Derby’s a wrap—and it didn’t miss. For me, Thurby is quickly becoming a can't-miss, and Oaks started strong with a killer brunch (thanks, Neville Blakemore). I stayed (mostly) dry, lost money both days, and still call it a win.

At the track, I met a Chicago couple who visit quarterly for work and couldn’t stop praising Louisville—even outside Derby week. A solid reminder that this city leaves a mark year-round.

Also: NBC’s 25th Derby broadcast hit 21.8 million viewers—its highest ever. For a sport often called past its prime, that’s a big-time signal the Derby still owns national attention.

Post-Derby, I hit the Venture Connectors luncheon on acquisition entrepreneurship. Brian Nutt, Lydia Henshaw, and Ellie Puckett dropped sharp, practical insights—one of the best panels I’ve seen. Watch for the convo soon on the Renegade Ventures podcast.

Hot job 💼: Senior Director / AVP of Finance at Ashley|Rountree. $100K–$115K salary + bonus. In person to lead finance + revenue ops for a top nonprofit consulting firm.

Shout-out 📣: Stacey Wade and Dr. Dawn Wade of NIMBUS were named finalists for EY’s 2025 Entrepreneur Of The Year Award!

Birthday Cheers 🎉: Nathan Fort of Fort Law is celebrating a birthday today! A sharp legal mind who flies under the radar but handles some really interesting work.

If you happened to miss our Derby Hometown Cheat codes last week, so be sure to check out the 62 tips you guys shared with us! And be sure to scroll to the bottom to see how other Louisvillians bet the big race.

-Todd

🐰 Rabbit Hole Ready

The kind of links that make you forget you had other tabs open.

🤖 Louisville’s own VSimple, an ops-focused startup just raised a $7M Series A round of funding. I’ve known them for a while—and this Series A is a huge step for them and for Louisville startups. They’re not chasing hype; they’re quietly building something that could seriously change how teams get work done. S/O to Buddy Bockweg and JJ Russell from their team!

🏀 Home court secured—The Ville, Louisville’s TBT alumni team, will host this summer’s regional at Freedom Hall. Louisville was the first fan base to sell 4,000 tickets and lock in the advantage. I’ve been to this event—it is electric, packed with fans, and seriously fun.

🏙️ Big moves from LEDA—Louisville’s Economic Development Alliance just unveiled its new mission and five-unit structure under CEO Trevor Pawl. With $2.3M raised and bold goals to make Louisville the best city for business, careers, and life, I’m hopeful this new plan helps reduce duplication and builds stronger partnerships with the orgs already doing great work.

🌸 Mother’s Day vibes incoming—Paristown’s annual Craft Market is back this Sunday, May 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring handmade gifts, fresh flowers, local treats, and live music. It’s a perfect, low-key way to celebrate Mom while supporting local makers.

🛑 Game over—for now. Mayor Greenberg just pulled the plug on the $32 million tennis and pickleball complex planned for Joe Creason Park. Citing budget priorities, the project’s off the table, but expect the pickleball crowd to keep swinging… likely at Goodbounce.

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

🗓️ Presented by: Volare Italian Ristorante

Mother’s Day is almost here—and if you haven’t made plans yet, Volare has you covered. Treat her to a beautiful brunch by Chef Josh Moore and team that’s worthy of more than just a thank-you.

Choose from three seatings: 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, or 2:00 PM.
$55 for adults, $25 for kids 10 and under. Call (502) 894-4446 to reserve your spot.

Side Gig Spotlight

Creative Hustles. Real People. Extra Income.

Kayla Meisner lives a double life—in the best way. By day, she supports Kentucky’s tech economy through her work at KCV, helping innovators turn ideas into impact.

By night, she transforms into DJ SLIMTHICC, lighting up Louisville’s music scene with bold beats and serious energy. Tech strategist by morning, dancefloor curator by after dark—two totally different worlds, and she crushes them both.

🤫 Confess & Tell

Real Opinions. No Filters. No Names.

🏢 Louisville Spark Job Board

Who’s hiring in Louisville? 5 Trending jobs

• Senior Project Manager at Kimmel & Associates ($140K–$150K). Lead large-scale construction projects in a high-impact role based in Louisville. Great fit for someone with deep project experience ready to run the show.

• Primary Care Physician – Medical Director at Adobe Care Partners ($187K–$230K). Must be an MD with leadership experience in senior-focused primary care..

• VP of Asset Management at Schulte Hospitality Group ($200K–$215K + bonus). Lead strategy across a fast-growing hotel portfolio—including brands like Hilton, Marriott, and boutique properties.

• Digital Marketing & Social Media Manager at IJW Whiskey Company ($100K–$125K). Lead digital strategy across whiskey, tequila, and global spirits brands. Must have 5+ years experience and serious creative + eComm chops.

• 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 energy was real—more proof that this city’s soul runs deep. When asked about overlooked causes, people pointed to groups like Trees Louisville and Dare to Care—quietly improving neighborhoods, one tree or meal at a time. Side hustles ranged from limo services to home decluttering pros to financial company, Tradeline services. And when it came to social media follows, DateListLou was the clear favorite—because who doesn’t love a good list of date ideas in their feed?

Big thanks to the crew who shared their insight and continue to shape the city in big and small ways.

Front row L-R: Adam Schultz - Midea, Jenn Callahan - Amplify, Ashley Sokoler - American Heart Association, Casey Sokoler - Sokoler Team- REMAX Properties East, Todd Earwood - HalfCourt.
Back row L-R: Jameson Gay - Baird, Andrew Ignatow - Exocellure Dermaceuticals // Red Tiger investments

Presented by: Norton Commons Art Festival 

🏛️ Know Your City

The orgs, agencies, and leaders shaping the future of our city.

🚰 Louisville Water’s Water Quality Report is out—and once again, it’s all good news.

1. Zero violations for the 18th year in a row
Louisville Water met or exceeded all state and federal standards with zero violations for 18 consecutive years—something few utilities nationwide can claim.

2. 131 million gallons delivered daily
An average of 131 million gallons ois delivered every day to nearly one million people across the region—clean, safe, and award-winning.

3. 92% of customers say it’s “very safe”
In the 2024 customer satisfaction survey, 92% said they feel Pure Tap is “very safe,” and 91% said they trust Louisville Water to deliver high-quality water.

We’re lucky. Not every city has great-tasting water straight from the tap. This report is a solid reminder that what comes out of the faucet here is something worth appreciating.

🥃 Final Sip

The Derby exhale is real—and honestly, it feels good. We’re grateful for the massive financial boost it brings to local businesses, from hotels to restaurants (and all those gypsy cabs - yes I used one). Hats off, sneakers on, and back to the version of the great city we live in year-round.

-Todd

⚡️ Spark Poll

Last week’s poll results: 
What's your favorite way bet on the big race?

• Win/Place/Show – Keep it simple - 50%

• Exactas or Trifectas – Go for the payout - 50%

• I let someone else decide for me - 0%

• I just pick the best horse name - 0%

• Group bets or office pools - 0%

• I don’t bet — I just cheer - 0%