucky Wins! Donate your old Amazon has fulfillment centers in Lexington, Campbellsville, Louisville and Hebron. focuses on getting business attire expanded gaming Dress for Success is a worldwide nonprofit organization promoting the economic inde- on the ballot pendence of disadvantaged women by provid- A coalition of Kentucky business and com- ing them with professional attire, a network munity leaders recently launched Kentucky of support, and career development tools to Wins!, a grassroots effort focused on allowing help them become self-sufficient. New to the the public to vote on expanded gaming. By Bluegrass, Dress for Success Lexington is lo- 2015, the coalition notes, it is estimated that cated in Eastland Shopping Center. The space Kentuckians will export at least $527 mil- is large enough to house a boutique of donated lion in gaming revenues to casinos in nearby clothing from which clients can select profes- states, generating tax revenues in Indiana, Il- sional attire, as well as two dressing rooms, linois, Ohio and West Virginia, according to a career center with computers and other re- a 2011 Spectrum Gaming Group study. In the sources to help women with job coming months, the group — which repre- searches, storage for donated sents large corporations, small independent items, and office space for businesses, teachers, the equine industry and the executive director and local cities — will travel volunteer staff. Donations around the state pro- of suits and pro- Alex Krueger, Amazon’s Winchester site leader, moting the fessional outfits said the employees at the call center are what effort. in all sizes are make it special. “We have found tremendous welcome. talent in abundance in Winchester and we’re so proud to be a part of the community,” he said.

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BG FALL FINAL JM.indd 4 10/29/13 12:02 PM Get thee to KHP TripAdvisor has honored the Kentucky Horse Park in its 2013 Travelers’ Choice awards for attractions. The Horse Park made the list in the category of Top 25 Amusement Parks and Water Parks in the United States (12 of them are Disney properties in Orlando and Anaheim). This is the first year the Travelers’ Choice honors have been presented to attractions. TripAdvisor uses a pro- prietary algorithm to determine rankings based on the quantity, quality and frequency of reviews for any given property. General admission to the Horse Park, including the next day free, is $16.

New eats Shakespeare and Co. Restaurant is slated to open its second Lexing- ton location in Chinoe Center in late 2013 or early 2014. The Victorian- themed restaurant features a menu of gourmet food and drinks.

First Watch, the daytime café based in Bradenton, Fla., has opened its second Lexington location. The first opened in September 2012 on Richmond Road and Alltech founder and CEO Dr. Pearse Lyons the second is a 3,500-s.f. restaurant in announces a sustainable farming alliance with the Simpson Center near UK on South Kentucky State University. At left is Dr. Mary Evan Sias, KSU president. Broadway. The freestanding outparcel is operated by the Holland Rosen Group LLC as part of a multi-unit Local research, franchise agreement to open up to eight restaurants throughout Lexington and Louisville over the global impact next five years. First Watch is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Alltech and Kentucky State University have Smithtown Seafood is the latest venture from chef/ formalized a farming-focused research alli- owner Ouita Michel. With an emphasis on farm-to- ance to develop sustainable farming tech- table cuisine and locally grown ingredients, Smith- niques and modern farming models, as the town is housed inside the Bread Box on West Sixth agribusiness industry faces feeding a global Street, along with West Sixth Brewing. Smithtown’s population of nine billion by the year 2050. menu ranges from burgers to vegan dishes. Fresh seafood includes tilapia grown by FoodChain, Alltech will invest $75,000 per year toward the urban farm also located in the Bread Box. research at KSU and provide support for graduate students’ research in agriculture, Enoteca is one of the newest additions to Jefferson Street. food sciences, sustainable systems and Taking its name from the Italian word for “wine bar,” the related fields. Alltech has signed research cocktail lounge has hand-selected wines by certified som- alliances with more than a dozen universities melier Renee Brewer, along with other adult beverages and institutes around the world, including like Kentucky bourbons and craft beers, and plenty of tapas for the rest of your taste buds. KSU and University of Kentucky in the United States, plus universities in China, Japan, France, India, Norway and Australia. Flowers forever The Arboretum, the state botanical garden of Kentucky, Where’s the wine? is approaching construction of phase two of the Dorotha Smith Oatts Visitor Center. The Arboretum Legacy A free app for Apple iOS and Google Android Campaign has a goal of raising $1.2 million, with $200,000 devices helps users locate and learn more going toward an endowment to support the facilities and about Kentucky wineries. The Kentucky Wine educational programs, and $1 million to build an addition Trails app has info on 65 Kentucky wineries, to the existing visitor center for a conference room, research with maps, histories, websites and other room, offices, gift shop and outdoor terrace. details to find wine on the go. In 2000, Oatts challenged the community to match her personal contribution of $350,000 to build a center to house educational space and staff offices. Since the visitor center was completed, more than 12,000 people have attended classes and events each year, while thousands more take advantage of the walking trail and living classrooms throughout the property’s 100 acres.

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Block + Lot Renovating Clay Andelucci, Peter Barr and Greg Lexington’s most Leveridge have created a new com- pany called Block + Lot, a real estate famous movie house business with an eye on the economic health of the Bluegrass. The three have known each other for years and have a common passion for downtown re- vitalization, urban infill projects, and everything Lexington and Central Ken- tucky. The owners bring experience and youthful energy to the company, One year into its fundraising campaign, the each having worked in retail and resi- Friends of the Kentucky Theatre is well on its dential sectors, as well as industrial way to meeting its campaign goal for upgrades and office. to Lexington’s most famous movie house. So far, Block + Lot is will soon market $705,600 has been raised. Phase I of planned im- “Pepper Campus,” a group of build- provements to the theatre, the conversion to digi- ings on Manchester Street near the re- tal projection and sound equipment, were com- vamped distillery district. The trio has pleted this summer. Additional upgrades — the signed on Barrel House Distillery and installation of new seating, electrical and lighting Iron Horse Forge, along with a new upgrades, and new carpet and paint — are sched- restaurant that will have waterfront uled to begin on Feb. 17, 2014, and are estimated seating. Elkhorn Creek runs behind to take six to eight weeks to complete. The State the property. Theatre will remain open during renovations.

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TWJhorzLaneReportadwbleed.10.25.13.inddBG FALL FINAL JM.indd 6 1 10/29/1310/25/13 12:02 2:32 PM Dramatic increase in space, high-tech enhancements An artist’s rendering shows how the renovated and expanded UK Gatton College of Business and Economics The University of Kentucky’s Gatton will look when completed. College of Business and Economics LYPA recognizes recently revealed the architectural plans and conducted a ceremonial groundbreaking for a major expansion and renovation of its facilities. The Gatton College project is part of UK’s 2013 outstanding YPs overall capital improvement plan, and no state tax dollars will be used in the project. The plans Lexington Young Professionals Association (LYPA) call for a dramatic increase in space for educational offerings, as well as high-tech enhance- honored emerging leaders in the community ments to classrooms and laboratories for students on both the undergraduate and graduate at its annual Rising Stars awards dinner in levels. The timetable calls for completion of the project by Spring 2016. October. The honorees were: Amy Carrington, director, Leadership Development, Commerce Lexington; Jessica Tretter, financial advisor, Council approves zoning for new retail hub Keystone Financial Group/LPL Financial; Lexington’s Urban County Council has approved zoning for a new $92.5 million retail develop- Richard Sanchez, migrant education program ment on the city’s south side of town, in what the developers call “the bull’s eye of Lexington’s recruiter, Fayette County Public Schools; Emily thriving retail hub.” The Summit, which is being developed by Sandford, owner, social blogger, Authentically Alabama-based Bayer Properties, will be located on 50 acres Emmie; Stuart Hurt, co-owner of House by at the corner of Nicholasville Road and Man o’ War Boulevard JSD; Brandi L. Berryman, Lexington Downtown and will encompass 1 million s.f. of residential and commercial Development Authority; Katy Ross, attorney, space. The site has been the subject of much discussion over Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet, Department An aerial view of the corner of Nicholasville Road and Man o’War the years regarding its best usage. Residents living on adjacent of Financial Institutions; Davonna Saier, owner Boulevard in Lexington, where Bayer property have expressed concern about the additional traffic of Eldercare Ease and Women’s Health Public Properties plans to build The Summit. the development will bring to an already congested area. Relations Coordinator, Baptist Health Lexington.

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Holiday equine extravaganza Heart of Danville The Kentucky Horse Park welcomes “The Spirit of the The Heart of Danville Main Street Program’s Horse: A Holiday Equine Extravaganza” to Alltech Arena on holiday open house is Nov. 22-23, and the Nov. 29 and 30. This is an original equine entertainment pro- Christmas parade and tree-lighting ceremony duction, produced and performed by the KYB-GPE Equine is Dec. 7 on Main Street in Danville. Theater Production Co., telling a magical holiday-themed story on horseback with orphans and villains, reining, dressage and liberty work. The live one-hour show features world-class horses and riders. General admission is $15; VIP seating is $25. Christmas classics at EKU Center The Lexington Ballet will perform a perennial favorite, “The Nutcracker” Dec. 7 at the EKU Center for the Arts. The next day, The Lexington Philharmonic will present Handel’s “Messiah,” under the baton of conductor Scott Terrell and featuring the Lexington Chamber Chorale and guest Luminate Lexington soloists. Tickets for both events start at $25. On Dec. 10, the center presents “A Christmas Carol,” The Unified Trust Co. Ice Rink opened Nov. 8 and on Dec. 12, Leann Rimes brings her holiday tour to Richmond. at Triangle Park, which is the site for Lumi- nate Lexington, the day after Thanksgiving. Presented by Kentucky Utilities Co., the Nov. 29 program of events includes the Holiday Artist’s Market, the Holiday LIVE! concert, a visit from Santa Claus, and the official tree- lighting ceremony at the redesigned Triangle Park. Vendors and live musical entertainers will be set up from 2 to 7 p.m. Santa and Mayor Jim Gray will flip the switch at 6:30 to light up downtown Lexington. The an- nual Christmas parade is Tuesday, Dec. 3, on Main Street from Midland to Mill.

Manheim Steamroller Lighting of the Trace Mannheim Steamroller will have two perfor- The 15th annual Lighting of the Trace takes place at mances at the Lexington Opera House on Nov. Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort on Thursday evening, 22 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The “Christmas by Dec. 5. Colorful, festive displays will be illuminated at the Chip Davis” show has been a favorite holiday distillery, with holiday music from the Kentucky State celebration for 28 years, featuring dazzling University choir. The driving tour of the lights will then be multimedia effects and Christmas music. on display nightly through Jan. 2.

All aboard! After much anticipation, Lexingtonians have change with the seasons. The train has a fully a new way to dine – the R.J. Corman Railroad developed, onboard kitchen and an upscale Co.’s Lexington Dinner Train. The dinner train wine list. launched Aug. 14 with 38 passengers for Special events include tours for children lunch and 40 for dinner. and breakfast expeditions. Murder Mystery rides Throughout each expedition, a three- also will be featured throughout the year. course meal is paired with sights from six Lunch and dinner outings occur horse farms, including Haven Trees and Calu- year-round from Wednesday through Saturday met, and other points of interest such as each week. Boarding is located at R.J. Keeneland and McConnell Springs. Corman’s Lexington Station behind Rupp The menu, which includes locally grown Arena, at 150 Oliver Lewis Way. Learn more foods prepared by chef Gil Logan, is set to at lexingtondinnertrain.com.

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BG FALL FINAL JM.indd 8 10/29/13 12:02 PM Buffalo Trace Town Branch Sip on this gets two There are more barrels of bourbon than wins SIP Award international people in Kentucky (4.7 million to Town Branch bourbon won a 4.3 million, respectively). gold medal in the straight bour- awards bon category at the fifth annual Buffalo Trace won a dozen Spirits International Prestige (SIP) Awards in awards and top honors Las Vegas. Launched in Kentucky by Alltech’s over the summer at the Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co., Town International Wine & Spirits Branch bourbon is also distributed in Tennes- Competition in London, see, Ohio, Florida, Georgia and New York. England. Eagle Rare single barrel bourbon won the first-ever Bourbon Trophy, Triple-distilled Master’s as well as a gold outstand- Collection available ing medal. The limited edition Master’s Collection from Woodford Reserve hits stores in early Novem- Kentucky Pumpkin Barrel ber. The straight malt whiskey and the classic malt are the first fully matured Ale hits the shelves whiskies crafted from malt in Alltech’s Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co. pro- Kentucky since Prohibition. They duced its first seasonal beer, in draft and bottles, called have been triple distilled in Wood- Kentucky Pumpkin Barrel Ale. Aged in fresh bourbon ford Reserve’s copper pot stills. barrels, at 10 percent alcohol by volume, the ale is brewed Individually numbered and with Kentucky-sourced pumpkin and spiced with cinna- presented at 90.4 proof, each is mon, nutmeg and allspice. Some retailers are offering available in 750-mL bottles at a collectible jack-o-lantern snifters along with the ale. suggested retail price of $99.99.

BG FALL FINAL JM.indd 9 10/29/13 12:02 PM fitness by Abby Laub The Miss Fits Photos by Abby Laub Photos by

Several women sat on the floor at J&M Peeking in at their workouts at J&M The Miss Fits are, from left, Jen Rankin, Lizz Strength and Conditioning on Regency Road Strength and Conditioning on Regency Road, Kunz, Anne Strode, Emily Clark, Suzanne Waldrop, Missy Hicks and Kim Klimek. in Lexington and discussed their excitement at you’ll find the group of seven women and seeing new veins in their toned, strong arms. their trainer, Jim Laird, hauling chains, doing a new face on female weight lifting, work that “I’m very proud of what I can lift,” Emily pull-ups with calloused hands, bench pressing tough does not require hours and hours of Clark said. “It’s nice to feel tough. You can be 100-plus pounds, talking about “getting under time. Go in, get it done, they say. super girly and still be really, really strong. I the bar” as in Olympic-style weight lifting, and Suzanne Waldrop used to live by the get excited when I see a new vein pop out preparing for lifting meets. These are not your opposite mentality — more is better. But the or my shoulders get a little bigger ... When mat-toting Pilates chicks. The Miss Fits get in former distance runner and marathon addict someone’s built like that, you know they’ve to the gym, get the job done a few days a week said it was becoming obvious that the more worked for it.” and then keep their lives in order the rest of she ran, the “softer” she got. Clark is part of The Miss Fits — a group the week with clean eating, adequate sleep, “If someone would have tried to tell me of Lexington-based women who are into de-stressing and active, sensible lifestyles. three years ago to stop running I would not lifting heavy weights, as well as generating a “Everyone here is a full-time worker, so have listened,” she said. “Personally I got into discussion on their blog about how they tackle trying to balance gym with real life is some- running because my son was 3 and I was still every day obstacles and celebrate triumphs in thing everyone battles with,” Clark said. “But carrying baby weight, so I got on the treadmill and out of the weight room. Though they lead we’re only in here three or four hours a week, and ended up running half marathons and mar- normal lives — their ages range from 23 to so not an intense schedule.” athons. My body required more and more and 42, some are married, some are mothers and But the work is intense. Pulling hundreds more. That’s what brought me in here, thinking two are pregnant — their fitness regimen is of pounds in their dead lifts, squatting well I needed to add strength training and do both. anything but normal. over their body weights and generally putting Jim told me, ‘No.’ It took me a while to listen.”

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BG FALL FINAL JM.indd 10 10/29/13 12:02 PM Things didn’t start to change for her until think it’s about body image in general,” said she backed off on running and began lifting Lizz Kunz. “There’s a lot of pressure from the weights and improving form and posture. media and society to look a certain way and Waldrop jokes that she finally “drank the feel a certain way about yourself, and I think Kool-aid,” and when started lifting heavy what lifting does is it helps alleviate that pres- and working out less often, she saw drastic sure. You’re not going to get super bulky and results. Now, the mother of two holds the look like an Olympic man. You’re going to be NASA Unequipped Powerlifting national re- strong and your body is going to transform, cord in deadlifting, pulling a jaw-dropping but it’s going to bring out the best of you.” 369 pounds in the Masters 1 and Masters Pure Waldrop said her “soccer mom” friends (lifetime steroid free) divisions. She won first have noticed the changes she’s made and pull place in all three divisions entered, with a her aside and ask her what she is doing. squat of 253 pounds and a bench press of 121 “They see the change, and my kids say I’m pounds. Three other miss fits — Clark, Jen obsessed with it,” she laughed. “If someone Rankin and Missy Hicks — also set personal asks me, I do tend to go on and on, but it’s so records and won different weight categories fun to talk to everyday women like us who are with jaw-dropping numbers, like Rankin’s learning and having fun with it.” 220-pound squat. Training with the group has helped mem- The rest of the group also is pulling im- ber Jen Rankin control her stress levels and pressive numbers. What started as a group eat appropriately. Previously she was not get- of like-minded women taking group classes ting enough calories and protein. Since she at J&M Strength and Conditioning quickly began eating more, resting when she needs to turned in to The Miss Fits. Now they share and lifting heavier weights, she has become their journeys, knowledge and thoughts on much more lean. their website, www.themissfits.com, as well “We have to take care of ourselves out of as their Facebook page. The feedback has been they gym so we can come in and lift,” she said. good, and the encouragement has helped each All of the women are chasing personal of them reach new goals. lifting records but hardly ever will be found They also have inspired more women to stepping on a scale. Generally, they go by how get into weightlifting, dispelling the myth that their clothes fit, how they look and how ef- it will make women bulk up and look manly. ficiently they can work out. “I think a lot of times it does get a bad Waldrop’s deadlift record is proof that the rap and women think they’ll get bulky, but I method and hard work pays off. Suzanne Waldrop deadlifted 369 pounds in All of the women have set state records in October, breaking the national record. weight and age categories. When they hit the weights, heads turn. All of the women started with simple Men often are impressed by their abilities. exercises, such as body weight squats, and Kunz mused, “‘Who are these girls in in some cases, they had to wait weeks and here? They look pretty normal and then months before “getting under a bar” and they’re pulling 300-plus pounds.’ It makes guy lifting weights. scratch their heads.” Most of the group follows a Paleo or All with perfect form. similar diet. “I’ve had guys come over and literally sit “Basically we all try to do real food, fresh, down and just watch me, and the next thing lots of veggies and good protein,” Klimek said. you know they’re asking me questions about Splurges are a welcome reminder that training,” Waldrop said. having a little fun sometimes is necessary and To get started, first find a good trainer can be totally guilt free with a proper diet the who knows what he or she is doing. Do your rest of the week. homework and try out gyms. “We are all every day, busy women and “And diet is first,” Kim Klimek said. “Eat the cool thing is that we are now good friends the correct foods to fuel your training. We and we support on each other,” Waldrop said. suggest staying away from gluten. Just start at “We are just talking about how we feel and your own ability level and work up — starting our own struggles. We’re just sharing that and Kim Klimek is one of two Miss Fits training with the right diet and training level and don’t hoping to do that for other people through our while pregnant. try to dive in too fast.” efforts with the blog.” n

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Whether it’s beer or baked goods, Lex- “I think anytime you have a vibrant start- coffee shop with two business partners. Some ington’s booming craft business scene is all up community and a variety of businesses, new restaurants try to do too much, and they about passion. Why else would young entre- it’s healthy for the economy, and it’s good for have to cut corners to make it happen, she said. preneurs take on jobs tasking them with ev- the community all the way around,” Naugle “We wanted to do several things really erything from filing tax returns to taking out said. “It gives employment options. It gives well because I think people really recognize the trash, and “short” days that last 12 hours? consumers options. It adds to the quality that,” Hays said. It’s tough to measure the impact these of life.” Joe Ross was in the mortgage business small businesses are having on Lexington, but Niche businesses can’t compete with big, when he, Hays and pastor Teddy Ray decided the city is a good place to launch one, said national companies on price, Naugle said. In- to launch the coffee shop. He was the only one Becky Naugle, director of the Kentucky Small stead, they have to focus on customer experi- with experience managing a business, and he’d Business Development Center, which offers ence and the quality and novelty of the prod- even helped open several stores with Starbucks. business consulting services throughout the uct they’re selling. Involving the customer in While many small business owners take state. Incomes here are relatively high, and the experience is also key — through things out loans or get help from friends and fam- the recession impacted Lexington less than like social media, and incorporating giving ily to start, the trio at North Lime was able other cities, she said. back into their business plan from the start. to fund their launch on their own, Hays said. Small enterprises boom Lexington’s love The ‘un-McDonald’s-ification of our food’ of buying local Bob Cole, president of the Coleman encourages native Group, a commercial real estate and prop- erty management company, said he thinks entrepreneurs to put craft businesses are part of what’s making their heart in it Lexington a more appealing place for young adults to live. Kentucky lost 17,061 jobs overall in 2010, “We’re a little bit behind some of these according to the latest data available from the larger markets, but we’ve got this great cul- Small Business Administration. The only sec- ture in which people are taking risks,” he tor that added jobs was businesses with few- said. “It’s really becoming a pretty cool envi- er than 10 employees, which grew by 7,885 ronment for young people, and I do think it’s workers. The bulk was among the smallest of important to our community.” the small — businesses with fewer than five Seth Brewer, who his wife, Renee, owns employees — which accounted for more than Wine + Market and now across the street the 97 percent of that growth. new Enoteca wine bar on thriving Jefferson It’s no wonder small businesses are often Street with has begun making and serving called “the backbone of our economy,” said craft sausage. Bob Quick, president and CEO of Commerce Crank & Boom founder Toa Green launched a “This isn’t happening in many places in Lexington Inc. new craft ice cream business this year. Kentucky that I know of,” Brewer said as he “The growth of all business, but especial- mixed up a batch of andouille in the kitchen ly small business, is very important to our A sweet success of Enoteca. economy,” Quick said. “Not only do small The owners of North Lime Coffee & Do- It all started a few years ago, when Brewer businesses make up around 90-percent of nuts were all in stable jobs when they decided got interested in the Deep South and its food. the Commerce Lexington Inc. membership, to trade it all in for the uncertainty of owning Sausage is still a big part of the cuisine in they also have accounted for more of the a shop to pair made-from-scratch donuts with places like New Orleans, and he decided to job growth than larger companies over the fresh-roasted coffee. start making it in-house instead of ordering it last decade.” So far, the gamble has paid off. They now from elsewhere. Experts point to the success of “buy employ more than a dozen full- and part-time After loads of research and early local” movements as one possible reason for staff, and the small storefront at the corner of experiments with a Kitchenaid mixer, he’s the boom in craft businesses over the last sev- North Limestone and Sixth streets maintains learned the ins and outs of crafting raw and eral months. Another may be the economic a vibrant crowd. dry-cured sausage by hand, based on tra- downturn, which prompted some to look for The key is craft, said Heidi Hays, who left ditional recipes. For now, the sausage will employment alternatives. her job as an engineer at Lexmark to start the be served at the couple’s restaurants, but

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BG FALL FINAL JM.indd 12 10/29/13 12:02 PM Left: Crank & Boom’s flavors reflect local and seasonal ingredients. Right: Seth Brewer of Wine + Market began making sausage when his interest grew in Deep South food.

“I actually really like it (working), and I love growing a business and seeing that it Brewer said he can see it growing into its own started from nothing. It started from an idea operation someday. and it grew,” she said. “What really drives “As a consumer, I think it’s part of the un- me is the growth potential and what it could McDonald’s-ification of our food. … Knowing mean for our staff, what it could mean for our you’re helping send your neighbor’s kids to family, this community and all the people who school by buying a product they’re selling — have helped us along the way.” it’s community,” he said. Green’s focus on craft ice cream means making it with Kentucky products whenever Morning to midnight paid off the response was so great, she realized the ice possible, no artificial flavorings from a bot- Toa Green grew up in the restaurant busi- cream could become it’s own brand. tle and only real fruit and other ingredients. ness. Her parents owned a Thai restaurant Crank & Boom Craft Ice Cream officially And she said it’s encouraging that Lexington in Frankfort when she was young, and later launched in May. Since then, Green and her consumers are willing to pay a premium to opened Thai Orchid Cafe on South Broadway husband, Mike, have added a retailer a week, support the entrepreneurs next door. in Lexington. and the ice cream is sold in restaurants like “I think people see that helping each other Green, a chef, took over the family busi- Azur, Sunrise Bakery and Holly Hill Inn. succeed builds a better place for all of us to ness last year. She wanted to serve coconut That fast growth means a lot of work. live. I think people appreciate the craftsman- ice cream — like the kind found on the streets Green estimated she works 80 to 100 hours a ship that goes into it, and they appreciate the of Thailand — and whipped up a batch in a week, often from morning to midnight with work and the skill that goes into it,” she said. 2-quart Cuisanart ice cream machine. She be- a 10-minute lunch break. But the effort has “I think the spirit of entrepreneurship is gan playing around with different flavors, and its rewards. what really builds a great community.” n

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BG FALL FINAL JM.indd 13 10/29/13 12:02 PM cover story by Anne Sabatino Hardy

14 bg I fall 2013 Photo by Shaun Ring

BG FALL FINAL JM.indd 14 10/29/13 12:02 PM Young professionals enjoy the bourbon selection at Asiatique in Louisville, a stop along the Urban Bourbon Trail. Photo by Marty Pearl Happy hour

From Pikeville to Paducah, in counties wet, export category of all U.S. spirits – to the tune dry and moist, the commonwealth’s signature of 25 million proof gallons to 126 countries spirit is taking on a new mantle and bringing in 2008. home the bacon. Kentucky’s signature But just because Kentucky exports such Many like to cite the statistic that there spirit provides bright a great amount of bourbon to the world are more barrels of bourbon in Kentucky than spot in economic doesn’t mean the world doesn’t also come residents – 4.7 million barrels compared with downturn to Kentucky. In fact, the state has seen 4.38 million residents (and that’s not counting notable increases in revenues associated with 300,000 barrels in reserve for use in products bourbon tourism. aside from straight bourbon). A new study The distilleries participating in the Kentucky from the Kentucky Distillers’ Association Bourbon Trail (Four Roses, Heaven Hill, Jim quantifies that particular claim, and demon- Kentucky’s bourbon industry currently Beam, Maker’s Mark, Wild Turkey, Woodford strates some startling statistics about just how includes 19 major distilling operations in Reserve, Evan Williams, and most recently supportive bourbon really is to Kentucky’s eight counties, plus a dozen craft distilleries the new Alltech Town Branch Distillery) have economic structures. also have surfaced recently. The uptick in experienced 1.7 million visits in only the past No longer only relegated to its somewhat craft operations mirrors growth in established five years. In 2010, more than 9,000 people sacred role at the end of a long day – or the companies, with overall production increasing completed the Bourbon Trail tour, up 300 per- beginning of a good time with friends – bour- 50 percent the past 10 years. cent from 2009. Many who complete the trail bon has been revealed as a much more sophis- Kentucky prevails in the global market- are from out of state, relatively affluent and ticated spirit, and a more stable provider, than place, boasting production of 95 percent of complete multi-night hotel stays in Kentucky, perhaps previously thought. the world’s supply. And bourbon is the largest according to Bourbon Trail officials.

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BG FALL FINAL JM.indd 15 10/29/13 12:02 PM “I can tell you without any hesitation the World” – is a popular spot to rest, with we’ve seen a tremendous surge in bourbon distilleries dotting the countryside, and bed A bourbon revolution tourism,” said Mary Quinn Ramer, vice presi- and breakfasts catering to travelers from far dent of marketing for the Lexington Conven- and wide. Estimates from the recent KDA in Central Kentucky tion and Visitor’s Bureau. “We have seen research indicate that, for each 1,000 comple- From bourbon on the rocks to the what people were seeing all across the region, tions of the Bourbon Trail, these adventurers Old Fashioned, Central Kentuckians are which is a pent-up demand for an authentic spent $585,000 in the region (divided among drinking more bourbon. And they have bourbon experience. What’s been great is that food and beverage, retail shopping and gas, more bars than ever to try out iconic they are not just interested in product, they’re as well as hotels and B&Bs). brands. interested in the people who Lexington has a dozen or so make it, the stories and the establishments that bill themselves as lore – everything that goes “bourbon bars.” One of the newest is a with it.” throwback to a former campus hotspot The notable tourism – the Jefferson Davis Inn or the JDI. influx in Lexington may The original downtown bar closed in be even more indicative of 1996, but the new and improved version bourbon’s reach since, un- opened earlier this year at the corner like Louisville, which boasts of Cedar and Broadway. The three-floor a well-established bourbon bar boasts nearly 70 bourbon selections. distillery infrastructure with popular attractions such as Other places to wet your whistle: its Urban Bourbon Trail bars Arcadium – Located at the corner of and well-known bourbon 6th Street and Limestone, you can choose restaurants such as Proof from 50 bourbons and drop a pocketful on Main, Lexington is still of quarters into beloved vintage arcade developing specific tour- games, such as Frogger, Donkey Kong, ism attractions. The first Ms. Pacman, Tetris and Galaga. is Alltech’s Town Branch Bluegrass Tavern – Located in Distillery, in the heart of Cheapside, this bar offers more than 200 downtown Lexington. different varieties of bourbon. It has been “Even before we had named to Southern Living magazine’s Town Branch, we were see- annual list of “Best Bars of the South.” ing an increase in bourbon Horse and Barrel – This upscale tourism, in earnest prob- British pub at deSha’s in Victorian ably since 2005 or 2006,” Square has one of the largest collections Ramer said. “And now we of single barrel and ultra premium can say even in the midst Visitors Bureau Lexington Convention and Photo by Jeff Rogers, bourbons in the state. of the city center, you have an authentic Tours of Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort Jonathan’s at Gratz Park – Jonathan’s bourbon experience – with great bour- include viewing the bottling line. offers more than 100 bourbons and bon bars and great restaurants that feature features Kentucky bourbon in a variety bourbon in their dishes.” (See sidebar: A Those who have moved to or visited Ken- of gourmet dishes. bourbon revolution in Central Kentucky.) tucky for the first time within the past 10 years Parlay Social – Black-tie bartenders Lexington is home, too, to the Barrel might be accustomed to the notion of the pour more than 50 bourbons and several House Distillery, a member of the new Ken- commonwealth as a tourist destination. Along signature cocktails. Finish a bottle of tucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour created late last with bourbon, the region boasts the beautiful Maker’s Mark and become an honorary year to complement the Kentucky Bourbon rolling hills of horse country and the world- Maker’s Mark Ambassador. Trail experience. Barrel House is located just famous races for which those grazing beau- Paulie’s Toasted Barrel – Located on west of downtown on the site of the old James ties prepare, not to mention the global stage Main Street, this bar boasts more than E. Pepper Distillery. Currently four products on which Kentucky performed while hosting 100 bourbon brands and has a Maker’s are produced there: Pure Blue Vodka; Devil international guests during the 2010 Alltech Mark VIP room. John Moonshine; OAK Rum; and a still-to-be- FEI World Equestrian Games. There’s also The Jax, Drake’s, named bourbon whiskey that is quietly aging. At its heart, though, the Bluegrass State Dudley’s, Harry’s, Bellini’s, Portofino and Outside of the urban bourbon center of has a long history and tradition of hard work others. Louisville and the burgeoning Lexington in manufacturing. And bourbon is true to scene, Bardstown – the “Bourbon Capital of that heritage, with a reach that extends to

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BG FALL FINAL JM.indd 16 10/29/13 12:02 PM support jobs and tax revenues even beyond efit from the spirit’s popu- bluegrass borders. larity as well. Spirited Throughout the eight counties with noted For every bottle, a range bourbon operations, jobs directly attributed to of other products and ser- shipping bourbon number nearly 3,000 and, throughout vices exist: wooden barrels Where does it go? Germany, Australia, the state another 3,100. The annual payroll for and pallets, plastic bottles, United Kingdom, Japan, New Zealand those jobs is nearly $250 million, including po- manufacturing equipment, and France together represent 73 percent sitions at Brown-Forman Corp. in Louisville – labeling, trucking, electricity, of the total U.S. exports of bourbon. one of Kentucky’s 10 Fortune 1000 companies. construction and more. In- Brown-Forman, as an example, boasts numerable other products and manufacturing Finally, perhaps one of the most impor- $2.5 billion in revenue and operates one of the operations are affected by bourbon, and con- tant elements of this economic boon is that largest spirits production centers in Kentucky. tribute to the relatively high employment and the distilling industry, unlike so many other The Louisville headquarters manages world- payroll multipliers for distilling. The KDA esti- industries in recent years, is stable. During the wide production, distribution and marketing mates the distilling industry in Kentucky is re- past decade, which saw the most significant for the company and its many brands, which sponsible for 8,690 jobs in the state – and that recession in recent history, distilling industry include the iconic Woodford Reserve, as well those jobs account for a payroll of $413 million. employment was up 4 percent, while other as Early Times and Old Forrester, along with Additional hard-to-quantify benefits include manufacturing sectors were down 33 percent many other notable wine and spirit brands. unique secondary markets. Many of the hard collectively. Spirits have become recognized Other major operations include Sazerac, goods also are recycled after use in bourbon pro- as relatively recession-proof. which operates bourbon brands Blanton’s, duction. Barrels are resold and reused for aging That’s good for employees and jobseek- Buffalo Trace and the fanatically sought af- brandy or other beverages like ale or for novelty ers as well as the places they live and work. ter Van Winkle line. Add in Campari Group, furniture and accessory manufacturing. While employment has been supported, which operates Wild Turkey, and it’s not hard Meanwhile, corporate citizenship by likewise have state and local governments. KDA to see how the jobs add up. In addition to in- the spirits companies or their foundations estimates that in 2010 distillers paid about $11.7 ternal production and management at these accounts for consistent contributions to arts million in inventory property taxes and $2.7 bourbon behemoths, support industries ben- and cultural organizations. million in property taxes (for buildings, land,

BG FALL FINAL JM.indd 17 10/29/13 12:02 PM Gruppo Campari in September celebrated the grand opening of a $43 million packaging facility at the Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Ky. Wild Turkey’s Barrel House is shown above Photo by Lee Thomas, courtesy of the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau courtesy of the Lexington Convention and Thomas, Photo by Lee A tour group learns how the copper pot stills work at Woodford Reserve Distillery. Four Roses opened its 5,000-s.f. visitors center and gift shop late last year, part of a $2.4 million expansion of the Lawrenceburg distillery property. Photo by Lee P. Thomas Photo by Lee P. Barton 1792 Distillery operates on the Bardstown site of the historic Tom Moore Distillery, established in 1879 near the “Tom Moore Spring,” the same spring from which Barton draws its iron-free limestone water today. The 192-acre distillery is home to many historic build- ings, including the stillhouse and 28 again warehouses. Photo by Andrew Kung Photo by Buffalo Trace in Frankfort, Ky., is the oldest continually operating distillery in Heaven Hill’s Evan Williams Experience, the country. There has been distillation a multimillion-dollar tourist attraction, there since 1775. It even distilled bourbon is set to open this fall in downtown during Prohibition, when a special permit Louisville. Located on historic Whiskey was granted for Buffalo Trace to produce Row, the new attraction celebrates the bourbon for “medicinial purposes.” legacy of Evan Williams, Kentucky’s first distiller and namesake of Heaven Hill’s flagship bourbon brand. Above, an artist’s rendering depicts the artisinal distillery inside the Louisville attraction.

Alltech’s Town Branch Distillery is located in the heart of downtown Lexington. Late last year, the distillery was added as a stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Heaven Hill Distillery opened in Jim Beam in Clermont, Ky., recently opened

Photo by Kirk Schlea Bardstown, Ky., shortly after Prohibition. American Stillhouse, a new visitors center. It is now the seventh largest spirits Maker’s Mark bottles, topped with their trademarked The building is a replica of a 1940s still- supplier in the United States. house, along with the actual staircase from red wax, are transported down an assembly line at the the original historic stillhouse. distillery in Loretto, Ky.

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BG FALL FINAL JM.indd 18 10/29/13 12:03 PM Bluegrass bourbon in the news Buffalo Trace — After 240 years, at its Woodford Reserve Distillery in Buffalo Trace Distillery has been named Versailles. The expansion includes new a National Historic Landmark by the bourbon maturation warehouses, new United States Department of the Interior. stills, improvements to the bottling line, In April, the iconic distillery in and other upgrades designed to increase April broke ground on an experimental capacity, efficiency and productivity at warehouse, the first new building Buffalo the facility. Trace has added to its 130-acre com- Beaumont Inn — The historic Beau- plex in more than 60 years. The small mont Inn, a Central Kentucky staple and warehouse will house independently op- the state’s oldest family-owned country erating chambers that will allow specific bed and breakfast, was named a Ken- Photo by Marty Pearl, courtesy of the Photo by Marty Pearl, Visitors Bureau Louisville Convention and variables to be tested to determine their tucky Bourbon Trail Official Sponsor. The The Brown Hotel Lobby Bar is a popular spot effect on aging barrels. inn and its alluring Old Owl Tavern has for bourbon lovers of all ages. It is one of 27 bars Wild Turkey opens new packaging become a favorite hangout for bourbon included on the Urban Bourbon Trail. facility — Wild Turkey brand-owner connoisseurs on their quest to learn the equipment and inventory). These property taxes Gruppo Campari opened it new, 145,000- art and science of America’s only native fund important school and government opera- s.f. packaging facility in Lawrenceburg. spirit, said Adam Johnson, director of the tions. Overall, it is estimated that state and local The site will allow Wild Turkey to have Kentucky Bourbon Trail experience. governments receive $126 million a year. full control of its entire production, from Lebanon named Official Trailhead — Most Kentuckians know – and pride them- distilling to aging and bottling, all in Lebanon, located in the geographic heart selves on – the contributions bourbon makes in Lawrenceburg, where the famous brand of Kentucky and home to Maker’s Mark many areas, but this new study sheds light on began in the 1800s. and Limestone Branch distilleries, has the depth of the distilling industry’s economic Woodford Reserve expanding — been named an Official Trailhead of the impact in the commonwealth. It bears a heavy Brown-Forman Corp. is investing more Kentucky Bourbon Trail. burden in supporting Kentucky financially, so than $35 million to expand operations let’s raise a glass to prosperity! n

BG FALL FINAL JM.indd 19 10/29/13 12:03 PM arts by Zoya Tereshkova

Three years ago, the Lexington-based busi- its foundation in 1776 until mid-1950s. Now, ness called Studio 300 existed only on paper, with the bourbon industry on the rise again, and its founder, Tony Davis, was making his Davis is working to capture the spirit of this hand-crafted designs as gifts for friends. essential part of Kentucky culture. Now, his cutting boards, wine racks, bottle “I’m retelling the story of Kentucky bour- openers and Kentucky Derby lazy susans, all bon by my barrel crafts,” he said. made of reclaimed Kentucky bourbon barrels, are on sale at each of the 11 Liquor Barns in ‘A different, sweet smell’ Kentucky, and Davis works long hours to ful- Davis has never been a drinker but fill orders that become larger every month. became fascinated with bourbon barrels “They are flying out of here,” said Patrick when he was a teenager. Growing up in a Davis (no relation to Tony Davis), assistant home where dinners could be insufficient manager at Hamburg Pavilion Liquor Barn, re- to prevent going to bed hungry, Davis rode ferring to Davis’s designs. “People fall in love his bike to the P.D.Q. market at New Circle Tony Davis’ passion – and willingness to work hard – builds a business rising on Kentucky’s bourbon tide The scent of success with barrel craft with them. They think they are unique, and they Road and Meadow Lane to redeem return- He loved the staves’ bourbon scent. especially like that they represent Kentucky.” able bottles and buy a sandwich, bag of “It wasn’t like [a smell] from the bottle, Between his full-time job at the U.S. De- chips and an Ale-8-One. After that meal, he but a different, sweet smell,” he said. partment of Justice and his craft business, would check out the big dumpster behind the Davis used the staves to cover the walls Davis, 42, works more than 80 hours a week. store. Among the things the teen who liked to in the clubhouse he and his friends built in Studio 300 is a one-man operation: from pick- work with his hands would find were parts his backyard, and the sweet smell lingered all ing up barrels to making designs to delivering of bourbon barrels. the way until he moved out of the house at them to five Lexington stores and others in 18, he said. Louisville, Danville and Bowling Green, Davis Two years later, Davis was in the Marine does it all by himself. Corps, stationed at Camp Pendleton in Califor- “I don’t live a normal life. I don’t go to the nia. On his leave time, he visited famous Napa movies or out to eat,” he said. “But every day, I and Sonoma Valleys where he first saw artisan feel accomplished by doing things that matter.” pieces made from wine barrels. Studio 300 brings in enough to pay for two “I thought it would be cool to do the same vehicles purchased for deliveries and cover all with our Kentucky bourbon barrels,” he said, expenses including buying barrels, brushes, and he promised himself one-day, he would glue, shellac, spare equipment, and rent and start a business making things out of barrels. utilities for his workshop on Manchester “Back in the ’80s, they were selling half- He attended college, and got a job with the Street in Lexington. barrels as flower planters [at the P.D.Q.],” Department of Justice, where he has worked Davis is especially proud of his workshop Davis said. Some broke and were discarded. for 15 years. Years went by. A spur to act upon in a former barreling house inside the old “I would pick the staves out, fill my bag and his sidelined dream finally came as the 2010 James E. Pepper Distillery, which thrived from take it home.” World Equestrian Games were approaching.

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BG FALL FINAL JM.indd 20 10/29/13 12:03 PM Countdown to a dream Davis didn’t know what to do next to “I didn’t know who she was,” said Davis, “One day, I was stuck in traffic on the cor- make his business real. And that’s when an referring to Johns. “She wanted to see my cut- ner of Vine and Main,” Davis recalled. “My encounter with Liquor Barn district manager ting board, and I handed it to her.” eyes traveled to the stoplight. Just below it, for Kentucky, Jeanette Johns, occurred, mark- Johns arranged for Davis to meet with Brad there was a clock ticker counting time till the ing a new beginning in his life. Williams, U.S. Liquor Barn director of purchas- first day of the World Equestrian Games.” ing, who figured the reclaimed bourbon barrel Staring at the countdown ticker, it dawned Search for inspiration crafts would be a hit at Liquor Barn. on him that he needed to do something unique turns up a partner “It didn’t take me two seconds to for Kentucky, “something with my own twist.” Davis often stopped by the specialty store figure that I needed to do business with Tony,” That night, he brought in the bourbon bar- to look at bottle and tag designs for inspira- Williams said. rel that had sat in his backyard for He asked Davis to make 16 months and was starting to rot, cutting boards by next week. and cut the metal bands off it. When those sold out in a matter “The staves fell on the floor, I of days, Williams put another or- picked up two of them, put them der in, and the partnership devel- together, and that’s how my Ken- oped, going from one product to tucky Knows sculpture was start- a collection of six, and from one ed,” he said. store to 11. He glued two staves for a It takes several days for the face, made round holes for eyes cutting boards to dry after they and put tiny metal figures of are made. At one point, with Thoroughbred horses taken off drying boards on every surface the Blanton Bourbon bottles for in his house and backyard barn, pupils. He made a nose out of a including his bed and sofa, Da- corncob, and a trademark for his vis decided it was time to have a future business was born. workshop. In addition to finding “Kentucky Knows horses and the former barrel house space, he bourbon; that’s what I was trying invested his life savings of $10,000 to say,” he said. into state-of-the-art equipment to On the spot, Davis also came replace a hand-me-down saw up with a use for the barrel’s head table and tools bought at garage with its distinct distillery stamp: sales. After working non-stop for He made his first bourbon barrel two years, he’s now ready to hire cutting board, a future bestseller. part-time help. He purchased more barrels and “This is a dream, not a job,” he kept making cutting boards, re- said. “But a dream is not a piece of fining the design. By the time the cake, it’s hard work. You need to go Equestrian Games rolled around, through grit and grind to succeed.” he had 70. Davis’ success, Williams said, “I didn’t know how to market is a product of his value sys- and sell, so I just got in my pickup tem and his “passion for making truck and went around downtown. things that people adore. It’s not Wherever I saw a (WEG) crowd, I about the money for Tony.” would pull over and yell, ‘Kentucky Davis wants to “create a legacy.” Bourbon Cutting Boards for sale!’ ” he said. tion. One day, he talked with a store clerk a “What’s in the bottle is gone in a couple People responded well: Davis sold out and long time, sharing his ideas and frustrations. of hours,” he said. “My products will last for a got a few dozen orders. Inspired, he registered “I went on and on, and he listened pa- long time, and hopefully will be handed down his business, naming it Studio 300 in honor tiently. He was nice to me, and I said, ‘I want from father to son.” n of the number of Marines he served among to give you something,’” Davis recalled. A few aboard ship during their deployment to the Per- days later, with a gift cutting board in hand, Zoya Tereshkova is a correspondent for sian Gulf. However, after the Games were over, Davis was waiting near the cashier lanes for BG Magazine. business slowed down. Davis went from one the employee, when he was approached by a She can be reached at [email protected]. gift shop to another, but no one was interested. woman wearing a store nametag.

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BG FALL FINAL JM.indd 21 10/29/13 12:03 PM entrepreneurs by Abby Laub Mover and shaker Wildcat Moving owner Raleigh Bruner started out as just a guy with a trailer and a truck helping his sister move with a friend of his. “The next thing you know, we were overwhelmed with calls,” Bruner said. “We were working 12 hours a day every day.” The 2010 University of Kentucky masters in business administration graduate said he was in school for a long time but did not really know what he wanted to do. He just knew that he liked to be outside and liked working with his hands. Soon, his grassroots moving business was exploding. “We were ridiculously cheap,” he said. “We have good margins, but we aren’t gouging people.” Bruner, 31, adds that by policy his employees are clean cut and educated. “We want young guys who have a future ahead of them who need money to get through school,” said the married father of one. “Someone “I’m the kind of person that, this makes me mad,” he said. “I don’t you would want in your home and can be comfortable with.” like this bullying stuff. I put my nose to the grindstone when I found out Taking a fresh perspective on a moving company and doing what was going on. I was on the right side of what was going on, and I was things that made sense was quickly paying off faster than Bruner ever running a successful business and doing everything right.” imagined. Wildcat Moving is ranked No. 1 in the state by Angie’s List The situation caught the attention of The Pacific Legal Foundation, and is on track to exceed $1 million in revenue for 2013. a Sacramento, Calif.-based legal group that fights for limited govern- “Sometimes I’ll come up to this office, and all eight trucks will be ment. They are representing Bruner and his company for free, and filed a here and we have these two big bays and think, ‘How did this happen federal lawsuit challenging the legality of Kentucky’s certificate process. in three years?’ ” he reflected. “We went from a craigslist business, and The state is dropping its lawsuit against Wildcat Moving until that federal now we’re a good-sized local company.” suit is resolved, allowing the business to operate without the certificate But then the trouble started, and an obscure state law about moving pending the result. companies threw a wrench in Wildcat Moving’s business plan. For now, Bruner said, he is operating sort of as a “rogue According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the company moving company.” is operating illegally. In 2012, transportation officials sent Bruner a Until June when the federal judge granted him an injunction against letter ordering his company to apply for a household-goods certificate, a the state that made its household-goods certificate law null and void, requirement since the 1950s. However, the owner must first prove that Bruner said the company was getting frequent police citations. a need exists for a new moving company, regardless of sales success. Bruner sees the law as a state-sanctioned monolopy. And for that to happen, existing moving companies must approve. “It’s a good old boy system; someone probably got a new car or “No permit has ever been issued to a company that has been something, and there you go,” he said. “It is pretty crazy to run into this protested by its competitors,” Bruner said. “I think our competitors in 2012. This should not be going on.” started to notice we were successful. We were doing well. We had our The Lexington native never imaged he would be learning the ins and trucks painted. We were advertising.” outs of the legal system. He added, “If you apply for the certificate, the state notifies your “I’m a small business owner who turned into this legal activist,” he competitors, and if they know you’re operating without the certificate said. “The state has since offered me a certificate, but if I took it it would they will call the police and try to drive you out of business.” kill the federal lawsuit and the law would not change. ... It’s like making To get around the law, some companies have instead resorted to a deal with the devil; who knows what they’ll come up with next.” buying existing permits at prices of more than $20,000. The unplanned state of affairs seems almost to have a life of its own. Bruner called the system unfair and controlled by huge, powerful “I didn’t mean to ever start a moving company, and I ended up chang- companies who are friends with politicians. ing the industry and setting precedence in federal courts,” Bruner said.

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BG FALL FINAL JM.indd 22 10/29/13 12:03 PM Wildcat Moving’s case also caught the attention of television personality John Stossel who taped a segment in New York that is set to air this fall as part of an hour-long special on unconstitutional state laws. From what he has learned along the way, Bruner offered this advice. “In the information age, you have a lot of free resources at your fingertips,” he said. “If you just have the determination to solve the prob- lems, you can eventually work through it.” He acknowledged that his growing business — which has turned into The Wildcat Group and includes moving, home inspection, pressure washing and furniture repair — is walking a tight rope at the moment but overall is thriving. “We’ve done really well. The economic climate is good for start-up companies. You hear a lot of talk from politicians about help- ing small business owners, but I’ve been in touch with every politician you can think of and the response has been underwhelming,” he noted. “Nobody puts their money where their mouth is. It’s deregulation that we all need.” There are some exceptions. State Rep. RuthAnne Palumbo, he notes, has been a great help as well as several University of Kentucky professors who have offered mentorship advice. For now the business group will remain at a manageable size. Bruner does not want to grow too quickly and lose Wildcat’s level of customer service and have to rely on huge amounts of advertising. He employs nearly 40 people. “In three years that’s not bad, considering it was just me and Raleigh Bruner another guy and a pickup truck and a trailer,” Bruner said. n

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BG FALL FINAL JM.indd 23 10/29/13 12:03 PM featured couple by Katheran Wasson

Couple renovates and sells furniture Marriage to benefit Haitian ministry’s nutrition with a mission program

Steve and Andrea Kohlman have busy jobs, than $20,000 for Waves of Mercy, a ministry in “Just seeing all those little faces and two young daughters, five dogs and, like so Port-de-Paix with Kentucky roots. The couple watching them go home with their bellies many American couples, a jam-packed garage. jumped into action after the ministry took full, knowing they weren’t hungry and they But instead of gathering dust, the fur- a major financial hit when several regular were happy, it was so overwhelming that I just niture and odds and ends stored there get donors passed away. couldn’t stand the thought of maybe some of spruced up and sold, with 100 percent of “We don’t have the money to give as that money (Waves of Mercy) had lost directly the profits sent to Haiti to help feed, edu- much as we would like out of our own pock- affecting that nutrition program.” cate and spiritually nourish the neediest ets — if we could, we would give it all — so Steve, her husband of nearly 10 years, had of children. we just started talking about what we could always enjoyed art and interior design. He said Since launching Repurposed Soul in do,” said Andrea, a nurse who travels to Haiti he thought it would be fun to give old furniture January 2012, the Kohlmans have raised more two or three times a year for mission work. a new spin and then sell it to raise money.

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BG FALL FINAL JM.indd 24 10/29/13 12:03 PM “A couple of years ago, you couldn’t have wasn’t sure why – until dragged me to an antique show or a yard she took her first mission sale,” he said, laughing. “Now I want to go trip to Haiti. every Saturday.” “When I got down Since starting Repurposed Soul, Steve has there, it was almost like learned a lot through trial and error – and You- it was just so clear to me Tube. Andrea stays busy with her work and as that this is why the Lord a mom, but Steve says she gives final (and of- had called me to nursing,” ten very honest) approval on finished pieces. she said of her trip, taken “Well if I don’t tell him, someone else just two months before a will,” Andrea said. catastrophic earthquake The couple met in Andrea’s hometown struck the Caribbean island. of Louisville in 2000. Steve, a native of New- Early on, the couple coordinated most Andrea Kohlman has made numerous trips to Haiti, where she puts her professional nursing port News, Va., was just out of college and sales through Facebook. A few months ago, skills to good use. working at the church Andrea attended. they started hosting sales at their house, They began dating and married a few years collecting loads of furniture, advertising like Steve said. “Yes, it’s a lot of work, but that’s later. They now have crazy and then open- definitely something that keeps me going – two girls: 8-year- ing their garage that we’re able to see the results and how old Ellie and up to the pub- they’re able to use that money.” 6-year-old Claire. lic. The last sale The Kohlmans celebrated their 10th an- Five years ago, raised $4,500 for niversary in October. A few weeks later, they the family moved Waves of Mercy. plan to travel to Haiti together, and Steve will to Nicholasville and “That just see firsthand the place and the people they’ve Southland Christian blows me out been working so hard to help. Church. Steve, 36, of the water, Some people ask them if they would con- coordinates inner because I’d sider opening a store, but so far, they’re happy city missions for the never imag- operating out of their garage. Besides, paying church, and Andrea, ined that,” rent would take away from the money they’re 32, is an intensive able to send to Haiti. care unit nurse at the “In a weird way, doing it out of your University of Kentucky garage just works,” Steve said. “I don’t Chandler Hospital. want to worry too much about what A few years ago, An- the next step it. God will continue to drea felt called to go to use it however he sees fit, and we’ll nursing school, but she just go along and have fun doing it.” n

BG FALL FINAL JM.indd 25 10/29/13 12:03 PM equine by Esther Zunker

Autumn is a season of tradition — from tional day-after-Thanksgiving spot on Friday, $600,000 per day. Eight of its fall stakes events attending football games and enjoying bon- Nov. 29. All nine stakes races scheduled for were Breeders’ Cup Challenge series races fires on crisp evenings, to visiting apple and the meet are graded events. automatic qualifying winners for the Breed- pumpkin orchards. For a broad swath of Cen- The Fall Meet highlights will include a ers’ Cup World Championships to be held tral Kentucky, autumn also means the exciting pair of the popular Stars of Tomorrow race Nov. 1-2 at Santa Anita Park in California. ring of starting gate bells at Keeneland and programs devoted exclusively to 2-year-olds. “The fall meet is so special for our fans Churchill Downs race meets. Those programs, staged for the ninth straight because they get to see horses who are cam- For the first time in 139 years, Churchill year, were scheduled for opening day on Sun- paigning for year-end honors; athletes that Downs hosted a boutique September meet day, Oct. 27, and closing day on Saturday, are truly at the top of their game,” said W.B. over 12 dates between Sept. 6-29 and will host Nov. 30. Rogers Beasley, Keeneland’s vice president of its traditional fall meet Oct. 31-Nov. 30, while Special events during Churchill’s fall meet racing. “Both our stakes and overnight racing Keeneland hosted its fall meeting Oct. 4-26. include Family Fun Days every Sunday and a programs continue to thrive, and that is made The stakes are Central Kentuckians can’t help falling for horse racing again every autumn

Overall, Churchill’s four-week September Downs After Dark night racing program Nov. 16. meet showcased eight stakes races cumula- Keeneland held 17 stakes — six of which tively worth nearly $1 million with the first were grade I races — worth more than $4.6 running of the $175,000 Homecoming Classic million in purse money for its recently com- Sept. 28 as the most lucrative event. pleted fall race meeting. Grade 1 stakes The 140th running of the Clark Handicap were the Darley Alcibiades; Shadwell Turf Presented by Norton Healthcare is the premier Mile; Dixiana Breeders’ Futurity; First Lady; event on a roster of fall meet. Juddmonte Spinster; and Queen Elizabeth II The Clark, a race for 3-year-olds and up Challenge Cup. that has attracted some of the most talented The Keeneland race schedule, which older horses in American racing in recent opened with the prestigious Fall Stars Week-

years, will be renewed in 2013 in its tradi- end Oct. 4-6, offered purses averaging about Photos courtesy of Keeneland

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BG FALL FINAL JM.indd 26 10/29/13 12:03 PM Veteran photographer Dry’s eyes moisten every year when ‘My Old Kentucky Home’ plays before the Derby Dan Dry will never forget the first time he photographed horse racing at Churchill Downs. “It was the 1976 Kentucky Derby and the horse that won was Bold Forbes,” said Dry, who was a student at Ohio University. He had already completed two internships at National Geographic and was ready to expand his horizons by taking photographs at Churchill for Louisville’s Courier-Journal newspaper. “I had only seen harness racing at the county fair in my little town in Ohio. … For a college kid, that’s a hell of an indoctrination to show up at Churchill Downs on Derby Day,” he said. Dry, now senior vice president and chief visual officer of the Louisville advertising firm Power Creative, has only missed photographing two Derbys since that first experience of capturing horses’ images under Churchill’s iconic Twin Spires. And since Churchill is one of Dry’s main clients, he doesn’t plan on missing any more Derbys, which he now covers each year with a team of around seven others from Power Creative. “Churchill is so historic … for 139 years, on the first Saturday in May, the best of the best 3-year-olds get on that track and everybody gets in their finery,” said Dry. “The energy, the diversity of the crowd … there’s nothing like it.” A photographer by trade for many years, in his role at Power Creative, he can now see the event from both sides. “Most of the people I use on Derby Day are not photog- high raphers by trade, so we look at things a lot differently,” he said. “We’re there because we love it and want to be there; possible by the great partnership with have it’s not a job. It’s fun to go out there for a week and become a shooter again and see everybody I know.” with our horsemen and our fans.” In addition to the big race, Dry shoots morning workouts at Churchill during the week leading up to the A new feature for the Lexington track this big race as well as opening night of Churchill’s spring meet and the track’s Taste of the Derby event. His fall was the Keeneland Race Day app for mo- biggest challenge as a horse racing photographer, Dry said, is having perfect timing. bile devices featuring real-time updates of rac- “You have to be as lucky as the gamblers and the jockeys and horses, because if you’re in the ing information, a betting calculator, events wrong position, you’re out of luck,” he said. “They’re not going to re-run the Derby for you if you missed calendar, and an interactive map that allows (the shot).” patrons to navigate the track and share their Considering the legendary races that have been staged at Churchill for well over a century and location with friends. n impactful memories that surround the venue, there’s no doubt why Dry considers it such a special place. “On Derby Day, when I’m standing down from the finish line and think about how there have been 139 Esther Zunker is a writer Derbys run on that track, and how I’ve been a part of many of them, and then they play ‘My Old Kentucky for BG Magazine. Home.’ I get goose bumps and I shed a tear, because it’s so incredibly special,” said Dry. She can be reached at [email protected]. View an exhibit of Dry’s work at the Local Speed museum on East Market Street in Louisville. Sponsored by Power Creative, Dry’s show opened Oct. 4.

BG FALL FINAL JM.indd 27 10/29/13 12:03 PM 10 things we love... by Abby Laub

Fall is my favorite time of year for countless this road will take you straight down to the reasons, but one that tops the list is cycling. Kentucky River Campground. It is great For years I have been a cyclist, and my hus- fun on the way down with tight turns band commutes to work by bike every sin- and a strong steady descent with pretty gle day, regardless of the weather. During views of trees and hills. these few perfect months, I savor the op- 9. US-25. For a longer tour of Ken- portunities to bike without the extreme Bluegrass tucky, riding this north to south route temperatures, especially now that I have keeps you near civilization, but also a little one in tow. There is hardly any- bike gives you sweeping vistas of the state. thing that my 15-month-old likes more The route basically follows I-75, giving than riding on the back of my cruiser in you easy access to towns such as London her bike seat. routes and Mt. Vernon, Lexington and Frankfort, Other times, my husband and I escape all the way up to Cincinnati. It’s also easy for a jaunt on our road bikes to let the colorful to get off the beaten path anywhere you like. trees blur by in a split second. Here are some of 10. James Lane. In Jessamine County, our favorite routes — some kid friendly, some the Keene area makes for great road biking. not. It goes without saying, wear your helmet! James Lane is a great option to shorten (or country roads make for a great place to ride lengthen) your ride around the back roads with challenging hills. near the town of Keene. It connects Delaney 4. Old Frankfort Pike. The views and hills Ferry Road and Military Pike (which allows on this road for a challenging road bike ride are easy access to Lexington), and is a super hard to beat. It is a quintessential horse coun- smooth, fast and fun ride. try ride that is uniquely Kentucky. Many of the Bluegrass country roads 5. Steele Road, Versailles. This road can are narrow with hardly any shoulders, so connect you to Old Frankfort Pike loop, and also ride in a group and wear bright colors for run you through historic downtown Versailles. better visibility! 6. Harrodsburg Road. There is a wonder- ful, wide shoulder on this road and a divided bike path for much of the way. This is a safe ride that passes tons of horse farms and has rolling but not terribly challenging hills. A great ride with kids thanks to the divided bike path 1. Clays Mill near Southland Drive. There that begins just inside Jessamine County on 68. are two great parks – Hill n Dale and Southland 7. Downtown Lexington. This is a great – within a mile of each other and endless safe, leisurely ride. There are so many bike lanes quiet streets to explore with a toddler in tow. on University of Kentucky campus and 2. The Legacy Trail. It really can’t be beat throughout downtown. My husband and I of- for a car-free kiddie or kid-less ride. Explore the ten ride from our home near Southland Drive Kentucky Horse Park by bike once you reach through campus up to the Farmers Market on the end of the trail. Saturday mornings. 3. Wilmore. The epitome of a small, slow- 8. Steele Branch Road, Frankfort. If you Abby’s husband and 15-momth-old daughter get moving town, Wilmore and the surrounding enjoy a short self-supported tour on your bike, ready for a ride.

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