Had a few coffees and lunches with new faces this week—and walked away thinking: there’s way more talent in Louisville than most people realize.

Then I hit a sharp luncheon (thanks, Wright Steenrod!) that reminded me innovation is happening here, too.

I also ran into my buddy—and beloved Louisville basketball champ—Peyton Siva, who got me fired up about the team they’re building for this summer’s TBT tournament kicking off July 19. The PGA Tour and TBT is big time sports locally in July—such a win!

You’ll notice a new section in Spark this week—a deeper spotlight on people quietly doing meaningful work. Not everyone’s out beating their chest, but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve to be seen.

Hot job 💼: Executive Director at Kilgore Samaritan Counseling Center ($140K–$170K). Lead a nonprofit mental health organization focused on strategic planning, fundraising, and community impact. Ideal for leaders with clinical or nonprofit management experience.

Shout-out 📣: Chris Reitz was selected to present at Chautauqua, one of the country’s top forums for big ideas. He shared insights on AI, leadership, and human connection—putting Louisville on the map in a major way. Read more below in Making Moves, Not Noise.

Birthday Cheers 🎉: Happy birthday to my friend Deana Karem, the President and CEO at Jtown Chamber of Commerce. Jtown’s been on fire and she’s been a driving force.

-Todd

🕶️ The $100M Brand That Began With a Cold Email

This local team turned a generous guarantee into a national movement.

You know Shady Rays—but you probably don’t know all these great backstories.

Before they were everywhere, Shady Rays started with a cold email. Founder Chris Ratterman found a supplier on Alibaba, refined a prototype, and launched the brand shipping from his parents’ living room—with no retail background and zero outside capital.

Their breakout moment? A wave of CrossFit athletes and outdoorsy moms who fell in love with the no-questions-asked replacement policy. Word spread fast through niche Facebook groups and Reddit threads. Suddenly, this startup was going head-to-head with Oakley and Ray-Ban.

Today—on National Sunglasses Day—Shady Rays is a $100M+ brand with flagship stores, millions of loyal customers, and a growing team based right here. Their just-launched Independence Day collection adds bold, patriotic frames to the lineup—dropping just in time for summer.

Every pair still helps fight hunger, with over 25 million meals donated through Feeding America—proof that giving back isn’t a side campaign, it’s part of the model. Shady Rays continues to grow into a national lifestyle brand, but their roots in our backyard—and their commitment to impact—remain just as strong. And they’re not slowing down anytime soon.

🗓️ Presented by: ISCO Championship

Want to see the city buzzing with energy? The ISCO Championship is bringing PGA TOUR pros to Hurstbourne Country Club from July 10–13, serving up four days of high-level golf, chilled cocktails, and summer energy you don’t have to travel for.

I ran into a board member this week who told me all corporate chalets and hospitality suites are already sold out, and tickets are moving fast. It’s shaping up to be one of the summer’s biggest events.

Whether you’re a die-hard golf fan or just want an excuse for cold drinks and perfectly manicured greens, this one’s worth checking out. Kids 15 and under get in free with a ticketed adult. 🎟️ Get Tickets

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🌟 Making Moves, Not Noise

Bringing quiet greatness into the spotlight

We shout out great people every week—but this space goes deeper. Here’s someone quietly shaping Louisville in ways that matter.

Chris Reitz was selected to present at Chautauqua—one of the country’s most respected forums for big ideas. That stage has hosted presidents, poets, and global changemakers. This year, it featured a Louisvillian. (Read his summary here)

Chris spoke about the intersection of AI, leadership, and human connection—offering a perspective that was both thoughtful and grounded. He challenged the audience to consider how we can stay meaningfully connected as technology accelerates. I’ve always respected Chris’s ability to make complex topics approachable, and it was great to see him represent Louisville on a national stage.

At Spark, we want to keep reminding each other that there are great Louisvillians doing big things—and Chris is someone deserving to be seen, celebrated, and supported. Look for a full interview later this week on Instagram and LinkedIn.

🏢 Louisville Spark Job Board

Who’s hiring in Louisville? 5 Trending jobs

Project Engineer at Insight Global ($90K–$110K). 3–5 yrs capital project experience in industrial, food, beverage, or pharma environments. Engineering degree required; PMP preferred. Role includes 50% travel and contractor/vendor oversight.

VP/Director of Finance at Robert Half ($140K–$190K). Lead financial strategy, reporting, and compliance. Requires strong GAAP knowledge, FP&A experience, and executive communication skills. Reports directly to CFO.

UX Designer at LHH ($85K–$105K). Design intuitive experiences across digital platforms. Ideal for systems thinkers with 3–5 yrs in UX/UI and a portfolio of B2B or enterprise applications. Figma and prototyping skills required.

Regional Director of Operations at Altius Search Group ($120K–$150K). Oversee multiple senior-living communities. Drive compliance, staff development, training, and occupancy goals. Multi-site healthcare operations experience required.

Executive Director at Kilgore Samaritan Counseling Center ($140K–$170K). Lead strategy, fundraising, and community outreach for a nonprofit mental health organization. Clinical or nonprofit leadership experience preferred.

Presented by: LouCity vs North Carolina FC

⚽ LouCity vs North Carolina FC

Get ready for a high-energy night as Louisville City FC takes on North Carolina FC at Lynn Family Stadium. From the roar of the crowd to the fast-paced action on the pitch, it’s a perfect blend of competition and community.

With drink specials during the pregame happy hour and family-friendly vibes throughout the stadium, this match is more than just a game—it’s a city-wide celebration of soccer. Don’t miss out on one of summer’s best nights under the lights.

• 🗓 Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025 | 8:00 PM
• 📍 Location: Lynn Family Stadium, Louisville, KY
• 🍻 Bonus: Pregame happy hour with $2 drinks

🎟️ Get Tickets

📆 What’s Sparking This Weekend

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

🎟️ Featured event

🎡 2nd Annual ZG Carnival: Cookout, Fair & Exhibition
Saturday, June 28 | 3:00 PM–6:00 PM @ 4545 Taylorsville Road
A vibrant afternoon of food, games, music, and community fun. With cookout favorites, local vendors, and family-friendly carnival vibes, this summer celebration has something for everyone.

🎉 Friday – June 27

🎧 Uncruel Summer at Headliners
Friday, June 27 | 9:00 PM @ Headliners Music Hall
A girly-pop dance party celebrating the icons—Taylor, Gaga, Billie, Dua and more. High energy, glittery vibes, and an 18+ crowd ready to scream-sing the hits all night long.

🥓 Bacon & Bourbon Date Night at Cooking at Millie’s
Friday, June 27 | 6:30 PM @ Cooking at Millie’s
Create a delicious dinner centered around bacon and bourbon with your favorite plus-one. A hands-on, flavor-packed date night in downtown Louisville.

🌌 Firefly Friday at Bernheim
Friday, June 27 | 9:00 PM @ Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
Watch the night light up at Bernheim with firefly-themed activities and a guided forest hike. A peaceful, magical evening fit for families and nature lovers alike.

🌟 Saturday – June 28

🐐 Blackacre Saturday Farm Animal Feeding
Saturday, June 28 | 9:00 AM @ Blackacre Conservancy
Meet and help feed friendly farm animals like goats, sheep, and donkeys. A simple, hands-on morning perfect for little ones who love critters.

⚽ LouCity vs North Carolina FC
Saturday, June 28 | 8:00 PM @ Lynn Family Stadium
Catch Louisville City FC as they take on North Carolina in a USL showdown. Enjoy pregame drink specials and a high-energy soccer atmosphere in Butchertown.

🌿 Saturday Plant Walks at Yew Dell
Saturday, June 28 | 10:30 AM @ Yew Dell Botanical Gardens
Explore the gardens on a guided tour with expert staff covering seasonal plants and garden care tips. Included with admission and great for all ages.

🎭 Sunday – June 29

👑 Louisville Princess Day
Sunday, June 29 | 11:00 AM–3:00 PM @ Paristown
A magical afternoon with real-life princesses, storytelling, crafts, and sing-alongs. Dress-up is encouraged at this enchanting family event.

🎭 Hamlet at Kentucky Shakespeare
Sunday, June 29 | 8:00 PM @ Central Park
To be or not to be? Kentucky Shakespeare brings the iconic tragedy to life under the stars in Old Louisville. Free and open to all—bring a chair or blanket.

🔎 Clue – Bomhard Theater
Sunday, June 29 | 2:00 PM @ Kentucky Center – Bomhard Theater
Murder, mystery, and mischief! A stage adaptation of the classic board game where everyone’s a suspect. Interactive fun for theater fans and sleuths alike.

🥃 Final Sip

We’re about to head into a holiday week and my friends are all split on how they’re celebrating. One thing we all can agree on is holidays deserve great desserts.

My personal network had votes for a few different cookie spots—but wow, you were unanimous. Please & Thank You took 100% of last week’s poll for best cookie in Louisville (see below).

Have. a great weekend!

-Todd

Last week’s poll results: Best Cookie In Louisville

• Penny & Pearl - 0%

• Please & Thank You - 100%

• WW Cousins - 0%

• Other - %