My ME Story

Karl Schmitt, Jr. is all about teamwork-- both in the office and in the sports arena. As President & CEO of the Louisville Sports Commission, his goal is to increase teamwork so that their mission is accomplished-- a mission that ultimately "puts heads in beds"!Growing up in Louisville's west end through tumultuous times developed strong character traits that Karl Schmitt, Jr. has used to build a thriving sports event city. In the last eight years alone, sporting events revenue has topped...

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston ChurchillEd Hart defines an entrepreneur as someone who can achieve success in different industries, as opposed to a successful business person who achieves success in a specific field. By that definition, Ed Hart is certainly an entrepreneur!Curiosity stimulates learning opportunities and intrigues those that tend to gravitate towards the path of entrepreneurship. During his childhood, Mr...

The Kentucky Center for the Arts is instrumental to our community. As stated on their website, "Through a coordinated effort and community support, the Fund for the Arts builds a stronger community by investing in world-class Arts organizations, driving collaborative initiatives, fueling innovative arts-in-education programs and engaging corporate partnerships throughout the region." The entertainment industry has struggled through COVID and touched a variety of platforms, from re...

"According to The Family Firm Institute, only about 30 percent of family businesses survive into the second generation, 12 percent are viable into the third generation, and only about 3 percent of all family businesses operate into the fourth generation or beyond." Evolution is critical to success, as well as strong processes and consistent vision.Masterson's Food & Drink Group has successfully evolved into just that legacy. Initially established as a restaurant, they have expanded into t...

Team staffing solutions are tough enough! Factor in a pandemic, a roller coaster economy, and a diverse workforce and the solution is often times buried in operational challenges. Pre-Covid, Cara Silletto was already working with companies to blend their workforce diversities into a consistent message and training program. In her book, Staying Power: Why Your Employees Leave and How to Keep Them Longer, Cara suggests that "The only way for organizations to successfully and sustainably f...

Kentucky Restaurant Association (KRA) has a tenacious leader who is determined to get her members to the other side of this pandemic! Stacy Roof, President and CEO, believes her job is to tell your story and continue fighting for Kentucky restaurants. Restaurants are leading employers in the state and deserve to be recognized for all the positive progress made, especially with regard to the health and safety of their customers. While the pandemic has been tough on many businesses, the ho...

The event industry has taken a beating in 2020 to be sure. Large convention centers, art centers, concert halls... no one is the exception to the rule. Covid has impacted all large events and even affected what would be considered a small family event.Lauren Brown, President, and Kalye Beets, Visionary, of Michaelis Events are no strangers to adversity, challenges, or tough times. Living through a tough start-up when their parents opened a new business in 2000, taught them resilie...

Acquiring a family-owned company that has gained a national presence over the course of nearly 50 years requires a leader that can interact with team members to continue growth and encourage a positive culture in the midst of adversity. All great leaders must learn to pivot amid today's challenges. Simon Richards has learned to do just that.By continuing to delight their guests, Thornton's new leader has been able to take the strong culture and values that gained the company its success...

Demonstrating value and leadership for your members during a pandemic and civil unrest is a challenging task! Add the fact that you are only in your new role less than two months and most people would blame less than favorable results on the situation. Not Sarah Davasher-Wisdom! As the new president of Greater Louisville, Inc. (GLI), she rose to the challenge and has demonstrated continuous value for her members, thus creating an environment of sustainability and growth, even during this...

Starting a non-profit is quite the undertaking... especially if you are starting it because you are looking for guidance! Imagine feeling lost and embarrassed because you feel as if you have failed as a parent. Where do you turn? Jean Schumm, Founder/President of Operation Parent has taken the initiative to create a safe place for parents to learn the trials and difficulties their children may encounter, watch for the warning signs, and make adjustments to help both your children and you...