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I was at the ACG Kentucky luncheon this week and introduced Adam Schultz from Midea. He gave the room a sharp look at what they’re building here and why it matters for Louisville. ICYMI… here’s the very first edition of this newsletter where we covered Midea.

Serving on my alma mater’s board also reminded me of something simple but true. They said the two pillars of a strong institution are recruiting and retention. The same applies to our city. We can attract great people, but keeping them here is what really moves Louisville forward.

Which is why today’s lead story focuses on exactly that.

Hot job 💼: Corporate Account Manager at MagnaWave PEMF.
Help manage key accounts and grow partnerships for a fast-rising wellness and performance company based in Louisville. Great fit for someone who’s strong with relationships and ready to drive revenue.

📈 Number: 3 is the number of JCPS start times that would shift earlier under next year’s proposal. All three tiers would move up by 20 minutes as part of Superintendent Brian Yearwood’s recommendations.

Birthday Cheers 🎉: Cheers to Todd Goldberg, a seasoned sales leader whose career spans startups, SaaS, adtech, and a successful exit to Meta. A sharp operator with a calm presence and a gift for building high-trust relationships.

-Todd

Louisville's best talent won't stay available for long.

Louisville’s talent pool is deeper than most people realize. Behind the scenes are leaders who have built companies, shaped communities, scaled revenue, delivered complex projects, and told the stories that move people to action. These are the kinds of pros who don’t stay on the market long… and shouldn’t.

This is the first edition of The Spark Talent Spotlight, a new series showcasing standout local talent ready for their next chapter. If your organization needs stronger leadership, smarter strategy, sharper execution, or better storytelling… start here.

Here are five leaders you should meet before someone else snaps them up. Listed alphabetically.

Executive Leader | Operational Excellence | Philanthropic + Community Impact Strategist

Bridget is seeking operational or philanthropic leadership roles where innovation, organizational strength, and long-term community outcomes matter. She is exceptional at building teams, leading complex operations, and driving initiatives that strengthen entire sectors.

Favorite Project: Directing the 2023 ChangeMakers Conference, a statewide convening of nonprofit and community leaders. She led operations, development, relationship-building, event logistics, and content design at a level few can manage.
Spark Take: Bridget is the leader you hire when you want something done right. Strong operator. Strong communicator. Strong community builder.
Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-dale-66a82a62/

Competitive Intelligence Strategist | Product + Project Management Pro | Deep Technical Strength

John has 15 years of product and project management experience, backed by technical depth and competitive intelligence expertise. He is the rare blend of product thinker, project leader, and analytical mind.

Favorite Project: Writing a landmark whitepaper detailing the hidden cost of “free” enterprise software… plus leading development of a digital IoT retail shelf that reduces labor and increases in-store dynamic pricing.

Spark Take: John brings immediate value to organizations needing clarity, rigor, and technical chops.

Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-crowder-75281162/

Revenue Builder | Go-To-Market Leader | Startup-to-Enterprise Experience

Todd brings 20 years in sales across startups and global organizations, including leading revenue for a startup that exited to Facebook (Meta). He builds GTM strategies from scratch, hires and scales teams, and thrives where technology and growth intersect.

Favorite Project: His startup journey during the Meta acquisition. He credits the founders’ intelligence, empathy, and collaboration as the ideal environment for his best work.
Spark Take: Todd’s experience travels well. Advertising technology, programmatic media, SaaS, enterprise partnerships… he can win in Series A, Series C, or large corporate environments.
Fun Fact: He was on Wheel of Fortune. Yes, really. Google it.
Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-goldberg-64a3124

Creative Storyteller | Marketing Strategist | Event-Focused Photo + Video Pro

Daniel blends creative strategy, design, photography, video, and storytelling to elevate brands and capture meaningful moments. He is a rare hybrid who understands both marketing strategy and hands-on creative execution.

Favorite Project: Producing a fundraising video that helped raise more than $250,000 to transform a historic building into a brewery in Harlan County.
Spark Take: Daniel is a versatile, in-demand creative who can immediately lift any organization’s brand, storytelling, or content strategy.
Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephendanielhunt/

Entrepreneurial Sales Leader | Community Builder | Relationship First Operator

Brandon is looking for a company that evolves with intention and has a clear vision of where it is going. He is a proven sales leader who can identify opportunities, shape direction, and accelerate growth in organizations that value strategy and entrepreneurial thinking.

Favorite Project: Helping launch Kentucky’s first Goodwill Excel Center, an innovative adult education model that changes long-term economic outcomes for families.
Spark Take: Brandon brings leadership across multiple sectors and knows how to build trust quickly. A great fit for organizations needing strategic sales, community partnerships, or business development leadership.
Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rbrandonlucas

Want the full story on each leader with expanded profiles? Read the long-form version here.

Want to connect with any of them?
Click their LinkedIn links above and reach out directly. These are the kinds of people who make organizations better. Hire them before someone else does.

Real Opinions. No Filters. No Names. [Submit yours here]

Audio Visual Technician III at Pixel Technologies ($101K–$171K).
Install and support enterprise-level AV systems, keeping conference and event spaces running smoothly while handling troubleshooting and upgrades.

Senior High Voltage Commissioning Engineer at The AES Corporation ($111K–$138K).
Energize and test high-voltage equipment across major grid projects, ensuring safe commissioning and reliable system performance.

Audit Supervisor at Harding, Shymanski & Company, P.S.C. ($77K–$100K).
Lead audit engagements, oversee fieldwork, and guide junior staff for a respected regional accounting firm.

Director of Strategic Partnerships at HSG Advisors
I personally know these folks, and they're doing great work. Build and manage key healthcare partnerships while driving growth and strengthening long-term advisory relationships.

Talent Acquisition Partner at Cerity Partners ($85K–$105K).
Recruit top financial talent, shape hiring strategies, and support growth for a national wealth management firm.

We hosted our Kings and Queens Charity Event at The Royal Room and raised nearly $4,000 for Metro United Way. Their mission has supported families across our seven-county region for more than a century, and hearing from Jeremy Jarvi and Sarah Santee reminded everyone why this work matters.

The Royal Room was designed for nights like this. It is a space that makes it easy to gather people, focus on the mission, and create a setting where fun and work can actually come to life. More and more groups are choosing it as their place to meet, plan, fundraise, and connect.

We created The Royal Room to make events feel intentional and effortless. This group showed exactly what can happen when the right people are in the right room.

If you have a group you want to bring together, reply to this email and we’ll help you host your next event at The Royal Room.

See who attended the event here →

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

🌿 Kentucky Plant Show
10:00 AM–4:00 PM @ Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center (West End)
A full day of rare plants, local vendors, and hands-on workshops. Browse, learn, and meet fellow plant lovers… all ages welcome. Adults $10, kids free.

🤖 Robots in Space
7:00 PM–10:00 PM @ Bernheim Forest & Arboretum (South of Louisville)
An after-dark adventure with glowing installations, robotics demos, and stargazing. Great for curious kids, sci-fi fans, and anyone who loves immersive outdoor nights. $20 adults.

🎹 Yuja Wang & Teddy Abrams Return
7:30 PM @ Whitney Hall (Downtown)
A powerhouse night as Yuja Wang joins Teddy Abrams and the Louisville Orchestra. Expect virtuoso talent, big energy, and a packed house. Tickets from $50.

🎉 15th Birthday Bash
5:00 PM–8:00 PM @ KFC Yum! Center (Downtown)
Celebrate 15 years of the arena with a family-friendly party featuring live entertainment, activities, and a festive downtown vibe. Free admission.

🍂 Taste of Thanksgiving
7:30 PM @ 624 West Main Street (Downtown)
An evening tasting event featuring seasonal dishes and local chefs. Cozy, flavorful, and a great way to ease into the holiday mood.

🖼️ Horn Coral Copia – Art at the Falls
3:00 PM–4:00 PM @ Falls of the Ohio (Southern Indiana)
A hands-on art experience exploring ancient coral formations in one of the region’s most fascinating natural landmarks. Free and family-friendly.