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TATES CREEK ANIMAL HOSPITAL

The doctors at Tates Creek Animal Hospital began their dedication to high-quality, compassionate veterinary care in their earliest days, building the foundations of a team whose expertise and care run deep.

Tates Creek’s Dr. Sullivan can remember back to playing with and caring for Pepper, her black Labrador Retriever, as well as an array of animals on her grandmother’s farm, as a fi veyear-old. When she was 14, she began volunteering at a veterinary hospital before becoming a doctor of veterinary medicine in 2012.

“Those trips to the farm defi nitely sparked my love for animals,” Dr. Sullivan recalled. “I have always had a tender heart for the hurting and sick. This passion is what drove me to a career of caring for others.”

The Tates Creek Animal Hospital team has recently welcomed Dr. Katie Lacy as well, whose veterinarian aunt infl uenced her own lifelong dedication to animal care as a child. She used to help with exams on her childhood dog, Shadow, and would watch her aunt perform surgeries as a high schooler.

Together, Dr. Sullivan and Dr. Lacy form a team at Tates Creek Animal Hospital whose passion for the care of animal clients will match that of their owners.

859-273-1933 tatescreekanimalhospital.com

Photo top to bottom: Dr. Katie Lacy and Dr. Ashley Sullivan

THE WILDCAT GROUP

Upon graduating from the University of Kentucky’s MBA program in 2010, Raleigh Bruner founded Wildcat Moving with a Ford Bronco and a trailer. A decade later Wildcat maintains a fl eet of 24 trucks and is widely regarded as the best in Kentucky. Wildcat is BBB A+ rated and accredited and has been voted #1 in Kentucky in the HeraldLeader Reader’s Choice Awards for three consecutive years.

Wildcat Moving shares common ownership with eleven other Wildcat Group businesses: Wildcat Van Lines, Wildcat Mini Storage, Wildcat Clean Team, Ladycat Packing & Organizing, Wildcat Pressure Washing, Wildcat Home Inspection, Big Blue Painting & Handyman, Wildcat Gutters, Wildcat Carpet Cleaning, Wildcat Country Dog Retreat, and Wildcat Auto Repair.

The Wildcat Group supports an array of local, communitystrengthening organizations. “Lexington feels much smaller and close-knit than our population suggests. Having grown up here and now raising three children, I feel connected to everyone. I’m proud that my kids will grow up knowing that I run our family business with honesty and integrity.”

859-948-3553 wildcat-group.com

INFLUENCERS CIRCLE

BRANCH AND BARK URBAN SAWMILL

Lexington’s Branch And Bark Urban Sawmill was established in 2017 as owners Luther Lilley and David Hollingsworth identifi ed a signifi cant need in the area.

“We know that we couldn’t be the only people looking to source lumber here in town without driving an hour or more to fi nd nice slabs and dimension lumber,” explained Lilley, who is also the mill’s operator.

Today, Branch And Bark is a sustainable, local business that is keeping wooden logs from being wasted or thrown into a landfi ll. It turns fell trees into beautiful works of art, creating farmhouse tables and other craftsman-style pieces for clients. With 75% of its logs sourced in Lexington, there’s a good chance that trees from a client’s neighborhood end up as the table, fl ooring or mantle provided by Branch And Bark for their homes.

“You’re helping your neighbors and community when you buy local,” said Lilley. “I love Lexington and will never leave.”

Ultimately, the community, sustainability and full-circle nature of the business is what drives Branch And Bark.

“Seeing harvested logs come full circle is the most rewarding part of our business,” Lilley said. “When the customer picks up a custom piece of lumber from a sentimental tree from their property, it’s incredibly rewarding.”

859-389-9568 branchandbarksawmill.com

IMMANUEL BAPTIST CHURCH

Dating back to a founding in 1909, Lexington’s Immanuel Baptist Church has been through transformations and progressions, but has always remained a community gathering that serves a higher purpose. In 2011, for instance, it experienced exponential growth, focused on welcoming all those who seek spiritual guidance and community connection for all ages and stages of life.

With this renewed focus, Immanuel was recognized twice in Outreach Magazine’s top-100 fastestgrowing churches,” said director of communications, Courtney Turner. During this time, Immanuel has been recognized as a leader in generosity with an evangelistic focus. The generosity of Immanuel has led to unprecedented missions, giving support to gospel projects in Lexington, Central Kentucky, throughout the United States and to places like Guatemala, East Asia and Africa.” In 2018, the church relaunched its Armstrong Mill campus, with more than 300 people in attendance for the event.

Throughout this illustrious history, Immanuel has remained consistent in its singular focus - guiding people into a relationship with Jesus Christ.

“Immanuel Baptist Church exists to lead people to Jesus and to equip disciples in their faith,” Turner said. “Jesus calls us to go and make disciples of all nations, and that is what we strive to do here at Immanuel.”

As its leadership and members look to this legacy with thankfulness, they also turn their attention to the future. It is with a vision that is based on the success and growth of its past, but with a distinct belief that no matter what changes about its community, those in Lexington will always have a need for such a home.

“The vision of Immanuel Baptist Church is to create a community of authentic believers and to witness a region transformed by the life-changing reality of the gospel, as people come to know and follow Jesus,” said Turner. “We desire to build genuine relationships while striving to refl ect all people. We want Immanuel to continue to be a place where no one feels alone and we can show the love of Jesus Christ in our everyday lives.”

859-685-3200 | ibclex.com

MATT MAULDIN, BANK OF LEXINGTON

As its very name demonstrates, Bank of Lexington is one of the area’s most community-focused fi nancial institutions, local operation and local decision makers. It offers consumer and commercial banking products, and works to ensure its area clientele have the tools that they need to fl ourish. Services include mortgage loans, commercial loans, and a suite of deposit products all offered with their personal touch.

“I have worked for Bank of Lexington for the last 14 years, focusing on providing exceptional service for all of my banking clients’ needs,” explained Matt, Bank of Lexington’s Vice President and third generation Mauldin in the banking industry. “My greatest achievements have been helping my clients reach their fi nancial goals — whether that’s buying their fi rst home or giving small businesses a chance to grow and thrive.”

As a Lexington native himself, Mauldin understands fi rsthand what members of this community need and want from their banking partners. And he relies on a deepseeded understanding of what makes Lexington special as he fi nds continued success.

“I have found that the one thing that makes this city a great place to live is our sense of community and our shared values,” he concluded.

859-219-2900 bankoflexington.net

INFLUENCERS CIRCLE

INFLUENCERS CIRCLE

ARTHUR MURRAY DANCE STUDIO

According to Hunter Lisle, franchisee of Lexington Arthur Murray, “If you can walk in the door, you can learn to dance.” During his time, Lisle has seen a variety of students walk through his door. “People come in to the studio for all different reasons— just for fun, for exercise, to meet someone, or just to have a date night. We try to really appeal to everyone.”

For two decades, the Lexington Arthur Murray franchise has been teaching the fi nest in social, ballroom, Latin, and country western dancing with a team of instructors who are the highest certifi ed in the country. Lisle says, “Our instructors make it easy and fun to learn. We also feel that we go the extra mile to make the customer experience above and beyond what is expected. We believe that every customer becomes a part of our family.”

“Seeing students reaching beyond their comfort zone—then follow through and succeed— is really what continues to motivate me every day,” says Lisle. “We always try to change lives... one step at time!”

859-278-7711 dancingiseasy.com

MI PEQUEÑA HACIENDA

Since 1996, Mi Pequeña Hacienda has been serving the Lexington area authentic and delicious Mexican cuisine and drinks, including infamously delicious quesadillas, fajitas and more, through its two area locations. The restaurants and their fare are the culmination of a lifelong commitment from owners Julian and Lorena Gallegos.

“I have worked all of my life in the restaurant industry and my family and I have a lot of passion for customer service and Mexican cuisine,” explained Julian. “We were the fi rst ones in Lexington, with Rincon Mexicano in 1991, and then the original Mi Pequeña Hacienda in 1996 and the Brannon Crossing location in 2011.”

While this family-bred passion has much to do with the success of the restaurants, the Gallegos are quick to credit their customers and community for the business’ longevity. They explained that the people here have met them with “very sincere, good hearts” and that a top priority for the business is keeping their “economy right here in Kentucky.”

“We are very blessed that we have been so welcomed in Lexington,” Julian said. “We really appreciate the support of such loyal customers. It’s a great pleasure to serve everybody who has been welcomed to Mi Pequeña Hacienda.”

Lansdowne | 859-245-4679 Brannon Crossing | 859-309-3840 mipequenahacienda.com

Patios

INFLUENCERS CIRCLE

Patios

INFLUENCERS CIRCLE

JEFF RUBY’S STEAKHOUSE

Jeff Ruby’s is a fi ne dining steakhouse specializing in USDA Prime Steaks, Seafood & Sushi, impeccable service and live entertainment. The vibe is a blend of Art Deco decadence and unmistakable Kentucky cool. The vibe also lends itself to pure showtime, from the fl ambeing tableside to the impeccably over-the-top service to the dreamy menu, this is the place you go when you want a truly memorable experience.

It’s hard to beat the multitiered Seafood Tower featuring enormous Tiger Shrimp, Alaskan King Crab, multiple varieties of Raw Oysters on the Half Shell, Lobster and more. Extensive Sushi and Raw Bar menus round out ocean specialties perfect for al fresco dining. Pair these light bites with bubbles or a fi ne Kentucky Bourbon.

For those looking for the whole Jeff Ruby experience, the Bonein Ribeye paired with Jeff Ruby’s Barrel Aged Manhattan is a terrifi c choice.

TOPS recommends an evening on Jeff Ruby’s patio appropriately named “The Paddock”. Reservations are accepted but not required making The Paddock a go-to stop on your tour of downtown.

859-554-7000 jeffruby.com/lexington

THE BELLS GROUP AT RECTOR HAYDEN

The Bells Group at Rector Hayden REALTORS® offers comprehensive real estate services in what has become one of recent history’s most competitive real estate markets.

Nancy Bell began the family real estate tradition for the Bells several years ago; Beth Bell Brown has over ten years of real estate experience in the Central Kentucky area; and Lauren Bell, Nancy’s niece, and Beth’s fi rst cousin, has brought cutting-edge knowledge to the group since 2019.

“We’re so proud to represent Lexington,” they said. “We often get calls from people across the country who dream of living in the Bluegrass. You can’t duplicate the Central Kentucky experience anywhere else.”

As the market grows, relying on The Bells local knowledge and expertise has rewarded its outof-state and local clients with a network of partners who can guide them through the intricate process of a purchase or sale.

“We have partnered with a wide range of local vendors and businesses to help our clients make their very best home in the Lexington area,” they said. “We have a multitude of resources on speed dial to make every aspect of our client’s experience as smooth as possible. This is all a part of what enhances our client’s journey as we work together.”

859-321-7753 makingLexingtonKYhome.com

INFLUENCERS CIRCLE

INFLUENCERS CIRCLE

EL RANCHO TAPATIO

El Rancho Tapatio is a local family owned and operated restaurant offering delicious, fresh made food. Founded in 2009, the restaurant started as three small tables and has expanded into their Burt Road home. Their authentic food is described as “Not your everyday Mexican cuisine.” El Rancho Tapatio embraces being a part of the local restaurant community by participating in and sponsoring nonprofi t events throughout the year. The general manager Luis Castillo is a familiar face locally and for frequent diners.

The Rios family, who operate the restaurant, are from Guadalajara, Mexico. In Spanish, el Tapatio is an informal term for someone from Guadalajara.

El Rancho Tapatio specializes in Taqueria style tacos, and other favorites like Sopes, Gorditas, Empanadas, Ceviche, Tortas Ahogadas, Carnes en su Jugo, Menudo, delicious drinks and more. Diners enjoy delicious tacos, tostadas, burritos, fajitas and an array of exquisite Mexican dishes that transport them to a little corner of Guadalajara with each bite.

Like many local restaurants, El Rancho Tapatio succeeded this past year because they adapted to provide more carryout and delivery, and made the most of their space with socially distanced dining.

859-373-9091 elranchotapatio.com

BLUEGRASS HEMP OIL

Kentucky Cannabis Company, the state’s original cannabidiol (CBD) company, was fi rst established in 2014 out of a family need from its founders, Adriane and Bill Polyniak.

“Adriane and Bill entered the hemp industry as parent advocates,” the company’s team said. “At age three, their son was diagnosed with Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy. Hundreds of seizures and harmful pharma side effects led Adriane and her husband to search for better options.”

They found that CBD products could help their son, as well as many others in need, leading to the formation of Kentucky Cannabis Company, which has grown exponentially since and now offers a full spectrum of hemp extracts and CBD-infused products under the Bluegrass Hemp Oil brand through retail locations in Lexington and Midway.

Through their company, the Polyniaks are working to legitimize the hemp industry across the state, create jobs for Kentuckians and produce high-quality products that will help customers improve their health.

“Our products help people to feel better and live better,” the team explained. “The ability to bring any level of comfort and improved health to the local community and experience with them the level of results we experienced ourselves fi rsthand is amazing and so rewarding.”

859-963-3550 bluegrasshempoil.com

LOCAL LEX MARKET

Opened in March by co-owners Karen Gomez and Merritt Carbajal, Local LEX Market has already established itself as the area’s favorite carrier of local, handmade products — with more than 90 small businesses represented under its roof and plenty of potential to grow.

“Our dream was to create a yearround indoor festival for everyone to shop, have a support group and to provide local items for locals to enjoy,” the owners said. “We are a women-owned small business ourselves and when we knew we needed a retail location, we made sure to get enough space that allowed other small businesses to grow and blossom in a brick and mortar as well.”

The team behind Local LEX Market is especially honored to offer Kentucky Proud Products from local businesses like Queen Bee Peanut Butter, San’s Healthy Choice, Graze With AK, Croc O’ Mud Pottery, Tammy’s Sweet Tasty Treats, Hillbilly Jams And Jellies, Mother Clucking Products and 2 Mother Hustlers,.

“We showcase to local customers as well as visitors outside of Lexington the very best parts of Kentucky and the talent that comes from the people who live here,” the owners said.

859-523-3530 locallexmarket.com

CARSON’S FOOD & DRINK

There is nothing quite like Carson’s Chicken & Waffl es and a round of mimosas with great friends while relaxing on our beautiful patio. With our’s being one of the only patios on Main Street, the life of the city is right next to you as you enjoy a friendly reunion or romantic evening, making every season THE time to visit Carson’s!

With savory burgers, fresh salads, juicy steaks and seafood, there’s a little something for everyone at Carson’s. “Every dish we offer is sizable and fl avorful, and just hits the spot. Not to mention our marvelous selection of bourbons and ryes! Grab a drink, pull up a chair and relax in our refi ned speakeasy setting,” says owner Mark Fitchner.

Summer always brings out a hunger for ribs, and it’s hard to fi nd a better set of ribs than our “Sweet & Spicy Ribs”; Tender ribs coated in our house Siracha Bourbon BBQ sauce with sesame seeds and jalapeno slices. Pairing this with any of our draught beers or our “Classic Woodford Rye Old Fashioned” is a sure way to have a great time!

TOPS would suggest you make your reservations ahead of time.

859-309-3039 carsonsfoodanddrink.com

Patios

INFLUENCERS CIRCLE

USHEALTH ADVISORS

After owning successful gyms and personal training facilities in Lexington for more than 25 years, Dwayne Carr chose to switch professions, and now insures the health of the same Kentucky families that he helped to keep healthy, and in shape.

Dwayne now runs the Lexington, Ky Satellite Offi ce for USHEALTH Advisors, USHEALTH Group, a United Healthcare Company, for Eric Horstmeyer, a former prominent Lexington Attorney, who is the Satellite Division Sales Leader.

“I truly love what I do, because I still get to passionately help people daily, and give them HOPE, which is our company’s mission-’Help Other People Everyday.” Once I get them insured, I am always their contact, or concierge, to help them with their needs.

Our company fulfi lls a need in the health coverage market, because every customer is unique, and we customize their coverages to fi t their needs.We try to provide incredible coverage for individuals, families, the self employed, and small businesses, while trying to save them money!

Even though I sell health coverage in 33 states, I truly love helping the people I care about most, who are right here in Central Kentucky. I believe in taking a burden, and being a blessing. We offer Nationwide PPO Coverages, which allows them to choose their doctors, and when they travel, their health coverage travels with them, all over the country.

“It has truly been a blessing to work for such an incredible, caring company, and to be able to do it right here in the city I love most, Lexington, which makes it all the more sweeter. We are so blessed to be a part of what makes this incredible city so great, and we look forward to reaching even greater heights together.”

859-338-3575 dwayne.carr@ushadvisors.com

LEXINGTON VA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

The Lexington VA Health Care System opened to service one of our most cherished communities. Today it is comprised of two divisions – the Franklin Sousley Campus and the Troy Bowling Campus – with community-based outpatient clinics, in Berea, Hazard, Morehead and Somerset.

“Lexington VA Health care system has a 95%approval rate from the Veterans in our area,” said Cat Trombley, Public Affairs Offi cer. “We have a great network of Veteran service organizations and community partners that work with us to take care of Veterans, serving all who served.”

The Troy Bowling Campus offers emergency care, inpatient medical surgical care, acute psychiatry, intensive and progressive care until, ambulatory surgery, medicine and surgery specialty clinics. The Franklin Sousley Campus offers post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse treatment, nursing home care, hospice and respite services, home-based primary care, prosthetics, mental health, primary care and women’s health care.

“Lexington VA serves more than 40,000 Veterans,” Cat Trombley said. “These Veterans depend on us for their health care, their well-being affects not only themselves but their families and the community. Lexington VA Health Care System is here to serve all of our Veterans and their families.”

859-233-4511 lexington.va.gov

INFLUENCERS CIRCLE

INFLUENCERS CIRCLE

MIND OVER BODY STUDIO

After returning to Kentucky from the Washington, DC area after more than two decades, Melissa, Laura and Beth Calmes found their home state to be remarkably grounded and community-focused, with notable pride for the services and crafts offered by its local businesses.

Since 2016, they have been adding to that legacy themselves with Mind Over Body, a health and wellness center focused on whole mind-body fi tness and injury prevention. They also work with repetitive stress injuries and chronic pain, embracing all challenges to assist each client in reaching their individual health goals.

“The three of us were raised in a family that was active and health conscious and we wanted to share our passion for wellness and whole health with our fellow Lexingtonians,” the founders explained. “In this way, we hope to contribute to the community’s productivity and active lifestyle, one where we can all show up as our best, every day. That’s a win-win in our eyes, for our clients and for Lexington.”

Though Mind Over Body has embedded itself as a community staple since its founding, the Calmes sisters still cherish moments in which they’re struck by homecoming feelings.

“We absolutely love getting to work with local people we know or went to high school with or someone that knows someone from our past,” they said. “It’s like connecting the dots. It feels like one big happy family.”

859-270-1180 mindoverbodystudio.com

LEXINGTON ON TAP TOURS

On Tap Tours started in April 2019, and at that time it was focused on taking our guests to local craft breweries. We soon realized that there was so much to offer throughout the state, that we wanted to connect with all of Kentucky’s amazing destinations. We now work with the most incredible distilleries, breweries, wineries, horse farms, food partners, and destinations in the area.

We are able to use a concierge approach to the coordination and planning of each experience to ensure our guests have an experience that is unrivaled in this state.

Our team, simply put, is the best. We go above and beyond for our guests and partners, and we have been able to take tourism to a very high level. We have expanded into Louisville and Cincinnati, in addition to our base of operations in Lexington. This has been made possible by the partnership with Gold Shield Transportation, who is the leading transportation company in the region. Our two companies together set the bar for professionalism and customer service, and because of this our guests and partners are able to have certainty in regards to the experience being exemplary.

We are able to execute at a level that is unmatched in the region, and our teams combined ensure that every detail is considered. We have worked with clients from celebrating a special anniversary to a large corporate outing. We are able to accommodate any size group and allow our guests to press the easy button. By working with On Tap Tours for your experience, everything is taken care of and you will quickly realize that you are in extremely capable hands.

859-314-9659 ontap-tours.com

Photo courtesy of Kelsey Berry