Business Lexington, February 2026

… Kentucky’s horizon

What is next for Kentucky? Our cooperatives will be ready.

We are planning and building power plants and power lines to ensure Kentucky has reliable, competitive, sustainable energy to power homes, businesses and industries.

Reliable 24/7 power plants and power lines, alongside sustainable low-carbon resources, at prices to keep Kentucky competitive in the global marketplace.

We are committed to a bright future for Kentucky.

SMILEY PETE PUBLISHING

Business Lexington is a production of Smiley Pete Publishing

PUBLISHER

Chris Eddie chris@bizlex.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Donna Hodsdon donna@bizlex.com

EDITOR

Tom Wilmes tomw@bizlex.com

ART DIRECTOR Drew Purcell drew@bizlex.com

COPY EDITOR

Nikole Christensen mail@nikolechristensen.com

BIZLIST EDITOR Tanzi Merritt bizlists@bizlex.com

SALES MANAGER

Emily Marks emily@smileypete.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Amy Eddie amy@bizlex.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Ann Staton ann@bizlex.com

SMILEY PETE PUBLISHING www.smileypete.com

For advertising information contact (859) 266-6537 advertise@smileypete.com info@smileypete.com

Business Briefs

Local business news in brief

4

Real Estate PAGE 8

A monthly look at economic indicators compiled by the Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) at the University of Kentucky

Write Stuff PAGE 9

Turning Data into Stories that Stick

Crave Worthy PAGE 10

A Taste of Home, Delivered: How Goldbelly is helping Lexington food businesses reach customers far beyond Kentucky

Quick Bites PAGE 12

Graze Craze Brings Growing Franchise to Town

Independent Business PAGE 14

Rethinking Primary Care: How a Lexington health care startup is using a subscription model to make care more personal and affordable

BizLists

Architecture Firms PAGE 26

Mortgage Lenders PAGE 28

Real Estate Law Firms PAGE 30

Who’s Who PAGE 32

Local employment news and awards

BizLex Q&A

Richard Young: The CivicLex founder and executive director discusses keeping an eye on housing, elections and education

PAGE 16

Growth Starts with People

Why Valvoline Inc. prioritizes leadership development as a pillar of its rapid expansion trajectory

PAGE 20

More Homes, Still More Demand

Inbound moves, low-interest mortgages and families staying put contribute to Central Kentucky’s competitive real estate landscape

PAGE 24

MANUFACTURING

Ford pulls back on EVs, pivots Kentucky battery plant to energy storage

Ford Motor Co. is scaling back plans for certain large electric vehicles while repositioning its Kentucky battery operations to serve the growing energy storage market.

The automaker said it will no longer move forward with manufacturing some larger EVs, citing softer-than-expected demand, high costs and regulatory changes.

As part of the shift, Ford will repurpose its battery manufacturing facility in Glendale to produce battery energy storage systems for data centers, utilities and large industrial customers.

“This is a customer-driven shift to create a stronger, more resilient and more profitable Ford,” President and CEO Jim Farley said in a statement. “The operating reality has changed, and we are redeploying capital into higher-return growth opportunities.”

Ford also reached an agreement with partners SK On and SK Battery America to restructure ownership of its battery

plants. A Ford subsidiary will independently own and operate the Kentucky facilities, while SK On will fully own and operate the Tennessee plant.

About 1,600 employees were laid off at the Glendale site as EV production plans were revised.

Ford plans to invest about $2 billion over the next two years to build out the new energy storage business using existing U.S. battery manufacturing capacity.

The company plans to reach at least 20 gigawatt-hours of annual deployment by late 2027.

TECHNOLOGY

UK Markey Cancer Center treats first U.S. patient with new lung cancer immunotherapy

The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center has treated the first patient in the United States with a next-generation immunotherapy for small-cell lung cancer.

Markey is the first site nationwide to open a clinical trial for ZG006 (alveltamig), an experimental immunotherapy designed to connect disease-fighting T cells directly to cancer cells. The first patient was treated in late October under the direction of Zhonglin Hao, M.D., Ph.D.

“This is the next step forward in T-cell engager therapy for small-cell lung cancer,” said Hao, the trial’s lead investigator. “We’re testing a newer version with a stronger ability to connect cancer cells and immune cells.”

The Phase 1 trial addresses an unmet need for patients whose disease has stopped responding to standard treatments.

HEALTH CARE

Lifepoint hospitals in Central Kentucky rebrand as Centerpoint Health

Lifepoint Health’s four Central Kentucky hospitals are unifying under a new name and brand: Centerpoint Health.

The hospitals include Bluegrass Community Hospital, Bourbon Community Hospital, Clark Regional Medical Center and Georgetown Community Hospital. The rebrand reflects the system’s geographic focus, commitment to patient-centered care and evolution from standalone hospitals into a regional health system.

“Centerpoint Health reflects our transformation into a regional healthcare deliv-

ery system,” said Bruce Tassin, market president and CEO of Centerpoint Health – Georgetown and Centerpoint Health –Versailles.

The hospitals are now known as Centerpoint Health – Versailles, Centerpoint Health – Paris, Centerpoint Health – Winchester and Centerpoint Health – Georgetown. Employed practices and providers will also be unified under the Centerpoint Medical Group name.

MCF Advisors acquires Louisville-based Accredited Wealth Management

MCF Advisors LLC, an investment management firm headquartered in Lexing-

ton, has acquired Accredited Wealth Management LLC, a Louisville-based, fee-only registered investment adviser with $178 million in assets under management.

The acquisition expands MCF’s presence in Louisville and strengthens its financial planning and investment management capabilities. Accredited Wealth Management was founded by managing partners Steve Giacobbe and Shawn Clark, who will join MCF as senior financial advisers and partners along with their entire team.

The transaction marks MCF’s first acquisition since accepting an equity investment in March 2025 from Wealth Partners Capital Group and the Aspire Holdings platform of HGGC. The deal increases MCF’s assets under management to $3.9 billion. Financial terms were not disclosed.

MANUFACTURING

GALLS acquires DesignLab, expands retail footprint

GALLS, a Lexington-based distributor of uniforms and equipment to public safety professionals, has acquired DesignLab Inc., a regional supplier of public safety uniforms and gear.

The acquisition strengthens GALLS’ presence in the Southeast, particularly in South Carolina and Florida, and adds six retail locations in Greenville and Columbia, South Carolina, and Tampa, Orlando, Miami and Palm Beach, Florida.

DesignLab employees and customer relationships will be integrated into GALLS’ operations, a move the company said will ensure continuity of service for public safety agencies.

LAW

FBT Gibbons, Frost Brown Todd finalize firm combination

FBT Gibbons LLP announced that Frost Brown Todd LLP and Gibbons P.C. have finalized their combination.

The deal brings together two full-service firms to create a midmarket legal platform with about 800 attorneys across 25 offices nationwide, serving clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to high-growth and midsize businesses.

The combined firm significantly expands its East Coast footprint, including a strategic anchor in New York City, while opening new markets nationwide. The combination also strengthens capabilities across a broad range of practice areas and industries.

As part of the integration, FBT Gibbons has launched a Life Sciences industry team led by David E. De Lorenzi, drawing on the combined experience of both legacy firms. n

L-R: FBT CEO Adam Hall, FBT chairman Robert Sartin, and Gibbons managing director Peter Torcicollo.

PVA REPORTS

Statistics on local residential and commercial property are compiled by the office of the Fayette County Property Valuation Administrator. The data reflect the most up-to-date information available at the time of printing for this publication, but monthly figures may be revised as additional public records of property transactions are submitted and become available.

Top Commercial Transactions for Dec. 2025

12/22/253200 Loch Ness Dr. $18,880,765Multifamily OC The Element 152 LLC

12/8/25213 Blue Sky Pkwy. $15,500,000**Auto Service Garage Black Branch Terminals LLC

12/8/25213 Blue Sky Pkwy. $15,500,000**Office Building Black Branch Terminals LLC

12/5/253195 Beaumont Centre Cir.$14,815,000*Retail

C & R Asphalt Land Acquisition

12/5/253193 Beaumont Centre Cir.$14,815,000*Open Space, Greenway C & R Asphalt Land Acquisition

12/5/253199 Beaumont Centre Cir.$14,815,000*Shopping Center C & R Asphalt Land Acquisition

12/22/25200 Alsab Ct. $13,800,000Multifamily 200 Alsab Court Lex LLC

12/19/251701-1785 Alexandria Dr.$6,700,000**Bank Rate Alexandria LLC

12/19/251701-1785 Alexandria Dr.$6,700,000**Retail

12/23/25501 Park Pl.

Rate Alexandria LLC

$6,250,000Parking Structure or Lots WSP Newtown LLC

12/18/252887 Richmond Rd. $6,050,000*Retail Versailles Land Group LLC

12/30/253050 Lakecrest Cir. $4,324,000Hotel/motel Laxmi, Narayan 6 LLC

12/3/25117 Hagerman Ct.

12/3/25114 Hagerman Ct

12/3/25122 Hagerman Ct

12/3/25109 Hagerman Ct

$3,350,000*Multifamily

$3,350,000*Multifamily

$3,350,000*Multifamily

$3,350,000*Multifamily

Core Lexington Maxwell SFH LLC

Core Lexington Maxwell SFH LLC

Core Lexington Maxwell SFH LLC

Core Lexington Maxwell SFH LLC

12/5/251263 E New Circle Rd$3,175,000Retail New Circle Industrial LLC

12/19/25495 Haggard Ln.

12/19/25450 Radcliffe Rd.

$3,125,000*Other

LHH Transformation Housing

$3,125,000*Other LHH Transformation Housing

12/19/25425 Lewis Hargett Cir.$1,700,000Medical Office Colehaus Ventures LLC

12/23/251073 Industry Rd.

$1,675,000Office/warehouse AC5 KY SPV LLC

*Sale Price Based on a Multiple-Parcel Transaction ** Parcel includes multiple improvements, see property record for details

Residential Sales Data for Dec. 2025

The chart below shows the monthly residential sales activity in Fayette County for the previous 24 months. The data for the most recent month reflects a projected estimate from the office of the Fayette County Property Valuation Administrator and is subject to change.

Turning Data into Stories that Stick

BY JENNIFER MATTOX

In college, I remember the dreaded statistics class everyone hoped to avoid. Little did I know how much I would appreciate stats once I entered the workplace. Whether you work for a for-profit or nonprofit like I do, you can turn data into stories that share more about your business and make an impression. A single number showing how many people you serve can signal whether an organization is small or large. Breaking that number into percentages, however, often tells a more nuanced story. For example, during the last fiscal year, the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning served 20,000 people.

If you further learn that attendees lived in 48 Kentucky counties and 34 states (both true), you might assume the Carnegie Center is a statewide or national organization. But when you learn that 85% of attendees live in Fayette County, a different picture emerges of a local organization whose programs resonate far beyond its immediate community.

Comparing data year over year, especially across several years, can also reveal trends. Overall totals and averages are particularly useful here. Looking at the Carnegie Center’s registrations over the past decade, for example, shows that our reach increased dramatically once our virtual learning programs were expanded — and that was in 2020, during the pandemic. Another story.

Data is also effective in illustrating successes. You may see higher sales for certain products, more appointments booked for specific services, or another measure of success. For our K-12 tutoring program, we compare pre- and post-assessments to determine success, and on average, children gain 1.5 years of reading skills after one year in our program. This figure shows that children who were falling behind grade level are making large gains to catch up and keep up with their peers through our program.

Pause and think about what you’ve learned about the Carnegie Center. I bet you’ll remember the stories more than the stats I mentioned. What stories might your data tell? n

Jennifer Mattox is the Executive Director of the Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning and a professional writer.

The Carnegie Center, 251 W. Second St., is a nonprofit educational center offering seasonal writing, publishing, and language classes, among other community programming.

For more information, visit CarnegieCenterLex.org.

ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING & PLANNING FIRM

Based in Lexington with Offices in Ohio & Texas.

Brandstetter Carroll Inc. has announced a strategic leadership realignment to support continued growth while advancing its mission of ENHANCING COMMUNITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE

Ben Brandstetter will remain President while also serving as Chief Executive Officer, focusing on long-term strategy and vision. Monica Sumner will continue as the Executive Vice President and has been appointed Chief Operating Officer to oversee operations and organizational coordination.

The firm has also established practicebased leadership with Eric Chambers, as Director of Architectural Practice and Charlie Schneider, as Director of Engineering Practice. These changes strengthen focus, consistency, and leadership as BCI enters its next phase.

A Taste of Home, Delivered

How Goldbelly is helping Lexington food businesses reach customers far beyond Kentucky

BY SHANNON CLINTON

Sending comforting soup to an ailing relative, a congratulatory cake to a friend or indulging in nostalgic treats from your hometown is much easier thanks to online food-delivery fulfillment platforms that some Lexington-area food purveyors are using as an additional revenue stream.

Billed as an e-commerce site “to bring people comfort through food,” Goldbelly was founded by entrepreneur Joe Ariel in 2012 to give chefs and restaurants the tools to grow their customer bases through mail ordering iconic, regionally rooted food items.

Citing the privately held company’s growth in the wake of COVID-19’s restaurant industry challenges, a 2020 Bloomberg article described Goldbelly as “saving small businesses one mail-order cheesesteak at a time.”

As its popularity has spread, Lexington has developed a small but enthusiastic presence on Goldbelly, with Cafe Patachou, Crank & Boom and chef Ouita Michel’s restaurant group, Holly Hill & Co., among the participants.

Crank & Boom co-owner Toa Green joined Goldbelly in fall 2019 and said the site was a “lifesaver” during the pandemic, allowing the company to ship nationwide and remain viable, and has remained “a steady arm of the business” ever since.

“I applied to become a vendor for years before we finally got accepted on the platform,” she said. “It was a leap of faith to try it out. I’m really glad that we did.”

She said there was a lot of initial groundwork required to refine products and processes, but once those details were ironed out, operations settled into a relatively smooth rhythm. Crank & Boom ships its ice cream with dry ice in special Styrofoam coolers using two-day shipping, enabling the product to be transported at minus 90 degrees Fahrenheit so it arrives frozen — most of the time.

“It is always a challenge when you have a very meltable product that needs to stay frozen,” Green said. “Once it leaves our door, the delivery process is out of our control. You can pack it perfectly and somewhere along the way, it can get stuck, and then melted ice cream shows up at the customer’s door. It doesn’t happen often, but it’s part of the shipping world.”

Green said most orders come from across the Southeast, though Crank & Boom’s ice cream has shipped to all 50 states and even Canada.

Crank & Boom’s most popular offering is its “Create Your Own Collection” box, Green said, which allows customers to choose six pints of ice cream to be shipped directly to them. For the undecided, a “Best Sellers Collection” sends proven customer favorites.

Green said Goldbelly’s customer service team has been a strong partner in helping the company reach a national audience,

Goldbelly CEO Joe Ariel (left) and Goldbelly Studios head Art Edwards on the set of the company's 'Eat What You Watch' TV show.

Crank & Boom co-owner Toa Green says that while shipping ice cream through platforms like Goldbelly comes with logistical hurdles, "for those who can’t be in Lexington to have our product in person, we’re so glad that we can send them ice cream to enjoy from afar.”

contributing to Crank & Boom becoming one of the highestrated ice cream brands on the site and leading to features in national outlets including Southern Living, Food & Wine and The New York Times.

Goldbelly handles all customer service issues, offers strong brand recognition and an adept marketing team, and provides bulk shipping rates that are cheaper than Crank & Boom could secure on its own, Green said.

Still, there are challenges. Green cited limited control over final consumer pricing, occasional delays when updates need to be made on the vendor site, and increased competition as more companies have joined the marketplace since 2019. Shipping ice cream cross-country is also costly, with expenses tied to materials, dry ice and packaging.

“But for those who can’t be in Lexington to have our product in person, we’re so glad that we can send them ice cream to enjoy from afar,” she said.

Holly Hill & Co. also offers a variety of items through Goldbelly, including a Bluegrass Scone & Biscuit Gift Box, a Cookie Sampler Gift Box, Wallace Station bourbon mustard and more, enabling fans of chef Ouita Michel to enjoy her food and merchandise from a distance.

With nine locations in two states, Indianapolis-based Cafe Patachou is a newcomer to the Lexington dining scene — and to Goldbelly — said brand manager Ryu Teramoto.

Teramoto said company officials were pleasantly surprised,

and “thrilled,” by the number of orders coming in after Cafe Patachou joined Goldbelly in November 2025.

“We underestimated the demand, so we actually had to ramp up our production capabilities very quickly,” he said, adding that the company purchased a new freezer and made a new hire to manage demand at the Indianapolis production kitchen that fulfills both Goldbelly orders and restaurant prep.

Goldbelly assigns each vendor a representative who works closely with restaurant partners, Teramoto said, holding detailed conversations about product offerings, ideas for growth and how those ideas might be prioritized and implemented.

That representative also assisted with packaging vendors, test shipping and pricing options. Inclusion on Goldbellycurated “holiday favorites” and “CEO’s favorites” lists pushed orders well beyond expectations, Teramoto said.

All told, Teramoto said he would recommend the experience to other restaurateurs, as it allowed Cafe Patachou to open a new revenue stream while building brand awareness nationwide.

“Joining Goldbelly gives you credibility in new markets, because people trust Goldbelly to promote what we’d consider the highest-quality purveyors and restaurants in the country,” he said. “That’s how we felt when we were invited to join.” n

Graze Craze brings growing franchise to town

BY SHANNON CLINTON

As consumers continue to nosh and nibble their way through the charcuterie trend, a mother-and-son duo has launched a new business serving artfully arranged meats, cheeses and accompaniments.

Kentucky native and University of Kentucky alumna Stacy Starnes and her son, Alex Starnes, operate Graze Craze, located at 3090 Old Todds Road in Todds Center. The business offers customizable grazing boards and boxes, along with catering.

“I’m excited to be part of this unique concept, which uses only the highestquality ingredients to spark joy in the lives we touch,” Stacy Starnes said in a written statement. “Sharing a board, enjoying its beauty and the delicious bites together —

those are the moments we enjoy most.”

Graze Craze is part of United Franchise Group and features premium meats and cheeses, produce, house-made dips, sweets and other offerings. Boards are available in multiple sizes, including vegetarian and sweets-only options, with custom orders also available.

The end of the year often brings significant change in the restaurant scene as operators make decisions and launch new projects, and 2025 was no exception. Several closures and openings were announced in recent weeks.

After more than 50 years, albeit across several locations, Tolly Ho closed for good Dec. 31. Known for its all-day breakfast and burgers such as the Tolly Ho, Super Ho and Mega Ho, the longtime favorite drew lines of fans eager for one last meal.

Bad Wolf Burgers also closed Dec. 31 after more than 15 years in business, announcing the decision the day before on social media. “From the very beginning, this place has been about more than

burgers — it’s been about community, conversations, laughter, regulars who became family, and memories we will carry forever,” the post said. “We are beyond grateful for every customer who walked through our doors, supported us, shared a meal and believed in us over the years.”

Woodford Inn in Versailles has also closed. A mid-December Facebook post announcing the decision cited the landlord’s desire for change. “It has been an honor and privilege building our business in this community and building the relationships we have with our neighbors who have supported us along the way,” the post said, while also hinting at a possible reopening if a suitable new location is found.

After seven years, Zim’s Cafe and The Thirsty Fox at the former Fayette County Courthouse permanently closed Dec. 31. “We gave it our all,” a mid-December announcement read. “Our amazing team, alongside downtown Lexington and her visitors, made it an absolutely wonderful ride.”

In the will-they-or-won’t-they category, both Bluegrass Baking Company and Nate’s Coffee announced closures, followed by multiple media reports indicating their owners are working toward reopening.

On the opening front, Black Squirrel was still listed as “coming soon” in Versailles as of mid-January. Water Tower Outdoor Cafe has opened at The Commons, offering seasonal outdoor seating, to-go service and catering.

White Tiger has opened at 3695 Nicholasville Road, serving Indian cuisine. The menu includes appetizers such as samosas, gobi and masala fries, along with momo dumplings, curries, noodles and soups.

Grill India is coming soon to the former Giovanni’s location at 128 E. New Circle Road. Meanwhile, Giovanni’s is opening a new restaurant at 462 E. New Circle Road, according to a social media announcement.

Centrepoint Grill, a halal restaurant, has opened at 1165 Centre Parkway. The menu includes classic, Greek and spicy hummus and shawarma, falafel and salads. n

At

Bank, we live, work and play in the same communities you

You’re our neighbor, friend, business partner down the

We

and understand you because we build relationships with you – every day. That helps us serve you better, and that’s what makes “highly personal banking” more effective banking. We start with you.

Rethinking Primary Care

How a Lexington health care startup is using a subscription model to make care more personal and affordable

BY MATT WICKSTROM

Ahealth care provider in Lexington is flipping the script on how patients receive care by using a subscription model to offer lower prices and more immediate, personalized service while eliminating health insurance from the equation.

Journey Health was launched in 2023 by physician assistants Andy Williford and Ryan Miller and nurse practitioner Nicole Perkins to bring a more holistic and preventive approach to healthcare. Williford and Miller previously founded Access Med, which operated on the same subscription model Journey uses today. They partnered with Perkins upon Access Med’s merger and rebranded as Wild Health in 2019. When COVID-19 hit and Wild Health pivoted to testing, vaccinations, and other telehealth services, the trio decided it was time to put their vision into action.

p From left, physician assistant Ryan Miller, nurse practitioner Nicole Perkins, and physician assistant Andy Williford launched Journey Health in 2023, a subscription-based practice offering office visits and services with no copay.

“When I got partnered up with [Andy and Ryan] is when I found this beautiful world of health care where you didn’t have to deal with insurance,” Perkins said. “Once you get a taste of that and see what all you can do to actually help your patients, you don’t want to go back to the traditional model where you’re rushing to see a different patient every five or ten minutes.

“We all come from an ER background, so we’ve seen the worst of the worst in the hospital setting as well, from people who can’t control their chronic diseases to comorbidities. With that in mind, we started Journey Health to offer a more holistic, wellness- and preventive-focused version of health care in the hopes of keeping symptoms from escalating and helping patients avoid the stress and cost associated with a trip to the ER, or worse.”

Journey Health currently has about 400 paying monthly members, ranging from newborns to octogenarians. Billing is set by age brackets — $60 per month for ages 19–45; $80 for ages 46–65; $100 for ages 66 and older; and $30 for children up to age 18 (with a paying adult membership).

Memberships include unlimited office visits with no copays and full access to Journey Health’s resources, including in-clinic procedures such as EKGs and stitch removal, lab work, wholesale prescription refills (averaging 20–30% less than retail prices), weight-loss programs, and more. According to Perkins, the Journey Health team also offers extensive coaching and lifestyle consultation.

“In a traditional model, you get labeled by your age and race and get put into a box, but here we look at things in the complete opposite way,” Miller said. “We treat each patient individually, meaning we can do as little or as much as you want to do, all the way up to genetics. In addition to getting a picture of a patient’s health history on their first visit, we’re also focused on what their goals are and what we can do to help achieve them.”

Perkins added that this level of personalized care results in most patient visits lasting up to two hours, as the team not only learns about what brought patients in initially, but also gets to know their broader needs and health goals. While Journey Health shares some characteristics with concierge medicine, Perkins emphasized that it is not a traditional concierge model, but rather private, personalized primary care designed to be more affordable, particularly when paired with a high-deductible insurance plan.

“A lot of traditional health care right now is very reactive,” Perkins said. “They wait until you develop diabetes before they're going to address it for you, whereas here we look at a lot of the markers previous to that, like ‘Are you starting to be prediabetic?’ and ‘Do you have elevated glucose and insulin?’ Because of that, we're able to be a lot more proactive and stop disease before it happens instead of trying to reverse the damage once it's already there.”

At the moment, Journey Health has one clinic, located at 3094 Harrodsburg Road, but Perkins and Miller say future goals include expansion into other parts of Lexington and nearby towns, upgrading its electronic health record system, and adding cosmetic services such as hair removal. They are also exploring partnerships with government jurisdictions and state agencies to provide primary care for employees, furthering the company’s mission of making health-care more affordable and accessible. n

BizLex Q&A

BizLex Q&A

The CivicLex founder and executive director discusses keeping an eye on housing, elections and education

BY LIZ CAREY

A Richard Young

s local and national elections unfold this year, CivicLex, a nonprofit focused on fostering engagement between Lexington residents and local government, will continue its work bringing hot-button issues to the forefront.

At the top of that list are upcoming elections for Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council seats, for which CivicLex founder and executive director Richard Young said the organization will host candidate forums.

“I think the biggest thing that we're going to have our eyes on is, of course, the elections,” he said. “It's going to be a big year for turnover on council. There are a lot of new folks running, and we’re curious to see what dynamics they would bring, what they're going to bring to council next year, and how folks carry themselves in the various races.”

All 15 council seats are on the ballot this November. Five incumbents have opted not to seek re-election — District 3’s Hannah LeGris, District 5’s Liz Sheehan, District 10’s David Sevigny, District 11’s Jennifer Reynolds, and District 6’s Lisa Higgins-Hord. The city council has 12 district seats and three at-large seats. While council elections are nonpartisan, seats with more than two candidates will have primary elections in May. The highest vote-getter in the at-large race becomes vice mayor. The mayor is voted on separately. Young said the organization would host a few candidate events around the primary elections and several leading up to the general election, focused on local candidates and down-ballot races, in addition to putting out a voter guide. Earlier this month, CivicLex also announced a $1 million challenge grant from an anonymous donor couple to the Blue Grass Community Foundation. The gift will create a permanent endowment supporting CivicLex’s youth civic education programs for all school-age students across Lexington-Fayette County.

We spoke with Young to learn more.

What are some of the things you’re focusing on this year? RY: What we're trying to do this year is create events where people can connect more organically with candidates. So many local offices — if you’re trying to get something done in your neighborhood or advocate for a particular policy — require knowing your elected officials, and there aren't many spaces in civic life where people can do that. We're building more casual spaces, like meet-andgreets, to give people a chance to have honest conversations with candidates.

What are some of the big issues you see coming up this year for Lexington? RY: I don't think you can throw a stone without talking to someone who's frustrated about either high rents or trouble finding an affordable home, especially starter homes. There continues to be a housing shortage for students on UK’s campus, and we definitely saw how that played out recently with Maxwell Street zoning changes. That challenge is only going to grow. I imagine we'll see more student housing and other housing proposals for downtown, which aren’t always popular with the public.

The last issue is the state of Fayette County Public Schools. There’s been a lot of controversy over the proposed occupational license fee increase. Some movement in Frankfort may restrict Fayette County Public Schools’ authority in this area. In the past, we haven’t done much work on how the public school system functions, but this year we’re recognizing that many people don’t understand it because it’s a complicated system. There aren’t many resources on the basics, so that’s something we hope to address.

BizLex Q&A

What types of civic engagement do you see for this year? RY: We have a robust K-12 civic education program, teaching thousands of public school students each year about how local government works. Down the road, we want to ensure that every young person in Lexington, regardless of school, has the opportunity to understand their role in shaping the city’s future.

CivicLex will also host several events connecting residents and community groups, including forming the city’s first Civic Assembly, a focus group that will explore potential changes to the city’s charter. The charter hasn’t been updated since 1998, which could lead to significant changes.

We’ve selected 36 residents at random from a pool of applicants across Lexing-

ton who are demographically representative of the city to form a Civic Assembly. They’ll meet in March to deliberate on charter changes, which could then go before council and, potentially, onto the November ballot for a vote.

How have CivicLex’s priorities expanded since its founding? RY: For the past seven years, most of our focus has been on local government. We’ve realized through internal strategic planning and reviewing community input that civic life is much bigger than that. Our mission of strengthening civic health requires a broader lens because civic engagement extends beyond local government. While we encourage involvement in LFUCG decision-making, there are many other ways people can engage in civic life. n

Getting to know Richard Young

What’s your favorite part when you fly back home to Lexington? It's just so beautiful in the summer when you're coming in — the rolling hills of the Bluegrass. But my favorite part is that almost every time I’m on a plane flying in or out of Lexington, I see someone I know. For a city of about 330,000, that kind of small-town, friendly feel is special.

What are some of your favorite places in Lexington?

One of my favorite places is Hisle Farm Park. I take my dog out there and walk around a lot — it’s really beautiful. I’m a cyclist, so I also I ride around town a lot, and out in the country on the farm roads. It continues to be amazing to be able to get on the Legacy Trail, which is one of my favorite assets in the whole city, and be out in beautiful countryside in 15 minutes.

Where do you take out-of-town guests for dinner?

Richard Young, founder and executive director of CivicLex, oversees the organization’s longterm direction and daily operations. He has been with CivicLex since its founding and lives in Council District 1.

I usually start with a drink at SRO [Standing Room Only] and then go to Pearl's Pizza or County Club for dinner. I also love Panda Cuisine on Nicholasville Road.

What's the last movie you saw?

The last movie I saw was at the Kentucky Theater, our screening of “Join or Die,” a film about how joining a club can transform you and your community.

GROWTH STARTS WITH PEOPLE

Why Valvoline Inc. prioritizes leadership development as

a pillar

of its rapid expansion trajectory

BY DAN DICKSON

When a company sets out to nearly double its footprint in less than a decade, the biggest challenge often isn’t real estate, capital, or demand — it’s people.

That reality is front and center for Valvoline Inc., a Lexington-based company with roughly 13,000 employees across its network of approximately 2,300 Valvoline Instant Oil Change locations and an ambitious goal of reaching 3,500 service centers by the end of 2030, according to Jon Caldwell, Valvoline’s chief people officer. Hitting that target will require far more than adding locations. It will demand systems that allow the company to recruit at scale, develop talent quickly and retain institutional knowledge as the organization grows.

For Valvoline, that growth trajectory has made workforce development not a support function, but a core business strategy.

A company reshaped for scale

With roots that go back 160 years, Valvoline built its name as a pioneer in automotive lubricants. Then, beginning in 1986, it became widely known for its Valvoline Instant Oil Change service centers. The company’s structure has again changed significantly over the past decade.

In 2016, Valvoline separated from Ashland Oil and became a publicly traded company. A more dramatic shift followed in 2023, when Valvoline sold its global products division — including motor oils, coolants, and other lubricants — to Aramco, based in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. That move transformed Valvoline Inc. into a services-focused company centered on fast, standardized automotive maintenance.

“That was a big deal for us,” Caldwell said. “We were a $3.5 billion revenue organization, with revenue and earnings divided pretty evenly between the two business segments. We emerged from that sale as a high-growth, pure-play retail service organization.”

Valvoline still uses the product lines it sold to Aramco in its shops. “We share the Valvoline brand. Aramco uses it from a products perspective. We use it from a services perspective,” Caldwell said.

Today, Valvoline’s approximately 2,300 service centers are split between company-owned and franchised locations across the United States and Canada, where it operates as Great Canadian Oil Change. Growth is coming through a mix of new store builds and acquisitions, including a recent deal to acquire more than 150 Breeze Auto Care locations, which have primarily been operating under the name Oil Changers. Caldwell says Valvoline is evaluating whether to change the acquired units into Valvoline Instant Oil Change stores over time. “There is still so much market share we can capture,” he said.

But expansion at that pace creates pressure well beyond operations.

Valvoline hires roughly 11,000 employees each year, Caldwell said, primarily into hourly technician roles. From the outset, however, the company treats those positions as entry points into a broader leadership pipeline.

“We are proud of our focus on development,” Caldwell said. “We have an apprenticeship model. … Not only are we hiring them into hourly technician roles, [we’re also] putting them in the pipeline to become future managers.”

Caldwell notes that more than 95 percent of Valvoline’s store managers, area managers, market managers, and directors — including the company’s two vice presidents of operations — began their careers as hourly technicians. The company actively evaluates new hires not only for current job fit, but for leadership potential.

“We ask ourselves, ‘Can they be a future leader in our organization?’” Caldwell said.

That philosophy reflects a deliberate effort to institutionalize knowledge and preserve culture as the company scales. With thousands of locations and a high-volume retail model, consistency depends on having leaders who understand the business from the ground up.

p Valvoline Inc. employs roughly 13,000 people across its network of approximately 2,300 Valvoline Instant Oil Change locations, with a goal of reaching 3,500 service centers by the end of 2030.

INDUSTRY

Systems that standardize development

Central to Valvoline’s approach and consistency across its retail locations is a proprietary process known as Super Pro. Valvoline trains its store teams on the step-by-step Super Pro process, including classroom and online instruction.

Rather than a one-time onboarding program, Valvoline also prioritizes continuous personal development across all levels of the organization. Employees are consistently trained, evaluated and recertified as they move into more advanced roles.

“Within 60 days of training, a new employee moves from being a technician to a certified technician,” Caldwell said. “Then, typically around their one-year employment mark, they take on a senior technician position, which is a keyholder role for us.”

From there, employees can progress to assistant manager, store manager, area manager, market manager, and beyond. Valvoline currently operates about 1,000 company-owned stores, each requiring leadership capable of maintaining operational standards while managing people.

The emphasis on process is intentional. As the company grows, standardized systems help ensure that safety, customer experience and operational discipline don’t erode with scale. It also creates a well-defined pathway to promote from within and create company bench strength, while offering employees opportunities to grow and advance in their careers.

"We have been told we're more of a leadership development company factory disguised as an automotive maintenance company."

Culture as a growth tool

Alongside formal systems, Valvoline places heavy emphasis on cultural alignment. Caldwell points to The Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni as influential in shaping how the company evaluates and develops talent, emphasizing humility, drive and emotional intelligence.

Caldwell, who has spent 26 years in human resources, acknowledges that competition for talent remains intense. But he believes Valvoline’s internal focus gives it an edge.

“We have been told that we are more of a leadership development factory disguised as an automotive maintenance company,” he said.

As Valvoline works toward its 2030 growth target, the company’s experience underscores a lesson relevant to many expanding organizations: growth at scale is less about adding locations and more about building repeatable systems that allow people — and culture — to grow with the business. n

More Homes, Still More Demand

Inbound moves, low-interest mortgages and families staying put contribute to Central Kentucky’s competitive real estate landscape

BY LIZ CAREY

Statistics released in November point to a strong 2026 for Central Kentucky’s residential real estate market, experts say.

According to a report from Bluegrass Realtors, sales volumes across its 38-county region exceeded $4 billion through November, up 8 percent from $3.8 billion during the same period last year. With rising home prices, more listings, and shorter market times, industry representatives say the outlook is positive — but the numbers can be misleading.

In Fayette County, 3,652 homes sold in 2025, roughly the same as the 3,666 sold in 2024. The median home price rose 3 percent,

to $340,000 from $329,050 the previous year. Homes also spent slightly more days on the market — averaging eight days in 2025 compared with six in 2024.

Mike Inman, president of Bluegrass Realtors and a Coldwell Banker McMahan agent, explained the seeming contradictions.

“There are numbers that seem impossible because some trends run opposite,” Inman said. “The median sale price is up, sales are up, days on market are up, and listings are up. You would think if you have rising prices, you would probably have more of a shortage, but we have more houses now than we've had for several years after Covid in terms of what the need is. However, there's sustained demand and we have a lot of young professionals who are coming of age and are ready to buy.”

Migration is also contributing to the market’s strength. A U-Haul report tracking one-way rental transactions ranked Kentucky 17th for growth in 2025, up eight spots from 2024. Inbound moves accounted for 50.2 percent of all one-way traffic in and out of the state.

“We have many people coming from neighboring states like Indiana and Ohio,” said Jeff Porter, U-Haul Area District VP for Kentucky and Tennessee. “Industries are moving into Louisville, and the job growth and economic opportunities are strong.”

Porter cited Kentucky’s rolling countryside, low taxes, low cost of living, and low unemployment as factors drawing new residents. Hot spots for growth include Bardstown, Berea, Bowling Green, Covington, Elizabethtown, Elsmere, Georgetown, Lawrenceburg, Lexington, Nicholasville, Oak Grove, Owensboro, Paducah, Shelbyville and Walton.

The combination of in-migration and homeowners holding onto their properties has tightened the market.

“Economists are optimistic about housing growth next year,” Inman said. “The biggest worry is interest rates. Many families have mortgages under 4 percent, so they aren’t selling to upsize or downsize. That exacerbates the housing shortage.”

Changes in family structure are also affecting inventory.

“Because of high home costs, we now see more multi-generational households — a trend not common in the U.S. for over 100 years,” Inman said. “Older family members need care but don’t want to give up their homes, which would mean losing significant equity.”

Still, more homes are hitting the market. Data from HousingWire shows Lexington’s active inventory of single-family homes increased nearly 30 percent, to 1,112 in 2025 from 858 the previous year. New listings during the week of November 7 added 82 homes, creating a 2.6-month supply.

Todd Hyatt, past president of Bluegrass Realtors, noted that overall inventory is rising. The region had 4,454 homes available in November 2025, a 7 percent increase from 4,176 in 2024, marking 25 consecutive months of year-over-year growth.

“Inventory expansion is one of the best things for this market,” Hyatt said. “After years of limited selection, it’s refreshing for buyers to see more options.”

With 4.7 months of inventory — the highest in seven years — homes are still selling quickly.

“Homes didn’t stay on the market as long in November,” Hyatt said. “Demand remains strong, and buyers are taking advantage of favorable conditions during the colder months.” n

By the Numbers: Central Kentucky Housing Market

3,652

Homes sold in Fayette County in 2025, roughly flat from 2024

$340,000

Median home price, up 3% from 2024

8 days

Average time homes spent on the market in 2025

1,112

Active single-family home listings in Lexington in 2025, up nearly 30% from 2024

4.7 months

Regional inventory of homes, the highest in seven years 17th

Kentucky’s ranking for U-Haul inbound migration in 2025, up 8 spots

Architecture Firms

RANKED BY NUMBER OF

ARCHITECTS IN LOCAL

OFFICE JAN. 2026

1 2 2 4 5 6 7 7 9 9

RossTarrant Architects 101 Old Lafayette Ave. Lexington, KY 40502 (859) 254-4018 rosstarrant.com

Omni Architects 212 N. Upper St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 252-6664 omniarchitects.com

Sherman Carter Barnhart Architects 144 Turner Commons Way, Ste. 110 Lexington, KY 40508 (859) 224-1351 scbarchitects.com

JRA Architects

301 E. Vine St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 252-6781 jrarchitects.com

CMW Architects & Engineers

249 E. Main St., Ste. 100 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 254-6623 cmwaec.com

Champlin | EOP

201 W. Short St., Ste. 700 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 231-7538 thinkchamplin.com

Brandstetter Carroll, Inc. 2360 Chauvin Dr. Lexington, KY 40517 (859) 268-1933 brandstettercarroll.com

Summit Architects + Engineers 3205 Summit Square Place Lexington, KY 40509 (859) 264-9860 summit-ae.com

Stengel Hill 501 E. High St. Lexington, KY 40502 (859) 402-8008 stengelhill.com

Morris Workshop Architects 151 N. Eagle Creek Drive, Ste. 105 Lexington, KY 40509 (859) 300-3745 morrisworkshop.com

30/ 59 18/ 21 18/ 51 10/ 21 8*/ 16

Architecture, interior design, civil engineering, landscape architecture

Architecture, interior design, planning

Architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, civil engineering, structural engineering

Architecture, interior design, historic preservation, adaptive reuse, programming, planning, master planning

Architecture, landscape architecture, civil engineering

Architecture, interior design, historic restoration, feasibility studies, programming, planning, master planning, and more

Planning, design, facility assessments, engineering assessments, feasibility studies, construction administration, and more

Architecture, civil engineering, interior design, surveying, laboratory, mine permitting

Full service architectural and interior design firm

Architecture, interior design, historic rehabilitation, pre-design feasibility, programming, project management

STEAM Academy (Fayette County Public Schools); Memorial Coliseum Renovation (University of Kentucky); Carter County Public Schools

University of Kentucky School of Art and Visual Studies; BCTC Advanced Manufacturing Center; Council of State Governments National Headquarters

White Hall Renovation, Funkhouser Building Renovation/ Addition (University of Kentucky); BCTC Administration Building Renovation/Addition

University of Kentucky Health Education Building; University of Kentucky Scovell Hall; Louisville Free Public Library South Central Regional Library

Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza; Kentucky Horse Park and Campgrounds; YMCA - Beaumont

Central Bank Center/ Rupp Arena Expansion; FCPS Career & Technical Education School; Lexington Public Librar Marksbury Family Branch

Refer to brandstettercarroll.com for exemplary projects

Harrison County High School; Community Trust Bank; Harlan County Public Schools

Refer to stengelhill.com for exemplary projects

Maker's Mark lab building; Studios180 @ MLK; Wrigley Media Studios @ Woodhill

Top Local O cial(s)

Jeffrey C. Stivers, AIA, LEED AP (President)

Eric Zabilka, AIA, CID, LEED AP (President)

Michael L. Smith, AIA, LEED AP (President)

Rob Deal, AIA, LEED AP (President)

Darenda Watkins (President)

Chris Estes, CIA, IIDA, NCIDQ, LEED AP (Principal); Kevin Gough, AIA, NCARD (Principal)

Benjamin E. Brandstetter, PE (President & CEO)

D. Scott Noel, Assoc. AIA (President & CEO)

Paul Edwards, AIA (Partner);

Bobby Morris (Principal Architect)

Architecture Firms

alt32 Architecture

310 Old Vine St., Ste. 300 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 233-4804 alt32.com

Gibson Taylor Thompson Architecture & Design

169 N. Limestone St. Lexington, KY 40507 (502) 424-0032 gibsontaylorthompson.com

Lord Aeck Sargent Planning & Design, Inc.

269 W. Main St, Ste. 500 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 929-1400 lordaecksargent.com

Tate Hill Jacobs Architects 446 E. High St., Ste. 250 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 252-5994 thjarch.com

Joseph & Joseph Architects 628 Winchester Rd., Ste. 301 Lexington, KY 40505 (859) 523-0090 josephandjoseph.net

K Norman Berry Associates Architects 310 Old Vine St., #101 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 721-2503 knbarch.com

PRP Architects

620 Euclid Ave., Ste. 105 Lexington, KY 40502 (859) 268-1720 prparc.com

Full-service architectural firm focused on education and institutional projects, specializing in building envelope, historic preservation, feasability studies, and master planning

Architecture, interior design, historic rehabilitation, pre-design feasibility, programming, project management

Architecture, interior design, urban design, laboratory design, landscape architecture, sustainable design, historic preservation and planning

Architectural design, renovation, adaptive reuse, feasibility studies, interior design

Full-service architecture, interior design, and master planning firm focused on the bourbon industry; adaptive reuse and historic renovation; hotels and hospitality industry design; park design; multi-family project design

Architecture, historic preservation and restoration, interior design, planning

University of Kentucky Medical Science Renovations; Lexington US Courthouse; West Main Crafting Company

Refer to gibsontaylor thompson.com for exemplary projects

Clive Pohl, AIA 3/ 9 3/ 13 2/

Collaborative process toward energy efficient and/or "green" design, renderings, construction oversight

Rupp District; Meadowthorpe Landing; University of Kentucky Cooper House

Frederick Douglass High School; Locust Trace AgriScience Center; Lyric Theater & Cultural Arts Center

University of Kentucky James B. Beam Institute; Parklands of Floyds Fork; The Delegate Hotel (Frankfort)

Fayette County Courthouse; University of Kentucky Gray Design Building; Artek Lofts

Mike Sparkman, AIA (Principal and Owner)

Baron Gibson (Partner); Darren Taylor (Partner); Vincent Thompson (Partner)

Stanford Harvey (Principal); Elisabeth Hunt (Director)

Katrina Littrell, AIA (Principal); Sabrina Oaks, AIA, CID, NCARB, LEED AP (Principal)

Ian McHone, AIA

Bob Hafferman, AIA, LEED AP (Managing Principal)

See prparc.com for exemplary projects

Source: Source: Information obtained from Business Lexington questionnaire and company websites. Other companies may have been eligible but did not respond to requests for information. Key: * = Previous figures

Mortgage Lenders

RANKED

BY NUMBER OF LOANS ORIGINATED IN 2024 JAN. 2026

Lender Name Address

1 2 3 4 4 6 7 8 9

Central Bank & Trust Company

300 W. Vine St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 253-6013 centralbank.com

University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union 1730 Alysheba Way Lexington, KY 40509 (859) 264-4200 ukfcu.org

Guardian Savings Bank

501 Southland Drive Lexington, KY 40503 (859) 263-3335 guardiansavingsbank.com

Benchmark Mortgage

1084 E. New Circle Road, Ste. 200 Lexington, KY 40505 (859) 976-1777 lexington.benchmark.us

Traditional Bank 2801 Palumbo Drive Lexington, KY 40509 (859) 263-2801 traditionalbank.com

Stock Yards Bank & Trust 1792 Alysheba Way, Ste. 250 Lexington, KY 40509 (800) 625-9066 syb.com

Stockton Mortgage 88 C. Michael Davenport Blvd., Ste. 1 Frankfort, KY 40601 (888) 914-2276 stockton.com

Fifth Third Bank

250 W. Main St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 455-5353 53.com

Community Trust Bank, Inc.

100 E. Vine St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 389-5350 ctbi.com

$221,770,000 $139,170,000 $88,910,000 $133,395,000 $111,030,000 $106,040,000 $92,430,000 $122,925,000

Principal O cer

Luther Deaton, Jr. (Chairman, President and CEO)

Ryan Ross (President/CEO)

Kirk Koppenhoefer (President)

Marty Preston (Branch Manager)

Anthony C. Baker (CEO)

Louis Prichard (Central Kentucky Market President)

David Stockton (President/Owner)

Kimberly Halbauer (President, Kentucky Region)

Billie J. Dollins (Executive Vice President, Central Region President)

Mortgage Lenders

Lender Name Address Phone

Commonwealth Credit Union

10 11 12 13

417 High St. Frankfort, KY 40601 (502) 564-4775 ccuky.org

Chase Bank

201 E. Main St. Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 231-2122 chase.com

Bank of Lexington 761 Corporate Drive Lexington, KY 40503 (859) 219-2900 bankoflexingtonky.net

Rocket Mortgage 40600 Ann Arbor Road E. Ste. 201 Plymouth, MI 48170 (888) 452-8179 rocketmortgage.com

Karen Harbin (President/CEO)

Paul Costel (Managing Director and Kentucky Region Manager)

Cindy Burton (President)

Jay Bray (President/CEO)

Source: Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) Dataset Report for 2024, obtained from ffiec.cfpb.gov/data-browser. Note: Lenders included originated 100+ loans in the most recent year for which data is available (2024).

Real Estate Law Firms

RANKED BY NUMBER OF LAWYERS IN LOCAL OFFICE JAN. 2026

Real Estate Lawyers in Lexington Office/ Other Attorneys in Lexington Office

Managing Partner(s) in Lexington O ce/ Year Established Locally/ Total Number of O ces Main Practice Areas

1 1 1 1 5 6

Embry Merritt Womack Nance, PLLC Chase Tower

201 E. Main St., Ste. 1402 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 543-0453 emwnlaw.com

McBrayer, PLLC

201 E. Main St., Ste. 900 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 231-8780 mcbrayerfirm.com

Rose Camenisch Stewart Mains, PLLC 326 S. Broadway Lexington, KY 40508 (859) 721-2100 rcsmlaw.com

Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP

250 W. Main St., Ste. 1600 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 233-2012 wyattfirm.com

Commercial and residential real estate closings; condemnations; foreclosures; development; leasing; title insurance; construction; corporate formation; real estate litigation

Real estate closings; planning and zoning; for sale by owner (FSBO); purchase and sale; student housing; creditors' rights and foreclosure; commercial developments; shopping centers and other retail developments; residential and commercial leases; commercial and residential real estate transactions; commercial lease disputes; multi-family development and affordable housing

Commercial real estate purchases, sales, and exchanges; zoning and land use planning; commercial real estate lending, including construction lending, representing both lenders and borrowers; commercial leasing for both landlords and tenants; real estate loan workouts and restructurings; real estate disputes and litigation; real estate development; title insurance and escrow services; 1031 exchanges, including qualified intermediary services; mineral acquisitions; divestitures; ventures and financings; construction contracting and dispute resolution; condominium law; syndications and securities offerings for real estate investments

Real estate development; financing and transactions; construction; leasing; mortgage lending; title insurance; zoning and land use

Darren L. Embry, Samantha T. Nance (Managing Partners)/ 2011/ 3 nationally

James H. Frazier, III/ 1978/ 3 Partner Managed/ 2015/ 1

Dentons

300 W. Vine St., Ste. 1200 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 231-8500 dentons.com

Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC

300 W. Vine St., Ste. 2100 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 231-3000 skofirm.com

Finance and lending; commercial and industrial development; land use and zoning; commercial and industrial leasing; title insurance claims; real estate and land use disputes and litigation; solar, mineral, limestone/quarry, oil/gas leases and transactions; affordable housing and tax incentive credits; commercial creditors' rights and foreclosures; commercial leases and evictions

Zoning; rezoning; planning; variances; conditional uses; subdivisions and annexation; acquisition; development and disposition; office retail; warehouse and industrial leasing for landlords and tenants; representation of lenders and borrowers in financing real estate transactions; shopping center; office and industrial park; planned unit developments; local counsel assistance in multi-state transactions; construction lending; documentation for lenders and representation of borrowers; construction

W. Craig Robertson III (Partner-in-Charge, Lexington Office), Emily H. Cowles (Partner, Leader of Real Estate and Lending Services Team)/ 1977/ 5 nationally

Kimberly O'Donnell (Managing Partner)/ 1978/ 163 globally

P. Douglas Barr (Managing Director)/ 1897/ 6 nationally

Real Estate Law Firms

RANKED BY NUMBER OF LAWYERS IN LOCAL OFFICE JAN. 2026

7 8

Kinkead & Stilz, PLLC

301 E. Main St., Ste. 800 (859) 296-2300 ksattorneys.com

Stites & Harbison

250 W. Main St., Ste. 2300 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 226-2300 stites.com

9 10 10

Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP

100 W. Main St., Ste. 900 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 425-1000 dinsmore.com

FBT Gibbons

250 W. Main St., Ste. 2800 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 231-0000 frostbrowntodd.com

Fowler Bell PLLC

300W. Vine St. Ste. 600 Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 252-6700 fowlerlaw.com

Commercial real estate; commercial construction and development; landlord/tenant/leases; planning and zoning; entity formation and reorganization; tax planning; 1031 transactions, including qualified intermediary services; title insurance; financing, acquisitions and divestures; dispute resolutions

Commercial finance; community development; affordable housing and headquarters relocation; conservation easements; construction; data centers; environmental, energy, and sustainability; gaming; health care - real estate; hemp industry; land use and zoning; manufacturing; public-private partnership (P3); real estate and land use litigation; real estate development and finance; real estate general practice; sports and entertainment

Real estate; acquisitions and dispositions; development and zoning; financing; leasing and property management; commercial finance

Commercial real estate acquisitions; sales; development; leasing and finance with an emphasis on multi-family, retail, industrial, office, healthcare, and equine properties; obtaining land use and zoning entitlements; issuance of title insurance policies and curing of title defects; prosecuting litigation and other disputes arising from real estate

Managing Partner(s) in Lexington O ce/ Year Established Locally/ Total Number of O ces

Robert C. Stilz, Jr., John S. Talbot, III (Real Estate Practice Leads)/ 1997/ 3 statewide

Cassidy Rosenthal (Lexington Office Executive Member)/ 1832/ 12 nationally

Grahmn Morgan (Lexington Managing Partner)/ 1997/ 30 nationally

Jan de Beer (Office Partner-InCharge)/ 1919/ 18 nationally

Taft A. McKinstry (Managing Member)/ 1897/ 1 7/ 8 5/ 44 4/ 45 2/ 30 2/ 6

Commercial real estate transaction; residential real estate transaction; HOA and COA representation; landlord/tenant disputes; foreclosures and receivership; property development and acquisitions; lease negotiations

Source: Information obtained from Business Lexington questionnaires and company websites. Other firms may have been eligible but did not respond to requests for information.

SPECIAL EVENT SERVICES

NEW HIRES & PROMOTIONS

Bell Engineering, a privately owned engineering and landscape architecture firm, announced the addition of Megan Hogan, certified professional services marketer, and David Howell, professional engineer, as principals.

The Kentucky Film Leadership Council has named Meg Fister as executive director of the Kentucky Film Office.

Saint Joseph Health announced the hiring of Terrence (Terry) Wooten, MHA, as the new president of Saint Joseph Hospital on Harrodsburg Road.

Saint Joseph Health has welcomed Samantha Barry, MSN, FNP-C, to its team at Saint Joseph Medical Group –Gastroenterology in Lexington.

Kelly Fink has joined Joseph

and Joseph Architects as a project manager.

The Lexington office of Stites & Harbison, PLLC has promoted attorney Gentry C. Collins to member (partner), and announced the addition of Jacob Baird to the firm's Torts & Insurance Practice Service Group.

Sherman Carter Barnhart Architects announced promotion of Jennifer Cash, AIA, and Allison Commings, AIA, KYCID, LEED AP, to principals of the firm.

Attorney Keeana Sajadi Boarman has joined Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC’s Lexington office as an equity member.

Vance Marshall has joined Republic Bank as vice president, senior commercial banking officer.

Jeffrey White, PHR announced he will retire from his role as executive director

of The Nest - Center for Women, Children, and Families at the end of June 2026.

Marissa Emery, DDS, DMD, has joined the staff of Arnold Dental.

Kismet Marketing has welcomed to its team art director Julie White and designer Ally Davis

Jennifer Alimento has joined Community Ventures as business development specialist for the Central Kentucky region.

Tom Harris, APR, has been elected to the board of directors for Kentucky Nonprofit Network (KNN), the state association of charitable nonprofits. Harris joins nonprofit advocates and leaders on the KNN board, including newly appointed officers: Chair Eileen O’Brien, attorney with Osborne Family Law; Vice Chair Mason Dyer, president of the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges

and Universities; Treasurer Marcey Ansley, executive director of The Hearing & Speech Center; and Secretary Marian Guinn, President of MG Coaching & Consulting.

KUDOS

Republic Bank & Trust Company was recognized as one of America’s Best Regional Banks & Credit Unions 2026 by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group. This marks the third consecutive year Republic has received the honor.

Saint Joseph Health announced the launch of a Community Paramedicine Program, the first hospitalbased program of its kind in Lexington and one of only a few in Kentucky. The program focuses on reducing hospital readmissions for patients with sepsis, pneumonia, COPD and heart failure — conditions most likely to result in rehospitalization.

RD Property Group Grows Communities and Local Economies

Newtown Springs Poised for Major Growth, with Patchen Wilkes Development Underway

Building Kentucky Communities for Over 50 Years

For more than ive decades, RD Property Group has played a low-pro ile but signi icant role in shaping commercial growth across Central Kentucky. Familyowned and Kentucky-based, RD Property Group specializes in commercial real estate investment, development, and long-term property management -- focusing on projects that serve both businesses and the communities around them.

A Long-Term, Community-First Approach

RD Property Group seeks out both stabilized properties and value-add opportunities, working closely with partners through new construction, redevelopment, and expansion. What sets RD apart is its commitment to relationships -- many tenant partnerships span decades, with some extending more than 50 years. That collaborative approach helps ensure developments are not only commercially successful but also thoughtfully integrated into the neighborhoods they serve.

Featured Developments

Newtown Springs After decades of planning, the Newtown Springs development is taking shape as a major commercial destination on Lexington’s north side. Anchored by nationally recognized brands and

supported by strong local demand, the project includes Kroger, Starbucks, Everhome Suites, Estepp’s Friendly Shell, Jimmy John’s, and Hot Head Burritos, with Panera Bread and additional restaurants coming soon. Designed for accessibility and everyday convenience, Newtown Springs re lects RD’s focus on practical, communitydriven growth.

Patchen Wilkes On Lexington’s east side, RD Property Group is bringing Patchen Wilkes to life as a comprehensively planned mixed-use development. Currently in early infrastructure phases, the project will ultimately include retail, multi-family, and expanded single-family options, creating a connected environment built for future growth.

Building What Lasts

From concept to completion, RD Property Group prioritizes developments that enhance communities, support local economies, and stand the test of time.

Whether you’re looking for commercial space or a development partner, we look forward to hearing from you.

(859) 225-8800

O'BRIEN

Simon Law, PLLC, a new business and construction law firm founded by attorney Nathan Simon, has opened in Lexington to serve contractors and closely held businesses nationwide.

Fifteen Dinsmore & Shohl attorneys from the firm’s Lexington office have earned recognition on the 2026 Kentucky Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists. Those honored as Super Lawyers include: Mindy Barfield, Anthony Bonner, Christopher R. Cashen, Chauncey S.R. Curtz, Barbara B. Edelman, Ellen Arvin Kennedy, Grahmn N. Morgan, John R. Rhorer, Jr., and Terri R. Stallard. Those on the Rising Stars list include: Houston Bragg, Kyle Bunnell, Seth Church, Kristeena L. Johnson, Sara A. Johnston, and Donald C. Morgan. Additionally, four associates in Lexington have been promoted to senior associate.They include: Kyle Bunnell, Cassandra Carter, Seth Church, and Donald Morgan.

Commerce Lexington announced the members of its 2026 Ambassador Committee, a selected group of volunteers who serve as official representatives and advocates of the Chamber. Those individuals include:

David Baumgartner, Tresane, LLC; Debbie Cain, Bluegrass Builders and Remodel; Alicia Cox, Stock Yards Bank; Brandy Drakeford, BACK Construction; Vicki Evans, TOPS Marketing; Justin Ferrarella, Lexington Legends; Braeden Finch, Field & Main Bank, Caroline Francis, University of Kentucky; Charity Gilbert, Christian Appalachian Project; Art Hubbard, Hubbard Mechanical; Kristie Jones, Commonwealth Credit Union; Paige Mazzoni, Servpro; Trey McCallie, Realty One Group Bluegrass; Josh McCurn, Haymaker Company; Laura Mobley-Corn, Express Employment Professionals; Jeff Morrett, Parsons & Howard Insurance Group; Jennifer Neal, Lamar Advertising; Crystal Newton, 46Solutions; Dan Noel, Men In Kilts Lexington (2026 Committee Chair); Sam Overbee, Old National Bank; Jessica Pfister, Human Interest; Alisa Rose, Nimlok Kentucky; Rob Ruddick, Independence Bank (Chair-Elect); Trey Schadt, Anderson & Rodgers Construction; Regina Schmutte, RSR Benefits; Bob Stamper, ISAFE Complete; Ginger Stein, Churchill McGee LLP; Hunter Stewart, South Central Bank; Mike Sypolt, LW Office Furniture Warehouse; and Kelly Webb, Colonial Life.

Who's Who For You?

Submit your company’s recent hirings, promotions, and awards for listing in the Who’s Who section of Business Lexington. Email a press release and photo to info@bizlex.com.

Erin Haramoto, associate professor in the Plant and Soil Sciences Department has been awarded The University of KentuckyMartin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and EnvironmentMaster Teacher Award for her significant dedication to teaching.

Lifepoint Health’s four Central Kentucky hospitals announced they are strengthening their collaboration by unifying under a new name and brand Centerpoint Health. Each hospital will carry the Centerpoint name along with its city name: Bluegrass Community Hospital is now Centerpoint Health –Versailles; Bourbon Community Hospital is now Centerpoint Health – Paris; Clark Regional Medical Center is now Centerpoint Health – Winchester;

and Georgetown Community Hospital is now Centerpoint Health – Georgetown.

Commerce Lexington announced its annual awards recognizing community impact and volunteerism. The Volunteer of the Year Award recipient is Debbie Smith, Lexington Market Leader for Cherry Bekaert LLP, while the Community Impact Award will be presented to the partners of the Central Kentucky Business Park Authority, the first-ever public, multi-county regional business park in Central Kentucky. The recipients of this award include Scott County Judge-Executive Joe Pat Covington, Madison County Judge-Executive Reagan Taylor, Berea Mayor Bruce Fraley, and Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton. n

A ready-made reference tool for the Bluegrass business community— the Book of Lists combines a year’s worth of Business Lexington’s most statistically informative feature into one glossy-cover publication, which will be seen by thousands of corporate and community decision makers across the state. This resource offers a wealth of information reaching a very high percentage of Lexington’s business community, and its year-long shelf life makes it a powerful way to get your message across to potential customers.

Prime adjacencies available.

Advertising deadline: Feb. 11

Advertising materials deadline: Feb. 13

New year, new name. Meet LexGive365! Formerly BGCF365, this giving circle continues to bring people together to support Lexington all year long.

Getting involved is easy! You give $365, just a dollar a day. Your donation is pooled with others, creating a powerful fund. Members decide together how to award $30,000 to support local causes and nonprofits.

LexGive365 is more than a giving circle. It’s a community of neighbors who care about Lexington and want to make a di erence, together.

Make 2026 your year of impact. Join us today! bgcf.org/lexgive365