BLACK HI STORY MONTH MeetL oui s vi l l e’ s MONEYMASTERS
55+Fi tAnd Fi nanc i al l ySound
Tran Tra WALLWALL BED BED
C
FREE FREE Virtual Virtual or In-Home or In-Home Design Design Consultations Consultations Available Available Call (502) Call (502) 489-3901 489-3901 for a free for avirtual free virtual or in-home or in-home design design consultation consultation and estimate and estimate or visitorus visit online us online at closetfactory.com at closetfactory.com Showroom: Showroom: 1301013010 Eastgate Eastgate Park Way, Park Suite Way, Suite 107, Middletown, 107, Middletown, KY 40223 KY 40223 Š2020 Š2020 Closet Factory. Closet Factory. All rights Allreserved rights reserved . .
ONE ONE DECISION DECISION AWAY AWAY FROM FROM
ansformation nsformation
CLOSETS CLOSETS • GARAGE • GARAGE • HOME • HOME OFFICEOFFICE • ENTERTAINMENT • ENTERTAINMENT • WALL • WALL BEDS BEDS • PANTRY • PANTRY • CRAFT • CRAFT • LAUNDRY • LAUNDRY • MUD• ROOM MUD ROOM • WINE• WINE ROOM ROOM
the art theofart organization of organization
That’s the power of flowers
When every minute counts, it’s time for the PowER of U. At UofL Health emergency rooms, we know sooner is better. So we provide faster registration and shorter wait times, with a 30 minutes or less door to doc commitment. Faster bedside triage. And faster provider assessment, diagnostics and treatment. With the convenience of 24/7 care and 7 locations, we are nearby whenever you need us. It’s all part of our mission to provide the kind of world-class expertise that helps you get better. And get back to your life faster. That’s the Power of U.
30 Minutes Door to Doc Mary & Elizabeth Hospital n Shelbyville Hospital n Jewish Hospital n UofL Hospital n Medical Center East n Medical Center South n Medical Center Southwest n
THAT’S THE POW ER OF U To find the nearest location, visit UofLHealth.org.
Features FEBRUARY 2021 february 2021 // Priceless TOPS Who’s Who // What’s New // What To Do
LO U I SV I L L E
March 2021 Vol. 5 • No. 3
ON THE COVER PHOTOGRAPHED BY:
Dick Arnspiger MODEL:
Condrad Daniels President, HJI Solutions
52
24 Black History Month: The Faces of Change
This month we celebrate Black History Month. TOPS Louisville highlights some of Louisville’s “Faces of Change” in the fight for equity. Louisville is very fortunate to have these trailblazers leading this much-needed charge.
64 6 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
Have you ever wondered if you can get joint pain relief without taking a pill or having surgery? Do you want to improve your quality of life, but your joint pain gets in the way?
Call us for your FREE consultation!
502-305-5056 NOW OPEN in St. Matthews
701 Executive Park | Louisville, KY 40207 | 502-305-5056 | Office@OrthoRegenerativeInstitute.com
Out of all the fish in the sea...
MAGNA
Omega-3 is the best you'll see!
CONTENTS top notes
17
TOPS Louisville Magazine is Flipping Out!
18
Twinjabi
black history month
24
Black History Month Featuring “The Faces of Change”
34
The Culture of Money
38
shopping: The Perfect Valentine’s Day
money matters
MAGNA Omega-3 contains a perfectly balanced ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in a convenient once-daily softgel. Each softgel contains 1400 mg of highly concentrated purified pharmaceutical grade fish oil, 420 mg of EPA and 350 mg of DHA. Sourced from fresh, cold water fish off the coast of South America and molecularly distilled to ensure purity. MAGNA Omega-3 is purified and tested for pesticides, PCBs, mercury, and other heavy metals, contains no omega-6's and has a natural lemon flavor. Each bottle contains 90 softgels for only $29.95, which is 33 cents per day!
ORDER TODAY online or call us - we're local! 502-254-5552
www.MAGNAWEB.com
8 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
44
Investing in Your Future
52
special advertising section: Money Masters
55+ fit & fabulous
64
Over 50 & Fabulous!
66
The 6 Pillars of Brain Health
68
Skincare for 55+
70
Heart Notes From a Cardiologist
72
Fitness: February Workout
76
special advertising section: 55+ Fit & Fabulous
at home
86
design guru: Lisa Steinbock with Steinbock Interiors
88
designer’s corner: Designers Help You Meet Your Needs Cornerstone Kitchen & Bath
92
pro to know: Alane Wade, Chuck Shelly, & Jacob Gurney of Parkside Realty
96
tour of homes: Husband & Wife Design Duo Discuss Edgewood Country Estate
cuisine
112
Morning Fork
114
top 5 dining: Just For The Halibut! (Seafood)
community
124
tops cares: American Heart Association
126
keeping the conversation going: KY D43 State Representative Col. Pamela Stevenson
128
keeping the conversation going: West Louisville Performing Arts Academy
photos
20
Out & About
Passion for Future
114
96 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 9
LOOK! upcoming issues For advertising information, call us at 502-780-7825 or email getmore@topslouisville.com
March
Home Renovation & Design
April
Let’s Do Derby
10 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
May
Southern Comfort
Vol 5 • No. 2 Keith Yarber Publisher kyarber@topsmarketing.com
Kathy Thuerbach Editor-in-Chief and Senior Advertising Account Executive kathy@topslouisville.com
tj white
Chad Howard
VP, Sales tj@topslouisville.com
VP, Digital Marketing chad@topsmarketing.com
SARAH MITCHELL Senior Advertising Account Executive and Fashion Coordinator sarah@topslouisville.com
Morgan Hancock Senior Advertising Account Executive morgan@topslouisville.com
ULTRA-CHIC
LOUNGEWEAR
Stay Fresh and Cozy This Spring CHECKOUT FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM FOR THE LATEST PRODUCTS M @magnoliafig P @magnolia_and_fig
(502) 253-4567 12623 Shelbyville Rd , Louisville, KY 40243 Monday - Saturday 10-5, Sunday 12-4
MAGNOLIAANDFIGBOUTIQUE.COM 12 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
Haley Bottorff Account Executive haleyb@topslouisville.com
Rocko Jerome
Lindsey Ball
Digital Strategist lindsey@topsmarketing.com
Malissa Aebersold Lead Graphic Designer malissa@topslouisville.com
Amanda Harper Graphic Designer amandah@topsmarketing.com
Haley Norris Graphic Designer haley@topsmarketing.com
Brand Ambassador and Staff Writer rocko@topslouisville.com
CONTRIBUTORS Photography: Danny Alexander, Dick Arnspiger, Tim Furlong Jr., Andrew Kung Writers: Dawn Anderson, Alison Cardoza, Molly Hastings Taylor Riley, Kathie Stamps, Dedra Tate, John Shaw-Woo TOP Marketing Group
100 EXECUTIVE PARK, SUITE 101 • LOUISVILLE, KY 40207 (502) 780-7825 • TOPSLOUISVILLE.COM
The views and comments expressed by the authors are not always that of our editors or publishers. While every effort has been made to ensure th accuracy of the information in this publication, TOP Marketing Group accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions or resultant consequences, including any loss or damage arising from the reliance on information in this publication. All images contained in TOPS Louisville magazine are subject to the copyright of the artist or photographer as named, but not limited thereto. Reproduction of any part of this magazine without prior written permission is prohibited.
Planning for tomorrow doesn’t mean the distant future. It means, well, tomorrow. Sixty seconds from now is just as important as sixty years from now, and we’ll help you make the most of all of it. With a personalized financial plan to help you do what you love, your whole life through, planning looks less like planning and more like living. Spend your life living.®
Northwestern Mutual 502.562.2400 Louisville louisville.nm.com
07-1003 © 2020 Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries in Milwaukee, WI. Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (securities), a subsidiary of NM, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser and member FINRA and SIPC. John Daniel Rivers Jr is a General Agent(s) of NM. Managing Partners are not in legal partnership with each other, NM or its subsidiaries. John Daniel Rivers Jr, is a Registered Representative(s) of NMIS. John Daniel Rivers Jr, is a Representative of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company®, (NMWMC) (fiduciary and fee-based financial planning services), a subsidiary of NM and federal savings bank. All NMWMC products and services are offered only by properly credentialed Representatives who operate from agency offices of NMWMC.
Letter from the editor
happy february, TOPS Readers!
T
his month we celebrate Black History Month. Black history is an integral piece of American history. February is the perfect time for all Americans to acknowledge, remember, or better educate themselves about all that widely remains unheralded in the contributions Blacks have made to our country for centuries. It is a history of pride, grit, and passion. Black leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Frederick Douglass, and so many others must be Editor-in-Chief remembered and kept at the and Senior Advertising forefront of our minds to move Account Executive forward together. This month, TOPS Louisville highlights some of Louisville’s “Faces of Change” in the fight for equity. Louisville is very fortunate to have these trailblazers leading this much-needed charge.
We are here to help you find that special look for all occasions! Your source for fresh seafood in St. Matthews.
KATHY THUERBACH
Also in this issue, we discuss how to invest in your future with top money experts. We feature some of the city’s Money Masters, from financial planners and advisors to mortgage and insurance brokers. You are sure to find the right professional to help plan your future and your retirement years.
Your place for interior design, furniture, accessories and great gifts. Fine quality furniture, accessories and gifts for outside – and inside – your home! A Louisville institution for 154 years. Our gifts celebrate all occasions and seasons.
Speaking of retirement years, TOPS has prepared great inspirational articles on staying financially, physically, and mentally fit in our “55 Plus and Fabulous” feature! Happy Valentine’s Day to each of our readers and advertisers! TOPS loves you all. Enjoy this month’s publication, and be on the lookout for the premiere of our March Louisville Homes & Gardens magazine.
Kathy Thuerbach
Offering the most unique wedding & party invitations and gifts for every occasion. Your one-stop-shop for quality residential and commercial design, staging and renovating.
Your source for stylish, fun, and affordable women’s accessories including jewelry, handbags, scarves, tops, wraps, and much more. Dogs, and their people, are drooling over the healthiest, most decadent treats in town.
14 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
We at Lemon Tree appreciate your support. This holiday season we are making your gift buying easy and convenient! Shop our brand new online store:
lemontreeboutique.com
and enjoy free shipping or curbside pickup! Extended store hours: Open Sunday 12-4 until Christmas Follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Lemontreelouisville for new arrivals and great gift ideas! 3915 Chenoweth Square Louisville, KY 40207 (502) 690-3315
SEASON’S GrrrEATINGS FROM
Louisville’s most PUPular place, since 1999.
Krystal Jarrell Premiere Cleaning (502) 454-6243
LOUISVILLEPREMIERECLEANERS.COM In these days especially, the importance of cleanliness can’t be emphasized enough. Luckily, Krystal Jarrell and her team at Premiere Cleaning are expertly qualified to properly clean your home, office, restaurant, school, store or manufacturing company. With 34 years in business, Premiere is a non-franchise, locally owned company. They are trusted in this region by companies like the YMCA, JCPS, Merkley Kendrick Jewelers, Starbucks, and Walgreens. Premiere has received special ISSA certification for the Coronavirus. “Not only can we respond to the virus, but we can also help prevent it,” says Krystal. Krystal brings a personal touch to her work. Her motto is, Your time is valuable, Our time is available. “I listen to my clients and truly get to know what they are seeking, whether I meet with them in their home or over the phone,” says Krystal. “I provide a sophisticated yet affordable approach, creating the perfect cleaning plan based on their wants and needs.” In addition to residential and commercial cleaning, Premiere offers carpet cleaning, window washing, and air duct cleaning. Krystal enjoys spending time with her husband Nathan and three sons Connor, Griffin, and Graham. Her driving passion is to raise money and awareness for the Joshua Frase Foundation. Graham suffers from X-Linked Centronuclear Myotubular Myopathy. Although a cure has been developed, it’s yet to be released by the FDA. Enjoy the benefits of calling one company to schedule numerous services, call 502-454-MAID(6243) or visit LouisvillePremiereCleaners.com
March 2021 // Priceless TOPS Who’s Who // What’s New // What To Do
SS E M O H & GARDEN
notes TOP
On Stands:
March 2021 A
s we have all endured the COVID pandemic over this past year, the increase in consumer home investments and homeownership has been game-changing. The demand in all areas: Home Buying, Selling, Upsizing, Downsizing, Building, Improvement, Remodeling, Decorating, Landscaping, and Refinancing is tremendous! We know that our readers are looking for the latest tips, tricks, and trends for all
Vol. 5 • No. 3
Magazine is flipping out!
March 2021
TOPS Louisville
E P U B L I C AT I O N A TOPS LOUISVILL
things Homes and Gardens. For most people, their home is their single largest personal investment. In service of our readers and advertisers, TOPS Louisville is creating “Louisville Homes and Gardens,” a brand new magazine for March 2021! “TOPS is very excited to provide our Louisville readers and businesses with a true local Homes and Gardens magazine,” says Editor Kathy Thuerbach. “The magazine will be filled with tours of beautiful local homes and gardens, entertaining spaces, decorating trends, and so much more.” Louisville Homes and Gardens is the “flip side” of TOPS Louisville Magazine - two magazines in one! Readers will continue to receive the TOPS Louisville Magazine content they know and love. Flip the magazine over
and enjoy our bonus Louisville Homes and Gardens Magazine - two separate covers, two separate magazines combined for the month of March. Readers and businesses get the very best of both worlds! TOPS clients can advertise in our TOPS Louisville Magazine as usual, or request to advertise in Louisville Homes and Gardens. (Or as we recommend, consider advertising in both!)
EN TATIV E YO UR AC CO UN T RE PR ES HE LP HA S AL L TH E DE TA ILS TO US OV ER YO U “F LIP OU T” WI TH ISS UE ! TH IS EX CIT IN G SP EC IAL
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 17
n i w T top notes
18 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
i b a j n BY DAWN ANDERSON PHOTO BY ANDREW KUNG
LOUISVILLE BORN AND RAISED MUSIC DUO TWINJABI IS POISED TO BREAK OUT HERE IN THE US AFTER EMERGING AS “THE PREMIER POP ACT IN INDIA.”
YOUTUBE BIOGRAPHY: Twinjabi is an American twin duo that’s pushing the boundaries of pop music. As featured on MTV India, VH1 India, and Rolling Stone — Twinjabi has already established themselves as the premier pop act in India. Viral hits such as Bombay and Brown Magic showcase the versatility and global crossover appeal of their records. The twins’ unapologetic nature and raw energy has generated a cult-like following with a limited discography. Twinjabi’s debut song, Bombay, crossed 1.5M+ views on YouTube and 400K+ streams on Spotify. The group has earned placements on numerous Editorial Spotify Playlists such as Bridge to Bombay, Desi Hip Hop, and No Borders, including being featured on the cover for the popular Bridge To Bombay playlist (50K+ followers). In October of 2020, Twinjabi were the first international artists to grace the cover of India’s iconic Fablook Magazine. The group has a highly engaged fanbase — with 35K+ monthly listeners on Spotify, 17K+ fans on Facebook, 50K+ fans on Instagram, and 33K+ subscribers on YouTube.
T
wins Kush (Kushy) and Neil (Neilstar) Nijhawan describe themselves as a “genre-bending pop duo” with elements of hip hop, soul, and Bollywood intended to “appeal to the masses.” Their debut song “Bombay” has reached over 1.5 million views on YouTube and over 400,000 streams on Spotify. The video for their latest single, “Desi Dons,” has been picked up by BET. Twinjabi has released three videos and five singles to date, with 70-80% of their newest song recorded in English.
Although Twinjabi’s star has risen relatively quickly in the music business since they started making their own music in 2018, they are determined to continue putting in the work. “We have studied the various elements of music, and we did our homework,” says Kush. Kush and Neil attended Manual High School, where they dabbled in music. They studied Computer Science in college, Kush at Stanford, and Neil at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Kush also has some experience as a DJ. They are proud to incorporate their Indian culture and heritage into their music, but when asked where they are from, Twinjabi claims Louisville. For anyone unfamiliar with their hometown, Kush and Neil invoke Muhammad Ali’s name, which is more
recognizable in India than the Kentucky Derby. Twinjabi has filmed all of their videos in Louisville. As they find their footing in the music industry stateside, we wondered how the pandemic has affected their artistry and career. Kush quotes another boxer, Floyd Mayweather, Jr., “A true champion can adapt to anything.” Twinjabi was in India meeting with record executives when the coronavirus began proliferating around the world. They soldiered on with the help of virtual performances, video play on MTV India and VH1 India, and the October 2020 cover of India’s iconic Fablook magazine. “This time has been a blessing for us with streaming and social media growth,” according to Kush. “We’ve grown from 7000 to over 50,000 followers on Instagram.” “Your biggest superpower is being yourself,” says Kush. Neil adds that the plan is to release songs year-round every month, “We’re on track to have our most prolific year this year. 2021 is the year to strike and make our mark.” Any strategy of Twinjabi’s will include expressing themselves to the fullest. Neil invites us to follow Twinjabi’s musical journey, “Always expect the unexpected. You never know what you’re going to get!” Subscribe to Twinjabi’s YouTube channel and follow @twinjabi on social media.
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 19
photos
Gunice Quarles, Jarret Bennett, Lakisha Patterson, Raeshanda Lias-Lockhart, and Tiffany Henderson-White
Andrew McMaster with his sister Allison
OUT + ABOUT
Meredith Allen, Taylor Ekman, Megan Gardner, and Hannah Lobdell
20 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
Taylor and Ryan Schmieder
The Choices A Ele!
Gabrielle Bruner
From this day forward...we will STILL be your BEST choice for invitations for any occasion. Call NOW to schedule your consultation. 502-425-9277 • etceteraoflouisville.com
GOURMET Submitted by Michelle Ignacio
Olive Oils - AND -
Balsamic Vinegars EXQUISITE
Hard-to-find Flavors, ALL AVAILABLE FOR
Tasting In-store.
Westport Village 1301 Herr Ln. #157 502-365-3866 ziolive.com Submitted by Amy Prentice
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 21
Black History Month
24
Black History Month Featuring “The Faces of Change”
34
The Culture of Money
38
shopping: The Perfect Valentine’s Day
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 23
black history month
black history
MONTH Featuring “The Faces of Change”
24 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
JOHN HOWARD SHAW-WOO
Moving From A Hustle Towards A Business BY JOHN HOWARD SHAW-WOO – FOUNDER & CEO OF NOIR BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INC. PHOTO BY DICK ARNSPIGER
A
s we Black Americans retool after a year of racial and economic unrest and a fight for equality and social justice, we are left with the realization that the “system” is not and will likely never be totally fair towards us. Therefore we must now rise up to the challenge of creating opportunities for ourselves to move Black America forward. One way to do this is by black entrepreneurs and business minded individuals moving from a "hustle" towards establishing a true "business."
A HUSTLE A hustle is a term which has had neutral, positive, and negative connotations, but over time it has changed and evolved within urban settings to mean working hard in the short-term for monetary gain! From the beginning of slavery until today, Black Americans have lacked formal business and financial training on how to start, grow, and sustain a business, compared to their white brethren. In lieu of their lack of formal business education and training, Black Americans developed quasi business practices through A HUSTLE, which very few hustles have led to long lasting growth and sustainable businesses.
A BUSINESS A business is an organization or enterprising entity created to engaged in commercial, industrial, or professional activities to produce and sell goods and services for profit. Because of formal business knowledge and training, white families have been afforded the opportunity to pass knowledge down from generation to generation, which has led to continuous economic growth and wealth building that has led to white children enjoying “basic norms” of going to college without thinking about it; access to affluent corporate connections that lead to high paying careers; and easier access to financial institutions to secure business and home loans. By moving away from creating hustles and towards developing sound businesses, black entrepreneurs and business minded individuals will be able to outline their business concepts and longterm growth strategy through the creation of a well-thought-out business plan which lays out the who, what, why, where, when, and results that define the business concept. Noir Black Chamber of Commerce Inc. is a vehicle by which black entrepreneurs, small businesses, and black corporate professionals from across the country can engage with, to assist them with such services. The chamber also provides it members with opportunities to collaborate within member led consortium group to collaborate and build relationships to grow their industry. Currently, the chamber offers the following consortium groups: Black Construction & MBE Group; Black Filmmakers Group; Black R&B Music, Black Realty Group; and Black Voter Education Group. The chamber is focused on moving “Black America Forward” through innovative programming that will lead to economic and social mobility. To contact Noir Black Chamber of Commerce Inc., visit noirbcc.org, call 1-844-NOIRBCC, or email us at info@noirbcc.org.
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 25
black history month
SADIQA REYNOLDS BY ROCKO JEROME PHOTO BY DICK ARNSPIGER
B
efore ascending to her current role as the first female President and CEO of the Louisville Urban League in its 100 year history, Sadiqa Reynolds worked as Chief for Community Building in the Office of the Mayor and served as Chief Law Clerk for the late Chief Justice Robert F. Stephens, where she was the first Black woman to clerk for the Kentucky Supreme Court. She was also the first African American to serve as Inspector General for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Prior to that, she owned and founded her own legal practice and served as District Judge for the 30th Judicial Court. Above all, she's a mother first. Her beloved children are her greatest point of pride. Sadiqa isn't driven in her career by personal ambition as much as a calling to create and sustain a positive impact. "I want to see America be as great as I know that she can be," she says. "I know that means meeting people where they are. The Louisville Urban League is a nonpartisan organization. It's not about any sort of 'us versus them' attitude. It's simply about fairness. In so many ways, my' workday' never ends. There's no boundary for personal life in what I do; it's about myself, my family, and our shared community. There's a personal strain. It's challenging to lead a civil rights organization and continually balance the needs of a community you both serve and are also a part of." While the killing of Breonna Taylor and other events the last several months have been traumatic and troubling for all Louisvillians who value their conscience and carry a sense of concern for social justice, Sadiqa sees a silver lining and is optimistic for our shared future. "None of these racial injustices or the ways they were handled by those in power are anomalies," she says. "I've seen it throughout my life. As a lawyer, I saw the very different way that the criminal justice system treats white people and Black people. There are so many ways we are treated differently- minimized, marginalized, our dignity desecrated. It happens every day. But for exhausting as that is for us -and it
26 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
has been exhausting- it's this exposure that's new. What's new are social media and cellphone cameras. What’s new is how clearly we have seen things play out before the public eye. We recognize very clearly that there have always been good white people who mean well and want to help, and those people lend their voices. Going back to and before the Montgomery Bus Boycotts, standing up against inequality has always been about picking the battles you have the strength and resources to fight, and we have more, now. I feel like now that we're addressing some of these problems head-on, we can finally
start to see progress together. I am going to see this city changed. Black people will have access to bank loans because I pushed for ten million dollars to finish the sports and learning complex. I know that my ability to secure forty three million dollars in less than two years has inspired other leaders to push harder. We will create more affordable housing in Louisville and ensure that those who have been bent by bad policy will not be pushed out as their city grows and changes. In a nutshell, I have found the thing I'm willing to die doing and it is the thing I was born to do."
CONDRAD DANIELS BY ROCKO JEROME PHOTO BY DICK ARNSPIGER
A
s President of HJI Supply Chain Solutions and as a Community Advocate, Condrad Daniels is working to build a better future through leadership and pushing the community to be a better version of itself. HJI is one of the few scalable Black-owned entities here in Louisville. They hold a Minority Business Enterprise certification and were founded on ideals of philanthropy. “The founders of this company held ambitions for fighting the good fight, even if it was somewhat under the radar,” Condrad says. “We’re a second generation company trying to ensure that there will be a third generation. The loss of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and Ahmaud Arbery, among others, has pushed us out of our comfort zone. There’s great sorrow about the lack of justice, but what we all witnessed and continue to see allows us to push for a kind of transformational equity.” HJI has pledged not just to give aid to minority owned businesses but also to create opportunities for community activists to connect with the world of commerce and amplify their voices. “Grassroot, nonprofit leaders who live and breathe this every day don’t get the platform they need, and we need them to give their perspective in order to grow,” says Condrad. “One thing I know for certain is that if the business community wants something to get done, it gets done. I hope that they have an appetite for affecting the kind of change we need. We can turn tragedy into an opportunity to thrive and heal if we can only all make it our mission to step up together.” Condrad hopes to bring insight, transparency, and social opportunity. “We have to ask ourselves how can we reserve a seat at the table for the Black entrepreneur,” he says. “Even working for a large company, people of color too often struggle with not feeling that they have a place. There’s often a pressure to assimilate or leave a job. There’s nothing like a feeling of belonging. What would Louisville feel like if it became so deliberately inclusive that other cities wanted to do the same? It’s one thing to talk about this, but another to put it in action. This will take courage. I’m excited and encouraged about trying to do this. I hope we normalize a better way. “ Towards this end, Condrad has made time to partner with the GLI Business Council to create a Black Equity Pledge, establishing formal training as well as inclusion, mentoring, and retention programs for local companies to commit to making a difference. He’s driven to make it work. “If nothing changes, my generation will hold the blame,” he says. “I hope that we can look back in ten or twenty years and be proud of what we did.”
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 27
black history month
AARON JORDAN BY ROCKO JEROME • PHOTO BY DICK ARNSPIGER
"I
want to demystify the belief that Black men are monolithic," says Aaron Jordan. "I want to show and share the diversity that we have within ourselves." Aaron is a forward thinking musician, activist, and entrepreneur, devoting his creativity to making a change for the better in Louisville. He's the CEO of Recording Arts and Science Bootcamp (RASB), devoted to teaching scholars not just how to make music but also to be their own best advocate in its publishing, copyright, and distribution, a matter that has long plagued Black artists who lost the lucrative rights to their own work. Music has always been of tremendous importance to Aaron; it's part of a family tradition. He can trace his musical origins back to an early enthusiasm. "My grandma was a pianist at St.Jude Missionary Baptist Church located in Nulu, formerly the Clarksdale Housing Projects," he recalls. "I would play drums along with her. I've always been interested not just in music but in the process behind it. There's a relationship between business and creativity, and understanding the keys to that can make a big difference, especially for Black folks who are just starting in the industry." Aaron is a proud part of GEDDI and gives high marks to Tawana Bain. "It's very exciting to see a Black woman doing the work, and it feels good to stand behind her," he says. "It's long overdue." He's the founder and CEO of Black Complex, the vanguard for innovative new concepts in urban planning, politics, community engagement, programming, tech, professional training, and the development of business leaders. It's a collaborative effort and business incubator creating a vital space to create. Investors in the idea include Gill and Augusta Holland. With this initiative, Aaron aims to create a sustainable business model providing intuitive programming and resources, building a stronger community around entrepreneurs and creatives. "We are proud to announce our first partnership," he says. "It's with Microsoft and Louisville Future of Work Initiative, providing programs to Louisville residents to build valuable skills in data analytics, digital marketing, software engineering, and user experience design. Be on the lookout for our rollout of new events; Meetings, Beats and Mimosas, as well as Black Business and Bourbon." February 16, 2021, marks the first birthday of local community activist Travis "Cairo" Nagdy since his tragic murder on November 23, 2020. Travis was a friend to Aaron, and Aaron calls on all of us to make sure that his life continues to be important and mean something. "It's in that same spirit of Muhammad Ali that we continue to try to inspire," he says. "I want to do all I can. I have a real love for people, a desire to keep fighting for liberation, and I'm willing to sacrifice. I challenge everyone to step up and do something. Now is when we must engage more than ever. It's time to get people together. There's so much more to be done. It's time to get up and go to work." To invest or donate to Black Complex and to sign up to receive a monthly newsletter, please visit geddi.org/ the-black-complex.
28 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
NIKKI LANIER BY DAWN ANDERSON • COURTESY PHOTO
N
ikki Lanier grew up in Hampton, Virginia, as the only child of parents “steeped in the civil rights movement.” Her father is from Cincinnati, Ohio but was involved in the movement as a college student while attending Philander Smith College. Her mother, though from Marietta, Georgia, became immersed in the movement while working in Montgomery, Alabama. “So I’ve been fairly anchored to civil rights my whole life,” says Nikki. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Hampton University and then graduated from the University of Miami School of Law. “Attending a historically Black college gave me a sense of pride and understanding of what it means to be Black. The environment was rich with exposure to well-rounded, well-traveled, well-read, proud, confident, and brilliant black people.” After law school, I felt a duty to represent the full potency of my intellect and cultural pride. Motivated by my desire to right the wrongs of racism, sexism, bias, and discrimination, I began my career in labor and unemployment law in Boca Raton, Florida. The progression of the first ten years of my resumé was once described as ‘choppy’ as I lived in different states, working for various employers. But those moves
and exits were largely compelled by how I experienced “belonging” concerning my gender and race. If I experienced themes of marginalization, diminishment, stereotypes, or exclusion, I left. I have always needed to align with an employer anchored to diversity and inclusion in their behaviors, culture, and promotion choices. I didn’t want to have to mute any part of what makes me black in order to thrive in any workplace”. Nikki has lived in Louisville for the last 17 years and has two children and three stepchildren. In her role as Senior Vice President and Regional Executive of the Louisville Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (covering metro Louisville, southern Indiana, and western Kentucky), she connects “the public, business leaders, community bankers, community development organizations, and educators—the groups representing Main Street—to the Fed.” Nikki says she is motivated in her work by righteousness. “I am firmly rooted in what is right, true, and honest, and I love exercising these values in my community work.” Nikki serves on the boards of Greater Louisville Inc., the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, the University of Louisville School of Business Board of Advisors, and is Chair of the Board of OneWest. Nikki is also a member of the LEAD360 Business Development Team, the UNCF
Louisville Leadership Council, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Nikki says she looks up to people who are true “servants,” those in service to communities and people, especially while facing incredibly difficult headwinds. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., her parents, Michelle Obama, and Jesus Christ serve as a few of her role models. As for the future, Nikki greatly enjoys her work with the Fed, but would welcome the chance to host a talk show. “I would love to marry my background in law, human resources, community affairs, and public speaking, with my passion for equity and anti-racism in some kind of widely broadcast opportunity. Regarding U.S. race relations, “I hope race will eventually become a non-existent factor in the tapestry of the American experience. We need to use this last year as a catalyst for a new normal where we advance equity and address reparations to pour unfettered resources into Black hopes and dreams. We need to stop saying we don’t see color. Not only is that untrue, but it is also unhelpful. It prohibits us from doing the work that equity requires.” Nikki sees Black History Month as an opportunity “to rededicate ourselves to learning about Black History, but also to see the same value in that exercise beyond February. Every day is a day to learn about the lived experience of Black Americans.”
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 29
black history month
EVON J. SMITH BY DAWN ANDERSON PHOTO BY DICK ARNSPIGER
I
n 2014, OneWest won a competition through the Bingham Fellows program of Leadership Louisville for $10,000 donated by UPS. The local leaders used that money to develop a nonprofit called OneWest to bring “new and vibrant commercial retail opportunity to grow and enhance businesses already operating in the West End, and to recruit more.” In 2017, OneWest’s Board of Directors searched for a new President/CEO to help direct their community’s economic development. Evon Smith filled the bill with over 25 years of experience in banking, finance, community development, commercial lending, and as a mortgage specialist. Evon’s family moved from Springfield, Massachusetts, to Duplin County, North Carolina, when she was a child. She attended Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Executive Leadership Training with Harvard University in 2007 and Duke University in 2009. Initially, One West conducted research into community spending and how far West End families had to travel for the goods and services they needed. They discovered that 60% of $475 million was leaking from the community due to a lack of infrastructure. “Parcels of land needed to be remediated environmentally, and existing structures were undervalued and under-maintained.” The four pillars of OneWest are building capacity, advocacy, community engagement outreach, and community and economic development. Evon says she is motivated in her work by young people and women of all races. “We are working very hard to ensure that they have multiple career choices and opportunities. I am hoping women of color don’t see limitations for themselves and will dispel myths about what constitutes their value.” In turn, she seeks to inspire others in her role as a mother and be an example to her two daughters and granddaughter. “I am authentic and represent myself to be approachable. I strive to be a servant leader and to enjoy what I do so that joy becomes infectious.” “I am on a mission to bring about meaningful change to communities in the West
30 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
End,” says Evon, “to serve in a higher capacity that is not our vision but what the community desires. I want to bring resources and people together in a collective manner for the good of the whole and strategies to sustain ideas across the racial divide.” Evon also feels a personal responsibility “to avail myself to young women and build an alliance of like-minded women to provide each other with resources and assistance.” Evon speaks to the need for “initiatives of wealth creation and equity in communities
of color to positively impact the city. We should cease to see these as handouts but instead as investments with a great rate of return for the entire city. We invite people to come to the table with difficult conversations. We are seeking to be a place people can bring their authentic selves for bridge-building. Continue to work with us to change the inequities of the past.” For more information, visit www.onewest.org and follow @OneWestLouisville on Facebook.
TAWANA BAIN BY ROCKO JEROME • PHOTO BY DICK ARNSPIGER
L
ong time readers of TOPS will quickly recognize Tawana Bain. An entrepreneur who is always on the go, she’s a business owner and project manager who continually makes big ideas into big things. After Breonna Taylor’s death and its impact on the city she loves, Tawana put everything on the back burner and devoted herself to making a difference. “The spiritual toll it would take to turn a blind eye just wasn’t worth it. I don’t have the ability to function that way,” she says. “It’s a time to take a step back and lean in with the community, to make sure that our city is being accountable and creates a sense of transparency. Like in any broken relationship, you can never get closure unless hurt is acknowledged. Once we effectively do that, together we can change the trajectory of the future.” Like any Black person in America, Tawana has experienced systemic racism on a first-hand basis, as has her family. It leaves a scar on a soul. In a moment several years back when her son, Tyshawn, was innocently troubled and in desperate need of comfort and guidance, an all-white LMPD squad acted correctly and helped him to receive the assistance that he needed. However, Tawana was left to wonder how things might have transpired with just a small switch in circumstances. “I believe that my zip code saved his life,” she reflects. “If he were elsewhere, things might have escalated, and he could have become a statistic.” As an effort to help build a better community, Tawana started the Global Economic Diversity Development Initiative (GEDDI). It’s a 501 (c) with the mission of building economic wealth for the Black community through workforce opportunities, economic empowerment, supply chain opportunities, leadership, and the development of business acceleration. “GEDDI is not a want, it’s a necessity,” Tawana says. “Along with GLI, we’re creating a scorecard for community level and corporate level businesses to help them to measure progress through the lens of black people, as well as raising money through licensing to fund our endowment- the Remediation of Injustices fund (ROI). GEDDI will need to be creative about building wealth because the reality is that history has shown that people don’t leave large sums of their wealth to combat racism, and even when they begin, it becomes paternalized. I want to ensure that those who request funds have people with their shared life experience in control, providing a healthier assessment of how it’s doled out. Towards that end, we’ve created a program called Equity Vested. It’s a tool designed to assess an organization’s racial equity efforts annually and connect them with experts who can assist where it’s needed.” With this tool, Tawana plans to help build a better tomorrow. “We are committed to gaining a comprehensive perspective into social factors that are a barrier to individuals attaining their fullest human potential,” she says. “We’re also conducting a Social Determinants Assessment to understand the broad needs of our communities. We listen to better understand their needs and make the best decisions in offering strategies. We invite the community to get involved with the rollout of this program, which we plan to launch during the week of the next Kentucky Derby.”
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 31
black history month is now seeing its third generation of patients and offers to retain them until the age of 21 to “bridge the gap” between pediatrics and general practitioners.
DR. BEVERLY GAINES
Dr. Gaines is originally from Columbus, Ohio, moved to Kentucky for medical school, and never left. She has two children who are both involved with the practice. Her son is responsible for practice administration, while her daughter serves as clinical manager and is studying to be an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). After three episodes of cancer, Dr. Gaines has worked part-time since 2006 in a primarily administrative role.
BY DAWN ANDERSON PHOTO BY DICK ARNSPIGER
D
r. Beverly Gaines has run her pediatric practice, Beverly M. Gaines, MD & Associates, PSC, in Louisville since 1984. She has served in many local, state, and national professional leadership positions, including the executive board of the National Medical Association (NMA), where she was appointed Chair of the Finance Committee and elected as national Vice-President. Dr. Gaines joined Leadership Louisville in 1987 and has also served as Vice-Chair and Vice-President of the Jefferson County Medical Society (now known as Greater Louisville Medical Society). Additionally, she was the only provider appointed by Governor Brereton C. Jones to serve on the independent five-member Kentucky Health Policy Board created by HB 250. She organized an African-American Health Jamboree in Louisville to address racial disparities in health care and has received numerous professional and community awards and honors. “I feel very supported here in Louisville and Kentucky.” Dr. Gaines’ long-established practice grew quickly after opening. However, her lack of the business acumen to run a practice caused early financial difficulties in the beginning. Her generous nature led her to allow patient families to delay payment if they struggled to
pay their fees. Eventually, she hired a practice management consultant that worked with her for two years to “get a handle on how to run the business.” Since then, her practice has grown and thrived, now one of the largest, independently-owned private practices in Louisville. Dr. Gaines attributes the practice’s success to patient and staff diversity, staying centrally located and accessible, as well as an uncompromising standard to providing excellent care. “I have seen patients from 13-year-old mothers to state senators, doctors, and dentists. Our patients are racially, ethnically, and economically diverse. “I have seen patients from all walks of life, and I love and treat everyone the same.” The practice
Dr. Gaines says she entered medical school when they were seeking more diversity in their classes. She never let her identity as a Black woman limit her opportunities. “I worked so hard to be a good doctor and a good citizen so that others felt confident in me. You can’t affect change from the sidelines.” Dr. Gaines is still motivated by “the pursuit of excellence” and having her “heart in the right place.” In turn, she strives to be a role model for her patients through participation in the community. “I derive my living from the community, so I feel compelled to give back. I have been blessed.” Dr. Gaines’s practice now employs three additional providers and 17 staff members in her Highlands office. For more information, visit www.gainesandassociates.com.
Louisville-Middletown 12949 Shelbyville Rd, Suite 101 Louisville, KY 40243 (502) 874-5848 Louisville-St. Matthews 4505 Shelbyville Rd Ste 100 Louisville, KY 40207 (502) 835-2001
NothingBundtCakes.com
32 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 33
black history month
THE CULTURE OF
MONEY Is More Than a Book... It's a Movement! BY DEDRA N. TATE • COURTESY PHOTO
I
n direct response to the continued historic economic inequities facing Black Americans, De’Andre Salter has authored The Culture of Money (TCOM) to address the Black wealth gap and how to break the cycle of generational poverty. Salter, a certified financial expert, entrepreneur, motivational speaker and acclaimed author, created The Culture of Money to help build a Black wealth movement through the adoption of three community-shared values...Know More, Own More and Pass Down More. According to Salter, “If the African American community can make a commitment to do those three things, and articulate them to our children, not only will we increase our individual wealth, but as a community we will create enough wealth to have a seat at the table - politically, economically and socially.” Salter believes the real problem is that we don’t learn enough about money in school and many of our parents weren’t exposed to financial education growing up. “You have to come into knowledge to open up the realm of possibilities. Most people think they need cash to start on the journey of healing and financial wellness, but you need confidence. Confidence trumps cash and you can’t have financial confidence unless you have financial knowledge.” Salter says “It all starts with know more. You can’t own more unless you know more, and you can’t pass down what you don’t own.” Using the power of the Black family, Black churches and community organizations, TCOM expertly sets out a pathway for measurable financial healing. It is with his relentless passion to help others strengthen their faith, families, and communities, that Salter focuses on what he calls one of the great civil
34 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
Dedra N. Tate has been a thriving contributor to the entertainment industry for 35+ years. A proud graduate of Howard University, with a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism, Tate started her career in Talent Relations at MTV with subsequent tenures at Uni Records and MCA Records. She held executive positions at Motown Records for eight years, serving as general manager of Michael Bivins’ BIV 10/Motown Records imprint for the latter three. Tate was also president and general manager of Queen Latifah’s Flavor Unit Entertainment. After 13 years with Flavor Unit, she successfully leveraged her years of experience and contacts with her company, Unlimited Contacts, Inc. (UCI). Under the UCI banner, Tate wears many hats, including television/film producer, live and virtual event planner and producer, marketing/branding consultant and public speaker. She also pens a lifestyle and entertainment column, in the New York Beacon newspaper, titled #HotOffThePress.
rights issues of our day—the overwhelming wealth gap and future wealth transfer. “Over the next 25 years, trillions of dollars will exchange hands, from one generation to another, and only 3% of that wealth will exchange hands in the Black community. That means future generations will be born into a greater wealth gap,” said Salter. TCOM is an ideology for creating Black wealth and Salter is coming to you with a different type of altar call…he’s calling you to the altar of financial healing. TCOM puts an emphasis on making a commitment to behavioral changes in our attitudes toward money to decrease our personal wealth gap, while increasing our net worth. Salter reminds us of the scripture, “A righteous man passes down wealth to his children and his children’s children.” Through his spiritual and professional journey of wins and losses, from filing for bankruptcy at the age of twenty-one to becoming a millionaire by age thirty, Salter learned
the difference between making money and building wealth, many times over. He believes, “Every good investment you make in your life will render extraordinary returns.” For the past several years, Salter has been working on this labor of love, pouring his knowledge of the financial industry and his personal experiences, into the three hundred twenty pages within the covers of TCOM. When it was time to publish, Salter sought out an African American publishing company and found a home with Mynd Matters Publishing (MMP), an Atlanta-based firm owned by Renita Bryant. MMP released The Culture of Money on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 and it is currently available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other online bookstores. This highly anticipated release has already landed the paperback, and hardcover versions of TCOM in the #1 and #2 positions, respectively, on the Amazon Hot New Releases list.
Keith Major Photography, Inc.
About The Author
DE'ANDRE
SALTER Salter is one of the most recognized and celebrated Black executives in the commercial insurance industry. His twenty-year career as senior vice president with three different Fortune 100 insurance companies, and his faith, served as inspiration for building the largest Black-owned insurance brokerage in the world by age thirty.
Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, De’Andre Salter's name is now preceded by the title Bishop, following his official consecration into the Joint College of African-American Pentecostal Bishops and the Macedonia International Bible Fellowship (MIBF). At age forty-nine, Salter is the youngest Bishop in the state of New Jersey. Salter serves as Senior Pastor of Impact Church in South Plainfield, New Jersey and has been happily married to his childhood sweetheart, Terri, for over twenty-five years. They have four children. Salter earned his degree from Drew University, holds a Master of Theology from Kings University and is pursuing his doctorate. He also serves on many boards, including a recent term on the board of trustees at his undergraduate alma mater, Drew University. TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 35
photos
36 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 37
Black History Month
T H E P E R F EC T
s ' e t n e l Va Day Valentine's Day is approaching which means everyone is trying to build the perfect date night or Galentine's party to kick of 2021 with nothing but love. Whether you're looking for a unique overnight stay, a delicious drink to toast to or maybe something to pamper yourself... we've got the perfect recipe for a Valentine's Day to remember. Not to mention, they're local shops right here in Louisville!
FRESH BOURBON
Sean and Tia Edwards, Owners freshbourbon.com #RaiseAGlass #SoFreshSoCleanBourbon
38 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
CABOOKIE CUPCAKES
Corenza Townsend, Owner (502) 644-5060 cabookiecupcakes.com @cabookiecupcakes #LouisvillesFavoriteCupcake
INNER SPARKLE TEEPEE Bianca Cox-Richardson, Owner (502) 333-0184 innersparklellc@gmail.com innersparkleparties.com
BATH WONDERLAND
Bailey GrifďŹ n, Owner bathwonderland@gmail.com bathwonderland.com @bathwonderland
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 39
Black History Month
SKIN CARE BY TRACIE
FLY GIRL CANDLES
Dierdre Barnes, Owner flygirlcandles.com @flygirlcandles #FirstLoveYourselfCandles
BUBBLY BLISS BAR
Kayla Marie, Owner 2110 Bardstown Rd. Open Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm bubblyblissbarbykaylamarie.com @bubblyblissbar_bykaylamarie
40 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
Tracie Michelle, Owner 105 Lyndon Lane #106 E Louisville, Ky 40222 (502) 744-1491 skincarewithtracie.com info@skincarewithtracie.com
winter sale 25-75% off
shopsassyfoxconsign.com New Hours Tue–Fri 11–5 pm Sat 10–4 pm
502.895.3711 150 Chenoweth Lane
PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE, PROTECT YOUR LIFE & ASSETS
MARINER
WEALTH ADVISORS R A N K E D
TOP FIVE You’ve worked hard all your life to grow your assets and save, so protecting what’s important to you, including your family and your wealth, is paramount in providing you and your loved ones a more secure future.
We partner with you on a plan to help preserve your wealth including: • Comprehensive Wealth Planning
• Estate Planning
• Investment Management
• Trust Services
• Tax Planning & Preparation
• Insurance Solutions
Mariner Wealth Advisors has been nationally ranked in the top five RIA firms from 2016 - 2020 by Barron’s. While we are thrilled with this recognition, we believe the true measure of our success is helping our clients arrive at their financial destination.
www.marinerwealthadvisors.com Why not have a conversation with a top-ranked firm?
502-236-2079 | 4965 U.S. 42, Suite 1000, Louisville, KY 40222 812-542-1018 | 3707 Charlestown Road, Suite C-2, New Albany, IN 47150 *Barron’s awarded the 2020 #5, 2019 #4 and 2018 #3 Top RIA Firms rankings to Mariner Wealth Advisors based on data compiled for Mariner Wealth Advisors and the 2017 #2 and 2016 #1 rankings to Mariner Holdings based upon data compiled for Mariner Holdings’ registered investment adviser subsidiaries. The number of firms included in the rankings were: 20 (2016), 30 (2017), 40 (2018), 50 (2019) and 100 (2020). Barron’s publishes rankings based upon a number of criteria and the firms’ filings with the SEC were used to cross-check the data provided. The listing includes numbers of clients, employees, advisors, offices and state locations. The award is not indicative of future performance and there is no guarantee of future investment success. For additional information visit www.barrons.com. Some services listed in this piece are provided by affiliates of MWA and are subject to additional fees. Additional fees may also apply for tax planning and preparation services. Mariner Wealth Advisors (“MWA”) is an SEC registered investment adviser with its principal place of business in the State of Kansas. Registration of an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training.For additional information about MWA, including fees and services, please contact MWA or refer to the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website (www.adviserinfo.sec.gov).Please read the disclosure statement carefully before you invest or send money.
Money Matters
What could you do with good, solid ďŹ nancial advice? The following companies can help you with your current and future needs. MONEY MASTER PROFILES BY ROCKO JEROME PHOTOS BY DICK ARNSPIGER
Special Advertising Section
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 43
Money Matters
INVE$TING IN YOUR FUTURE
February is the month for our annual Money Issue, and no time like the present for a serious review of your overall financial situation. We consulted with experts in the areas of investing, investment planning, mortgages, insurance, and real estate on how to maximize and protect your assets as 2021 brings sweeping change. BY DAWN ANDERSON • COURTESY PHOTOS
44 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
Wells Fargo Advisors
such as purchasing a home or starting or expanding a business. Taking advantage of historically low interest rates to borrow money may be an excellent way to allow investments to continue growing. Just be sure to maintain an appropriate emergency fund. She suggests at least 3-12 months of living expenses.
F
or those 55 and under, retirement may still seem far away. But it’s never too early to save for retirement with sound investment strategies. Leigh Anne Hughes, CFP® Senior Vice President - Investment Officer with Wells Fargo Advisors guides us through setting priorities and appropriate plans of action to take the guesswork out of building a comfortable financial future. Leigh Anne recommends focusing first on paying down high-interest debt, contributing enough to your 401(k) to receive the full company match, and having an emergency fund. Once these fundamental considerations are in place, you can prioritize other major life goals. “Whether it’s saving for a down payment on a home, investing in an education account, or another major purchase, a financial advisor can help people achieve the goals they value most.” In times of uncertainty, our instinct may be to change the way we manage our money. Leigh Anne recommends a calm, level-headed approach. “This past year has been one of the most difficult many clients have ever faced emotionally and financially. There were times they wanted to get out of the market because the volatility and uncertainty scared them. However, having a plan and making small adjustments based on your goals rather than making major shifts due to factors out of your control, like a pandemic, can help you stay on track even when obstacles present.” Often younger employees will claim that they cannot afford to contribute to a retirement account, not understanding that, with company matching and tax advantages, they can’t afford not to contribute. “That’s free money! I will always encourage young investors to save more. The more time your money has to work for you, the better! Saving more now can offer you more flexibility later, which means you could potentially retire earlier, spend more in retirement, or make
LEIGH ANNE HUGHES, CFP® Senior Vice President - Investment Officer, Wells Fargo Advisors a purchase you have always dreamed of. It’s much harder to play catch-up closer to retirement than to save consistently over a longer period of time.”
But does our age determine whether we should move into more or less risky investments within those retirement accounts? Leigh Anne says, “Although there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to investing, many people under 55 are working to grow their money, which means stocks would play the primary role in their future goals. More stock generally equates to more return over time, but that also means there may be more risk. Weighing the reward versus the risk of any investment and determining the proper balance will depend heavily on each person’s unique goals and risk tolerance. Developing a plan with a financial advisor can help a person determine an appropriate mix of investments and the level of risk they are willing to accept to achieve their goals.” When deciding whether to take out a loan, Leigh Anne believes in worthy goals
If you see a tax refund or stimulus payment in your near future, Leigh Anne has advice for that, too. “If 2021 is the year that you want to pay off your credit card debt, use these funds to pay down your highest interest-rate debt. If you want to give more to certain causes that are close to your heart this year, choose to give some of your refund or stimulus check to your favorite charities. And have a little fun! Investing is not supposed to be all work and no play.” Just as it’s never too early to start saving, it’s never too early to begin meeting with a trusted financial advisor. “It’s important to talk with your financial advisor whenever you have a life-changing event, which would include getting married, buying a home, changing jobs, having a baby, paying for a child’s education, retiring, etc. Outside of these major events, we recommend meeting with your advisor to evaluate progress toward financial goals and make adjustments as needed.” Visit wellsfargoadvisors.com for more information. Wells Fargo Advisors, 297 N Hubbards Lane, Louisville, KY 40507
INVESTMENT AND INSURANCE PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC Insured NO Bank Guarantee MAY Lose Value Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Asset allocation cannot eliminate the risk of fluctuating prices and uncertain returns. Diversification does not guarantee profit or protect against loss in declining markets. Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLD, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. ©207-2019 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. Sponsored advertising content. CAR #0121-02187
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 45
Money Matters
Mariner Wealth Advisors
to jump to conclusions and worry about their investments long-term. But it is important also to consider the counter-balancing factors of a likely increase in infrastructure and other types of stimulus spending that help the economy, not to mention the improved sentiment that is likely to continue with the new administration’s focus on ‘unity’ in our country. At the end of the day, it is important to remain focused on ‘real data’ to drive investment decisions, and to consider all factors - not just the ones most publicized by one political party or the other.”
I
f the only constant is change, investors will undoubtedly see a steady stream of it in 2021. With a global pandemic and national vaccine rollout, as well as a new Presidential administration and change of control in congress, we turned to Pamela Thompson, CFA, Managing Director at Mariner Wealth Advisors, for some clarity and perspective. With 29 years’ experience in investments, wealth management, finance, and banking, Pamela oversees the Louisville market for Mariner Wealth Advisors, a privately owned registered investment advisory firm with 41 offices across the country. In light of the COVID pandemic, clients are understandably “worried about their investments and what will happen to their long-term goals in the midst of market volatility,” says Pamela. “I regularly talk with clients about what is the appropriate balance for the investments in their portfolio. The first defense against the harmful effects of volatility is to have planned properly from the beginning.” Two factors to consider are 1) how much liquidity is needed and when; and 2) the client’s comfort level with fluctuation versus the growth their financial goals require. For example, Pamela advises, “Funds needed within five years should be in cash or conservative investments, not in the stock market. Beyond that, the appropriate balance between stock investments and bonds or cash will depend on how much growth someone needs to achieve their long-term goals, how much income they need to take out along the way, and how much fluctuation they can tolerate from market volatility.” According to her, such decisions should be goal-based, not based on age or a formula. “Long gone are the days when interest rates were high enough to rely on CDs or bonds in retirement. With a tenyear treasury bond currently yielding just 1%, most retirees will need to have at least some investment in equities to
46 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
PAMELA THOMPSON, CFA Managing Director, Mariner Wealth Advisors meet their goals,” Pamela advises. “Once the appropriate long-term balance is in place, then volatility can present an opportunity. When the market drops, look for investments to buy at a discount, and then when values become very high, look for places to trim.”
While she expects volatility to continue, Pamela projects a positive market environment amid the new Presidential administration and Democratic Senate majority. “We are living in a more polarized world. Clients wonder, ‘What does it mean for their investments?’ Republican administrations are generally thought to be more ‘business-friendly,’ while Democratic administrations are expected to raise taxes. This leads some clients
As for her investment team’s 2021 predictions, Pamela dares to forecast the financial future for us. “After two years of strong market returns, stocks have become ‘fully-valued’ and need to see corporate earnings catch up. If the COVID vaccine rollout can be implemented smoothly and our activities return to a more normal state by the second half of the year, our team would place the most likely outcome on a mid-single-digit return for the US stock market. If the Federal Reserve remains accommodative and interest rates remain at their historic lows, then one more above-average year is possible for the market. But our current expectation is for more modest returns in 2021.” Mariner Wealth Advisors is an SEC-registered investment adviser with 41 offices across the country, including Louisville, KY, and New Albany, IN. Services include comprehensive wealth management, financial planning, customized investment portfolios, business advisory services, tax planning and preparation, insurance solutions, and estate planning and trust services. For more information, visit marinerwealthadvsors.com. Follow @MarinerWealthAdvisors on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn and @MarinerWealth on Twitter.
American Mortgage Solutions F
ounded in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1998 by Brady Webb, American Mortgage Solutions helps clients in Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Florida, and Colorado. President Brady Webb, who now splits his time between Louisville and Cape Coral, Florida, has been in the real estate and financial services business for over 30 years. Brady attended Shelby County High School, where he played baseball and continued playing throughout college. After college, he went to work for a Fortune 500 bank, where he first began to realize the lending limitations of larger financial institutions. After receiving his mortgage broker’s license, Brady was determined to offer clients more options and flexibility in getting them the best deal to fit their needs. He is also a licensed real estate agent, giving him insight into all aspects of the business and a more seamless working relationship with real estate agents. American Mortgage Solutions offers all the same loans as big banks and lenders, plus special programs and lending sources not limited by the FDIC. “We can show you and coach you through the process to help you achieve the dream of being a homeowner.” Now is the time to take advantage of historically low interest rates. With low housing inventory, the real estate market is highly competitive. Getting 100% pre-approved now will ensure you are ready to make an offer and help you avoid the “cost of waiting” that comes with higher interest rates resulting in higher payments.
Brady cautions those interested in refinancing to do so without delay. The bond market decline signals higher interest rates ahead.
BRADY WEBB Founder, American Mortgage Solutions Another alternative he suggests to his clients in addition to the rate-and-term mortgage is to consider a cash-out refinance. Some advantages to the cash-out option are: 1. The ability to pay off higher-interest debt using home equity 2. Releasing funds for home improvements to lift the overall home value 3. Making new investments to pay off the mortgage much faster “Home equity is a vehicle to financial independence,” says Brady. Knowing how to leverage that equity to your advantage can make all the difference to your financial freedom and peace of mind. In addition to working with clients, Brady values his relationships with other real estate agents and financial planners. “We work together to grow our businesses and make them better for our clients.” For more information, visit www. loansolutionsnow.com. Follow @americanmortgagesolutions on Facebook and Instagram.
WWW.HEALTHYJAMES.COM ALL MEALS UNDER 800 CALORIES TA K E O U T • D E L I V E R Y C AT E R I N G
THRE E L O C AT I O N S :
J-TOWN HIGHLANDS ST. MATTHEWS
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 47
Money Matters
Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance I
n turbulent times, protecting your assets and liability protection should become top priorities. With so much uncertainty, some reassurance can lessen your decision fatigue and guard against the unexpected. Kentucky Farm Bureau spokesperson and General Counsel Greg Kosse outline here what to keep in mind about insurance coverage. Greg has been with Kentucky Farm Bureau for over 30 years, starting as an adjuster in 1989. He attended night classes at Louis D. Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville. “Kentucky Farm Bureau is a great company to work for, and they focus on their employees.” Kentucky Farm Bureau is the largest property insurer and the largest commercial insurer in the state, and the second-largest overall property/casualty insurer. They began insuring autos in 1943, and the one-state operation is now the only state Farm Bureau leading its state in market share in the last year. They provide insurance for homes, farms, automobiles, boats, personal property, rental property, and small businesses. Kentucky Farm Bureau agents also offer life insurance underwritten through Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance. “Life insurance protects your family, providing financial stability and security for your loved ones,” says Greg.
48 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
GREG KOSSE Spokesperson and General Counsel, Kentucky Farm Bureau
Greg recommends speaking with your insurance agent to determine how often and when to review insurance coverage. This review should take place regularly. Having all of your insurance through a single company and developing a good working relationship with your insurance agent is a “good practice, which allows the agent to evaluate all your insurance needs to help you determine what coverage is best for you.” Other benefits include convenience and discounts.
With 15 claim offices across the state and agent offices in all 120 Kentucky counties, Kentucky Farm Bureau can provide the “appropriate insurance to protect your assets and the availability to walk you through a claim. There is great value in having a local insurance agent and local claim service. Especially during traumatic events, local is a real advantage.” For more information, visit kyfb.com, and follow @kyfarmbureau on Facebook and Kentucky Farm Bureau on LinkedIn.
Dare to Care Community Kitchen
T
he Dare to Care Community Kitchen, in partnership with the Novak Family Foundation, moved from Butchertown to Louisville’s historic Parkland neighborhood in June 2020. It’s a production kitchen, not a restaurant, producing 1,600 meals a day for the various Kids Café locations throughout the community and another 150 meals daily for distribution through food pantries and other efforts. “Volunteers are needed every weekday to help prepare and pack meals,” says Stan Siegwald, director of strategic initiatives for Dare to Care. Hours are typically 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Community Kitchen also houses the Catholic Charities of Louisville’s “Common Table Culinary Arts Program” and has space for its own nutrition classes. In 2021, Dare to Care will begin a pilot program to provide plated meals to independent-living senior apartments. Want to help? Donate, volunteer or spread the word about Dare to Care: daretocare.org.
Many hearts. One Community. Wells Fargo is extending its relationship with Feeding America member food banks across Kentucky. Locally, the Louisville Branch of Wells Fargo Advisors is pleased to support the Dare to Care Food Bank. The Louisville Branch of Wells Fargo Advisors Justin Schappe, Senior Vice President 297 N. Hubbards Lane, Ste. 300 • Louisville, KY 40507 Office: 502-561-5000 justin.schappe@wellsfargoadvisors.com wellsfargoadvisors.com
Investment and Insurance Products: NOT FDIC Insured / NO Bank Guarantee / MAY Lose Value Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. ©2020 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. CAR-0121-00543
February doesn’t just mean Valentine’s Day.... it’s also our annual Money Issue! What better way to showcase our love and passion for digital marketing than to outline key statistics and facts that highlight the Return on Investment (ROI) you receive when your company invests in digital marketing?
For every dollar spent on email marketing, businesses get an ROI of $30
Companies generate an average of $2 in earnings for every $1 they spend on Google Ads
Mobile marketing dominates the digital landscape
If you’ve been hesitant to embrace Google Ads because you’re not certain of its potential, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s pretty rewarding. For every $1 that your business spends on Google Ads, you’re doubling your investment.
72% of marketers improve their engagement through content marketing This proves that an effective way to increase traffic to your website and get a higher ROI from your online activities is to prioritize your content marketing efforts.
According to Smart Insights, email marketing has one of the highest ROI’s, yielding $30 in revenue for every $1 spent. By comparison, the ROI for SEO is $22 and $10 for mobile marketing.
One-third of internet users access it via smartphones and other mobile devices. This reveals that companies should make their channels as mobile-friendly and responsive as possible.
Seamlessness plays a vital role in customer engagement 60% of customers expect brands to provide consistent and precise information across online platforms – be it their website, thirdparty sites or social media platforms.
Let us Show you the Money...
is, the secret to improving your ROI is to keep abreast of the latest digital marketing trends. Brands that focus on just one strategy year after year experience very slow progress. To avoid this, dedicate some time each month to review the latest trends and statistics relating to digital marketing. At TOPS Digital Solutions, our team conducts monthly strategy meetings with every client to review campaign performance, new strategies and content to keep our marketing efforts fresh, current and delivering the best ROI possible for our partners. To learn more or schedule a FREE digital consultation, reach out to us at digital@topsmarketing.com and let us show you the money!
Regardless of how big or small your business BY CHAD HOWARD
Louie Leger
Founder, Leger Investments LLC (502) 640-7871 LOUIE@LEGERINVESTMENTS.COM LEGERINVESTMENTS.COM Louie Leger is bringing a big idea most often seen in thriving cities right here to Louisville. “It’s really a kind of a west coast/east coast concept, but I hold the belief that when something forward-thinking isn’t present in a city like this, that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be,” he says. “It just means you have to put it there.” With the help of great partners like Taurus Capital Management, Louie is able to bring this inspiration to life. “Our investors have been incredible,” he says. “They also see the vision of the short term rental business.” To accommodate the on-the-go lifestyle we all share here in the 21st century, Louie founded Leger Investments LLC. It’s a real estate investment company with 52 beautifully furnished short term rentals downtown and near all the area attractions, both for living needs as well as office and meeting space. They are all available for short term rental through Airbnb, Furnish Finder, and similar services, as well as the Leger Investments website. “I also own a construction company, and I travel a lot which helps me come up with ideas for the business,” says the Louisville based Louie. “That’s how this all came to me. This is a big opportunity not just to help our city stay on the cutting edge, but also to invest in a growing future.” Leger Investments is on a scale model and is always looking for more investors to be involved with this exciting opportunity. 52 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
Michelle Marks, AAMS® Financial Advisor, Raymond James
(502) 329-2061 RAYMONDJAMES.COM/MICHELLEMARKS MICHELLE.MARKS@RAYMONDJAMES.COM Having survived some hard times herself, Michelle Marks understands first-hand the importance of strong financial planning. “My family endured unexpected and devastating health consequences which destroyed my parent’s livelihood, our home and future financial security,” she says. This led her to handling numerous legal, financial, and emotional challenges for years. “I don’t want other people to suffer what I’ve experienced. That’s why I became a Financial Advisor.” She brings 12 years of effective account management and customer service experience to her role at Raymond James. As a millennial, Michelle provides solutions that can create a sustainable and stable future for all generations. “Wealth Planning is much more than buying stocks and bonds. The real reason behind it is to prepare for the future,” she says. “I’m here to build relationships and help navigate through the expected and unexpected phases of a person’s life.” An active listener with a passion for helping others, Michelle is dedicated to serving her clients’ needs by creating a comprehensive plan tailored to their goals and risk tolerance. If there’s one thing that she wants you to know, it’s that you shouldn’t wait to get a financial plan in order. “It doesn’t have to be as complicated as we sometimes think,” she says. “Getting started only takes a moment, and the benefits can last a lifetime.” 4969 US Highway 42, Suite 1600 Louisville, KY 40222 Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member NYSE/SIPC TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 53
Brady Webb
President, American Mortgage Solutions (502) 327-9770 LOANSOLUTIONSNOW.COM With over 30 years in the industry, including 23 as the President of American Mortgage Solutions, Brady Webb attributes most of his success to taking the stress out of the process for his clients. “I enjoy getting to know my clients on a personal level, which makes it easy for my clients to communicate with me,” he says. “A lot of times, clients feel embarrassed for no reason. My job is to make planning for their future stress-free and simple.” Combining great experience and hard work is a winning combination for Brady, a true professional in his field. He’s licensed not just here in Kentucky but also in Florida, Indiana, Colorado, and Tennessee. Brady goes the extra mile, putting his fantastic experience to work, building personalized plans for those he serves, explaining all the details in laymen’s terms. “What I do is about trust. It goes far beyond just a mere transaction,” he says. “That’s so important, especially when we’re talking about finances. We aim to provide 5-star service every time.” 54 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
Scott Dingle
Owner & Partner, Limestone Wealth Advisors (502) 894-9366 LIMESTONEWEALTHADVISORS.COM “To put it simply, we are here to protect our clients from the certainty of uncertainty,” says Scott Dingle, Owner and Partner of Limestone Wealth Advisors. Limestone is a Private Wealth Advisory Practice and franchise of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. This 20 year company, located in the heart of St. Matthews, can provide the personal and hands-on benefits of a local business as well as the support and resources of a Fortune 500 Company. This diverse group of experts has over 100 years of combined experience in the industry. Their mission is to honor your journey toward a financial future filled with confidence and security. They aim to be your most trusted financial advisors, building on real, meaningful relationships through financial experience, compassion, and a disciplined approach. With an emphasis on integrity, excellence, and lifelong learning, the Limestone team offers not just personalized financial advice but also assists with matters of small businesses’ succession, retirement, and divorce financial planning. Scott has been providing advice since 2003, growing stronger and remaining with Limestone all along the way. “We provide a holistic approach tailored to an individual,” he says. “While most clients have the same goals of retirement and legacy planning, each one has a path filled with past experiences and future expectations. We are proud of the success of each of our clients and look forward to working with them and their future generations for decades to come.” TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 55
chris and brenda fleming
Founders, Bluegrass Wealth Builders (502) 792-8333 • BLUEGRASSWEALTHBUILDERS.COM Founded by Chris and Brenda Fleming on the core values of honesty, integrity, and passion, Bluegrass Wealth Builders is a locally owned family-oriented real estate solutions company committed to helping homeowners find fast solutions for their real estate matters. “We don’t just invest in real estate,” says Chris. “We invest our time in helping homeowners and their families so they can focus on creating a more prosperous future for themselves.” With a business model based on working directly with homeowners to find winning solutions, their team can offer 56 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
cash for your property and set a closing date based on your own timeline, offering you more flexibility and allowing you to get paid quicker for the sale of your property. “We operate across Kentucky and Tennessee and will be expanding our reach to other markets in our pursuit to help as many people as possible,” Chris says. “We want it to be known that we are extremely passionate about helping those in tough situations solve their problems. It’s our mission to not only invest in the growth and revitalization of communities but also invest in the growth of the great citizens that live in those communities.” When they aren’t working to improve homeowners’ lives, Chris and Brenda love spending time with their 4-year-old daughter, Adalynn. “She means the world to us,” says Chris. “We want to teach her the values of honesty and integrity, but also the beauty in helping people and the joy it brings to everyone involved. We not only invest in real estate, but we are well versed in every Disney Princess and the architectural styles of their castles.”
Jim Turk
Founder, SunHarbor Wealth Advisors (502) 939-7145 SUNHARBORWEALTH.COM After 17 years working for large financial firms, Jim Turk decided to open his own firm and partner directly with LPL. SunHarbor Wealth Advisors is devoted to bringing the best products and services to clients, and Jim makes it his mission to protect his clients’ best interest, cut out the middle man, and control cost. “We take a holistic approach to financial planning,” says Jim. “We look at all areas of your financial life, like Investment goals and fears, mortgage rates, debt, estate planning, life insurance, long-term care...our motto is ‘if it involves money, call us first’. I explain to clients that there are two ways to look at financial decisions- the emotional answer or the financial answer. I will give you the pros and cons of both and make sure the decision we make is the best for you!” As an independent firm trading through a large broker, Sun Harbor is a dealer that can control costs, protect clients, and partner with many of the top financial firms and insurance companies to get the best products and services. If they don’t directly handle a particular product or service, they are still there to help guide you through the process and look after your best interest. “Our main business is to manage your money and act as a fiduciary,” says Jim. “We manage our clients total financial picture in their best interest. Although a great number of our clients do have large asset sizes, we help everyone. There is no minimum asset size for us to help you. We want our clients to know that they can refer any and all of their family and friends to us. Everyone starts somewhere.” TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 57
Anthony “Tony” S. Roberts, ChFC®, CSA
Founder, Abundant Wealth Process®; A. Roberts & Associates, Inc.; and Prosperity Asset Management, LLC (855) 590-1455 INFO@AROBERTSASSOCIATES.COM AROBERTSASSOCIATES.COM Anthony “Tony” S. Roberts, ChFC®, CSA, is a nationally recognized Financial Educator, Author, Speaker, and Retirement Planner, whom you may have seen on or in NBC, ABC, CBS and FOX network affiliates and Bloomberg Business, Yahoo Finance, Investing Daily, Wall Street Select, Market Watch, The Louisville Courier-Journal, Louisville TOPS Magazine, and others. As the Creator of the Abundant Wealth Process® and Founder of A. Roberts & Associates, Inc. and Prosperity Asset Management, LLC, Tony and his team have helped business owners, federal employees, professionals, and executives preserve, protect, and pass on their wealth for over 35 years. Choosing a proven Financial Advisor is critical for your financial future. “At the beginning of the COVID pandemic,” says Tony, “no one knew what was going to happen. Would there be an economic recession or even a depression?” How did your financial advisor guide you through the uncertainty? “Did they communicate enough? Were they a calming influence? Did they still have you invested in retirement as you were while working?” Tony and his team also seek to dispel common myths about preparing for retirement. The most common being to retire on less money than you were previously making. Tony asks, “Are you willing to take a lifestyle cut just because you retired? Whether it be travel, spending time with family, or personal hobbies, what are you willing to sacrifice? Why would you if you didn’t have to?” Another myth claims your taxes will be less in retirement. “What if Congress raises taxes?” cautions Tony. “Will that affect your retirement cash flow? Have you thought about exploring the “goldmines” in the tax code while avoiding the “landmines”? Tony is pleased to announce their newest office location: 6009 Brownsboro Park Boulevard, Suite A/B, and as a special offer to all TOPS readers, a free 16-page “Special Review for Your Retirement Planning.” Email info@arobertsassociates.com or call (855) 590-1455 to reserve your copy today. The first 50 TOPS Louisville readers to request the review will also receive a free copy of the just-released Amazon #1 bestseller, Build Wealth Like a Shark: Insights From Some Of North America’s Leading Authorities by Scott Keffer and Kevin Harrington (an original shark on ABC TV’s “Shark Tank”) and featuring Tony himself! Visit arobertsassociates.com and prosperityassetmanagement.com for more. 58 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
Todd Frossard
Market President and Senior Commercial Banker, WesBanco (812) 285-1111 • WESBANCO.COM As Market President and Senior Commercial Banker at WesBanco, Todd Frossard is conscientious and careful with the trust his clients place in him. “I’ve always believed my key responsibility as a leader is how I approach the concept of relationship building,” he says. “Working at a commercial bank, I rely on a lot of people every day. I may be the main point of contact for a customer, but our team is what helps me be effective and efficient.” Todd consistently prioritizes workflow, giving the most critical items of the day and week the highest level of attention. As the world of banking constantly evolves, Todd makes it his goal to be entirely accessible. “You can find me when you need me. I’ll be there,” he says. “I will grind to meet a deadline. I always want to be connected. Whether it is a simple research issue for a customer or a new complex commercial loan, I try to identify what the goals for the client and bank are and how we are going to get to a mutual outcome.” Todd applies his expertise in service to his clients and works with them to serve their best interests. “I’m here to strike the right balance between managing risk, growing revenue, and navigating the journey from the start of a new loan to closing,” he says. “No two transactions are alike. I very much enjoy learning about how a particular business started and the vision the owner has for its future.” TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 59
Chris Brady
Founder & CEO, BLVD Private Wealth, LLC (502) 513-8056 • BLVDPW.COM Bringing youthful energy and a fresh perspective to private wealth management, Chris Brady is the Founder and CEO of BLVD Private Wealth, LLC. A true fiduciary who is highly motivated to serve his clients’ best interest, Chris speaks in plain terms and comfortably, improving lives along the way. Whether your wealth is established or new and emerging, he brings vast experience to the table, having worked with clients across Kentucky and across the country, particularly in financial meccas like New York City, Chicago, and Cincinnati, before returning to his native Louisville. “This is my dream job,” he says. “I’m doing exactly what I want to be doing. I believe in treating all my clients with the same level of care. Besides my wife and kids, it’s the most fulfilling thing in my life.”
a smarter way to grow your balance
GREEN TREE CHECKING earn up to .80% APY*
Patrick Padden
Mark George
Paul Karem
*Green Tree Checking is a tiered rate account as follows: $100,000+ earns .80% APY; $50,000 to $99,999 earns .50% APY; $25,000 to $49,999 earns .35% APY; $10,000 to $24,999 earns 0.35% APY; $1,000 to $9,999 earns 0.35% APY. The Annual Percentage Yield is effective as of the publication date. Rate is subject to change after account opening. $100 minimum deposit required to open and $1,000 to earn the APY. Fees may reduce the earnings on the account.
SouthCentralBank.com 2000 Warrington Way, Ste. 200 502-715-4292
Northwestern Mutual LOUISVILLE.NM.COM Northwestern Mutual advisors can get you closer to your dreams – showing you the right financial steps to take today and in the days to come. A special part of the culture at Northwestern Mutual is the important role that experienced advisors play in teaching and mentoring newer advisors how to help clients build financial security. Advisors in the photo are part of a mentoring group led by three experienced advisors (seated) in the firm’s Downtown Louisville office.
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 61
Today’s Woman / February 2021
9
55+ + Fit & Fabulous
Planning to live your best retirement life can be a daunting task. Will you be able to stay financially, physically, and mentally fit? Here, TOPS consults with some of Louisville’s top professionals for advice to keep you Fit, Financially Sound, and Fabulous at 55 Plus!
Special Advertising Section
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 63
55+ Fit & Fabulous
53
Cheri Bauer
over
fabulous! February 9 is National Fall Off the Wagon Day, the average date all those well-intentioned fitness resolutions tend to fall apart. Don’t be another statistic. Take inspiration from these dedicated Louisvillians who have managed to find the joy in a regular workout routine. It’s never too late to find your strength! BY DAWN ANDERSON PHOTOS BY DICK ARNSPIGER
64 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
C
heri Bauer is a happily married stayat-home mom of three beautiful daughters ages 23, 20, and 17. But you would never believe that by looking at her. Cheri could easily pass for twenty years younger than her actual age of 53. She has been a Lakeside swimmer since she was nine years old and still enjoys aerobics and spin classes. Cheri looks inside and outside herself for motivation to keep fit. “The people you surround yourself with make all the difference, the friends you have and the friends you meet that keep you sociable and accountable.” Cheri also works out to be a good role model for her children. “And I do it for myself, too!” Baptist Health/Milestone Wellness Center is a hub of activity for Cheri, where she takes spin classes three days per week and works out in a group of three with personal trainer Kenny Hodges for one hour twice a week. Cheri manages to fit in a gentle yoga class once a week and TRX on Saturdays. According to the Milestone website, “TRX is a form of suspension training that uses bodyweight exercises to develop strength, balance, flexibility, and core stability simultaneously. It requires the use of the TRX Suspension Trainer, a performance training tool that leverages gravity and
the user’s body weight to complete the exercises. Great for intermediate/advanced fitness levels.” Cheri’s fitness goals are to maintain her weight and strength. “As we get older, we lose muscle tone. If you could see what he (Kenny) puts us through! But he keeps you working with a smile on your face.” Cheri encourages others to get and stay fit as well. “You only have one life to live. Make it the best you can. Stay healthy and be active!”
58
bradley calobrace, md, facs D
r. Bradley Calobrace began his plastic surgery practice in Louisville in 1997. He has since added offices in Lexington and Floyds Knobs, Indiana, and was joined by associate Chet Mays in 2016. In addition to managing CaloAesthetics Plastic Surgery practice and CaloSpa Rejuvenation Center, Dr. Calobrace travels the world lecturing, continues to publish extensively, including a plastic surgery textbook with Dr. Mays this year. He has always been athletic, spending his youth on tennis teams and as a gymnast. He went on to coach and judge gymnastics and
enjoyed snow skiing, water skiing, golf, tennis, and running through the years. Now 58 years of age, Dr. C found extra motivation to get into shape upon his 40th birthday. He began working with a personal trainer to build muscle and get in some cardio exercise. “As we get older, resistance training is important to build muscles which support the bones. It’s all connected.” For over a decade now, he has trained five days a week with trainer Kenny Hodges at Baptist Health/Milestone Wellness Center. They work on muscle training and cardio while still being cautious to avoid
injury. “CrossFit is a little too injury-prone for me. We do interval training instead. Having a conscientious and skilled trainer is the key, and Kenny Hodges is the best.” Outside the gym, Dr. C supplements workouts with his Peloton bike and running. His current fitness goal is to stay lean and muscular and still indulge once in a while. “I am 5’11” and 175 pounds and try to keep between 8% and 10% body fat - 5% if I’m really trying to cut down for summer. A lot of that is through diet, but I do like wine, Italian and Mexican food, so that is my daily challenge. I try to eat healthy most of the time so that I can occasionally cheat and live a normal, happy, and full life.” Dr. C also keeps what he calls a “ceiling weight” of 180 pounds to keep his health in check. After quarantining last year due to the COVID pandemic, Dr. C felt himself slowly getting out of shape. “It hurt when I came back. So my advice is to always stick with your workout plan, and you’ll always feel healthy and in shape.” He also recommends working out in the morning. “Consistency and routine are important. Get it done before life gets busy. Crank your metabolism for the whole day!”
Worried you’re you you’re not as
81
Anne McCollom A
nne McCollom retired from her nursing career in 2013 while in her early seventies. Now 81, Anne has been married for 56 years. The husband and wife team has kept in shape together since the late 1970s when he began exercising at the local Y. Anne is a former smoker who quit with the help of a group of coworkers supporting each other, another motivating factor in her wellness journey.
Inspired to start running decades ago by an upcoming Thanksgiving Day 5K, Anne convinced a friend to begin a three-month training program with her. That friend still runs New York marathons to this day. Anne remembers a time when running shoes made for women were not available, forcing women to buy them in equivalent men’s sizes. In addition to running outdoors, Anne also took exercise classes and ran the track at the St. Matthews YMCA. Anne’s current fitness routine involves walking 2½ to 4 miles per day, five days a week. Anne and her husband meet with friends to walk outside, weather permitting. In bad weather and often in the winter, they use the 1/11th-mile walking and jogging track at Baptist Health/Milestone Wellness Center. “We talk so much that we forget we’re walking!” Spending time with her husband and developing a social network keeps Anne moving. “Find something that you like, that makes you feel good and is enjoyable,” she says. “If you have other people, that helps. Keep with it until you feel the positive feedback.”
mental sweat
Try this Exercise & Work up a
ssharpp as you once were?
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 65
55+ Fit & Fabulous
The 6 Pillars
OF BRAIN HEALTH You probably know from experience that your brain doesn’t work well if you skimp on sleep or binge on nothing but junk food for the entire weekend. But there’s plenty of solid research to back up the idea that the brain performs best with support from the six pillars of brain health. BY MOLLY HASTINGS
Molly Hastings-Parke is the Executive Director of LearningRx Louisville-Springhurst. To learn more about how oneon-one brain training can help seniors, visit learningrx.com/louisville-springhurst/ or call (502) 653-8069 to set up a cognitive skills assessment.
66 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
THESE PILLARS—WHICH INCLUDE EXERCISE, NUTRITION, MEDICAL HEALTH, SLEEP, SOCIAL INTERACTION, AND MENTAL FITNESS—WERE IDENTIFIED BY THE CLEVELAND CLINIC AND ADOPTED BY HEALTH RESEARCHERS WORLDWIDE. By proactively incorporating these components into your lifestyle, you’ll not only be getting the most out of your brain function today but also positioning your brain to remain healthy and strong for the long term. Here are some highlights from the six pillars:
I. PHYSICAL EXERCISE Exercise releases important chemicals, including neurotransmitters that improve attention, perception, focus, and mood, as well as BDNF— the protein that acts as a fertilizer for your brain! Research shows that even light to moderate aerobic exercise improves oxygen consumption, which helps the brain function better. In the elderly, aerobic exercise—such as walking, bicycling or yoga—has actually been found to reduce brain cell loss.
II. FOOD AND NUTRITION Did you know that 80% of neurotransmitters are produced in the gut? So, if you want your brain to function well, you have to feed it well. The top two brain killers in our diet are sugar and grains. Sugar, grains, and processed foods cause inflammation in the body AND the brain. They are neuro-inflammatory. In fact, Alzheimer’s is being called Type 3 Diabetes due to the correlation of blood sugar and insulin regulation to the brain. The average person eats 22 teaspoons of sugar daily & 152 pounds of sugar per year. As a general rule, aim to avoid sugar and grains 90% of the time and enjoy them the other 10% of the time. Your best bet is to focus on brain-boosting foods, such as salmon, walnuts, sardines, and blueberries, among others.
VI. MENTAL FITNESS Memory lapses are very common – especially in people age 65 or older. That is because the body begins to experience physiological transitions with age, which often results in a decline in cognitive ability.
III. MEDICAL HEALTH Taking care of your heart helps your brain. You can reduce your dementia risks by managing your blood pressure and avoiding diabetes and obesity. If your doctor prescribes medication for a medical condition, take it regularly and in the dosage prescribed.
IV. SLEEP AND RELAXATION Sleep is like putting your brain through a car wash every night; most adults should get 7 to 9 hours per night. A good night’s sleep clears toxins, reduces plaque build-up, re-energizes the cells and supports learning and memory.
V. SOCIAL INTERACTION
A portion of your brain responsible for retrieving information and memories starts to deteriorate as you grow older. When you’re older, you’re more likely to experience less blood flow to the brain, which can negatively impact your memory. Also, the chemicals that promote mending impaired brain cells start to decrease with age. Many studies show that learning a new skill, such as playing the piano or speaking French, can help form new connections in the brain. In a study from the National Endowment for the Arts, people who learned a second language had sharper memories, better listening skills, greater cognitive flexibility, better problem solving, and higher-order thinking. Are you looking to try something more intensive? One-on-one brain training has been shown to increase neuroplasticity. An effective program targets attention, auditory processing, and memory, along with visual processing, logic and reasoning, and/ or processing speed to make thinking, learning, reading, and remembering more effortless and faster. Because programs are customized, personal brain training works for all ages—including seniors.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, research shows that regular engagement in social activities helps maintain brain vitality. Social activities include emotional support, work, volunteering, travel, and participation in clubs. One study showed that people who live alone, were single, and reported little or no close social ties had a 60% increased risk of dementia.
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 67
55+ Fit & Fabulous
Skincare for 55+ BY KATHIE STAMPS • COURTESY PHOTO
I
f you watched The Love Boat and Fantasy Island on Saturday nights back in the day, and they weren’t reruns, you’re of a certain age. And by now your know that skincare is part of your health. After all, skin is the largest organ in the human body. You know to wear sunscreen year-round, even during the cloudy days and freezing temps of winter. “Sunscreen needs to be worn daily due to UVA damage, which is constantly attacking our skin and accelerating the aging process,” says Brittany Wesson, an esthetician with JQ Plastic Surgery.
Established in 2007 by Juan Quintero, M.D., JQ Plastic Surgery offers chemical peels, dermaplaning, microneedling, HydraFacials, InMode FaceTite and InMode BodyTite, among other medical esthetic procedures. Chemical peels have been a staple of anti-aging skincare treatments for years and are still popular. “There are now numerous formulations to target all skin types and skin issues while also being incredibly cost-effective,” says Brittany. Radio frequency (RF) microneedling, LED therapy and Plasma Pen treatments are joining chemical peels in popularity for anti-aging treatments. Choosing a treatment plan that is going to stimulate collagen remodeling in the skin is important in order to see visible results. “A few of the best options are RF microneedling, traditional microneedling, and deeper depth chemical peels like the TCA peel.” Not all skincare is created equally. “Skincare purchased from MLMs and social media influencers do not offer the same benefits as professional grade skincare lines,” says Brittany. “Marketing is the main expense in creating MLM skincare lines versus professional grade skincare that has invested in research and clinical studies to ensure efficacy.” Being consistent with your skincare ritual allows for full benefits and results. And be careful not to change products too frequently because this practice can wreak havoc on your skin. “Although it is never too late to improve the health of your skin, starting preventive skincare in your 20s and 30s is ideal so that more invasive procedures can be avoided as we age,” says Brittany. “Preventative skincare is
68 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
much less expensive that corrective skincare.” One of the best skincare products to use for preventing skin aging and correcting fine lines, wrinkles and age spots is retinoid. “Start using a retinoid on your skin!” Licensed skincare professionals are educated to have a full understanding of the skin tissue and how it ages. “We also understand the different Fitzpatrick skin types, which is extremely important when selecting skincare products and treatments,” Brittany says. “If not knowledgeable on the skin, you can cause permanent damage and be creating stress to the skin instead of making it healthier.” Fitzpatrick skin typing is a way to type any person’s skin in terms of its response to ultraviolet radiation. “Taking care of your skin should be viewed as a lifelong investment that you will consistently adhere to,” says Brittany. “It is also incredibly important for men to take care of their skin and destigmatize skincare as being only for women.”
#SpreadTheLove this February Do you know a family who needs assistance with their child’s medical expenses?
Learn more and share information about the Kosair KidsÂŽ Financial Assistance Program to help more kids like Sloane:
kosair.org/love
55+ Fit & Fabulous
Heart Notes
FROM A CARDIOLOGIST When it comes to the health of your heart, what can you control? Almost— almost—everything. “Heart disease is multifaceted. There are many things you can do to eradicate it except for the genetic component,” says Rebecca McFarland, M.D. “Most cardiac issues are related to our lifestyle.” BY KATHIE STAMPS • COURTESY PHOTO
FEBRUARY IS AMERICAN HEART MONTH
70 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
DR. MCFARLAND is a cardiologist
with Baptist Health Medical Group Cardiology in Louisville. She works with patients who have coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy, and her practice also involves the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease. Prevention means taking good care of yourself by not smoking. And by maintaining a healthy weight, eating healthy foods (protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables), exercising, hydrating, watching sodium intake, keeping blood pressure and cholesterol in check, seeking treatment for sleep apnea if necessary, and managing stress.
“Stress is a part of life. It’s not something you can get rid of,” says Dr. McFarland. “It is important you know what helps you relieve stress.”
For some people, exercise is a good stress reliever. For others, stress can be managed or relieved by staying connected with a community of family and friends. Prayer, meditation, relationships, hobbies, solitude—there are quite a few different ways to manage stress, so knowing what works for you is key. “Recognize that stress in your life does have physical consequences, and some are cardiac,” says Dr. McFarland. “I do think, no matter how difficult circumstances are, it’s important to have something in your life you rejuvenate with.” What’s a healthy action or practice you enjoy? What drives you? What brings life into you? “It looks a little different for each person,” she says. “Stepping back and evaluating what's meaningful in your life is important.” The medical statistics for cardiovascular mortality for 2020 are likely slightly worse than in the past, in part due to the COVID-19 virus itself “and to the fact people are not seeking medical attention they need in a health care setting for fear of getting COVID,” says Dr. McFarland. More fast food and takeout, as well as less exercise, also contributed to this confluence of factors have made it more difficult for heart specialists like Dr. McFarland to continue educating people on the importance of keeping up a healthy lifestyle. “I personally would love it if somebody put me out of a job,” she says. “I love what I do, but the less we have to do for patients with stents, bypass, the better.” She and her colleagues want their patients to live long, healthy lives and enjoy everyone and everything around them. “That's ultimately what we want. If I could get you better and not use any medication, that would be the greatest. That's what the health care community wants,” she says. “We're all hopeful, after a super rough year for people, to get back to the enjoyment of life.”
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 71
55+ Fit & Fabulous
S N A E M E F I L
T A U Q S ITHOUT W
72 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
YOU!
SPONSORED BY BAPTIST HEALTH
Lose your LOVE handles and CRUSH your February Workout!
Baptist Health/Milestone
wellness ®
Sometimes you just need a little push from your personal trainer or a partner to get through your workout! Try these bootie tightening exercises to get you Valentine’s Day ready! BY ALISON CARDOZA • PHOTOS BY DICK ARNSPIGER
Alison Cardoza, B.S. Exercise Science and Sports Medicine. Minor in Health Promotions. ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and Fitour Group Exercise Instructor at Baptist East Milestone Wellness Center. Former University of Louisville Ladybird and NFL Indianapolis Colts Cheerleader.
Warm up with 5 minutes of stair climbing or marching in place. 1.
Place a mat on the floor. Lie on your stomach. Lift your legs and feet off the floor (minimal lift, do not force your lower back) and lift your arms off the floor at the same time. Do 2 sets of 5 reps, squeezing and tightening your booty on the release on the contraction. (Superman flying).
2.
Hands on floor, knees on floor. Lift 1 leg to the side with a bent knee. Do 15 reps. Repeat the other side with 15 reps.
3.
Standing position. Squats 2 sets of 15 reps. For a more challenging squat- add a jump or do a one-legged squat. 2 sets of 25 reps. For a beginner squat- do sit to stand on and off a chair. 2 sets of 10 reps.
4.
Stretch legs for 30 seconds each.
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 73
55+ Fit & Fabulous
THAT’S MY JAM! To help you get through your workout, listen to these LOVE PUMPING SONGS! Beyonce Crazy In Love Michael Jackson The Way You Make Me Feel Bruno Mars Marry Me
Cupid’s Cardio
Fab AB February
Aim to get at least 30 minutes of cardio a day. Spice it up by incorporating intervals on your next cardio adventure! Remember to always listen to your body and do what's best for you. This program is just an example and can be altered depending on the individual.
1.
Warm up by walking 5 minutes
2.
30 second plank
3.
30 crunches, supporting your neck.
4.
Opposite hand to foot ab crunches. 2 sets of 30 each.
5.
Side plank- Start on your side, elbow on floor. Keep your head and spine neutral as you engage your core, lifting your hips and knees off the floor. Dip hips up and down. 2 sets of 30 reps each side.
6.
Russian Twist - Sit on your coccyx and lift feet off the floor with bent knees. Twist and tap hands on the floor side to side. Right and left tap count as one rep. Do 2 sets of 30 reps.
7.
Stretch body at end of workout.
1.
Walk 2 minutes (warm up)
2.
Jog 2 minutes
Kesha Your Love Is My Drug
3.
15 jumping jacks
Matt Kearney Heartbeat
4.
25 jumping squats
5.
Walk/jog for 2 minutes
6.
Sprint your heart out for 30 seconds!
7.
Repeat this Heart Pounding Cardio Workout 3 more times!
8.
Stretch at end of workout.
Black Eyed Peas Where IsThe Love Lady GaGa Bad Romance Pitbull Wild Wild Love
Love your body and the skin you are in. Exercise, eat healthy, and get plenty of sleep to ensure a healthful life. 74 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
Only NATIONALLY
RECOGNIZED FOR
| 502.233.1500
|
CLEANLINESS!
750 Cy pr e s s S t a t i on Dr .
Ce r t a i n c on di t i on s & r e s t r i c t i on s a ppl y . Of f e r e x pi r e s 2/ 28/ 21. Mu s t be 15 y e a r s or ol de r .
StoryPoint Middletown: A Senior Living Community
built with you in mind For 40 years, StoryPoint Senior Living has had the same purpose: care for residents better than anyone. On the surface, that sounds idealistic. What does ‘care’ mean? How, exactly, do employees support residents better than anyone? For StoryPoint, it starts with the role of employees in the community. From culinary to housekeeping, every community function is made up of individuals who are experts in their field and love what they do. Here, you won’t see the Life Enrichment Director working on a report—they’ll be in the community connecting with residents and coordinating intentional activities based on the interests of the community. “We are deeply honored our residents chose StoryPoint Middletown, and we work every day to let them know they belong, and that they are part of a family here that loves and cares for them,” said Zac LaFollette, StoryPoint Middletown Executive Director. While each area of the community is employed by those who are experts, the true StoryPoint difference is this: All employees spend their time forming meaningful relationships with residents in order to create personalized experiences each day. From knowing how residents take their coffee to making sure their favorite snacks are out for the big game, employees use their knowledge of each resident to ensure they know they are loved and to make each day truly special. To learn more about StoryPoint Middletown, visit StoryPoint.com or call 502-317-2373.
This is the start of something
beautiful.
We’d be honored to welcome you into our StoryPoint family. Call today to learn more about life with us!
StoryPoint Middletown 502-317-2373 | StoryPoint.com 500 Meridian Hills Drive, Middletown, KY 40243
A LIFE WELL LIVED. A LIFE WELL EARNED. Since 1998, Belmont Village has safely delivered an unparalleled senior living experience for thousands of families. Collaborations with experts from the nation’s top healthcare institutions and universities have established our national leadership in demonstrably effective cognitive health and wellness programs. Combining the highest levels of hospitality and care, our communities make life worth living.
BelmontVillage.com/StMatthews | 502-754-4312
S T. M AT T H E W S
The Community Built for Life.® Licensed nurse on-site 24/7 | Circle of Friends® award-winning memory care | Urgent care telehealth Dedicated Alzheimer’s care | Physical therapy, rehabilitation and fitness | Nationally-recognized, highly trained staff ©2021 Belmont Village, L.P. | ALF #AL13484
LIVE LIVE THE THE LIVE LIVE THE THE LIFE LIFE YOU’VE YOU’VE LIFE LIFEYOU’VE YOU’VE
ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS DREAMED DREAMED OF... DREAMED DREAMEDOF... OF... OF...
Low-maintenance Low-maintenance Low-maintenance Low-maintenance Luxury Luxury Garden Homes Luxury LuxuryGarden Garden GardenHomes Homes Homes • • Community CommunityClubhouse Clubhouse • Community Clubhouse Clubhouse •• • Community Zero-step Zero-stepentry entry homes homes • • Zero-step Zero-step entry entry homes homes • • Private Privateoutdoor outdoorliving living spaces spaces • • Private Private outdoor outdoor living living spaces spaces • • Bonus Bonussuites, suites,3-car 3-cargarages garages && • • walk-out Bonus Bonus suites, suites, 3-car 3-car garages garages && walk-outbasements basementsavailable! available! walk-out walk-outbasements basementsavailable! available!
TOUR TOUROUR OURSHOWCASE SHOWCASEHOMES HOMES- AVAILABLE - AVAILABLENOW! NOW! TOUR TOUROUR OURSHOWCASE SHOWCASEHOMES HOMES- AVAILABLE - AVAILABLENOW! NOW! 1900 DRESSAGE CIRCLE - EAST END LOUISVILLE 502-509-5067 502-509-5067| COURTYARDSATCURRYFARMS.COM | COURTYARDSATCURRYFARMS.COM 502-509-5067| COURTYARDSATCURRYFARMS.COM | COURTYARDSATCURRYFARMS.COM 502-509-5067
Love your way into
new skin & a youthful look! Self love the whole month of February. Purchase 20 units of Botox for $179, get the Valentine’s facial 1/2 off Get one full syringe of filler, get 1/2 off any advanced skincare treatment * Limited spots available
5000 Shelbyville Rd. Ste 1110 Louisville, KY 40207
For more information call (502) 298-1574 or book online at kbellamedispa.com
NOW TIME is th thee is
foforr
BRACES 11,000 000 0 00OFFOFF 1,000
$
++FFRREEEE CCOONNSSUULLTTAATTI IOONN
CALL CALL TEXT TEXT OR OR
w ww ww w .. w wg gm m oo rr tt hh oo .. ccoom m
859-697-0637 859-697-0637
At Home
86
design guru: Lisa Steinbock with Steinbock Interiors
88
designer’s corner: Designers Help You Meet Your Needs Cornerstone Kitchen & Bath
92
pro to know: Alane Wade, Chuck Shelly, & Jacob Gurney of Parkside Realty
96
tour of homes: Husband & Wife Design Duo Discuss Edgewood Country Estate
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 85
at home
DESIGN GURU
BY TAYLOR RILEY PHOTOS BY DICK ARNSPIGER
L
isa Steinbock, the owner of Steinbock Interiors, wasn’t always an award-winning interior designer. When she was a kid, Lisa loved drawing, painting, and making pottery and candles, but left her artistic skills behind when she became a computer programmer and auditor. Even as a computer expert, Lisa had a knack for helping neighbors and friends pick out colors and putting rooms together for their homes, and soon, she knew interior design was the right career move. Lisa went back to school to study design and started at a local firm. After eight years, she branched out and created Steinbock Interiors, where she has been leading projects for 16 years. Her company is now a full-service interior design and construction firm that focuses on remodels of kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. With new construction, Lisa, and her team, can start with the blueprints and end when the last accessory is in place, as well as finishing everything in between. “The American family is extremely busy,” Lisa says. “I wanted people to have one person to come to … to create a one-stop-shop for clients.” The company has its own paint crew, custom window treatment workroom, and furniture refinishing, upholstery, flooring, painting, and countertop services, as well as a tile and a cabinet maker on staff. “We do everything,” Lisa says about her staff.
86 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
“We all have the same thought processes, values, and quality of work.” The company values itself on exceptional customer service and high-end, quality products and services. Every day is different for Lisa, who has won several awards, including Best Interior Design Win, Place, and Show at Homerama and Best of Houzz for Louisville design firms the last six years. Lisa also periodically teaches design with adult education and special programs offered through libraries and other organizations. She has been published in various local and out of town periodicals, and she writes her own blog, as well. With a new client, she starts out with a phone conversation to find out what they want to work on and discuss their budget. The next meeting is at the client’s home, allowing Lisa to come in and meet the family. “Looking at the existing home tells so much about them--what their taste and style is-then we can start planning their updated areas Lisa says. “It’s like a puzzle. We start with one piece and go off that.” From the conception of her company, Lisa wanted to help clients save money. She set up a pricing scale and offers significant discounts, but quality products and services are her No. 1 priority. “We work hard to guide our clients in a process that’s easiest and makes the most sense to them,” Lisa says. “It’s a one-stop-shop. We assist them throughout the entire process. For more information about Steinbock Interiors, go to SteinbockInteriors.com or call 502-836-7318.
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 87
at home
DESIGNERS HELP YOU MEET YOUR NEEDS AT
Cornerstone KITCHEN & BATH
BY TAYLOR RILEY PHOTOS BY DICK ARNSPIGER
ornerstone Kitchen and Bath owners Amy and Jeremy Curran believe that home is where the heart is, and the kitchen is the heartbeat of the home. Designers Kimberly Brown and Chiara Dixon, the owners say, are the heartbeat of their company.
savvy with their design skills, but they also have the ability to listen to clients’ needs and to be creative as they problem-solve, according to Amy. The way the kitchen works for and with homeowners is directly related to how happy they are with their home, says Amy. As kitchen designers, Kimberly and Chiara work to design the aesthetics and use the products that reflect the lifestyle of each client.
Kitchen and bath designers are professionals that specialize in the design, planning, and execution of residential kitchens and bathrooms. Good designers are not only
Kim loves seeing the process of a project from beginning to end. “I am able to help (clients) make informed decisions about their designs, ultimately making it their own,” she
C
88 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
says. I don’t pressure them to make decisions based on my personal preference; I guide them and am able to find beauty in all styles of design. It’s their design, not mine.” Chiara says she loves the interactions with her clients. “I love to create a beautiful space that meets their needs,” she says. The designers work with clients that are remodeling their own homes and with builders who are creating new homes. “We couldn’t be more proud of the work that Kim and Chiara do as designers,” says Amy. “They are genuine, artistic, creative and caring.
They go the extra mile to build relationships with their clients so that each finished product is truly a collaboration of their work together and a reflection of the client’s needs and desires. It is such a joy to work with them because they are truly wonderful and talented people.” Learn more about what Cornerstone Kitchen and Bath can do for you and your family’s space at cornerstonekb.com or call to request an appointment at 502-890-9100.
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 89
Timothy Apenbrinck Sr. Loan Originator NMLS ID #42194 Desk: (404) 424-0753 tapenbrinck@amerisave.com Visit my personalized webpage: amerisave.com/lo/tapenbrinck
Meet “TNT” The team that is Dynamite
with your Dollars! Trevor Durham and Tim Apenbrinck are quite a team. The two are almost like an enigma at their AmeriSave Mortgage office. "Tim and I have worked together for over a decade," says Trevor. Within that friendship kindled a competitive edge that separates them from their AmeriSave peers. "It’s not Tim and Trevor. It’s merely TnT, as we’re fondly referred
to within the AmeriSave walls,” Trevor says. “ And there’s not a better person that I could be metaphorically conjoined with than Tim.” Tim agrees. "I'm grateful to have the opportunity to work and compete against my best friend on a daily basis," he says, "and also to have a family that supports my passion to be the best in my field." In the last three years, Tim and Trevor finished first and second out of over 1000 Loan Originators at AmeriSave in total closed
loans and funded volume. Sales Managers at AmeriSave use them as the prime example for their colleagues. "They said to find your TnT," says Trevor. "What that means is that we feed off one another. As close we are as friends, we are dissimilar in how we approach prospective clients. However, we have had the presence of mind to learn and grow from those differences, not only as producers but as people." While Tim tends to be more analytical and left-brained, Trevor maintains more of a rightbrained approach. "What's catapulted us to
Trevor Durham Sr. Loan Originator NMLS ID #17508 Desk: (404) 424-0754 tdurham@amerisave.com Visit my personalized webpage: amerisave.com/lo/tdurham
the top of our industry, year after year, is that we've learned from each other," says Trevor. "We know when and how to tap into the other side to ensure the customer is getting our all. We are great friends, but almost better competitors. If I'm going to lose at anything, I don't want it to be to Tim. That leads to an unyielding chase that resets year after year. Just please don't ask who won last year!" TnT's individual successes are a byproduct of two driving forces – Their consistent
yearning to help customers improve their financial situations, like paying off debt, lowering their mortgages, paying off their houses faster via less interest, purchasing homes, etc. and secondly, the constant desire to provide well for their families. "Our customers and our family are the keystones that drive our daily accountability," Trevor says. "We enjoy truly listening and empathizing with our clients," says Tim. "As well as providing advice based on their individual situations and goals."
Tim and Trevor are licensed throughout the country. Because of that, they hear from all types of clients who come from many walks of life. "The satisfaction that I get from connecting with so many different people and hearing their stories and then having the ability to improve their situation, it's unparalleled," says Trevor. "The thanks that we get at the end of each home loan process never becomes trite. It makes our career choice all the more rewarding."
at home
the pro
to know
(Left to Right) Alan Wade, Chuck Shelly, and Jacob Gurney
92 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
Alan Wade, Chuck Shelly, & Jacob Gurney OF PARKSIDE REALTY
BY DAWN ANDERSON PHOTO BY DICK ARNSPIGER
J
ason Wade founded Parkside Realty in 2014 on the principle of “helping clients simplify the process and take the ever-dangerous emotions out” of the largest personal investment of their lives. “Buying a home is a romantic experience for many buyers, as they fall in love with a particular home. We focus on educating the client and removing emotions and subjectivity to ensure clients are making stronger, smarter real estate investment decisions that help them build equity and enjoy the lifestyle they desire. Parkside features some of the highest production per associate in the metropolitan area for what is considered a small, boutique real estate brokerage. The root of that growth comes from the diverse set of skills and experience on our roster.” Top producing Parkside agent Jacob Gurney exemplifies the passion that drives results. He produces $1215 million annually yet still finds time to mentor the newer agents on the importance of being a full-service Parkside agent. “Real estate is more than a career; it’s a lifestyle! We take the time to understand our clients’ routines, familial needs, and goals and then build a gameplan to attack and deliver. At times, this can involve long nights collecting quotes for repair items or overcoming logistical challenges, but that’s all part of the fun, and our clients recognize the effort to exceed expectations,” says Jacob. As important as networking and relationships are to his individual achievements, Jacob and his fellow agents rely on each other to build on
the overall success of Parkside Realty. Entrepreneurs Tom Waggener and Ian Mills “flexed their network to the tune of $10million in 2020 production,” says Jason. Tom owns a coffee shop, and Ian owns a cycle shop. Alan Wade is a retired Air Force veteran and one of the few Certified Homes for Heroes agents in the Louisville area. “Alan specializes in working with everyday heroes such as first responders, teachers, and military personnel, giving back a portion of proceeds earned with each transaction.” Jason adds, “One of our most recent additions, retail veteran Chuck Shelly, didn’t quite have the ideal experience, but his drive and passion for real estate made it a no-brainer to have him join the team!” According to Jason, Parkside is still growing and has already added three new agents in 2021. “Our ideal candidate is one that has been licensed for a few years and produced $10million+ in transactions but is growing exhausted of all the fees, splits, and proverbial handcuffs that come with a big brand brokerage.” As for the real estate market in 2021, Jacob sees no slow down in sight. “We are dealing with an inventory shortage right now where a combination of the pandemic and low-interest rates have kept many existing homeowners reinvesting in their existing homes. Compounding that is Gen-Y now aggressively investing in real estate for both personal and financial growth. The transactions are getting more creative and complex, but with the assistance of attorneys like Scott Harper with Triple Crown Title that complexity is mitigated. They have been a calming force in the crazy 2020 real estate season.”
Parkside features some of the highest production per associate in the metropolitan area for what is considered a small, boutique real estate brokerage. The root of that growth comes from the diverse set of skills and experience on our roster. – J A S O N W ADE , FO UN DE R
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 93
at home
Husband & Wife Design Duo DISCUSS EDGEWOOD COUNTRY ESTATE
You might consider Gretchen and Jason Black, owner of Artisan Signature Homes, as one of those TV design couples; their home renovation videos display the process of remodeling the ornate Edgewood Estate in Glenview. The home, built in the 1800s, received a magnificently modern makeover by the husband and wife design duo, and now the couple is looking back at the home they lived in and loved. BY TAYLOR RILEY • PHOTOS BY TIM FURLONG JR.
96 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
SPONSORED BY EUROPEAN SPLENDOR European Splendor specializes in hand-crafted, affordable European furniture, gift and accessories Having lived in Europe for several years, and with nearly 20 years experience, owners Susan and Matt Straub are experts in providing hand-crafted European items with superior workmanship at affordable prices. Whether its fine European furniture, hand-crafted Polish pottery, French lotions and soaps, Bohemia crystal, French linens, candles, pillows, baskets, and art, European Splendor is the place to shop.
E
dgewood was listed on the market for just under $3M in 2017, where former Bellarmine President Joseph McGowan lived for 20 years. According to a Louisville Business First article, the Italianate home was donated to Bellarmine in 1997 by now-retired heart surgeon Dr. Allan Lansing and his wife, Donna; it’s been used to host Derby parties, events for the university, and other local shindigs for decades. When the Black family took over in 2018, they knew bringing it into the 21st Century was going to be a tough task. They began a Youtube channel, “Building a Better South,” to document the eight-month process. “Gretchen and I have always built and designed new homes, so we wanted to put our touch on a historic home,” Jason says. In 1850, the home wasn’t designed for how busy families currently live, says Jason, so they focused their efforts on the kitchen and main living area, opening it up so they had the functionality of a family room.
The outside of the home was revamped to its classic state with touches from the couple including Chippendale railing around the front porch, and 10-foot-tall white doors to adhere to other historic details and welcome visitors into the 5-bedroom, 5-full-bath, 2-half-bath, 8,000-plus-square-foot-home. Inside, a local artist hand-painted a mural of Gretchen’s favorite flowers in the entryway,
leading up to the original banister the couple refinished with brass details. The formal 16-seat dining room was split into two, book-ending a bright, white and navy sitting room with an 80-inch hidden television for family movie nights. Upgraded fireplaces with a clean, white marble surround bring warmth to the main living area.
2232 Frankfort Ave • Louisville, KY 40206 • (502) 618-1633 • european-splendor.com TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 97
at home
T
he large butler’s kitchen was made into a working pantry, and the kitchen was opened up to look out to the green lot with a majestic 300-plus-year-old oak tree. Jason and Gretchen decided on a crisp navy “decorative and clean” aesthetic with five countertop-to-ceiling windows and nearby access to a 15-footby-40-foot screened porch. The kitchen was the couple’s favorite space to renovate with its white and gold-veined marble countertop and island, 48-inch gold range, and matte white Cafe Appliances.
98 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
Your full service interior design & remodeling firm
Lisa Steinbock Owner 502-836-7318
Residential and Commercial
steinbockinteriors.com TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 99
at home
100 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
LOCALLY MADE, MADE FOR YOU The Burkhart Company is the only locally-made shutter company in our area. We don’t outsource or ship our shutters from overseas; everything is made right here in our historic downtown Louisville location. Shutters made local, especially for you and your home. ELEVATE YOUR HOME WITH CUSTOM MADE SHUTTERS. Schedule a Design Consultation Online Today!
Commercial | Residential Shutters | Kitchen | Bath
1010 S. Preston Street Louisville | 502-587-1538 burkhartcompany.com
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 101
at home
T
raveling upstairs, the couple decided to remove a long access hallway, with a staircase beginning in the kitchen, to create an owner’s suite that includes a bath lit by the natural brightness of windows, a dressing room, and closet space. The owner’s bedroom was originally too large for the couple, who like a cozier feel, so they cut the size in half and created an intricately-trimmed wall with a secret door to the master bath with a larger-format marble heated floor. The third floor once held three bedrooms, but the couple ultimately decided to remove two bedrooms, creating a more intimate space.
102 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
D D design & dwell
Interiors
Our Interior Design strategy is about Personality, Partnership and Psychology. Our team of seasoned designers are trained in a scientific system of home design that incorporates psychology of visual perceptions and emotions in partnership with personalities to create beautifully unique spaces for our clients. ( 5 0 2 ) 4 2 4 - 14 0 7 | D E S I G N A N D D W E L L I N T E R I O R S . C O M NEW WINTER HOURS Tuesday through Sunday 11am-4pm • 12003 Shelbyville Rd, Suite 106 (Next to Havana Rumba in Middletown)
at home
104 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
Seal It Once...
FOREVER!
833.SEAL-ONCE ever-seal.com
833.732.5662
We want to be YOUR Banker in the Family... Drive-Thru ATMs & ITMs
Nine Branch Locations in Louisville
Online & Mobile Banking
BankerInTheFamily.com
MODERN FARMHOUSE
New Home Construction Remodels Renovations Outdoor Living Patios • Pools Call Today: (502) 641-1515 prestigebuilthomes.com 106 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
We’re all ready to say goodbye to 2020...
Start 2021 by making your new year awesome with a new home renovation project!
1981-B NELSON MILLER PKWY (502) 890-9100 CORNERSTONEKB.COM
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 107
at home
E
dgewood has a similar style throughout, which Gretchen humorously calls “granny chic.” Oak flooring was installed throughout with an interior design using various shades of blue. Custom panels line the home, creating a “timeless” look that “made it feel authentic to the time,” says Jason about the home’s history. Gretchen and Jason Black enjoyed the eight-month process it took to remodel the home. “We made the house feel like home,” Jason says. To see the Youtube renovation videos, go to https://www.youtube.com/c/ BuildingaBetterSouth/videos. This home is currently listed for sale. Contact: Jon Mand & Associates, Sotheby’s International Realty, at 502-417-2837 for more information.
108 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 109
Escape to South Florida WITH THESE DEALS!
$5500/MONTH AVAILABLE FOR LEASE, 6 MONTH MIN.
250 SUNNY ISLES, #307, SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FL. $599,000
ACROSS FROM BEACH, 1500 SQ FT, RENTALS ACCEPTED TWICE YEAR MIN 6 MONTHS. MLS ID: A10947179
$6500/MONTH AVAILABLE FOR LEASE, 6 MONTH MIN.
250 SUNNY ISLES, #409, SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FL. $699,000
ACROSS STREET FROM BEACH, FULLY TURN KEY- FURNISHED, APPROX 2000 SQ FT, 1 PARKING SPOT 3 BED, 2 BATHS, OWNER FINANCING AVAILABLE FOR INVESTORS. MLS ID: A10943170
WWW.KIMDELANEYGROUP.COM
KIM DELANEY Luxury Real Estate Coldwell Banker Real Estate 502-643-6581 | kimdelaneygroup@gmail.com
Buying or Selling in South Florida?
Call Kim Delaney
Cuisine
112
Morning Fork
114
top 5 dining: Just For The Halibut! (Seafood)
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 111
cuisine
BY DAWN ANDERSON PHOTOS BY DANNY ALEXANDER
M
orning Fork co-owners Emily and Geoffrey Heyde expand on Fork & Barrel’s success and help “keep Frankfort Avenue alive” with a lively new brunch spot in the former location of North End Café. Brunch is not just for Sundays anymore. Morning Fork is open from 7 am - 3 pm Wednesday through Sunday, with Mondays and Tuesdays coming soon! The early hours accommodate business meetings, and the menu’s flexibility allows for burgers in the morn-
ing or eggs in the afternoon. The restaurant seats 118 at full capacity and boasts an “amazing patio and bar.” The patio seats 60. After regular closing time, the restaurant is available for private events and dinners. Chef/Owner Geoffrey Heyde attended the Culinary Institute of America in New York City and received additional training from other Louisville chefs. “The restaurant business is a community around here. I want to create an environment that is welcoming and comfortable for everyone, with immediate gratification to our guests.” His wife and Morning Fork co-owner Emily also serves as Special Events and Catering Director. “Our team is eager to please, serve, and be hospitable.” In developing the menu, Geoffrey strives to include generous portions of brunch classics and Kentucky favorites, with Southern home cooking featuring local ingredients, all while keeping “prices reasonable to create value.” Morning Fork offers selections, such as sweet and savory crepes, that most people can’t or don’t want to make at home. The Sweet Crepe has banana, strawberry,
112 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
and Nutella®. The Savory Crepe is stuffed with apple, brie, arugula, country ham, hot honey, and balsamic reduction. Geoffrey also recommends the Short Rib Benedict with braised short rib, hash browns, poached medium eggs, béarnaise, and bordelaise. For purists, a Classic Benedict with Canadian bacon, English muffin, poached eggs, and béarnaise is also on the menu. The Corned Beef Hash features housemade corned beef with sweet potato hash, over medium fried eggs, and béarnaise. On the sweeter side, there are jumbo house-made cinnamon rolls and Liège-style Belgian waffles with a choice of five toppings: Bourbon Caramel, Orange Marmalade, Mixed Berry, Lemon Ricotta, and Nutella®.
Morning Fork hosts themed brunches once a month. To celebrate Valentine’s weekend, the Love Brunch promises red velvet pancakes with the usual $2 mimosas and $4 doubles! Teetotalers will love the house-made juice blends. Take a taste of Morning Fork home with you from the Grab-and-Go pastry case filled with cinnamon rolls, blueberry muffins, chicken salad, soups, lasagna, and much more. The full menu is available to go, and the restaurant offers curbside carryout. For reservations or to place an order, go to morningforklouisville.com. For the latest specials and updates, follow @morningforklouisville on Facebook and @MorningFork on Instagram and Twitter.
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 113
cuisine
114 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
River House Restaurant & Raw Bar 3015 RIVER RD, LOUISVILLE, KY 40207 (502) 897-5000 RIVERHOUSELOUISVILLE.COM
R
iver House Restaurant and Raw Bar is a premier restaurant serving “Regional Cuisine with a Southern Flair Featuring Fresh Seafood Daily'' located on the Ohio River with riverfront dining and multiple outdoor and private dining spaces. Executive Chef/Proprietor John Varanese is originally from Cleveland, where he worked in one of its famed Italian restaurants. He earned his culinary and management degrees from Johnson & Wales University in South Carolina and served as Kitchen Manager at Magnolias in Charleston for three years. An Executive Chef position at Azalea lured John to Louisville, where he also owns Varanese, Levee at River House, and the event space Savor. He was invited to cook at New York City’s James Beard House in 2012 and 2017 and serves on the Kentucky Restaurant Association’s Board of Directors.
With proximity to UPS Worldport hub at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, area restaurants have access to seafood as fresh as found on the coast. To enjoy a taste of the seashore in the middle of winter, dine in or carry out these picks for the best seafood fare in town.
5
DINING
TOP
BY DAWN ANDERSON PHOTOS BY DANNY ALEXANDER
Priding itself on fresh, rotating seasonal fishes, River House has recently featured stone crab and Patagonian King Salmon. The star of the River House show is the extensive Raw Bar. Selections include Colossal Lump Crab, Peel & Eat and Chilled Jumbo Shrimp, King Crab Legs, Oysters on the Half Shell, and stunning seafood towers. Chef Varanese also highlighted for us three entrees from the Dinner Menu. Seared Diver Scallops are served over tasso ham cheddar grits, southern succotash, and smoky corn butter sauce. Chef’s Hawaiian connection makes possible Blackened Rare Hawaiian Ahi Tuna, topped with tomato and ginger chutney and served over crispy parmesan grit cake. Crispy Grouper Cheeks and Shrimp are served over creamy lump crab chive risotto and baby bok choy and finished with a spicy, smoked shrimp vinaigrette. The Bourbon Lounge in Levee at the River House now has new, generously-spaced lounge seating with the River House service guests have come to know and love. River House’s top tier 4000 square foot patio is fully-enclosed, heated, and well-lit for chilly evenings. For reservations, visit riverhouselouisville.com. Follow @riverhouselou on Facebook and Instagram.
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 115
cuisine
Rumors Restaurant 12339 SHELBYVILLE RD, LOUISVILLE, KY 40243 (502) 245-0366 RUMORSLOUISVILLE.COM
A
Middletown legend, Rumors Restaurant was started 35 years ago by husband and wife owners Cheri and “Gus” Gustafson and has been “growing with the community” ever since. “We have so many regular customers that it has become a generational experience,” says Cheri. “It is heartwarming, humbling, and so fortunate for us. And we couldn’t do it without the dedicated help of our employees.” Gus is originally from Oregon and moved to Louisville in the 1970s. He spent his whole working life in the restaurant business, including chains of steakhouses. He met and married Cheri, and together they decided to open their own restaurant. Cheri explains their concept, “We wanted it to be like the places we go to when we’re on vacation: beachy, fun, and casual - not fancy.” The original menu focused on steamed seafood items, which were unusual for Louisville at the time. It also included more familiar, “mainstream” seafood restaurant items. Rumors served many dishes family-style initially, and that continues, although there are now more individual entrées and a la carte selections. Cheri asserts that the menu has “something for everyone” and was kind enough to tour us through their most popular offerings. Fresh Gulf Coast Oysters on the Half Shell are served by the dozen or half-dozen. The Shrimp Cocktail’s plump, jumbo shrimp on ice pair perfectly with Rumors homemade cocktail sauce. A “Florida specialty,” the delicately Smoked Tuna Dip comes with jalape os, red onions, and crackers. Available as an appetizer, an entrée, or on a Po’boy, Louisiana Crabcakes are “cooked to a golden brown, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and served with remoulade sauce.” Rumors makes all salad dressings and soups from scratch. New England Clam Chowder, Seafood Gumbo, and Rumors Chili are offered every day, as well as a Soup of the Day. Rumors Shrimp Boil for One or Two is the traditional shrimp, corn, and new potatoes with salad and parmesan toast to boot! The Dreamer Steamer Bowl is “Plenty for two!”
116 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
Enjoy a ½ lb. each of crab legs, peel-n-eat shrimp, and mussels, steamed together with New England spices and andouille sausage, and served with corn and new potatoes, parmesan toast, drawn butter and lemons, and two house salads. The Big Catch Platter is a fried seafood lovers’ dream with “breaded grouper bites, Cape Cod clam strips, gulf shrimp, and onion rings, served with cocktail, tartar, lemon and parmesan toast.” Louisvillians make a sport out of finding the best fried fish sandwich in town, and Rumors Fish Sandwich of white Icelandic cod is legendary. Visit rumorslouisville.com and follow @RumorsLouisville on Facebook.
DINE-IN, HE ATED IGLOO DINING , CURBSIDE , TAK EOU T & CATERING AVAIL ABLE .
Gustavo’s LaGrange (502) 222-4050 or (502) 222-9991 Gustavo’s Crestwood (502) 243-6950 or (502) 243-6955 Gustavo’s Prospect (502) 434-7266 or (502) 434-7267 Gustavo’s Norton Commons (502) 690-7070 or (502) 690-7580
www.gustavosmexgrill.com TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 117
cuisine
Pier 17 Cajun Seafood Restaurant & Bar 1975 S HURSTBOURNE PKWY, LOUISVILLE, KY 40220 (502) 409-9857 PIER17SEAFOOD.COM
P
ier 17 Cajun Seafood & Bar opened at 1975 South Hurstbourne Parkway in April 2020. The first four weeks were carryout only. “It was an interesting time to open a restaurant,” says General Manager Mark Whitlock. “But it gave us some time to work out the kinks.” Mark has worked in various capacities in restaurants since the age of 15. As the first Louisville restaurant to offer choose-your-own “boil in bag” seafood, Pier 17 allows customers to “Pick Your Catch,” seasoning, and heat level. Mark enjoys working in this fun atmosphere. “We have quality food and offer above-and-beyond service. Our private dining room is booked for parties nearly every night of the week.” In addition to the customizable seafood feasts, Pier 17 is famous for its Family Boat For 4: 4 lobster tails, 1 lb king crab legs, 2 lbs crab legs, 1lb shrimp, 1 lb crawfish, 1lb green mussels, 4 corn, 4 potatoes, and 4 eggs for $199. Pier 17 gives away two Family Boats in drawings held on the 1st and 15th of each month. Mark also recommends the Lobster Roll Po’ Boy served cold with lettuce, tomato, onion, mayonnaise, and remoulade sauce. And Seafood Bread, baked with a 5-cheese blend and crabmeat spread, is a popular choice as an appetizer or on the side for sopping up the delicious seafood sauces. Join Bar Manager Marcus Bartholomew for Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 3-6 pm for $1 Chesapeake Bay oysters, $2 draft pints, and half-off appetizers and house wine. Enjoy his cocktail creations any night of the week, like the Cajun Mary, Pier 17 Punch, or the most popular Shark Bite with Bacardi rum, piña colada mix, and blue curaçao. Pier 17 offers the following Weekly Specials: 50% off Margarita Mondays, kids 5 and under eat free on Tuesdays, ½ price wine by the bottle Wednesdays (house wine not included), $6 domestic buckets on Thursdays, and Sunday $1 mimosas. Order carryout at pier17seafood.com and follow @pier17restaurantandbar on Facebook.
118 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
Seviche
1538 BARDSTOWN RD #1156 LOUISVILLE, KY 40205 (502) 473-8560 SEVICHERESTAURANT.COM
N
ear the close of 2020, Esquire Magazine named Seviche, located on Bardstown Road in the Highlands Deer Park neighborhood, among the “100 Restaurants America Can’t Afford to Lose.” In 2011, former Esquire food and travel correspondent John Mariani wrote, “If you have time for one meal in Louisville, make it Seviche.” Dubbed “Nuevo Latino'' at the start of its wildly successful fifteen-year run, Seviche continues to innovate and surprise through the genius of threetime James Beard nominee Chef Anthony Lamas. “Louisville embraced us. We opened at the right time in the right place.”
Chef Lamas stays true to his Puerto Rican/ Mexican heritage while supporting local farmers and using Southern ingredients. “Our style and flavor profile with hints of Pacific flavors is a reflection of me, the way I know how to cook and grew up eating, how my mom cooked.” As a teen, he worked in his family’s Spanish restaurant, prepared meals on the family farm, and participated in Future Farmers of America. In 1992, Chef Lamas landed in Louisville’s burgeoning culinary scene, where the UPS hub makes fresh seafood readily available. Where else to begin your meal than with seviche, the restaurant’s namesake seafood appetizer. The latest Shrimp Seviche preparation is “tart and sweet” with flavors of passion fruit and mango. Tuna Tiradito, a Latin sashimi-style seviche, is marinated with soy and ginger and accompanied by green apple and aji amarillo, a Peruvian yellow chile. After a bracing, refreshing start to your meal, warm up with Brazilian Moqueca. This seafood stew combines petit filet of ahi tuna, mussels, shrimp, scallop, and fresh fish in a coconut red chile ginger broth with macadamia nut rice. Seared with kisses of country ham and chipotle, the Sea Scallops nestle atop Sea Island red peas and Carolina Gold rice surrounded in a lemon habanero sauce. Chef serves Sustainable Salmon with grilled shiitakes, coconut, house-made curry, and Arroz Chaufa (a Peruvian spin on Cantonese fried rice) with edamame and toasted benne seeds. Until their popular Dinner and a Movie series can safely resume, Seviche hosts monthly socially-distanced wine dinners. To make reservations, visit sevicherestaurant.com. For the latest specials and service updates, follow @sevicherestaurant on Instagram and Facebook.
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 119
Courtesy photo
cuisine
Brendon’s Catch 23
505 S 4TH ST, LOUISVILLE, KY 40202 (502) 909-3323 • BCATCH23.COM
E
xperience the best the ocean has to offer. Described as a “Seafood Paradise,” Brendon’s Catch 23 has established itself as a Chef-driven premier restaurant destination for the best the ocean has to offer. The seafood at Brendon’s Catch 23 is flown in daily and cut by Brendon’s chefs. In addition to responsibly fished wild-caught seafood and shellfish, the diverse menu includes classic and unique inspired side dishes and appetizers such as Alaskan King Crab, Jumbo Lobsters, freshly-shucked Oysters available on ice, Mac & Cheese, Asparagus, Fries, and
120 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
their much-desired Seafood toweros, all of which will satisfy any personal craving. However, Brendon’s offers so much more than just its incomparable seafood menu. There are antibiotic-free, hand-cut prime steaks that impress equally, from a 10-ounce prime to a 32-ounce prime tomahawk ribeye, along with New Zealand racks of lamb, Low country offerings, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and handheld options. The setting for your meal is the new definition of fine dining, exuding a relaxed but comfortable and elegant atmosphere. Perfect for any special evening, Brendon’s Catch 23 also offers an array of private dining options for any occasion, be it a personal celebration or important client meeting. Brendon’s will even tailor just the right menu to make your event memorable. In addition, Brendon’s bar program is
exemplary, with more than 100 of Kentucky’s finest bourbons, consisting of the rarest and allocated offerings, including an assortment of Brendon’s own personalized blended Bourbons that are available by the glass or by the bottle. There are also many hand-crafted, one of a kind cocktails that amaze along with the in-house sommelier-driven wine list. At the bar, there’s truly a drink for every occasion and every mood, from Brendon’s 1081, their riff on the classic Old Fashioned, to a rare and allocated reserve wine list. In short, Brendon’s Catch 23 is not your grandfather’s surf and turf — it’s a dining destination for world-class, unique spirits, cocktails, succulent seafood, and steaks that promises a full-on sensory experience, not just a meal. Follow @bcatch23 on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Be sure to visit Bcatch23. com to sign up for the newsletter!
Want more
people, places, and things?
JOIN US ON OUR CORNER OF THE INTERNET!
X[_^\ @TOPSLOUISVILLE
Tim, real LG&E employee
empowering a culture of inclusion, equality, dignity and respect for all. At LG&E, our energies go to empowering business owners and strengthening economic development in the communities we serve. And as an industry leader in supplier diversity, we proactively provide opportunities by mentoring, building relationships with, and buying from companies with diverse backgrounds. Over the last 10 years alone, we have spent $1.3 billion with Black-, minority- and veteran-owned companies. Visit lge-ku.com/diversity to learn more.
Community
124
tops cares: American Heart Association
126
keeping the conversation going: KY D43 State Representative Col. Pamela Stevenson
128
keeping the conversation going: West Louisville Performing Arts Academy
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 123
community
SPONSORED BY LG&E
TOPS CARES
American
Heart
Association BY KATHIE STAMPS COURTESY PHOTOS
F
ebruary is American Heart Month. Eating right and being active are at the top of the healthy heart pyramid, so to speak, along with getting enough sleep and managing your daily stress levels. The American Heart Association affiliate in Louisville shares all kinds of recipes, tips and health news for keeping your heart as healthy as possible. They are active online at heart.org/Louisville and @HeartKentucky on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. AHA Louisville works across Kentucky and Southern Indiana to educate people about heart disease and stroke, like knowing the risks, signs and symptoms of a heart attack, which can look different for women and men. “Ultimately, we are helping create equitable health for all,” said Ashley Sokoler, executive director. “As an organization, we work to ensure each and every person has the opportunity to live a full, healthy life.”
FACT: HEART DISEASE IS THE NO. 1 CAUSE OF DEATH IN KENTUCKY, RESULTING IN OVER 10,000 DEATHS PER YEAR.
124 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
Advocacy work by AHA Louisville includes promoting healthy drinks like water through increased bottle filling stations, and helping everyone breathe easier with Local Smoke-Free Communities. AHA wants to see tobacco and e-cigarettes gone from schools and communities. “As champions for health equity, our 2024 goal is to advance cardiovascular health for all, including identifying and removing barriers to health care access and quality,” Ashley said. “We believe addressing the drivers of health disparities, including social determinates of health and structural racism, is the only way to truly achieve equitable health and well-being for all.” AHA Louisville works with outpatient clinics and community partners in historically under-resourced areas, particularly through the “Target BP” and “Check. Change. Control.” programs for individuals
Another advocacy objective is for the local Healthy Kids Meal policy to meet national standards. In addition to promoting nutrition, exercise and all things that are hearthealthy, AHA is knowledgeable about medical care. “It is critical for the American Heart Association to elevate our relevance and resources around high-risk individuals who are more susceptible to the short- and longterm risks of COVID-19,” Ashley said. “But we need intellectual capital just as much as we need monetary capital.”
FACT: ONE OUT OF EVERY THREE KENTUCKY ADULTS IS OBESE. Ashley Sokoler, Executive Director Photo by Dick Arnspiger
with hypertension. The American Heart Association is improving food access for Kentuckiana residents in need, because eating nutritious food is necessary for heart health. Exercise is also a necessity, and that is why the AHA helped pass the “Complete Streets” policy in Louisville, “a policy that make communities and neighborhoods more livable by ensuring all people can get safely to where they need to go—work, school, the library, grocery stores or parks,” Ashley said.
FACT: KENTUCKY RANKS NO. 9 FOR HEART DISEASE DEATHS IN THE UNITED STATES.
The American Heart Association was founded in 1924 by six cardiologists who got together in Chicago to establish a professional association for themselves. By the early 1960s, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) involved chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing to revive someone who wasn’t breathing properly. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is not practiced much anymore, since the introduction of hands-only CPR in 2008. The American Heart Association is a champion for hands-only CPR, even offering training by way of kiosks in large public places like airports. The kiosks feature a video and practice dummies to help people learn how to perform hands-only CPR. “It is one of my goals to bring the first CPR hands-only kiosk to Louisville,” Ashley said.
UPCOMING AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION EVENTS National Wear Red Day
Friday, February 5 Show how you wear red by using #GoRedKY and tagging @HeartKentucky.
Southern Indiana Cycle Nation
Saturday, May 15 CycleNation.org/SoIn
2021 Louisville Go Red for Women
Friday, June 4 heart.org/LouisvilleGoRed
2021 Kentuckiana Heart Walk
Saturday, September 18 heart.org/KentuckianaHeartWalk
2021 Louisville Heart Ball
Saturday, May 29 heart.org/LouisvilleHeartBall
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 125
community
Kentucky State Representative Colonel Pamela Stevenson represents Charles Booker’s former District 43 in Louisville, which runs from the Shawnee neighborhood through downtown and east to Mockingbird Valley and Indian Hills. As a retired Air Force Colonel, Representative Stevenson has plenty of experience bringing together, understanding, and being understood by diverse people.
KY D43 STATE REPRESENTATIVE COL. PAMELA STEVENSON Keeping the Conversation Going DAWN ANDERSON • PHOTO BY DICK ARNSPIGER
SPONSORED BY LG&E
126 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
R
epresentative Stevenson was born and raised in West Louisville’s Shawnee neighborhood. It was there and in the Russell neighborhood that her maternal grandparents raised fifteen children, aka “The French 15.” Her grandfather was a preacher, cleaned up construction sites, and fished, and her grandmother grew a garden to take care of their children. Representative Stevenson watched her parents, Deacon Kenneth and Sister Dorothy Stevenson, take care of the neighborhood and provide for less fortunate families. They always said, “You must leave things better than you found them.” With her grandmother’s life insurance policy and an ROTC scholarship, Representative Stevenson studied Finance at Indiana University and attended IU’s Maurer School of Law. After law school, she passed the bar exam and was commissioned in the United States Air Force, serving 27 years as an officer, commander, and Judge Advocate General attorney. Serving in eleven countries led to some profound and inspiring moments as well. “In the Middle East, I had to find ways to bridge the gap.” Representative Stevenson recalls meeting with some Kuwaiti army leaders and wondering what they could possibly have in common. When they saw her, the first thing they asked her was if she knew Flip Wilson, and they shouted, “Here comes the judge! Here comes the judge!” Instead of feeling understandably offended, she used this as a point of personal connection. “When people are laughing, it’s hard to fuss.”
community service, including boards and committees of Personal Counseling Services, the American Bar Association, Shawnee Christian Healthcare Center, NABVETS, OneWest, and as a Bingham Fellows founding member, Oak Grove Baptist Church associate minister, and University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law adjunct professor. Representative Stevenson founded Stevenson Law Center, a nonprofit law firm dedicated to serving veterans, the elderly, and working families, and part of the Wellness Campus of Personal Counseling Services. Through EMERGE Kentucky, Representative Stevenson decided to run for office to help “transform the perception of Kentucky and move it from the near bottom of the lists that rank the 50 states.” In the Kentucky State House of Representatives, she serves on the Veterans’ Affairs, Judiciary, Natural Resources and Energy, and State Government committees. She also works with other agencies on the security of the state capitol. Her legislative priorities include social justice, ending homelessness, and making Kentucky the first state to empower its residents by offering free internet access. “If we can put a man on the moon, we can figure out how to get people off the streets. We need to coalesce our thinking to create a process all organizations can participate in. We need to stop the killing in the streets, put food in stomachs, and offer viable education and work opportunities.”
In Mali, Africa, an official asked if he could get a picture with Colonel Stevenson. He wanted his twelve-year-old daughter to see a Black woman in uniform to show that “anything is possible.” As she traveled, when people found out Representative Stevenson was from Kentucky, they would sometimes tell her she didn’t “look like a hillbilly” or ask, “They have Blacks in Kentucky?” Again, rather than being taken aback, Representative Stevenson used these opportunities to share Kentucky’s “generosity of spirit.” “I wanted to do for Kentucky, what I did for America.” Representative Stevenson retired from the Air Force and moved back to Louisville in 2011. She immersed herself in
Representative Stevenson encourages women to “own their power and follow their passions. If they can run a household and run things behind the scenes, they can use their talents in the foreground.” She relies on the support of her husband of 39 years, Thomas F. Shannon, and her grown children Tamay and Thomas.
But how can her constituents, and Louisvillians in general, support her work in the legislature? Representative Stevenson has three suggestions: 1
Elections matter. Vote. Become engaged—register two people who have never voted before, or show a teenager the voting booth. Be familiar with the issues.
2
Be committed to life working for people. Find your one contribution and do it consistently. We are counting on you. Stay in contact with me.
3
Find your voice and live your given passion while contributing to the greater good.
Be a connector, a bridge between ideas and people. “In 2021, we need to move from ‘us’ and ‘them’ to ‘we.’ We need to agree on what we agree on and take a measured approach versus a political approach to the rest. When ‘We the People’ do what we are charged with, democracy works. What can we do together? Everything! We can achieve the promise of America. We can start by feeding the child next door. Every voice heard. Every Life empowered. Together we can build a Kentucky where all families thrive. And above all, let’s enjoy our work and each other while we are doing the work.” Courtesy photo
Follow @RepresentativePamelaStevenson on Facebook and @stevensonspeaks on Twitter.
TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 127
community
WEST LOUISVILLE PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY Keeping the Conversation Going
O
BY KATHIE STAMPS • COURTESY PHOTO
h, the sweet sound of children singing. Those soprano voices singing in unison produce goosebumps on those who hear it. Add in some harmonies, and this art form becomes transcendent for all who listen.
For three decades and counting, the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy has been providing these sensational sensory experiences for students and audiences alike. The young people who participate in the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy are 8 to 18. They are learning and then performing music from different genres, including spirituals, classics, pop standards, ballads and jazz, with the organization’s mission to “positively impact and transform the lives of children and their families through the discipline of music.”
WLPAA’s founder and executive director is McDaniel Bluitt. He graduated from the University of Louisville School of Music, where he played trumpet and took all kinds of music classes, including choral training. He used his music degree professionally by becoming a music teacher with Jefferson County Public Schools. One day he saw a little Black boy seated at his desk in the hallway, straining to look inside the classroom. The child had been ousted from the room (for talking too much? McDaniel never found out why). “His predicament saddened me and pricked my heart,” McDaniel says. If only that child could be empowered instead of excluded, participating in disciplined creativity. “At that moment, the thought came to me to start a boys choir.”
West Louisville Performing Arts Academy’s 30th Anniversary Celebration on December 14, 2019
our ourview viewofofdowntown downtownliving living
128 TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021
Inspired by work of the world-renowned organized Boys Choir of Harlem, in 1988 McDaniel did just that, forming the Moore Temple Boys Choir for boys ages 8 to 18. By 1990 the project had become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a new name, the West Louisville Boys Choir. McDaniel explains that it became “a home, a place for the disenchanted and broken.” The boys learned the discipline of music (time signatures and breathing techniques, key signatures and vocal modulation) and the discipline of life (posture and focused relaxation, showing up on time and being fully present). In 2002 McDaniel and those who were supporting his work with the boys choir added the West Louisville Girls Choir. In January 2004 the two choirs officially began operating under the name West Louisville Performing Arts Academy. Now a community choir for every girl and boy of any color or creed, the organization currently operates out of offices at ArtSpace on West Broadway. Fostering an environment for artistic, academic and social development, West Louisville Performing Arts Academy works with these young people throughout the year by way of three major programs: the After School Tutorial Program in partnership with the University of Louisville, the Summer Music Institute and the Annual Hope Awards Christmas Concert. West Louisville Performing Arts Academy uses the medium of music and performing arts to educate and empower children and youth throughout the Metro Louisville area, because music provides myriad layers that parallel an empowered life: precision and discipline, history and technique, nuance and expression, cooperation and collaboration.
To set up the organization itself for another 30 years of service and impact, WLPAA is reaching out to community partners and individuals with a grassroots “50 Million Pennies” funding campaign. Its official title is the 50 Million Pennies Sustained Giving Founders Seed Fund. “We are looking for 5,000 partners who will contribute a minimum of 900 pennies per month, or an average of $9 per month, for 12 months,” says Garry M. Spotts. A consultant by trade, Garry is the coordinator of the new Founders Seed Fund. Any community member or organization who contributes a gift of $100 will become Seed Fund Founders and can become Supporting Founders by giving a gift of $100 and soliciting 9 other people to follow suit, for a total impact of $1,000. “Our success is the community’s success,” Garry says. “We look forward to partners across the region to join us and become ambassadors for the youth and the academy as we grow together for the future.” To donate, sponsor or otherwise become involved with the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy, visit wlpaa.org. To participate in the 50 Million Pennies Founders Seed Fund, visit wlpaa.org/development-50-million-pennies. SPONSORED BY LG&E
502.716.6710 502.716.6710| 1800 | 1800Marinas MarinasEdge EdgeWay WaySuite Suite100 100 watersideatriverpark.com watersideatriverpark.com TOPS LOUISVILLE | February 2021 129
“THE THING I LIKE ABOUT BAPTIST IS IT’S ‘MISSION POSSIBLE — HERE WE GO. LET’S MAKE IT HAPPEN.’” — Tom Rose, Heart Care Success Story
When Tom Rose got winded while trying to mow his lawn, he knew something was wrong. The culprit turned out to be a severely narrowed heart valve. Fortunately, Tom was an ideal candidate for transcatheter aortic valve replacement, a minimally invasive procedure that allows for a faster recovery. After surgery, he was well enough to attend his only grandson’s wedding later that summer. Tom and his wife, Jean, sweethearts since junior high, are grateful for the team at Baptist Health Louisville who led them through the process. “I just appreciate so much feeling like another human being,” Jean said. “This is my husband, and he is important to me.” Learn more about our advanced Heart Care services at BaptistHealth.com/HeartCare.
Corbin | Floyd | Hardin | La Grange | Lexington | Louisville | Madisonville | Paducah | Richmond
BaptistHealth.com