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This week I had some amazing groups for AI Fluency training including one of Louisville’s fastest growing companies, First Class Commercial Cleaning and 25 fitness industry leaders who were in Louisville for training.

Of course, I was at the Yum Center for Cards and Cats. Man, that was a great environment for a game.

👀 In today's edition:

Hot job 💼: Director of Philanthropy at University of Louisville ($130K–$160K).
Lead major gift strategy for UofL and build relationships that fund high-impact programs. Ideal for proven fundraisers skilled at cultivation, stewardship, and closing significant gifts.

📈 Number: 44% is the share of Graeter’s ice cream employees who now own part of the 155-year-old company through its new stock plan.

Birthday Cheers 🎉: Shoutout to Greg Sokoler, General Manager and Co-Owner of We Sell Louisville with RE/MAX Properties East is celebrating a birthday this weekend.

As always, I appreciate you reading. 👊

-Todd

When I’m overwhelmed with great local stories and can’t pick just one… I’m going to give you all the best I can find. Here’s what’s worth knowing right now.

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

🍦 Graeter’s Unveils a New Look
The 155-year-old ice cream brand rolled out a modern refresh and launched an employee stock plan giving 44 percent of the company to its team. A big shift for a legacy name.

💵 $8 Million Goes to West Louisville Businesses
The West End Opportunity Partnership awarded its first round of TIF dollars, giving a major boost to local entrepreneurs and small businesses across nine neighborhoods.

🌿 Hemp Industry Sounds the Alarm
Advocates say Kentucky’s hemp sector is 364 days from collapse unless federal clarity arrives. Farmers and processors are bracing for a critical year.

☕ Heine Brothers Names a New CEO
Louisville’s largest local coffee chain has a new leader stepping in during a time of expansion, competition and brand evolution.

🌼 House of Marigold Expands to NuLu
One of Louisville’s most popular brunch spots is opening a second location, adding more room for its growing fan base.

🏈 Louisville Kings Open Season Ticket Sales
The new UFL franchise released ticket prices and opened packages for the inaugural season. Early interest is strong and the hype is building.

🏘️ Short-Term Rental Gem Hits the Market for $5.1M
The 713, a turnkey STR operation in downtown Louisville, is listed for $5.1 million and is already catching investor attention.

👥 Who Was In The Room
Cara Gray – Marketing Director at Carvana
Marketing Director at Carvana (wholesale side, remote but Louisville-based) been in the industry for 17 years and lover of Louisville.

Rachel Collier Carr – Journalist at Good News with Rachel Collier
Former TV journalist, now comms lead at her family’s company and host of the Good News with Rachel Collier podcast.

Theresa Reno-Weber – CEO at GoodMaps
CEO of GoodMaps and former CEO of Metro United Way, Coast Guard veteran, and civic leader.

Ben Smock – Search Consultant at Gilman Partners
Executive search leader building Gilman Partners’ Louisville presence, former Venture Connectors president and non-profit leader.

Woo Smith – Principal at Terracon
Environmental and geotechnical specialist at Terracon with a global upbringing before landing in Louisville.

Christina Crane – Owner & Esthetician at CC Skin & Soul
Founder of CC Skin & Soul, focusing on holistic skincare and acne treatment after a career in biomechanics and wellness.

Jerry Hartley – Director of Operations at Smurfit WestRock
Director of Operations for 18 recycling plants at Smurfit WestRock, running the company’s largest facility here in Louisville and coaching a new generation of baseball kids.

🧭 Where They Take Visitors
Big Four Bridge, Kentucky Derby Museum, Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Louisville Slugger Museum, Churchill Downs, Foxhollow Farm, and Paristown.

💡 Causes That Deserve More Love
Derby City BMX at Tom Sawyer Park, West Louisville Chess Club, Metro United Way, The Healing Place, National Parkinson’s Institute, and Adopt Me Bluegrass.

🍽️ Cool Local Side Hustles People Love
Locals shouted out color analysis sessions from House of Colour, handcrafted ceramics from Tiffany Phan, Beth Malcom’s Vines Wine Bar, the fast-growing Mint Julep Mahjong community, and Zach Wardlaw’s Cool People Lunch.

The Festival of Trees & Lights turns Slugger Field into a winter wonderland filled with decorated trees, handcrafted wreaths, holiday crafts and plenty of family fun. It is one of Louisville’s most loved holiday weekends and every ticket supports life-saving care at Norton Children’s Hospital.

Kids can enjoy crafts, face painting, character visits and hands-on activities throughout the day. Adults will love the designer-created trees and décor, all available for purchase to benefit Norton Children’s. Special events like Breakfast with Santa and themed crafting sessions make this weekend an easy win for families looking to kick off the season with something meaningful.

The best part is the purpose behind it. Proceeds help fund pediatric heart care, cancer programs, neonatal intensive care and research that supports children across the region.

🗓 Date: November 14 through November 16, 2025
📍 Location: Louisville Slugger Field
🎟 Ticket Info: General admission and special event tickets available on the Norton Children’s website
💡 Bonus: See Santa, make crafts, character meet-and-greets and hundreds of designer trees

👉 Get Tickets here

Looking for inspiration on where to land next? Here are two standout options that show off very different ways to live well in Louisville. Click the photos to explore these properties and learn more.

7403 Broad Run Rd - Fern Creek | 4,850 sq ft | 3 bed, 4 bath | $950,000
A modern lodge-style home on 2.8 wooded acres with soaring ceilings, warm wood, and oversized windows that pull the outdoors in. The open kitchen and large living areas make hosting easy, and the walkout lower level adds flexible space for guests or hobbies.
Listed by: Seltz + Pence Group - Lenihan Sotheby's International Realty

7607 Beechspring Farm Blvd - 40241 | 6,260 sq ft | 5 bed, 5 bath | $1,475,000
A luxury Beechspring Farm standout with a two-story great room, chef’s kitchen, and refined finishes throughout. The lower level is built for entertaining with bar, lounge areas, and walkout access, and the backyard adds a polished outdoor hangout.
Listed by Semonin REALTORS

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

🎨 Cookie Decorating Class
A hands-on workshop where you’ll learn decorating techniques step-by-step. All supplies included and perfect for anyone wanting a creative, low-pressure Saturday activity.

😂 James “Murr” Murray – Murr Live
Impractical Jokers star James “Murr” Murray brings an interactive stand-up show packed with stories, never-before-seen videos, and live audience games. High-energy, hilarious, and unlike a typical comedy set.

🎸 Clint Black: Back On The Blacktop Tour
Country legend Clint Black takes the stage at Caesars Southern Indiana for a night of classic hits, signature vocals, and timeless storytelling.

🐴 Family Adventure Day at Churchill Downs
A full afternoon of kid-friendly activities, inflatables, games, pony rides, and live racing. It’s the perfect way for families to experience the track together.

😂 Dr. Brady Smith – Live Stand-Up
A dentist by day and a chaos-dealer by night, Dr. Brady Smith delivers raw, irreverent comedy packed with wild dental stories, honest life moments, and full-contact crowd energy. A hilarious, no-filter show that’ll leave your face hurting from laughing.

🎤 Gladys Knight
The Empress of Soul takes over The Louisville Palace with a night of timeless hits, powerhouse vocals, and pure legend energy inside one of the city’s most iconic venues.

Facility Manager at CGB Enterprises, Inc. ($71K–$105K)
Oversee daily operations, safety, maintenance, and staffing inside a busy grain or logistics facility. Strong fit for leaders who keep teams running smoothly and equipment performing at peak levels.

Director of Sales & Marketing at First Hospitality ($90K–$120K estimated)
Lead sales strategy, revenue growth, and marketing for a hotel property. Ideal for hospitality pros who can build partnerships, manage teams, and keep occupancy moving upward.

Environment, Health & Safety Manager at Ambs Chemical Search LLC ($110K–$140K estimated)
Own EHS programs, compliance, site assessments, and training for a chemical manufacturing environment. Great role for safety leaders with strong regulatory depth.

HVAC Commercial Operations Manager at Flow Service Partners ($110K–$150K estimated)
Run commercial HVAC service operations, oversee technicians, manage budgets, and ensure top-tier client delivery.

Digital & eCommerce Marketing Manager at Nursing CE Central ($90K–$130K estimated)
Lead digital strategy, paid acquisition, email, funnels, and eCommerce performance for a fast-growing online education brand.