Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall Of Fame

Kory Payne is the co-founder and CEO of Ujoin Advocacy. Ujoin helps people communicate easily and effectively with policy makers, giving nonprofits, business, and citizens all of the tools they need to be effective policy advocates. Kory is from a small town in Ohio and eventually found himself running a small nonprofit in Hawaii. He needed an advocacy platform and all he found was clunky and very expensive solutions, so he set out to create Ujoin.  He met his wife in Hawaii and she brought him back to the Paducah area where she's from. They're raising two kids in Paducah and Kory plans to grow the Ujoin business there. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:  • Kory Payne on Linkedin • Ujoin's website Leave Some Feedback: • Email podcast@awesomeinc.org with what you want to hear about next. • Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please leave a short review. Connect with Us: • Subscribe to our podcast • awesomeinc.org • Instagram -- @awesomeinclex • Twitter -- @awesomeinclex • YouTube --- Send in a

Justin Perron is co-founder and CEO of 13 Layers, which is a Managed Cybersecurity Services company on the frontlines protecting companies globally from hackers. 13 Layers empowers Executives and IT professionals with the education, strategy and tools required to defeat the most sophisticated cyber-criminal groups in the world. Justin's daily goals include teaching IT professionals how to build zero trust networks with proactive security as the first layer of defense and teaching Executives how to analyze and reduce risk from cyber-attacks. When he's not fully connected, you can find him purposely disconnected and hiking, kayaking, playing soccer, traveling, or cooking and being a foodie with family. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: • ⁠⁠Justin Perron on Linkedin • ⁠⁠13 Layers website⁠⁠ Leave Some Feedback: • Email ⁠⁠podcast@awesomeinc.org⁠⁠ with what you want to hear about next. • Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please leave a short review. Connect with Us: • Subscribe to our podcast • ⁠⁠awe

Bill Meehan⁠ and ⁠Kirk Selenberg⁠ are the Co-Founders of ⁠MiniGrip⁠, which is the World’s First Portable Gripper – A high-quality accessory that people carry with them and use to open twist-top bottles, jars, and other items!   Kirk and Bill met in Business school at Carnegie Mellon in 2010 and have been friends since.  Kirk (Chief Product Officer) is a Mechanical Engineer by education with 7 Years in R&D and 15 Years in IT. Bill (CEO) has and Finance and Operations background with 20+ years of experience leading businesses in both High-tech and Retail. Bill and Kirk launched MiniGrip in 2020 and have both always wanted to start a new business.   Bill and Kirk both live in Lexington with their families. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: • ⁠Kirk Selenberg⁠ on Linkedin • ⁠Bill Meehan⁠ on Linkedin • ⁠MiniGrip website⁠ Leave Some Feedback: • Email ⁠podcast@awesomeinc.org⁠ with what you want to hear about next. • Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please leave a short review. Connect with Us: • Subscribe

Chris Wiedmar is co-founder and COO of Party Horses, which is an experiential company that plays in the web3 and spirits space.  Chris and his team started Party Horses back in January 2022 and have generated close to 2M in revenue over the past year. They are looking to expand more into the spirits business in 2023. Chris enjoys spending time with his family, mentoring other startups and collecting rare Nike sneakers in his spare time. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: • Chris Wiedmar on Linkedin • Party Horses website Leave Some Feedback: • Email podcast@awesomeinc.org with what you want to hear about next. • Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please leave a short review. Connect with Us: • Subscribe to our podcast • awesomeinc.org • Instagram -- @awesomeinclex • Twitter -- @awesomeinclex • YouTube --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awesomeinc/message

Matt is co-founder and CEO at Canopy. Previously, he was a Captain in the U.S. Air Force and spent an 8 year career as a B-52H Weapons Officer. In this role, he flew, managed, and operated weapon systems ranging from conventional munitions to nuclear armed cruise missiles. As a supervisor and operator of Air Force weapon systems, Matt developed expertise on the technical capabilities and limitations of all weapons in the Air Force’s inventory and adjacent military branches.  During this time, he also served as a mission commander on dozens of missions during two combat deployments overseas. Matt then took his expertise to Europe as an Air Liaison Officer, advising NATO partners and U.S. military forces on how to utilize U.S. Air Force capabilities. He developed strategy and planned operations at the highest levels, while managing and integrating the Air Force’s special operations tactical air controllers, known as Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs).  Matt has an MBA from the University of Chi

Recap of Feedcoyote winning at the February 2023 5 Across on February 22nd, 2023. Stevens is the Founder & CEO at Feedcoyote, an AI-powered collaboration network platform with built-in productivity tools that empowers freelance business.  Stevens is an Economist with a Doctorate in Business, and has gained his tech experience at Microsoft for many years. Now he aims to help take loneliness out of freelance work and improve productivity so that freelancers can make more money together. Join the Feedcoyote community today on the Web, or download the App on iOS & Android. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: • Stevens Bonhomme on Linkedin • Steven's February 2023 5 Across pitch (41:33) • Feedcoyote website Leave Some Feedback: • Email podcast@awesomeinc.org with what you want to hear about next. • Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please leave a short review. Connect with Us: • Subscribe to our podcast • awesomeinc.org • Instagram -- @awesomeinclex • Twitter -- @awesomeinclex • YouTube --- Sen

Recap of XENA Intelligence winning at the 2022 5 Across FINALS on December 7th, 2022. XENA is an AI-powered growth platform that helps e-commerce brands automate and optimize ad campaigns on marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart through data intelligence, proprietary algorithms, and predictive analytics. In 2022, we grew revenue 12X, managed over $14.5M in ad spend, with 40+ brand clients (including Nestle), and grew the team to 25 FTEs. Founded by Akhil Nair, an experienced strategic consultant and marketer out of Louisville, XENA is a Techstars NYC Accelerator alum, and gearing up for a Seed Round in Q2, 2023. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: • Akhil Nair on Linkedin • Akhil's October 2022 5 Across pitch • XENA website Leave Some Feedback: • Email podcast@awesomeinc.org with what you want to hear about next. • Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please leave a short review. Connect with Us: • Subscribe to our podcast • awesomeinc.org • Instagram -- @awesomeinclex • Twitter -- @awesomeinclex • YouTube

XENA is an AI-powered growth platform that helps e-commerce brands automate and optimize ad campaigns on marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart through data intelligence, proprietary algorithms, and predictive analytics.  In 2022, we grew revenue 12X, managed over $14.5M in ad spend, with 40+ brand clients (including Nestle), and grew the team to 25 FTEs. Founded by Akhil Nair, an experienced strategic consultant and marketer out of Louisville, XENA is a Techstars NYC Accelerator alum, and gearing up for a Seed Round in Q2, 2023. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: • Akhil Nair on Linkedin • Akhil's October 2022 5 Across pitch  • XENA website Leave Some Feedback: • Email podcast@awesomeinc.org with what you want to hear about next. • Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please leave a short review. Connect with Us: • Subscribe to our podcast • awesomeinc.org • Instagram -- @awesomeinclex • Twitter -- @awesomeinclex • YouTube --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awesomeinc/message

Steve Chamberland is the Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer at Water Warriors, a scientifically driven company providing innovative products and technologies to protect our waterways from nutrient pollution.  At Water Warriors we believe that water is the world's most valuable resource, we treat water how water should be treated. Steve competed in and won the August 2022 5 Across and earned a spot in the 2022 5 Across FINALS. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: • Steve Chamberland on Linkedin • Water Warriors website Leave Some Feedback: • Email podcast@awesomeinc.org with what you want to hear about next. • Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please leave a short review. Connect with Us: • Subscribe to our podcast • awesomeinc.org • Instagram -- @awesomeinclex • Twitter -- @awesomeinclex • YouTube --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awesomeinc/message

Hussein Al-Baiaty from Scribe Media interviewed Garrett Fahrbach of the Awesome Inc team who led the charge on publishing the next book in the series from the Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame.  Unbridled Spirit Volume 2: Lessons in Life and Business tells 19 stories of 2015-2019 inductees from the Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame classes. Pick up your copy today on Amazon or at the Awesome Inc space! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: • Unbridled Spirit Volume 2: Lessons in Life and Business from Kentucky's Most Successful Entrepreneurs on Amazon • Hussein Al-Baiaty on Linkedin • Garrett Fahrbach on Linkedin Leave Some Feedback: • Email podcast@awesomeinc.org with what you want to hear about next. • Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please leave a short review. Connect with Us: • Subscribe to our podcast • awesomeinc.org • Instagram -- @awesomeinclex • Twitter -- @awesomeinclex • YouTube --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awesomeinc/message

Sue Spencer has many years' experience with cybersecurity and network management for NASA and other government agencies. She took a career break to raise a family then rejoined the tech world with her ground-breaking design technology that removes ethnic bias from clothing design. She has presented at graphic design conferences and conducted multi-week workshops from Madrid to Shenzhen, from Montreal to Seattle. Sue's startup Seamly Systems produces Seamly pattern design software. The Seamly beta application is available for download at https://seamly.net. We enjoyed having Sue compete in the August 2022 5 Across Pitch Competition. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: • Sue Spencer on Linkedin • Seamly website Leave Some Feedback: • Email podcast@awesomeinc.org with what you want to hear about next. • Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please leave a short review. Connect with Us: • Subscribe to our podcast • awesomeinc.org • Instagram -- @awesomeinclex • Twitter -- @awesomeinclex • YouTube --- Send in a

Dr. Kyle Mann is founder and CEO of UpScore Test Prep which provides equitable access to ACT test prep by partnering with schools and educational programs. UpScore utilizes user friendly dashboards, analytical reports, and personalized learning to radically improve learning efficiency. Kyle is passionate about healthcare, education, and rural Kentucky. We enjoyed having Kyle compete in the August 2022 5 Across Pitch Competition. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: • Kyle Mann on Linkedin • UpScore Test Prep website Leave Some Feedback: • Email podcast@awesomeinc.org with what you want to hear about next. • Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please leave a short review. Connect with Us: • Subscribe to our podcast • awesomeinc.org • Instagram -- @awesomeinclex • Twitter -- @awesomeinclex • YouTube --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awesomeinc/message

Dakota Hoskins is the owner-operator of Safari Solutions - a technology start-up company that focuses on the latest high-tech car wash innovations. Safari Solutions’ barcode scanner module enables car wash operators to add barcode scanning capabilities to any existing kiosk without breaking the bank! We enjoyed having Dakota compete in the August 2022 5 Across Pitch Competition. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: • Dakota Hoskins on Linkedin • Safari Car Wash Solutions website Leave Some Feedback: • Email podcast@awesomeinc.org with what you want to hear about next. • Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please leave a short review. Connect with Us: • Subscribe to our podcast • awesomeinc.org • Instagram -- @awesomeinclex • Twitter -- @awesomeinclex --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awesomeinc/message

Awesome Inc team fan-favorite, Steve Huey (Angel Investor, Mentor, and Serial Entrepreneur) leads the Saturday night session at the 2022 Awesome Inc Startup Summer Retreat. For the past two decades Steve has been a leader in integrating cutting-edge technologies into already existing markets that desperately need them. Most recently he founded TYP64, a venture studio meets buyout fund, that helps legacy companies implement digital transformation solutions to reinvigorate their business. Prior to starting TYP64, Steve was the founder and CEO of Capture Higher Ed, an industry-leading technology firm that provides predictive modeling and marketing automation software to university recruitment offices. Featured in Forbes’ Built to Sell and 2018 Kentucky Mentor of the Year, Steve is also a part of the prestigious Endeavour Entrepreneur network honoring high-impact entrepreneurs across the world. Steve has had several successfully exits, most recently as the Chair of publicly-traded sales software firm, Sharpspring

Kelly Wright is the founder and CEO of Pomander Tech, which is a fragrance sampling kiosk that drives sales through a better customer experience. At the Pomander Tech kiosk: take a quiz; get personalized recommendations; receive a sample card with chosen fragrance.   Kelly is a software developer for Inc 5000 company APAX Software in Lexington, KY, Christian, mother, and Girl Scout troop leader. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: • Kelly Wright on Linkedin • Pomander Tech's website Leave Some Feedback: • Email podcast@awesomeinc.org with what you want to hear about next. • Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please leave a short review. Connect with Us: • Subscribe to our podcast • awesomeinc.org • Instagram -- @awesomeinclex • Twitter -- @awesomeinclex • YouTube --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awesomeinc/message

Lindsey Grass is the founder and designer of Trends by Linds, an up-cycled fashion and vintage finds brand. Lindsey started her business during the pandemic in 2020, when she saw an issue within the fashion industry, and a solution she could bring to the table. Lindsey is passionate about sustainable clothing, empowering the world around her, and designing new things! Kara Smith is a recent graduate from the University of Kentucky, currently a Team Alpha Marketing Intern. Her interest in starting her journey of creating a business, selling her own art, led her to discover how a young entrepreneur begins. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: • Lindsey Grass on Linkedin • Kara Smith on Linkedin • Trends by Linds on Instagram • Awesome Inc Team Alpha internship application Leave Some Feedback: • Email podcast@awesomeinc.org with what you want to hear about next. • Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please leave a short review. Connect with Us: • Subscribe to our podcast • awesomeinc.org • Instagram -

Episode 111: Samuel Wheeling is the owner of Bang-A-Chain LLC, which he runs with his wife Jennifer Wheeling.  While growing his disc golf business, he recalled many skills learned over the years while being a manager of retail and fast food establishments. And when an opportunity to change his career paths presented itself, he decided to learn how to code and become a web developer.  Currently, Sam works for Blueframe Tech which was recently acquired by Hudl. He has been with them since graduating from Awesome Inc U's Bootcamp. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: • Samuel Wheeling on Linkedin • Bang-A-Chain website Leave Some Feedback: • Email podcast@awesomeinc.org with what you want to hear about next. • Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please leave a short review. Connect with Us: • Subscribe to our podcast • awesomeinc.org • Instagram -- @awesomeinclex • Twitter -- @awesomeinclex • YouTube --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awesomeinc/message

Episode 110: Philip Devine is co-founder of Quill, which enables real estate agents to write, sign, and submit offers for their clients without their laptops, in less time than it takes to send a text.  They're currently getting ready to launch the beta version this fall.  Philip is passionate about building things that make life easier, doing CrossFit with his family, and spending time with friends. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: • Philip Devine on Linkedin • Quill website Leave Some Feedback: • Email podcast@awesomeinc.org with what you want to hear about next. • Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please leave a short review. Connect with Us: • Subscribe to our podcast • awesomeinc.org • Instagram -- @awesomeinclex • Twitter -- @awesomeinclex • YouTube --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awesomeinc/message

Episode 109: Bill Meehan and Kirk Selenberg are the Co-Founders of MiniGrip, which is the World’s First Portable Gripper – A high quality accessory that people carry with them and use to open twist-top bottles, jars and other items!   Kirk and Bill met in Business school at Carnegie Mellon in 2010 and have been friends since.  Kirk (Chief Product Officer) is a Mechanical Engineer by education with 7 Years in R&D and 15 Years in IT.  Bill (CEO) has and Finance and Operations background with 20+ years of experience leading businesses in both High-tech and Retail.  Bill and Kirk launched MiniGrip in 2020 and have both always wanted to start a new business.   Bill and Kirk both live in Lexington with their families. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: • Kirk Selenberg on Linkedin • Bill Meehan on Linkedin • MiniGrip website Leave Some Feedback: • Email podcast@awesomeinc.org with what you want to hear about next. • Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please leave a short r

Episode 108: Gary Ditsch is on a mission to help others live happier and healthier lives. He utilizes technology, data analysis, entrepreneurship, and education as his tools to empower those around him to make behavioral changes and meet their personal goals. Gary is currently the Director of Product at VividCharts, which is a Lexington-based company that makes reporting and data visualization with ServiceNow data much easier for their customers. When not building products or teaching others how to program, you will likely find him out on a run training for an upcoming race. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: • Gary Ditsch on Linkedin • Vivid Charts website Leave Some Feedback: • Email podcast@awesomeinc.org with what you want to hear about next. • Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please leave a short review. Connect with Us: • Subscribe to our podcast • awesomeinc.org • Instagram -- @awesomeinclex • Twitter -- @awesomeinclex • YouTube --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awesomeinc/message