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This week I was in Buffalo, NY meeting with business leaders and consulting on bringing AI into a company's operations. I also met with the leadership at 43North (📸 see photo), where one of my portfolio companies has an office. We need something like this in Louisville.
A fun surprise while I was there: Eric Wood hosted his annual fundraiser (📸 see photo) and I ran into a large group of Louisvillians. I spotted Mitch from Denton Floyd, and as Eric called out names during the live auction, I kept recognizing more of us scattered throughout the crowd. We were everywhere.
When I returned home, I had a great meeting at Heitzman Bakery. Hard to believe I had never actually been there until now.
Hot job 💼: Controls Engineer – Automation & Controls Systems at CRG Automation ($90K–$150K). Lead design, programming, and integration of automation systems. Requires engineering degree and 3+ years in controls or automation.
Number 📈: 100 is the number of years Louisville’s Brown Theatre has been open. The city’s oldest operating theater will celebrate its centennial on October 5.
Birthday Cheers 🎉: Happy birthday to Joshua Moore, Executive Chef at Volare. A Food Network Chopped winner and an all-around great guy. He is one of our most celebrated chefs and is super generous to local causes.
And don’t miss the final story below… this is going to blow your mind! 🤯
-Todd
🚧 Slowdowns to Support: How Community Came First
Confession: I struggle with people who like to complain. Today's feature on Brownsboro Hardware is a prime example of turning around a tough situation through creativity instead of whining. I don't know them personally, but I bought my favorite grill from them and attended their EggFest fundraiser (featured back on August 1). I think you'll love their story.
Owner, Doug Carroll at their fundraiser, EggFest
🚧 The Challenge: When construction cut traffic at US 42 and I-264 from four lanes to two, Brownsboro Hardware & Paint felt the slowdown. Traffic trouble rippled through the plaza, with restaurants especially hurt. This year also marks their 65th in business, a reminder that they have weathered challenges before and continue to adapt.
🗺️ The Path They Took
EggFest Challenge: With construction snarling traffic, the first concern was getting people to EggFest, their annual food festival that raises money for charity.
The Fix: They created maps and launched UseTheBackWay.com to show alternate routes, then reinforced the message in social posts and emails. They even posted blasting schedules so visitors knew the best times to come. Traffic flowed and EggFest broke records.
The Realization: If EggFest needed a workaround, so did every other shop in Brownsboro Center. Construction wasn’t just their problem, it was everyone’s.
The Next Move: They began promoting their neighbors on social media, spotlighting restaurants, shops, and offices in the center. Customers responded, and many began repeating their message: “We used the back way.”
The Outcome: As Doug Carroll put it: “It also has — we believe — gotten the businesses in the center a little closer together. Since we are all small, family owned local businesses, we share each other successes. What makes one strong makes us all stronger.”
The Extra Step: Every grill buyer received a $25 gift card to one of four restaurants in the plaza, adding to their tradition of tying sales to local charities and extending support to nearby businesses.
⚡ Spark Take: Social media often turns into a place to complain. Brownsboro Hardware chose differently. They turned a traffic mess into a message of support, spotlighting neighbors, guiding customers, and proving their mantra true: “We invest in the community that invests in us.”
👉 Your Turn: Ways to Support Brownsboro Hardware
🔥 Buy your next grill here (they’re the best)
🛒 Start with them for hardware and home needs
🍽 Pair your trip with a meal at one of their plaza restaurants
🗓️ Presented by: Nate Bargatze
😂 Nate Bargatze is here this Weekend!
Nate Bargatze, one of America’s favorite comedians, is back with his brand new Big Dumb Eyes World Tour, stopping at the KFC Yum! Center on Sunday, October 5. Known as the “nicest man in stand-up,” Nate’s clean but sharp comedy has made him a Netflix star and a favorite on late-night TV. His dry delivery and hilarious storytelling turn everyday moments into unforgettable punchlines.
This tour builds on his sold out Be Funny Tour and his hit Netflix specials, including The Tennessee Kid and The Greatest Average American. Expect a night of smart, family friendly comedy that still hits hard. Nate is one of the rare comics who can make the whole crowd laugh without going blue.
- 🗓 Date: Sunday, October 5, 2025 • 7:00 PM (Doors 6:00 PM)
- 📍 Location: KFC Yum! Center, 1 Arena Plaza, Louisville, KY
- 🎟 Ticket Info: Tickets available now via Ticketmaster and the Yum! Center box office
- 💡 Bonus: Great seats still available, but Nate’s shows sell out fast
🤫 Confess & Tell
Real Opinions. No Filters. No Names. [Submit yours here]
Confessional 🤫: I act like fall festivals are about family fun, yet my real highlight is grabbing a funnel cake before the kids even pick a pumpkin.
💰 Smart Money Move: From Neglected to Notable
Smart updates turned this house into a standout
We asked Louisville investor Todd Johnson what drew him to 1219 Union Ave near Audubon Parkway. It came via an attorney referral after years of neglect. He saw good bones and turned it into a clean, livable flip that is back on the market .
Upgrades that stand out
Open concept kitchen with white shaker cabinets and a large center island
Original hardwoods repaired and refinished by Northstar Flooring
Unique fireplace as a living room anchor
Covered front porch plus covered back deck for rare indoor-outdoor flow
Investor Thoughts: What is your one suggestion about flipping a property in Louisville?
“Go for it. Just plan conservatively, build in contingency funds, and don’t wait to buy. Home values are rising and demand (competition) will increase with a decrease in interest rates. ”
⚡ Spark Take: Overlooked houses plus targeted upgrades can create real returns in Louisville. This one shows how buying right and preserving original character can pay off.
👉 Your Turn: View the Zillow listing and stop by the open house this Saturday and Sunday.
📆 What’s Sparking This Weekend
We found the fun, so you don’t have to.
Friday, October 3
🎨 St. James Court Art Show
A Louisville landmark event running Friday through Sunday in Historic Old Louisville. Hundreds of artists, food vendors, and a family-friendly atmosphere make it one of the nation’s premier fine art shows.
🎭 Bruce Bruce – Stay In Your Lane Tour
Comedy legend Bruce Bruce brings his Stay In Your Lane Tour to Louisville. Known from Def Comedy Jam, Comic View, and hit films, he’s guaranteed to deliver big laughs.
🎶 Maggie Rogers at Headliners
Indie-pop star Maggie Rogers lights up Headliners Music Hall with her soulful vocals and electric stage presence.
Saturday, October 4
✈️ BowmanFest
Vintage aircraft, historic flyovers, and interactive exhibits at Bowman Field. Aviation fans of all ages will love the airshow energy and hands-on activities.
🍂 Haymarket Fall Festival
Celebrate autumn with craft beer, seasonal bites, and local vendors at Haymarket Whiskey Bar. A cozy neighborhood festival with Louisville flair.
🏈 Louisville Football Kids Day at L&N Stadium
Louisville faces #24 Virginia with a 3:30 PM kickoff. The Cards celebrate young fans with on-field activities, a Junior Louie’s Kids Club takeover, youth cheer clinic, and post-game field access for families.
Sunday, October 5
🌿 First Sunday Nature Hike at Bernheim
Explore the trails with Bernheim naturalists on a guided hike that blends relaxation, education, and family-friendly outdoor fun.
🎃 Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom
A fall festival inside the park featuring pumpkin displays, seasonal décor, and kid-friendly activities. Perfect for a full family outing.
🎶 6th Annual Sunset Music Series: Kaintuck Band
Enjoy an evening of bluegrass and southern charm as Kaintuck Band closes out the series at Blackacre. Bring blankets or chairs, grab food from local vendors, and take in the view of the historic 1792 barn turned into a lively stage. $20 per carload.
🏢 Louisville Spark Job Board
Who’s hiring in Louisville? 5 Trending jobs
Examiner Physician Assistant at Loyal Source Government Services ($120K–$140K). Conduct veteran disability exams in a structured, clinic-based role.
Technical Delivery Manager at ADI Global Distribution ($121K–$212K). Lead cross-functional teams through IT and infrastructure projects.
Sr. Principal Welding Manufacturing Engineer at BAE Systems ($140K–$185K). Oversee welding processes, production quality, and team leadership.
Plant Controller – Manufacturing Operations at Kane Partners ($150K–$200K). Own the plant P&L with responsibility for finance and compliance.
Key Account Manager, Louisville at Dompe ($130K–$160K). Manage pharma sales across major accounts and drive growth in specialty therapies.
📸 Photo of the Week
Shout out to Josue for capturing this great shot of downtown! 😍 🌆
🥃 Final Sip
There is a ton happening in Louisville this weekend, from festivals to football to plenty of live music. However you spend it, you won’t run out of options.
And if you want your mind blown, take a few minutes to check out ChatGPT’s latest release of their video tool, Sora. The clips look like movie trailers made in seconds. The way it can recreate your likeness (with your consent) is unreal. 🤯
Have a great weekend.
–Todd
