Moxietalk With Kirt Jacobs

Adventurer, educator and administrator Tori Murden McClure believes integrity is the hallmark of leadership. Not only a local university administrator McClure has achieved a lifetime of adventure along the way. This vice president for external relations, enrollment management, and student affairs at Spaulding University holds an impressive number of degrees, as well as athletic records. Among her many athletic accomplishments, she was the first woman to climb Lewis Nunatak Summit in Antarctica, reached the peaks of Mt. Silverthorne in Alaska and Mt. Kenya in Africa, skied 750 miles to the South Pole, and was the first woman to row an entire ocean solo. McClure has achieved a bachelor’s degree from Smith College, a Masters in Divinity from Harvard University, a J.D. from the University of Louisville, and a Masters of Fine Arts at Spalding University.

Louisville-native Scotty Davenport is enjoying a notable career as a basketball coach in his own hometown. Davenport is currently the men’s head basketball coach for Bellarmine University. Since his arrival at Bellarmine University in 2005, attendance at games has increased an amazing 50%. In addition, Davenport took Bellarmine to the school’s first NCAA Division II National Championship in 2011! Before leading the men’s team at Bellarmine University, Davenport was an assistant coach at the University of Louisville. During his nine seasons there, he worked under some very influential coaches, such as Denny Crum and Rick Pitino. Davenport was selected as one of twelve coaches nationally to coach the Nike All-American Camp, has served as assistant director of Cardinal summer basketball camps for 25 years and spent time teaching learning-disabled students.

Curiosity and a love for food drive Joe Castro, best known as “Chef Joe” in his career as a nationally renowned award-winning chef. Castro’s savory dishes have been served across the globe. He was formerly an executive sous-chef for the Lucy Restaurant in Washington D.C. and the executive chef at English Grill in the Louisville Brown Hotel. Castro has appeared on well-known television shows making bourbon balls with Chef Emeril Lagasse and his famous Kentucky Hot Brown with Chef Bobby Flay. He has been presented as the Best of Louisville from Louisville and Leo magazines, Chefs Across America in Gourmet magazine, and a Great Chef of the South on the Discovery Channel. Castro was also featured on PBS for creating one of the 10 best sandwiches in America. As the current executive chef training specialist at GE Monogram Experience Center, Castro shows others how to use GE appliances and create delicious masterpieces of their own.

Connecting people and telling stories fuel Marc Masterson as the artistic director of Actors Theatre of Louisville (ATL). Masterson works hard to keep the arts represented in the area communities. He helped develop ATL’s first education department and continues to be a supportive proponent for arts education. Actors Theatre of Louisville is also home to the Humana Festival of New American Plays. Masterson joined Actors Theatre of Louisville in August of 2000, after an impressive 20 years as producing director at Pittsburg City Theatre. Accepting his position in Louisville meant a much larger theatre and budget, as well as a much larger audience. Masterson holds a B.F.A. from Carnegie Melon University and an M.F.A. from the University of Pittsburg. He has directed more than 100 professional productions and was the founder and chairman of the Greater Pittsburg Art Alliance.

After watching a close family member go through a painful bankruptcy, Mark Lamkin decided to pursue his dream of becoming a financial planner and made a promise never to let bankruptcy impact someone in his life again. Lamkin founded Lamkin Wealth Management, a financial planning firm in Louisville, with the pursuit of building a world-class financial services firm that enables small business owners to reach their goals and dreams. Before starting Lamkin Wealth Management, he founded and sold more than eight successful businesses while working with PNC Brokerage, where he was the firm’s top producer for nine consecutive years in the Kentucky and Indiana region. In 2005, Lamkin was chosen from one million applicants for the television show “The Apprentice.” He now spends time helping with children’s charities and was awarded one of Louisville’s Business First 40 Under 40.

Angie Fenton is an award-winning and esteemed writer driven by a passion for serving her community. Originally from Michigan, Fenton is now a prominent figure in Louisville, which she has been calling home since 2002. She is a buzz columnist for The Courier-Journal, an instructor of English literature at Brown Mackie College, and a regular radio show and television guest. Fenton has written for numerous publications, including Velocity magazine, Dog Fancy magazine, Voices of Michigan, and Women’s World magazine. When Fenton is not immersed in her work, she volunteers much of her time to help the community. Fenton was selected as Mentor of the Year by minority student services at her alma mater, Central Michigan University. Louisville magazine voted her as one of their Women to Watch in 2004 and she has been named Journalist of the Year by the Michigan Press Association.

A core believer in the servant leadership model, Greg Fischer is a successful businessman and civic leader in Louisville, Ky. Also a believer in the concept of citizen soldiers laid out by Thomas Jefferson, Fischer felt there was an opportunity and responsibility to participate in the country’s leadership and ran for the U.S. Senate, a race in which he finished second out of a field of seven. In 2000, Fischer co-founded bCatalyst, a business accelerator in Louisville, Ky. bCatalyst later evolved into a mergers and acquisition advisory firm. Fischer co-invented and holds the patent for a combination ice and beverage dispenser. This invention led to forming SerVend, a family business with his father and brother. Under his leadership the small business grew to a global manufacturing company and employed over 300 people. In 1999, Fischer retired from SerVend International and founded Iceberg Ventures, a venture capital firm providing assistance for other start-ups. He is its current chairman. In 1990, Fischer, al

Driven by the need for, and impact of, arts education on young people, Paul Lenzi and his wife, Geraldine, co-founded the Blue Apple Players Theatre Group a children’s theatre company. As its executive director, Lenzi helps lead the group while they present plays and original musicals throughout the region. The group also provides workshops in schools, focusing in theatre and structured improvisation to help drive student growth. Topics include difficult and real life challenges young people face on a daily basis. Lenzi came to Louisville as a theatre graduate from Florida State University and after he worked in public relations for several Florida-based theatre companies. In the 1970s, Paul and Geraldine co-hosted a local weekly children’s program called “Blue Apple Clubhouse.” He also starred in a children’s program on KET. Lenzi has since produced and directed industrial theatre projects for large companies such as Papa John’s, Hardee’s, Beatrice Foods, United Airlines, and others. He is also highly sought

A driving curiosity about the world and the desire to be “a part of the solution” drive Denton Randall each day. Randall serves as chief development officer for ElderServe Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to helping senior citizens live independently with dignity. The organization provides a variety of support services for the senior community. Originally from Los Angeles, Randall had a storied career in radio prior to joining the non-profit world. A well-known voice in Louisville since the early 1980s, he appeared on various radio stations, and had his own radio show on 84WHAS, the “Denton Randall Radio Sunday.” In 2000, Randall had an epiphany when covering a story about a fire, and realized his role was more than just to report the tragedy. He recalled a quote by Eldridge Cleaver who said, “You are either a part of the problem, or a part of the solution.” Randall decided to be a part of the solution, which led to his leaving radio to help the Dare to Care food bank raise money as their development director. Thi

Bob Hill’s motivation to do the best he can at whatever he does culminated in a storied career that began with his decision to be a writer at age 25. During his time as a columnist at the Courier-Journal, Hill wrote over 4,000 articles. After over 30 years with the newspaper, Hill believed he “had said it all before”. He left to write more long-form pieces and spend time with his family. Hill says his career decisions begin with what he does not want to do, then determines what he’d like to do. Hill still finds himself writing columns about everything from gardening and Louisville Slugger bats to bipolar illness and the history of Centre College. He is best known for his book “Double Jeopardy,” based on a murderous true crime and the man who got away with it. Hill has co-hosted a Sunday radio show, discussing politics, sports, religion, and community issues. Now, in his retirement, He and his wife own a nursery and sculpture garden just outside of Louisville.

Dave Stone’s passion for excellence and sharing his faith with others drives him in his role as senior minister at Southeast Christian Church. Stone achieved his senior minister status due to his optimistic vision for the future of the church. Identified as a “mega-church,” Southeast Christian is Kentucky’s largest church with 17,000 people in weekly attendance. Prior to his great achievements at Southeast, Stone attended Cincinnati Christian University. He is also a published author of the book “Refining your Style.” Known for his humor and caring nature, Stone is passionate about connecting people to Jesus and one another.

Driven by the desire to make a contribution to his community, Louisville-native Tom Owen serves as councilman for Metro Council District 8 in his hometown. Owen was elected as one of the original council members of the newly formed Louisville Metro government in 2002. He had previously served as an alderman in the Louisville Board of Alderman from 1990–1998. In addition to his role as councilman, he participates in several Metro planning committees. Owen has been a professor at the University of Louisville since 1968. He is a well-known local historian and activist, leading many historic tours of Louisville landmarks. He frequently contributes to television and radio, and also has a number of videos of his “walking history tours” of the city. Owen has received several awards, including a distinguished service award from the Louisville Historical League and an Outstanding University of Louisville Employee award. Owen is passionate about biking, recycling and public transit in Louisville. He also holds a Bachel

Bill McNulty is an actor and director who has performed internationally and enjoys a grounded life with a love for his work and his family. McNulty grew up in New Jersey, where he earned a scholarship to the highly-rated theatre department at Rollins College. He then pursued his graduate degree from Penn State University, while studying under some outstanding teachers in the MFA acting program. McNulty’s career includes performances on stages around the world, as well as roles in the major motion film “Brubaker” and the television series “Tales from the Darkside.” He is a long-standing member, actor, and director at the Actors Theatre of Louisville acting company and has worked with the Humana Festival since 1977. McNulty received a Fox Foundation Fellowship, which is awarded to regional theatre actors. He has played over 150 roles, as well as directed and produced.

Dr. Jo Ann Rooney is an American educator, lawyer, businesswoman and public servant driven by seeing the achievements of students and the impact education has on their lives and their families. Her original plans in college to become a physician changed to study finance and law. This change opened doors that led Rooney to become the ninth president of Spalding University, a private, Catholic, doctoral–level university in Louisville, Ky. Her inauguration was held on September 27, 2003. Rooney is credited with turning around an institution facing severe financial challenges, stabilizing the university, and eliminating its debt. In 2006, she was named Most Admired Woman in Education by Today’s Woman magazine. An avid athlete, Rooney grew up as a typical tomboy in Pennsylvania, enjoying such sports as baseball, softball, swimming, and rowing. She still enjoys sailing and athletics very much and trains year round for regional events and rowing competitions.

Pat Day is a legendary American jockey in thoroughbred horse racing. His impressive resume includes an induction into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1991, winning the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey an impressive four times, and 22 appearances in the Kentucky Derby, including his 1992 Derby win aboard Lil E. Tee. Day has won virtually every prestigious race in the sport during his career. Beginning his career as a rodeo cowboy, Day’s height, weight and competitive nature led him to the fast-paced world of horse racing. He quickly became the leading rider in the country. Day eventually became the number one jockey of all time for earnings and the fourth-most winning jockey of all time. Day made the difficult decision to retire in 2005. Since then, he gives back to the racing community as industry spokesperson for the Race Track Chaplaincy of America and helps support the work being done on the backside of horse tracks.

Dr. Wayne Creighton prides himself in helping those trapped in addiction regain hope and reclaim their lives. As founder, president, and CEO of Interlink Counseling Services, Creighton has helped countless men and women veterans reclaim their lives from addiction, homelessness, and hopelessness. He began his journey working in alcohol and drug education for court referral services, for those convicted of DUI violations. Creighton took that experience to Volunteers of America and served as a case manager, then as a program manager. He also helped design a residential recovery program. In 1993, Creighton formed Interlink Recovery Services, a non-profit group located in the Okolona neighborhood of Louisville. Interlink offers a holistic approach of substance abuse treatment and encourages residents to work on all aspects of healing themselves. They advocate for the homeless, offer structured DUI services, and help individuals and families with counseling in a nurturing environment. Interlink also accommodates th

Darryl Isaacs is a family man who learned his work ethic from his father. Isaacs is co-founder and managing partner of Isaacs & Issacs, P.S.C., a personal injury law firm. Isaacs founded this law firm dedicated to putting the best interests of every client first. He is a seasoned personal injury attorney with decades of experience in winning the best possible resolution for people who have been injured by somebody else’s negligence or wrongful act. Isaacs believes that when somebody suffers a grievous injury which impairs their ability to work and take care of family or other responsibilities, the entire community is also harmed. Issacs received his bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Kentucky and his Juris Doctor from the University of Louisville.

Brenda Light’s desire is to help women not only look and feel their best but to empower them as well. Light is the founder of Light Touch Spa, an accredited day spa center in Louisville, Ky. Light was a pioneer in the skin care business. When she founded Light Touch in 1981 she had to think outside of the box as it was one of only 64-day spas in the United States. Times were tough in the beginning. At that time there were no reps selling materials, there were no guidelines or mentors available, and there was no networking. There was no place available to purchase products and equipment. She worked out of her home. With little work experience, Light took a class in accounting and persevered. Today, almost 30 years later, Light Touch continues to expand and it now fills a generous 10,000 square foot space yet retains its intimate feel. Light has assembled the best products, tools, and education available to reduce stress and make you a more beautiful person inside and out.

Jim King believes that success breeds success and that as he achieves more, he is able to do more things for more people. King has been successful in both the public and the private sector. In 1981 he formed King & Company, PSC. a CPA firm, and serves as president and CEO. In 1987, King acquired People’s State Bank, in Nelson County, KY with assets of $6 million and only one location. After expanding to the Louisville area People’s State Bank became King Southern Bank and has continued to grow. Today, King Southern Bank has over $160 million in assets and seven locations. In November 2004, King won election to serve as councilman for District 10 to Louisville’s Metro Council. In January 2006, he became majority leader of the Metro Council and in January 2008, King was elected as the president of the Louisville Metro Council. King is a member of the University of Louisville Board of Overseers, the Board of the Louisville Orchestra, and the Simmons College Board of Trustees. He is a past-chairman of the Ken

Dean Corbett is passionate about seeing people enjoy themselves. Corbett is the owner and chef of three acclaimed restaurants, Equus, Jack’s Lounge, and Corbett’s. Corbett’s mother Nancy is responsible for his cooking career. Upon returning home from college to help care for his mother as she battled lung cancer he noticed that she wasn’t eating. Corbett began cooking to nourish her back to health and has been cooking ever since. He has never taken a culinary course and remains self-taught. Corbett began his career in Dallas, Texas at the renowned Chandler’s Landing Yacht Club and later at the Ram’s Head Restaurant. Arriving in Louisville in 1982, Corbett grew through the ranks of the four-star restaurant, Casa Grisanti, a Northern Italian gem. It was with Grisanti that Corbett was able to take part in the Taste of America: a celebration of the top 50 restaurants for President Reagan’s inauguration in 1984. Giving back to the community is a priority for Corbett. He helped start several dinner fundraisers thro