Stephen Schmidt
Verified- Chair of Board, International Telecommunications Society
- Reporter, Louisville Business First
- Reporter, KY Inno
Louisville, Ottawa
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Writer | Editor | Storyteller | Sports Enthusiast
Articles by Stephen Schmidt
New Air Canada route could reconnect Kentucky distillers with Canadian bourbon fans
The April route launches as the bourbon industry works to rebuild connections with Canadian consumers after tariffs and retaliatory bans damaged spirits sales. THE REMAINDER OF THIS ARTICLE IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS Don’t Stop Here — Continue Reading With Your $4 Trial Already have a paid subscription? Sign in
Louisville startup treats compute as a commodity, plans to broker futures contracts
Preview this article 1 min The CEO spent a decade at a wholesale energy intermediary firm. He sees the same market structure emerging for computational power.
Louisville social club adds third floor, plots apartments
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Report: NWSL commissioner pushes back on Racing Louisville FC move to Cincinnati
CINCINNATI (Cincinnati Business Courier) - Not so fast on Racing Louisville FC moving to Cincinnati, says the National Women's Soccer League commissioner. Jessica Berman pushed back on the idea while speaking at an event Tuesday, Oct. 13, in New York City. During her remarks, Berman brought up the ongoing situation with Racing, Louisville's major-league soccer team and an early NWSL member. According to a Sept.
MGP Ingredients to change its name
The Atchison, Kansas-based company will rebrand Nov. 2 as it focuses on owned brands like Penelope and Yellowstone. Sales were down 15% year-over-year. THE REMAINDER OF THIS ARTICLE IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS Don’t Stop Here — Continue Reading For $1 Per Week Already have a paid subscription? Sign in
Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Famer removed as company CEO after video voyeurism allegations
The civil complaint identifies people who were allegedly filmed without knowledge. The bourbon company's board says it will conduct an independent investigation. THE REMAINDER OF THIS ARTICLE IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS Don’t Stop Here — Continue Reading For $1 Per Week Already have a paid subscription? Sign in
How Never Say Die Bourbon threaded the tariff needle, sets venue opening
The startup paused production to avoid paying import fees on its transatlantic aging process. A Kentucky tasting room is two to three months from opening. THE REMAINDER OF THIS ARTICLE IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS Don’t Stop Here — Continue Reading For $1 Per Week Already have a paid subscription? Sign in
Delta partners with Kentucky-based nonprofit to support entrepreneurs
Kentucky-based Endeavor Southeast announced a partnership with Delta Air Lines and Wheels Up. A group associated with the deal recently attended an Atlanta Braves game. From left: Drew Valentine, director, Ernst & Young; James Alexander Jr., senior associate, Reed Smith LLP; Justin Brown, managing director, Endeavor Southeast; Mike Bowman, EVP of corporate global sales, Wheels Up; and Bryan Ballas, senior associate, Aprio.
Stacey Harralson grew Wasteology from her kitchen table to 600 clients in 12 years - The Business Journals
Stacey Harralson started the managed waste services company in 2015. It now serves roughly 600 customers, about half of which are Fortune 500 companies.
The Boss: Louisville entrepreneur's morning routine includes one non-negotiable habit
Justin Delaney spends 25 minutes doing it every morning, even when traveling. He says it energizes him more than working out. THE REMAINDER OF THIS ARTICLE IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS Don’t Stop Here — Continue Reading For $1 Per Week Already have a paid subscription? Sign in
UofL medical students develop one-handed syringe device
Kieran Richards and Justin Houts created Precisionject to give physicians better control during injections. Now their company is raising $2 million. THE REMAINDER OF THIS ARTICLE IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS Don’t Stop Here — Continue Reading For $1 Per Week Already have a paid subscription? Sign in
Louisville accelerator lands $2.5M NIH grant to expand life science platform
The organization will use the funding to expand its software architecture, curriculum and digital tools. Its pilot supported startups across 10 universities. THE REMAINDER OF THIS ARTICLE IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS Don’t Stop Here — Continue Reading For $1 Per Week Already have a paid subscription? Sign in
Bourbon experts launch American whiskey certification program
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Bourbon Hall of Fame welcomes newest class
The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame inducted seven new members on Monday, including a former state senator and two founders of a local distillery. THE REMAINDER OF THIS ARTICLE IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS Don’t Stop Here — Continue Reading For $1 Per Week Already have a paid subscription? Sign in
‘We can finally tell our story'
The 60,000-square-foot Springfield facility will more than double production capacity as the family-owned company expands its footprint beyond the original Bardstown campus.
Downtown Bardstown tasting rooms take off
The Kentucky Bourbon Festival may be the biggest draw, but a growing collection of tasting rooms is helping keep visitors in Bardstown long after festival weekend. THE REMAINDER OF THIS ARTICLE IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS Don’t Stop Here — Continue Reading For $1 Per Week Already have a paid subscription? Sign in
Report: NWSL team approached for potential Cincinnati move
According to a report from ESPN, multiple sources claim the owners of FC Cincinnati have had recent discussions about a potential acquisition of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club Racing Louisville FC. (WKRC, file) CINCINNATI (Cincinnati Business Courier) - Racing Louisville FC could potentially be heading up Interstate 71.
Racing approached for potential Cincinnati move: REPORT
FC Cincinnati owners have asked about acquiring the NWSL club as Soccer Holdings, LLC explores equity options to remain competitive.
PayFWDs plans to double office space as Louisville payroll firm grows
PayFWDs has outgrown its East Louisville headquarters after adding nine employees this year. Now the self-funded HR and payroll company is planning a larger office and laying out its path to $10 million in annual recurring revenue. THE REMAINDER OF THIS ARTICLE IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS Don’t Stop Here — Continue Reading For $1 Per Week Already have a paid subscription? Sign in
Brown-Forman revives Kentucky Boy bourbon
The 100-proof expression was created by Elizabeth McCall and Caleb Trigo, inspired by whiskeys Chris Morris developed during his career.
NHL team may challenge Louisville Kings trademark
A potential Kings-vs.-Kings trademark fight is emerging just before Louisville celebrates its UFL championship season.
Heaven Hill, UK Athletics announce partnership
Elijah Craig and Evan Williams will hold naming rights to hospitality areas at Kroger Field and Rupp Arena. Limited co-branded bottles are coming this fall.
Heaven Hill, UK Athletics announce partnership - Louisville Business First
Amazon Pharmacy 5 hours ago Amazon Builds Second Louisville Warehouse, Adding 200-Plus Jobs at $23 an Hour hoodline.com - Tim Rivers • 5h Amazon is building a second same-day delivery warehouse in the Louisville area, a 324,500-square-foot facility at 8001 Air Commerce Drive that's … Brown-Forman 3 hours ago Brown-Forman Defends Strategy After Rejecting Sazerac Takeover, Reported Family Dispute thedailypour.com - David Morrow • 3h (Photo: Brown-Forman)Brown-Forman, the Louisville-based parent...
New brand opens urban Kentucky distillery, social club
The Kentucky brand releases single-barrel whiskey in newspaper-inspired bottles, with no expression designed to be replicated.
Here are the winners of the 2026 Vogt Awards
Six innovative startups have been chosen for a prestigious Louisville-based grant program. THIS REMAINDER OF THIS ARTICLE IS FOR SUBSCRIBERS Already have a paid subscription? Sign in
Longtime whiskey executive leaves Heaven Hill
Susan Wahl spent more than 24 years with the Louisville spirits company. Her next chapter could take her beyond the bourbon industry.
How Maryanne Elliott turned tragedy into StoryFest
A Louisville woman is using memory of her husband as inspiration for a program to help area nonprofits find their voice and raise funds.
UofL says its athletics model is paying off
A new agreement covers NIL deals, roster management and compliance as the university pursues additional revenue.
Oasis Solutions CEO joins Endeavor network
The CEO of Oasis Solutions had little pitching experience, but a unanimous vote from Endeavor's selection panel could help take the company to its next stage of growth.
Lexington marketing firm targets Louisville growth
A “fast-casual” marketing agency is looking to build a bigger presence in Louisville.
UPS invests $2 billion in global expansion
UPS is investing $2 billion in its international, healthcare and supply chain businesses through 2028.
UPS invests $2B in global expansion
UPS is investing $2 billion in its international, healthcare and supply chain businesses through 2028, building on recent expansions tied to its Louisville presence.
Alcohol consumption ties record low, hitting Kentucky's bourbon industry
Only 54 percent of Americans now drink beverage alcohol, matching the record low set a year ago. The decline has hit Kentucky's bourbon industry hard.
Brown family letter blasts Brown-Forman leadership, strategy: Reports
A letter signed by two Brown family members is shedding new light on divisions over Brown-Forman's leadership, strategy and recent takeover talks.
Sazerac acquires Lancaster distillery after bankruptcy case
Sazerac won the auction in June with a $20 million bid after the previous owners were more than $26 million in debt to Truist Bank.
How David Padgett went from UofL to a different kind of coaching
After guiding Louisville through a turbulent 2017-18 season, David Padgett decided against the coaching carousel. He now works as a financial adviser and ESPN analyst.
Louisville vending startup adds Pokémon cards to its offerings
The Butchertown test machine dispensed about 60 packs over three weeks. Founder Dan Ross-Li now expects around 30 machines by year-end, including dedicated Pokémon units.
Mockingbird Valley Soccer Club leadership team snags ownership of East Louisville facility
The leadership team is preparing for a major turf replacement and further expansion to accommodate a growing roster of 850 premier league players.
Sazerac enters binding agreement to acquire UK vodka and RTD brand
The Louisville spirits giant has reached a deal to acquire a UK vodka and RTD brand in a transaction reportedly valued at up to $500 million.
Guilty plea: CEO of Louisville beverage company admits to falsifying federal loan records
The owner of Private Label Wine & Spirits faces federal sentencing in December after admitting to falsifying payroll data for pandemic relief loans.
Anthro Energy breaks ground on $40M Louisville battery plant
The California-based company is launching construction on its first U.S.-owned-and-operated manufacturing facility, bringing advanced battery-material production to Louisville.
KY Inno opens nominations for 2027 Startups to Watch
Early-stage companies in Kentucky and Southern Indiana have until Nov. 16 to apply. Winners will be announced in late January.
Louisville distributor KEG 1 River City moves to acquire RNDC's Kentucky market
The bankruptcy-court deal would add about 2 million cases to KEG 1 River City’s portfolio, but the fate of 174 workers remains unclear.
Louisville concierge company rebrands, expands its model
Formerly known as LYLA, the concierge service considered about 150 names before settling on a new identity.
Senate votes to delay federal hemp ban as Louisville company fights for survival
Louisville-based Cornbread Hemp says the move keeps more than 100 local jobs on firmer ground, for now.
Tasting room opens in NuLu (PHOTOS)
NuLu’s latest tasting room is now open — with a strong influence from Tennessee.
Chicken Cock Whiskey sold to North Carolina spirits company
New Century Spirits acquires the brand and its two Circa 1856 tasting rooms. The company's first Kentucky presence since its 2018 founding.
Neace: 'We will be forced to do something' if Racing's numbers don't improve
Chairman John Neace told a business luncheon crowd the team will be forced to take action if attendance numbers don't improve at Lynn Family Stadium.
Former Amplify CEO Larry Horn scales multiple ventures after stepping down from leadership role
The former Amplify Louisville leader is managing a portfolio of ventures ranging from artificial intelligence consulting to a platform for donating private stock.
Former UofL athletic director Vince Tyra becomes co-owner of Homepage Realty
The former athletic director will focus on strategic recruitment and growth strategy. He called his investment 'significant' but declined to specify the amount.
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