DevelopLex

What would it look like if everyday Lexingtonians - not just elected officials - had a direct hand in shaping how the city works? That’s exactly what Richard Young and his team at CivicLex are putting into motion with a groundbreaking Civic Assembly and a once-in-a-generation review of Lexington’s city charter. In this episode of DevelopLex, Ross sits down with Richard to unpack the bold new appro...

What does it take to scale a business from a single restaurant in Kentucky to a nationally recognized brand? Few people understand that blueprint better than Lee Greer, President of Greer Companies - the force behind Cheddar’s national expansion, the real estate portfolio that underpins the company, and the global rise of Activate through Sounds Fun Entertainment. In this episode of DevelopLex, We...

What does it take to go from working at the Pentagon to shaping Lexington’s main street? Developer Katie Kaufman is doing exactly that with her newest project: 325 W Main, a landmark development redefining downtown Lexington’s future. In this episode of DevelopLex, Weston and Ross sit down with Katie to explore her unconventional path from national security and global development finance to leadin...

In this episode of DevelopLex, Weston and Ross sit down with  Garyen Denning , partner at  Red Draw Development, to explore how his team has built a reputation for identifying what Lexington’s market is missing—and creating it. From introducing Raising Cane’s to Kentucky to developing The Landrum, a new senior living community designed to meet the needs of a rapidly aging population, Red Draw has...

In this episode of DevelopLex, Ross and Weston sit down with Vice Mayor Dan Wu and Councilwoman Liz Sheehan at Lexington Council Chambers to unpack the Lexington Preservation & Growth Management Program (LPGMP) - a landmark policy initiative shaping how our city grows, preserves, and evolves over the next 20 years. Together, they explore the critical balance between infill redevelopment and ur...

In this episode of DevelopLex, Weston and Ross sit down with legendary garden designer Jon Carloftis at his restored downtown Lexington home - known locally as “The Botherum”. From humble roots in Eastern Kentucky to designing rooftop gardens in New York City, Jon shares his journey of passion, intuition, and preservation and the importance of beauty in the built environment. Now back in Kentucky,...

In this episode of DevelopLex, Weston and Ross sit down with the father-son duo behind Compass Capital - Tom and Kyle Jameson - for a deep dive into Lexington-based retail real estate. From buying Lexington Green out of receivership at a 12-cap to running a successful campaign to legalize alcohol sales in Jessamine County (yes, really), the Jamesons share decades of hands-on lessons in ownership,...

In this episode of DevelopLex, we go creekside with hosts Ross Boggess and Weston Lockhart at Town Branch Creek, the literal birthplace of Lexington, to talk about where the city began and where it’s going. What starts as a reflection on Lexington’s founding waterway flows into a wide-ranging conversation about real estate, infrastructure, population shifts, public-private partnerships, and the vi...

In this episode of DevelopLex, we sit down with Stephen Dawahare, longtime Lexington entrepreneur and real estate developer, to talk about the bold vision behind Lexington SC and how it’s become one of the most impactful developments in Central Kentucky. What started as a soccer project has grown into a $100M+ privately funded ecosystem on Lexington’s east side, complete with pro-level facilities,...

In this episode, we partnered with Downtown Lexington Partnership to host another Downtown Deep Dive, presented by Dean Builds. This time, with the visionaries behind Gatton Park on the Town Branch - Lexington’s most ambitious public space project to date. Recorded overlooking the park’s soon-to-be-unveiled amphitheater, this conversation dives into the decade-long journey from asphalt lot to icon...

In this episode of DevelopLex, we sit down with Rebecca Burnworth - architect, code-wrangler, and the visionary force behind The Stave and District 7. From navigating building permits with tenacity to breathing new life into Kentucky’s bourbon-country landmarks, Rebecca delivers an insider’s look at how design thinking, culinary creativity, and deep local pride can spark a downtown renaissance. We...

This special episode of DevelopLex was created in partnership with Commerce Lexington to capture the biggest takeaways from the 2025 Leadership Visit to Madison, Wisconsin - and bring them home to Lexington. Every year, Commerce Lexington organizes one of the largest and longest-running intercity leadership trips in the country. Presented by Central Bank & Trust Co., the 2025 visit brought 165...

In this episode of DevelopLex, we sit down with Burgess Carey, a multi-generational Lexingtonian, developer, and visionary behind some of Central Kentucky’s most forward-thinking real estate and recreation projects. From pioneering self-storage development to reclaiming a forgotten gorge to launch Boone Creek Outdoors, Burgess shares a rare blend of entrepreneurial grit, environmental stewardship,...

In this episode of DevelopLex, we sit down with Dallas Rose, a Lexington native whose bold approach to real estate and hospitality is helping redefine what’s possible for the city. From launching Mileta, one of Lexington’s most ambitious new restaurants, to co-developing Midland Station, a transformative downtown housing project, Dallas shares his vision for building a modern Lexington rooted in c...

In this episode of DevelopLex, we sit down with Dr. Eli Capilouto, the 12th President of the University of Kentucky, to explore how UK’s campus transformation is more than bricks and mortar — it's a purpose-driven mission to advance Kentucky’s future. Since taking office in 2011, Dr. Capilouto has overseen more than $7 billion in campus development, growing UK’s total operations to $8.4 billion an...

In this episode of DevelopLex, we sit down with Price Bell , a lifelong Lexingtonian, thoroughbred farm operator, and passionate community builder. From managing his family's historic Mill Ridge Farm to leading neighborhood redevelopment efforts in North Limestone , Price brings a unique lens to the intersection of land, legacy, and leadership . We dive deep into what it means to steward land, how...

In this episode of DevelopLex, we sit down with Clay Waller, a Lexington-based real estate investor and developer, to talk about his journey into the industry - one that started with a trial by fire. When his grandfather suddenly handed him the reins to a struggling business, Clay had to learn fast. Today, he’s built a thriving portfolio spanning residential and commercial properties, including so...

In this episode, we partnered with Downtown Lexington Partnership to host a live panel discussion at 325 West Main, formerly known as the Festival Marketplace. Joined by visionary Katie Kaufman and the general contractor on the project, David Dean, we discuss the redevelopment of this historic Lexington property. Kaufman, a former U.S. Defense policy expert turned developer, shares her journey of...

In this episode, Ross and Weston sit down with Didi Caldwell and Jeff Bischoff during the Commerce Lexington Regional Summit. Didi Caldwell is the President and CEO of Global Location Strategies, a leading site selection and incentive negotiation firms for manufacturing and industrial companies. Jeff Bischoff is the Chief Sales Officer as Gray Construction, a Lexington, Kentucky-based design-build...

We are back for season 5! We’ve spent the off season hard at work and have some fun updates to share, along with some exciting news from the team. Today, we welcome Logan Jones onto the podcast. You might know Logan from Middle Tech - our sister brand - but recently, Logan has decided to go full time to help us grow both brands. We’re incredibly excited to have Logan captaining the ship for us, so...

In this episode, we sit down with Ted Abernathy at the Hyatt downtown during the Central Kentucky regional summit. Ted, the managing partner of a consultancy based in North Carolina, discusses economic forecasts for Kentucky's nine regions and dives deep into local Lexington. He shares insights on economic strategies, labor force dynamics, and regional competitiveness. Key topics include populatio...

Landry is the owner and CEO of Nova Insurance Group an independent insurance agency specializing in commercial property, franchises and businesses with 20+employees. He grew up in Central KY and currently lives in Versailles with his wife and 3 kids. He began investing in real estate multi family units and apartments due to the connections and insights he learned from his podcast called Keys to th...

Don’t mind the birds chirping in the background… Ross and Weston chose to record this episode on the Urban Service Boundary Line. In this episode, they covered takeaways and guest quotes for the season best third places in Lexington what do you miss about Lexington why this setting for this episode? We have a fun next few episodes coming up to end the season, so tune in! ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the Develo...

In this episode, Weston sits down with Griffin Vanmeter, a creative force behind some of Lexington's most iconic projects, including Kentucky for Kentucky and the Night Market. Griff shares his passion for bringing joy and weirdness to every idea, and we delve into his background, from his early days to his current endeavors. We discuss the importance of nostalgia, community development, and t...

In this episode, we have an enlightening conversation with Jim Gray, Secretary of Transportation for Kentucky and former mayor of Lexington. Jim shares his personal journey from growing up in Glasgow, Kentucky, to rising through the ranks in public service. He reflects on his vision for Lexington, including transformative projects like the Town Branch Park, the restoration of historic buildings, a...