Built In The Bluegrass

Big news for Kentucky manufacturing 👇 The precision cover glass made by Corning Incorporated right here in Harrodsburg has officially advanced to the Final Four in the Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky tournament. This isn’t just another product—it’s the kind of innovation that quietly powers the technology we use every single day. From smartphones to advanced displays, this glass represents: ✅ Wor...

🔥 Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky Spotlight 🔥 In this episode, we sit down with Wells Bullard, CEO of Bullard, to highlight one of the most innovative pieces of safety gear made right here in Kentucky — the Adaptix Helmet.  We dive into:  ✅ The story behind Bullard and its deep Kentucky roots  ✅ What makes the Adaptix Helmet a game-changer in safety innovation  ✅ How cutting-edge design is imp...

In this episode, Tommy sits down with Wes Morin , Vice President of Operations at AquiSense , a Kentucky-based water technology company recently named Small Manufacturer of the Year by the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers (KAM) . AquiSense is a global leader in UV-LED water disinfection technology , designing and manufacturing systems that help provide safe, clean water across residential, co...

Tyler earned the 2025 Manufacturing Employee of the Year Award after leading one of WaterStep’s most critical manufacturing efforts to date: A million-dollar contract required WaterStep to build 28 mobile water treatment systems (WoW Cart) in just 90 days . Failure wasn’t an option — communities around the world were depending on this equipment for clean, safe drinking water. Tyler stepped up in a...

In this episode, I sit down with Justin Falck, Marketing & Communications Manager at Fives Machining Systems, Inc ., to explore the cutting-edge technology behind the Cincinnati Robotic Viper—a high-speed automation system redefining what’s possible in advanced manufacturing. 🤖⚙️  Justin shares how the Robotic Viper is designed to boost efficiency, precision, and flexibility on the shop floor, an...

This week, we’re highlighting a finalist that’s making a real difference— custom prescription eyeglasses for veterans , proudly made by PDS Optical . 🇺🇸👓 I had the pleasure of talking with Sean Loosen , CEO of PDS Optical, about how their team combines innovation, precision, and purpose to serve those who’ve served us. From Kentucky to VA clinics across the country, their eyewear is changing live...

We’re shining a spotlight on one of the top contenders from the Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky tournament this year— Brown-Forman 's Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked ! 🥃🔥  In this spotlight, I sit down with Elizabeth McCall , Master Distiller at Woodford Reserve, to talk about what makes Double Double Oaked such a standout in the world of bourbon. From the unique double-barreling process to...

In this Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky spotlight, we’re featuring National Band & Tag Company and their innovative Paw Finders Tag —a game-changer for lost pet recovery! 🐶🐱 The Paw Finders Tag helps reunite lost pets with their owners using a simple yet effective QR code system , providing instant contact information to anyone who finds a missing pet. 🏡🐾 Join us as we dive into the story behin...

🌊💧 Built in the Bluegrass is back with another Spotlight, featuring WaterStep and its life-changing WoW Cart – a participant in the Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky Tournament ! 🏆 The WoW Cart (Water on Wheels) is revolutionizing access to clean water, bringing safe drinking water and sanitation to communities in need around the world.  In this spotlight, we dive into WaterStep’s mission, the inn...

Welcome to another episode of Built in the Bluegrass , where we highlight the most innovative and exciting products made right here in Kentucky! 🔵🏆 In this episode, we sit down with Beltways , a standout competitor in the Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky Tournament . We dive into their story, the impact of their product, and what makes them a game-changer in their industry. 📢 Don’t forget to cast...

🔦 Coolest Thing Made in KY Spotlight: Armag Corporation & Their EMP Shielded Generator Shelters In an increasingly uncertain world, protecting critical infrastructure from electromagnetic threats is more important than ever. That’s where Armag Corporation steps in, designing and manufacturing EMP Shielded Generator Shelters and HEMP Shielded ISO Containers that set the standard for durability, se...

In this episode of Built In the Bluegrass , we’re diving into the world of cybersecurity with Rich Connor , President of LockStock Cybersecurity & Analytics . With the increasing threat of digital vulnerabilities, LockStock is on the front lines, providing cutting-edge security solutions to businesses big and small. Join us as we chat with Rich about how they’re helping companies navigate the ever...

Discover the forefront of sustainability with OrganiLock, a pioneering company redefining eco-friendly solutions. Join us as we delve into their innovative soil feeding and waste management systems, crafted to revolutionize environmental conservation. From inception to global impact, uncover OrganiLock's journey and the transformative power of their technology in fostering a greener tomorrow. Whet...

Join us in this episode as we delve into the fascinating world of Bourbon Barrel Foods with the visionary entrepreneur and founder, Matt Jamie. From humble beginnings in Louisville, Kentucky, Matt embarked on a culinary journey that would lead him to create an empire built on the rich heritage of bourbon and the art of barrel aging. Discover the secrets behind the distinct flavors that define Bour...

Join us for an exciting new episode featuring SpanTech’s Co-CEO, Tiffany Somerville. Established by her father, James “Bud” Layne, in his garage in 1978, SpanTech is now co-led by Tiffany Somerville and her sister, Lisa Held. Based in Glascow, KY, SpanTech specializes in custom conveyors designed to navigate any obstruction in your production process. With their patented modular conveyor chain des...

Join us for an insightful interview with Michael Golway, CEO of Advanced Solutions, Inc. (ASI). Founded in 1987 in Louisville, KY, ASI began as an Autodesk software reseller before Golway's acquisition in 2004 transformed it into a pioneering biofabrication technology company. Inspired by a visit to the Cardiovascular Innovation Institute in Louisville and a meeting with Dr. James Hoying, Golway s...

Kentucky Association of Manufacturers  Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky voting is underway at  coolestthingky.com . Having been established for 69 years, Campbellsville Industries is the oldest and largest steeple and cupola manufacturer in the US.  We have completed well over 20,600 projects, including historical replications and new constructions. One of our many projects currently in production i...

Kentucky Association of Manufacturers  Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky voting is underway at  coolestthingky.com . HempWood® is a sustainable healthy building material. HempWood® is not only made in America but also only made in Kentucky. Find all Built In The Bluegrass links here  https://linktr.ee/builtinthebluegrass  We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Associat...

Kentucky Association of Manufacturers Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky voting is underway at coolestthingky.com .  Perfetti Van Melle is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and distributors of confectionery and chewing gum. With more than 150 global brands, Perfetti Van Melle chose Erlanger, KY as the home of #Airheads. Discover the awesomeness of Airheads candy in this interview with our Airhe...

Kentucky Association of Manufacturers Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky voting is underway at coolestthingky.com. Celebrating 150 years of business in 2024, Link-Belt Cranes, at 2651 Palumbo Drive in Lexington, has entered into the contest their 300|AT.  The 300-ton, five-axle 300|AT all-terrain crane is designed, manufactured, and built right here in Lexington and is the largest hydraulic crane buil...

Join us for an exclusive interview with Jon Andrews, the Plant Launch Operations Manager at General Motors Chevrolet Corvette. Since its production shift from St. Louis, MO to Bowling Green, Kentucky in 1981, General Motors has maintained the Corvette's legacy as an American icon for over three decades. We delve into the significance of this storied lineage with Jon, exploring what it means for 'A...

Join us as we interview Steven Dossey, General Manager and Wine Maker, of Purple Toad Winery.  Headquartered in Paducah, KY, and founded in 2009, Purple Toad Winery was named after the color of your toes when grapes were pressed the old-fashioned way, with your feet.  Purple Toad Winery found its niche within the gourmet sweet wine market where it continues to prosper today with wines like its Bla...

Join us as we interview Greg Wilson, owner of Fibonacci LLC and Founder of HempWood.  HempWood is located in Murray, Kentucky where the hemp industry was welcomed after the 2018 farm bill, and the first hemp seeds were planted in Kentucky.  We talk with Greg about why he chose Kentucky as the home for HempWood, why hemp in the first place, and, most importantly, whether hemp is here to stay.  Hemp...

Join us as we interview Ben Mulling, North American CEO, of TENTE Casters Inc.  TENTE Casters Inc. is located in Hebron, KY, and is headquartered in Cologne, Germany.  Their company motto is “Better Mobility. Better Life.” We speak to Ben about the impact of mobility TENTE’s casters have in everyday life, where we can find TENTE’s casters, and where the casters industry is heading.  Ben speaks abo...

Join us as we interview Aaron Woolum and Melissa Wilburn, teachers at Russell Area Technical Center where they challenge students in the mastery of academics and technical skills. Aaron is the welding teacher and Melissa is the business teacher at RATC.  We speak with them about the purpose of RATC, why RATC is important, and the impact they are making on younger generations through skilled trades...