In this episode, we partnered with Downtown Lexington Partnership to host another Downtown Deep Dive, presented by Dean Builds. This time, with the visionaries behind Gatton Park on the Town Branch - Lexington’s most ambitious public space project to date. Recorded overlooking the park’s soon-to-be-unveiled amphitheater, this conversation dives into the decade-long journey from asphalt lot to iconic green space. Guests: David Dean , President of Dean Builds Ben Schaffer , Senior Director of Adva...
Jul 03, 2025•29 min
In this episode of DevelopLex, we sit down with Rebecca Burnworth - architect, code-wrangler, and the visionary force behind The Stave and District 7. From navigating building permits with tenacity to breathing new life into Kentucky’s bourbon-country landmarks, Rebecca delivers an insider’s look at how design thinking, culinary creativity, and deep local pride can spark a downtown renaissance. We trace Lexington’s evolution from a “five-bar town” to a food-and-bev hotspot, unpack the real econo...
Jun 19, 2025•57 min
This special episode of DevelopLex was created in partnership with Commerce Lexington to capture the biggest takeaways from the 2025 Leadership Visit to Madison, Wisconsin - and bring them home to Lexington. Every year, Commerce Lexington organizes one of the largest and longest-running intercity leadership trips in the country. Presented by Central Bank & Trust Co., the 2025 visit brought 165 Lexington-area leaders to Madison for three days of immersive learning. The goal? Study what’s work...
Jun 06, 2025•34 min•Season 5Ep. 9
In this episode of DevelopLex, we sit down with Burgess Carey, a multi-generational Lexingtonian, developer, and visionary behind some of Central Kentucky’s most forward-thinking real estate and recreation projects. From pioneering self-storage development to reclaiming a forgotten gorge to launch Boone Creek Outdoors, Burgess shares a rare blend of entrepreneurial grit, environmental stewardship, and deep civic insight.We explore Lexington’s unique development challenges - from zoning hurdles t...
May 22, 2025•47 min•Season 5Ep. 8
In this episode of DevelopLex, we sit down with Dallas Rose, a Lexington native whose bold approach to real estate and hospitality is helping redefine what’s possible for the city. From launching Mileta, one of Lexington’s most ambitious new restaurants, to co-developing Midland Station, a transformative downtown housing project, Dallas shares his vision for building a modern Lexington rooted in culture, creativity, and long-term growth.Whether he’s assembling complex capital stacks or crafting ...
May 01, 2025•42 min•Season 5Ep. 7
In this episode of DevelopLex, we sit down with Dr. Eli Capilouto, the 12th President of the University of Kentucky, to explore how UK’s campus transformation is more than bricks and mortar — it's a purpose-driven mission to advance Kentucky’s future. Since taking office in 2011, Dr. Capilouto has overseen more than $7 billion in campus development, growing UK’s total operations to $8.4 billion and turning the university into a catalyst for statewide economic, academic, and health transformation...
Apr 17, 2025•34 min•Season 5Ep. 6
In this episode of DevelopLex, we sit down with Price Bell , a lifelong Lexingtonian, thoroughbred farm operator, and passionate community builder. From managing his family's historic Mill Ridge Farm to leading neighborhood redevelopment efforts in North Limestone , Price brings a unique lens to the intersection of land, legacy, and leadership . We dive deep into what it means to steward land, how creative use of public grant programs can drive real estate reinvestment, and why Lexington’s futur...
Apr 03, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 5Ep. 5
In this episode of DevelopLex, we sit down with Clay Waller, a Lexington-based real estate investor and developer, to talk about his journey into the industry - one that started with a trial by fire. When his grandfather suddenly handed him the reins to a struggling business, Clay had to learn fast. Today, he’s built a thriving portfolio spanning residential and commercial properties, including some of Lexington’s most notable redevelopments on the North Side. From navigating the challenges of z...
Mar 20, 2025•53 min•Season 5Ep. 4
In this episode, we partnered with Downtown Lexington Partnership to host a live panel discussion at 325 West Main, formerly known as the Festival Marketplace. Joined by visionary Katie Kaufman and the general contractor on the project, David Dean, we discuss the redevelopment of this historic Lexington property. Kaufman, a former U.S. Defense policy expert turned developer, shares her journey of acquiring and reimagining the building with her partner, Jack Matthews. David provides insights into...
Mar 06, 2025•30 min•Season 5Ep. 3
In this episode, Ross and Weston sit down with Didi Caldwell and Jeff Bischoff during the Commerce Lexington Regional Summit. Didi Caldwell is the President and CEO of Global Location Strategies, a leading site selection and incentive negotiation firms for manufacturing and industrial companies. Jeff Bischoff is the Chief Sales Officer as Gray Construction, a Lexington, Kentucky-based design-build firm specializing in engineering, architecture, and construction services for industrial, commercia...
Feb 20, 2025•43 min•Season 5Ep. 2
We are back for season 5! We’ve spent the off season hard at work and have some fun updates to share, along with some exciting news from the team. Today, we welcome Logan Jones onto the podcast. You might know Logan from Middle Tech - our sister brand - but recently, Logan has decided to go full time to help us grow both brands. We’re incredibly excited to have Logan captaining the ship for us, so we wanted to sit down together and talk about the year ahead. Subscribe to the DevelopLex newsl...
Feb 06, 2025•39 min
In this episode, we sit down with Ted Abernathy at the Hyatt downtown during the Central Kentucky regional summit. Ted, the managing partner of a consultancy based in North Carolina, discusses economic forecasts for Kentucky's nine regions and dives deep into local Lexington. He shares insights on economic strategies, labor force dynamics, and regional competitiveness. Key topics include population growth, housing affordability, and the impact of urban service boundaries. Ted also explores facto...
Dec 05, 2024•21 min•Season 4Ep. 64
Landry is the owner and CEO of Nova Insurance Group an independent insurance agency specializing in commercial property, franchises and businesses with 20+employees. He grew up in Central KY and currently lives in Versailles with his wife and 3 kids. He began investing in real estate multi family units and apartments due to the connections and insights he learned from his podcast called Keys to the Commonwealth that focuses on real estate investors and business entrepreneurs in the state of Kent...
Oct 23, 2024•51 min
Don’t mind the birds chirping in the background… Ross and Weston chose to record this episode on the Urban Service Boundary Line. In this episode, they covered takeaways and guest quotes for the season best third places in Lexington what do you miss about Lexington why this setting for this episode? We have a fun next few episodes coming up to end the season, so tune in! Subscribe to the DevelopLex newsletter here Hosted by Weston Lockhart and ...
Oct 15, 2024•41 min
In this episode, Weston sits down with Griffin Vanmeter, a creative force behind some of Lexington's most iconic projects, including Kentucky for Kentucky and the Night Market. Griff shares his passion for bringing joy and weirdness to every idea, and we delve into his background, from his early days to his current endeavors. We discuss the importance of nostalgia, community development, and the role of parks in economic growth. Griff also shares his excitement about current initiatives, includi...
Sep 26, 2024•1 hr 5 min
In this episode, we have an enlightening conversation with Jim Gray, Secretary of Transportation for Kentucky and former mayor of Lexington. Jim shares his personal journey from growing up in Glasgow, Kentucky, to rising through the ranks in public service. He reflects on his vision for Lexington, including transformative projects like the Town Branch Park, the restoration of historic buildings, and the creation of a vibrant urban core. Jim also discusses his role in major state initiatives such...
Sep 12, 2024•40 min
In this live event episode of Develop Lex, hosts engage in a dynamic conversation with infill developers Chad Walker and Chad Needham. The event, held at Eppings, explores key urban development challenges and opportunities in Lexington. The discussion covers zoning issues, unique project experiences, and the importance of infill development in revitalizing underutilized areas. Subscribe to the DevelopLex newsletter here Hosted by Weston Lockhart and ...
Aug 29, 2024•37 min
In this episode, we have an exciting interview with Mitch Barnhart, Athletics Director at the University of Kentucky. Mitch discusses his journey to Lexington and the significant changes the city and the university have undergone over the years. He delves into the transformation of UK's athletic facilities, the impact of sports business, and the importance of engaging the community. Mitch also highlights the unique relationship between UK and Lexington, emphasizing the vital role the university ...
Aug 15, 2024•42 min
In this episode, we sat down with Clarence Cundiff, a seasoned real estate investor and appraiser. Clarence shares his unique journey into real estate, his extensive experience with appraisals, and his investments in commercial properties. Dive into the nuances of property valuation, the challenges and opportunities in the Lexington real estate market, and insights into future development. Clarence also discusses his foray into property development and the intricate process of appraisals for lar...
Aug 01, 2024•40 min
In this episode, we welcome Doug Gibson, a distinguished member of the Gibson Company and a pivotal figure in the development of Lexington, Kentucky. Doug shares his extensive experience as a commercial realtor, discussing his involvement in the city’s organized real estate activities and major developments like the IBM and Toyota plants. He emphasizes the importance of quality of life and maintaining Lexington's unique character amidst growth. Doug also offers advice for aspiring professionals ...
Jul 18, 2024•54 min
In this episode of DevelopLex, we welcome Luther Deaton, the chairman, president, and CEO of Central Bank, to share his incredible journey from humble beginnings in Breathitt County to becoming a prominent business leader in Lexington, Kentucky. Luther discusses his early life, entry into the banking industry, and his profound impact on the community through various charitable organizations. He also sheds light on the changes in banking over the decades and the importance of public-private partn...
Jul 12, 2024•46 min
In this episode of DevelopLex, hosts Ross and Weston hold a round table discussion touching on various topics related to real estate in Lexington. The importance of mentorship in the real estate industry The need for more formalized real estate programs at the University of Kentucky Benefits of promoting open conversations and problem-solving over winning arguments Personal updates: Weston discusses his retail real estate endeavors Ross talks about his involvement in mixed-income housing project...
Jun 20, 2024•33 min
Ameet is the Founder and Managing Partner of Thoroughbred Hospitality Group. Since its inception in 2018, THG has grown to build, own and operate over 13 hotels and 6 F&B outlets across Kentucky and Tennessee, employing over 250 employees to date. In the greater Lexington area - Ameet and the THG team are more famously known for bringing all 3 Crumbl Cookies locations to central KY, the Hampton Inn by Hilton in Brannon Crossing, the Tru by Hilton in Hamburg, and the upcoming CAMBRiA Hotel an...
Jun 07, 2024•47 min•Season 4Ep. 7
This week we were thrilled to welcome on the founders of Bluegrass Hospitality Group, Bruce Drake and Brian McCarty Bluegrass Hospitality Group consists of Malones, Drakes, Harry’s, and OBC Kitchen and has scaled into a powerhouse restaurant brand across the Southeast, all run from Lexington, KY where the founders are vital members of the community. Bruce and Brian discussed with us the inception of the concept of BHG, hard learnings through failure and trials along the way, and their expansion ...
May 23, 2024•59 min•Season 4Ep. 51
In this episode, we sit down with Wes Murry, an entrepreneur and investor known for his strategic involvement in diverse ventures across Lexington and beyond. Wes discusses his move from Lancaster to Lexington, his initiation into the hedge fund world, and his extensive experience in real estate development. He also shares insights into his approach to investment and his commitment to enhancing community spaces through thoughtful development. The conversation illuminates Wes's entrepreneurial sp...
May 09, 2024•57 min
On this weeks episode, we were stoked to welcome on Mike Hynes, President and CEO of Winterwood. Winterwood Development, part of a family-owned business that has been serving families for over 40 years, is committed to developing high-quality housing throughout our region. The offer a variety of services but where we spent most of our time on in this episode was the significant issues Lexington (and beyond) is having in trying to address affordability in the housing sector. Specifically, we talk...
Apr 25, 2024•48 min
Daren Turner is a seasoned entrepreneur and CEO whose roots are firmly planted in Lexington, Kentucky. His 27 years of marriage to Kirsten and their three children, Seth, Hadley, and Luke, reflect his commitment to family and community ties in his hometown. Transitioning into leadership roles at Amteck in 1992, Daren rapidly absorbed the business side. Taking the helm in 2000, he drove impressive growth through strategic acquisitions and championing innovation. After selling to private equity in...
Apr 11, 2024•55 min
David O’Neill was appointed Fayette County Property Valuation Administrator by Governor Steve Beshear on February 11, 2009, and overwhelmingly elected to full four-year terms in 2010, and subsequently re-elected in 2014, 2018 and 2022. Because of David’s expansive knowledge on the value of real estate in Lexington, we were able to spend a significant amount of time breaking down current day, how we got here, and future discussion of Lexington values and trajectory. Hosted by Weston ...
Mar 28, 2024•52 min
Dow Porter currently serves as the President and Managing Principal of Shield Environmental and brought a perspective of a vendor in Commercial Real Estate, assisting commercial real estate principals on the Environmental process. Dow manages the Assessment and Remediation Group and over the course of his career, he has assisted many industrial facilities and municipalities with industrial compliance issues including the proper characterization and handling of solid, special, and hazardous waste...
Mar 14, 2024•50 min
Jake Riordan is a Lexington based developer and is involved in several projects around town currently. Organically through his time in Lexington Jake has gone from house flipping to developing ground up retail/residential developments such as Ethington Shoppes (think Chick-fil-A and 7 Brew on Harrodsburg Road) and has some key takeaways to share. Jake talks lessons learned along the way, how to balance development with 5 (yes five) kids, and indicators of success in a potential new project that ...
Feb 29, 2024•45 min
