Over the long weekend, I played a lot of golf—and big shoutout to the courses that added American flags on 18 and gave players a flag stand while putting (see pic here). Small gesture, big meaning. A good reminder of the sacrifices behind our freedom. 🇺🇸 

School’s out, graduation caps are flying, and Derby feels like a distant blur. Summer’s officially here. For many, that means more time outside (preferably sans cicadas) and a few getaways on the calendar. Last week’s poll backed it up—half of you said you’re planning to spend more on vacations this year than last. Let’s make it count.

Hot job 💼: Data Center Site Manager at Meta ($131K–$186K). 10+ yrs in data center or infrastructure leadership. Help power the platforms behind Facebook and Instagram at Meta’s Jeffersonville facility.

Shout-out 📣: Jonathan Creger, of V-Soft Consulting, was named YPAL’s Director of Membership to help grow and connect Louisville’s young professionals.

Birthday Cheers 🎉: Rachelle Smalls celebrated a birthday this week! As Program Director at Invest Blue KY, she’s championing early-stage founders and connecting capital with Kentucky roots. A quiet force behind big ideas—her impact is only growing.

👇️ Be sure to scroll down to see the weekend events and our food poll! ✅ 

-Todd

🍩 Louisville’s Sweetest Spots for National Donut Day

Where to celebrate on June 6—kid-tested and donut-lover approved.

🍩 As the father of two young kids, I’ve put in the serious work of trying donut shops across Louisville.
We’ve made donut runs part of our weekend routine—and National Donut Day on Friday, June 6 is the perfect excuse to do it again. Whether you want old-school favorites, unknown new bakeries, or surprising gems, here are the best places to celebrate:

My Personal Favorites:

• Jeff's Donuts – Home of the mega donuts that never miss

• Thornton's Gas Station – My sleeper pick and probably my favorite. I’m not kidding… just trust me, they’re shockingly good!

• Bamboo Coffee & Donuts – Brand new to me, but I like their cake donuts!

More Local Picks from 50+ locals:

• King Donuts – No-frills, always fresh, and super affordable

• Krispy Kreme – Hard to argue when that 🔴 sign is on!

• Nord's Bakery – Beloved for maple bacon and old-school charm

• Plehn's Bakery – A St. Matthews classic with decades of tradition

• North Lime Coffee & Donuts – Creative, Instagram-worthy, and totally worth the trip

• Sugar & Spice – Old-school, family-run spot with perfectly classic donuts.

Surprise your team, take your kids, or just go solo and celebrate the sweetest holiday of the year. 🍩🙌

Be sure to cast your vote for your favorite donut place at the bottom! 👇️ 👇️ 👇️ 

🗓️ Presented by: The Royal Room

The Royal Room is a boutique meeting and event venue in Louisville known for its stylish, elevated atmosphere and seamless hosting experience. Families, entrepreneurs, and companies love how easy it is to plan something special—without all the work.

After attending a friend’s graduation party there last year, the Nelson Family booked The Royal Room for their daughter’s high school graduation celebration before she heads to Ole Miss. With classmates, family, and friends all under one roof, they enjoyed the day while the team made it effortless. It’s quickly become the go-to for hosting great, turnkey events.

👉️ Ready to host without the hassle? See photos and learn more here.

Side Gig Spotlight

Creative Hustles. Real People. Extra Income.

Melissa Atkinson is a dermatology PA by day and the founder of The Preppy Piece by… also day. Inspired by her island childhood and love for timeless, sun-safe style, she created a line of chic UPF 50+ pullovers and coastal-inspired gear.

What started as a blend of fashion and skin protection has grown into a full lifestyle brand—with pieces that easily go from errands to cocktails. You don’t have to choose between safety and style. Check out The Preppy Piece—it delivers both. Check out thepreppypiece.com or @thepreppypiece on IG.

Big thanks to Keren Benebou for putting Melissa’s hustle on our radar! Got a creative side gig or know someone we should feature? Tell us here.

🤫 Confess & Tell

Real Opinions. No Filters. No Names.

🏢 Louisville Spark Job Board

Who’s hiring in Louisville? 5 Trending jobs

• Senior Operations Analyst at eBay ($101K - $174K). 8–10 yrs analytics or ops data planning. Lead forecasting, KPIs, and process improvements for global authentication ops. MBA preferred. Hybrid in Louisville.

• Senior Water/Wastewater Project Manager at STV ($120K–$161K). 13+ yrs in water/wastewater infrastructure design and construction. Must have PE license or obtain KY PE within 6 months.

• Market President, Primary Care KY/IN at CenterWell Senior Primary Care ($203K–$299K). 10+ yrs healthcare leadership. Oversee 14 clinics across KY and IN, driving strategy, growth, and care quality.

• Senior Project Engineer at DSJ Global ($140K–$170K). 10+ yrs in project engineering within chemical manufacturing. BS in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering required; PMP and PSM experience preferred.

• Senior Strategy & Transformation Management Consultant at Arcadis ($102K–$174K). 10+ yrs in management consulting or utilities. Guide water utilities through strategic planning, workforce development, and digital transformation. PMP or Prosci certification preferred.

Presented by: Kentucky Plant Show 

The Kentucky Plant Show sprouts up Saturday, June 1 at the Kentucky Exposition Center with a full day of rare plants, exotic blooms, and botanical eye candy. Dozens of vendors, workshops, and plant-loving community vibes make it a green-thumb dream.

Whether you're a seasoned collector or just plant-curious, you’ll love the 40+ vendors this event has for you. Tickets are on sale now.

• 🗓 Saturday, June 1, 2025 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• 📍 Location: Kentucky Exposition Center | 937 Phillips Ln, Louisville, KY

• 💵 Cost: $5–$10 admission | Kids 12 and under are free

• 🌿 Bonus: Free parking + free plant with ticket purchase (while supplies last)

⚡️ Louisville Spark Live

Louisville Spark Live keeps proving what we already know—this city’s got range. First-time visitors? They’re getting tours through NuLu, Trellis Brewing, and strolls through Creasey Mahan or Cherokee Park. Local causes worth your time? Shout-outs went to Dress for Success, Hip Hop Cares, Kentucky Refugee Ministries, and Up for Women & Children—each quietly doing big work.

Creative side hustles are alive and well—from bouquet parties at Blume Florist to Summon the Muse styling and even a neighborhood trash can return service. Clayton & Crume got love for leather goods, while a teacher-turned-landscaper is building something strong. For social follows, Dinks Records and Eat Louisville are standing out, along with DateListLou keeping locals in the know. And when it comes to people to hire, there’s no shortage: exec recruiters, healthcare pros, marketing minds, and HR leads were all recommended.

Grateful for this crew who are all doing their part to shape a better Louisville. Here's who joined us:

Front row L-R: Natalie Colliersmith - Mory & Colliersmith, PLLC, Jenn Callahan - Amplify, Tripp Brockway, Shawna Burton - Ashbourne Farms, Todd Earwood.
Back row L-R: - Brandi West - AdventHealth, Scott Earwood - White Clay, Steven Von Gerlacther - Clarity Through Data.

📆 What’s Sparking This Weekend

We found the fun—so you don’t have to.

🎟️ Featured event

🌿 Kentucky Plant Show
Saturday, May 31 | 10 AM–3 PM
Kentucky International Convention Center
A paradise for plant enthusiasts! Explore 27,000 square feet filled with common, uncommon, and rare plants. Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or just starting out, there's something for everyone. Get tickets here!

🎉 Saturday – May 3

🏃‍♂️ Louisville H.E.R.O. Run/Walk/Ruck 5K & 10K
Saturday, May 31 | 7:45 AM (Kids Fun Run), 8:00 AM (5K & 10K)
University of Louisville Cardinal Track Stadium
Honor those who served by participating in this meaningful event. Choose between a 5K, 10K, or a 100-meter Kids Fun Run. Proceeds benefit Volunteers of America Mid-States and the University of Louisville's Salute to Service Scholarship Fund.

📚 Summer Reading Kickoff & Cultural Pass Showcase happens Saturday, May 31 from 10a–2p at the Louisville Free Public Library (Main Branch). Expect live performances, hands-on activities, and a full preview of what’s to come this summer for kids and families.

🚛 Touch-A-Truck presented by Kentucky Kingdom
Saturday, May 31 | 9 AM–2 PM
Kentucky Expo Center – Lot R
Get up close with over 20 large vehicles, including fire trucks, cement mixers, and more. Enjoy yard games, activity stations, and food vendors. Early Bird ticket holders receive a free admission ticket to Kentucky Kingdom for the same day.

🌮 Louisville Taco, Beer, Tequila Festival 2025
Saturday, May 31 | 11 AM–8 PM
Mellwood Art Center
Indulge in a variety of tacos, sip on craft beers and tequilas, and enjoy live music. It's a flavorful fiesta you won't want to miss!

🌞 Sunday – June 1

🥊 Ali Fest Carnival: Community Free Day brings all the fun to the Muhammad Ali Center from 12p–5p. Enjoy carnival games, face painting, and free admission to the exhibits—an interactive, educational, and totally free family day.

🐾 Waggin’ Tail on the Waterfront takes over Big Four Lawn from 1p–5p. With dog contests, kid-friendly games, food trucks, and local vendors, this event is tail-wagging fun for the whole family—including your pup.

🥃 Final Sip

We’re calling it: summer has officially soft-launched. Don’t be surprised when the lines at Comfy Cow are out the door or your neighbor’s yard starts smelling like charcoal by 4pm.

Summer’s kinda already here, but it doesn’t make a big announcement—it just slips in quietly and unpacks. It’s the season of front porch hangs, later sunsets, and “you in town this weekend?”

No need for big plans—just pick one thing to savor each week. A donut run. A walk at 8pm. That’s the spark.

-Todd

⚡️ Spark Poll

Last week’s poll results: something you all agreed on!  
How much do you plan to spend on vacations this year?

• More than last year - 50%

• Same as last year - 34%

• Less than last year - 16%