I spent Sunday watching Louisville’s own, Justin Thomas win the RBC after nearly 1,000 days without a victory. It felt like more than a sports headline— felt like a reminder that persistence pays off.

That same energy showed up at Kosair for Kids’ Child Abuse Prevention luncheon—450+ packed the room, Kyle Macy spoke and I left with a special edition UK Makers bottle I didn’t need but couldn’t pass up (maybe we’ll do a giveaway 🤔). Their work fighting child abuse deserves way more attention.

Later in the week, I joined the crowd at Business First’s Access Louisville live podcast taping, where the Power 50 shared real talk on where the city’s headed. Weeks like this make it clear—Louisville’s got heart, and it’s showing up.

Hot job 💼: Senior HR Manager at Reynolds Consumer Products ($150k base + bonus). In person. Leading the people and culture of the plant. I’ve got a friend there—almost 10 years in—and they’re doing well.

Shout-out 📣: Casey Sokoler and Josh Jarboe were honored with RE/MAX’s 2025 Torchbearer Award, recognizing top realtors under 40 for leadership and impact.

We’re assembling the best Derby Hometown Cheat codes for next week, so be sure to share your best Derby tips here!

-Todd

📆 Off-Track Adventures

Skip the crowds, keep the magic

If horses aren't your thing (or even if they are), here are some great ways to enjoy Derby week beyond Churchill Downs.

🥃 Saturday, April 26 - The Kentucky Bourby might be the most underrated event of Derby season—low-key vibes, big heart, and a cause that actually matters. It’s not loud or flashy, but if you know, you go. Tickets are nearly sold out, so now’s the time to lock it in and show up for something that matters.

🐘 Go visit the Louisville Zoo—Mikki and Punch, our two elephants, are heading to a 3,000-acre sanctuary in Tennessee in a few weeks. It’s the right move: more space, more freedom, and a herd of new friends. But if you’ve ever wanted to see them up close, now’s the time—this is your last chance before they begin their next chapter.

🍽️ Volare’s Annual Bourbon & Beef Dinner returns Wednesday, April 30th in partnership with @makersmark 🥃. This multi-course experience includes expertly paired beverages for $125 per person. Reservations are limited and required—call 502-894-4446 to secure your seat for one of the most anticipated dining events of the year.

⚽️ Thurby alternative - The Commonwealth Cup kicks off Thursday, May 1 at 8 p.m. at Lynn Family Stadium, marking the first official rivalry match between Louisville City FC and Lexington SC. With a new trophy on the line and bragging rights up for grabs, it's a must-see showdown during Derby Week. Secure your tickets now at loucity.com and be part of Kentucky soccer history.

Have a story idea you think should be covered?  Reply to this email and let us know.

🗓️ Presented by: Volare Italian Ristorante

What’s better than a perfectly prepared steak at one of Louisville’s premier restaurants? A multi-course dining experience expertly paired with premium selections from Maker’s Mark.

Head to Volare on Wednesday, April 30th at 6:30 PM for this exclusive event, a perennial favorite that sells out each year. A limited number of seats remain—call 502-894-4446 today to secure your reservation.

Side Gig Spotlight

Creative Hustles. Real People. Extra Income.

Made By Jay Lane turns wood into wow—one scroll-sawed masterpiece at a time. By day, Jay’s a digital marketer. By night (and weekend), he’s cranking out bourbon barrel art and custom 3D signs that scream personality.

I’ve commissioned him for a Murray State barrel head and jaw-dropping Buffalo Bills pieces for clients—mind blown every time. He’s even officially licensed to create pieces for UofL, WKU (his alma mater), and Bellarmine. You can buy online, and trust me: check out his full gallery.

🤫 Confess & Tell

Real Opinions. No Filters. No Names.

🏢 Louisville Spark Job Board

Who’s hiring in Louisville? 5 Trending jobs

• Tax Manager at Cherry Bekaert ($100K - $171K). 5+ yrs public accounting. Must be CPA and understand C Corps.

• Assistant Women's Basketball Coach at University of Louisville - ($245K) Coach Walz joked you must be related to a top 30 prospect, but this will be a popular job.

• Software Product Manager at Schneider Electric ($114K - $160k) - Remote job. 5+ years of product experience. Good company.

• Area Sales Manager at Eaton ($165K - $245K) - Leading sales for this district. In-person job. 7 yrs electrical industry experience.

• Senior Water/Wastewater Engineer at Arcadis ($100K - $146K). 10+ yrs engineering experience. Job could be in Lou, Cincy or Indy.  Let’s keep it here.

📅 Louisville Spark Live

At Louisville Spark Live, the crowd proved one thing: this city is full of heart, hustle, and hidden gems. When asked about overlooked causes, folks lit up about grassroots orgs like Hand in Hand Ministries and Educational Justice—doing the kind of quiet work that changes lives. The side hustle picks were wildly creative, from test prep teachers moonlighting on Instagram to full-time Santa Clauses (yes, really). Social media favorites ranged from the clever content of @TheMcFarlands to the unexpectedly funny LMPD Facebook page—because where else do cops post memes? It was a rapid-fire reminder that Louisville’s got layers—and the people here don’t just talk about it, they show up for it.

Big thanks to these folks who are actively making Louisville better. Here is who was in the room:

Front row L-R: Todd Earwood, Jason Hawkins - Common Ground, Katie Blakeley - Flooring Concepts, Julie Benton - &well, Tiffany Hall - Hallways in Healing,
Back row L-R: Lance Mann - Dean Dorton, JJ Russell - Vsimple, Chad Pinkston - OpenBrand, Cal Lewellyn - eXp Commercial, Tommy Wallace - Old National Bank

Presented by: KY Bourby event

🔥 Hot Sheet: Who’s Hireable Now

Your shortcut to Louisville’s top available talent.

Jeremy Reiss is a world-class graphic designer whose work you've likely encountered—if you've used Twitter (I refuse to call it X), you've clicked on icons he designed. His impressive client roster includes MrBeast, Alani Nutrition, Geek Squad, and USA Baseball. Jeremy also channels his passion for baseball into his own project, Diamond Dictionary, offering custom prints that celebrate the sport's rich language. Recently, due to a reduction in force at his previous employer, Jeremy is now available for new opportunities. Talents like his don't stay on the market for long—someone should snap him up.

🥃 Final Sip

Thanks for reading and being part of our Louisville Spark ⚡️ Crew!

Next week, we’ll also be publishing our best Derby cheat codes! What’s your best tip or hack on how on to do Derby week that most people don’t think about?

We’ve already have some amazing tips on betting, food and drink recipes, home parties, and the best track spots—and want to feature yours! Click here to share your favorite Derby advice!

-Todd

⚡️ Spark Poll

Last week’s poll results: 
Would you take a 5% pay cut to work from home?

• Yes - 50%

• No - 50%