UofL Family Business Center

UofL Family Business Center The UofL Family Business Center informs, celebrates, and strengthens family firms in the Kentuckiana

Despite the prominence of family-owned businesses (80-90%), only 40% survive to the 2nd generation, 12% to the third, and 3%to the fourth. The University of Louisville Family Business Center (FBC) is committed to improving these statistics by offering resources designed to inform, strengthen and celebrate family-owned businesses. The FBC has helped many businesses build a strong foundation for fam

ily business governance, continuity, leadership transition, and growth. The FBC’s interactive workshops, Roundtables, events, and educational forums provide FBC Members access to best practice knowledge to improve succession and survival rates for family-owned businesses.

🏆 Family Business Awards Finalist SpotlightWe're proud to recognize Krista Heckmann of ProLogo Inc. as a nominee for thi...
08/20/2026

🏆 Family Business Awards Finalist Spotlight
We're proud to recognize Krista Heckmann of ProLogo Inc. as a nominee for this year's Family Business Awards!

For more than 20 years, ProLogo has been helping organizations bring their brands to life through customized promotional products, apparel, hard goods, and industrial safety solutions. As a second-generation family business, ProLogo has built a reputation for exceptional service, strong relationships, and a commitment to helping customers find creative solutions that make a lasting impact. Today, leaders like Krista Heckmann are helping carry that legacy forward while preparing the business for its next chapter.

Krista has been serving in a leadership role within the family business for the past three years, bringing energy, dedication, and a genuine commitment to both the company and the people around her. Her nomination stands out not only because of her contributions to ProLogo, but because of the way she approaches leadership. She is thoughtful, engaged, and eager to learn, consistently investing in her own development as a next-generation family business leader.

As a member of the Family Business Center's NextGen Roundtable, Krista has made a lasting impression on her peers through her authenticity and active participation. Whether attending in person or joining virtually when business and family responsibilities require flexibility, she is consistently present and engaged. She approaches discussions with honesty and transparency, openly sharing both challenges and successes while creating space for others to do the same.

What makes Krista especially deserving of recognition is her genuine commitment to relationships. She listens attentively, contributes thoughtfully, and brings a spirit of collaboration to every conversation. Her willingness to be open about her experiences as a next-generation leader has helped strengthen connections within the group and foster meaningful peer learning. She exemplifies the idea that leadership is not simply about directing others, but about showing up, learning, and supporting those around you.

Krista's involvement with the Family Business Center reflects her dedication to continuous growth and her commitment to helping both her business and her family legacy thrive. Through her leadership at ProLogo and her engagement with fellow NextGen leaders, she demonstrates the qualities that define the future of family business: authenticity, resilience, collaboration, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

👏 Please join us in congratulating Krista Heckmann and the ProLogo team on this well-deserved nomination!

Winners will be announced at the Family Business Awards & Summit on August 25. Stay tuned to learn who will be recognized as this year's recipient!

A special thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible:
⭐ Commonwealth Credit Union – Family Business Awards Sponsor
⭐ Axiom Financial Strategies Group – Summit Sponsor

🏆 Family Business Awards Finalist SpotlightWe're proud to recognize Anna Horne of as a nominee for this year's Family...
08/20/2026

🏆 Family Business Awards Finalist Spotlight
We're proud to recognize Anna Horne of as a nominee for this year's Family Business Awards!

For more than 14 years, Anna has been a driving force behind the growth, transformation, and success of her family's business. Joining the company immediately after college, she intentionally learned every aspect of the organization, serving in customer service, operations, finance, and executive leadership before ultimately becoming Chief Operating Officer. Her hands-on experience across the business has given her a unique perspective and deep appreciation for the people, processes, and relationships that fuel the company's success.

Today, as COO and the Integrator within 's EOS operating system, Anna plays a vital role in turning vision into reality. While many see the company's growth and accomplishments, Anna is often the leader behind the scenes ensuring teams remain aligned, priorities stay focused, and customers continue to receive exceptional service. Her ability to bring structure, accountability, and calm leadership to complex challenges has made her an invaluable part of the organization's continued success.

Anna's nomination stands out because of her remarkable ability to balance innovation with stewardship. She helped lead the company's transformation from a traditional contract decorating business into the nationally recognized brand, while also expanding e-commerce capabilities and overseeing the transition into a new 80,000-square-foot headquarters. Throughout these significant milestones, she remained committed to preserving the culture, values, and family legacy that have guided the business for more than four decades.

What makes Anna's leadership especially impactful is her servant-leadership mindset. She leads with humility, integrity, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to helping others succeed. Colleagues describe her as a trusted problem solver, a thoughtful leader, and a steady presence during periods of growth and change. Rather than seeking recognition, she consistently focuses on supporting her team, developing others, and building systems that allow both people and the business to thrive.

As a next-generation family business leader, Anna exemplifies the qualities that make family businesses strong for the long term: vision, resilience, innovation, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to people. She is not only helping preserve her family's legacy, but actively strengthening it for future generations.

👏 Please join us in congratulating Anna Horne on this well-deserved nomination!

Winners will be announced at the Family Business Awards & Summit on August 25. Stay tuned to learn who will be recognized as this year's recipient!

A special thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible:
⭐ Commonwealth Credit Union – Family Business Awards Sponsor
⭐ Axiom Financial Strategies Group – Summit Sponsor

🏌️‍♀️Networking, stories, and a little friendly competition? Count us in!Join the Family Business Center for our Fall So...
08/18/2026

🏌️‍♀️Networking, stories, and a little friendly competition? Count us in!

Join the Family Business Center for our Fall Social at Different Strokes Golf Center on September 17 from 3:30-5:00 PM. This event is hosted by our friends at Reimagine Golf.

Spend the afternoon connecting with fellow family business leaders, enjoying refreshments, and hearing from Mallory Burckle and Clark Burckle about their family business journey and the vision behind Reimagine Golf.

Whether you swing a club or simply enjoy great conversation, there's something for everyone. Golf participation is optional, no experience is needed, and clubs will be available.

Registration is limited to FBC members. Interested in bringing a guest from another family business? Contact FBC staff and they can help!

Register NOW! https://app.glueup.com/org/uoflfamilybusinesscenter/events/

🍂 We can't wait to connect with you this fall!

🏆 Family Business Awards Finalist SpotlightWe're proud to recognize Welders Supply & Gases as a nominee for this year's ...
08/18/2026

🏆 Family Business Awards Finalist Spotlight
We're proud to recognize Welders Supply & Gases as a nominee for this year's Family Business Awards!

For 78 years, Welders Supply has built its reputation on a simple but powerful philosophy: take care of the customer. Founded in 1948 by Louie Wright Sr., the company has grown from a local family business into one of Kentucky's most trusted providers of industrial gases, welding equipment, and related services. Today, under the ownership of Larry Simpson, Welders Supply continues to serve a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and healthcare to agriculture, restaurants, and laboratories, all while remaining grounded in the values that have guided the business for generations.

Welders Supply's nomination stands out not only because of its longevity and success, but because of the remarkable culture it has built over nearly eight decades. The company has never focused on becoming the biggest organization in its industry. Instead, it has focused on becoming the most trusted. That customer-first mindset, combined with strong family values, exceptional service, and customized solutions, has earned the loyalty of customers and employees alike.

As a second-generation family business, Welders Supply has successfully balanced tradition with innovation. While remaining true to the principles, the company continues to invest in technology, expand its capabilities, and adapt to meet the evolving needs of its customers. Its recent expansion into Elizabethtown reflects thoughtful, sustainable growth and a continued commitment to serving communities throughout Kentucky.

One of the strongest indicators of Welders Supply's culture is its exceptional employee retention. The company is home to team members who have dedicated decades of service, including one employee with more than 52 years with the organization. These long tenures speak to a workplace culture built on trust, respect, opportunity, and long-term relationships.

For nearly eight decades, Welders Supply has demonstrated the qualities that define enduring family businesses: integrity, resilience, innovation, customer commitment, and a dedication to building lasting relationships. Their story is a powerful example of how family values, when combined with exceptional service and a long-term perspective, can create a legacy that spans generations.

👏 Please join us in congratulating the Welders Supply team on this well-deserved nomination!

Winners will be announced at the Family Business Awards & Summit on August 25. Stay tuned to learn who will be recognized as this year's recipient!

A special thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible:
⭐ Commonwealth Credit Union – Family Business Awards Sponsor
⭐ Axiom Financial Strategies Group – Summit Sponsor

🏆 Family Business Awards Finalist SpotlightWe're proud to recognize Bill Weyland of Weyland Ventures as a nominee for th...
08/18/2026

🏆 Family Business Awards Finalist Spotlight
We're proud to recognize Bill Weyland of Weyland Ventures as a nominee for this year's Family Business Awards!

For decades, Bill Weyland has demonstrated what it means to go the extra mile through visionary, patient, and values-driven leadership. As a second-generation family business, Weyland Ventures has earned a reputation for seeing potential where others may not, transforming historic buildings, underutilized properties, and urban neighborhoods into vibrant destinations while preserving the character that makes them unique.

Bill's work has never been simply about developing buildings. It has been about preserving history, creating places with purpose, and helping communities imagine what is possible. Throughout his career, he has led projects that required patience, creativity, collaboration, and a long-term perspective. These are not quick or easy developments. They are projects rooted in a commitment to honoring the past while building for the future.

Bill's leadership has helped establish Weyland Ventures as a company known for creativity, perseverance, historic preservation, and long-term value creation. Under his guidance, the company has built a portfolio of projects across Louisville and Kentucky that blend hospitality, housing, restaurants, mixed-use development, coworking, and event spaces, all while maintaining a strong sense of identity and place.

What makes Bill especially deserving of recognition is his ability to balance respect for history with the innovation required to create sustainable futures for historic properties. His leadership has also helped cultivate a strong family business legacy. The values that define Weyland Ventures today, seeing opportunity in overlooked places, building strong relationships, thinking creatively, and taking the long view, continue to guide the company's culture and future as it moves forward into its next generation.

👏 Please join us in congratulating Bill Weyland on this well-deserved nomination!

🚨 Register NOW! Registration for the Family Business Awards & Summit closes TODAY at NOON, and we cannot guarantee availability after that time. If you've been planning to attend, don't wait. Secure your spot before registration closes.

🎟️ Register now: https://app.glueup.com/org/uoflfamilybusinesscenter/events/

A special thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible:
⭐ Commonwealth Credit Union – Family Business Awards Sponsor
⭐ Axiom Financial Strategies Group – Summit Sponsor

🏆 Family Business Awards Finalist SpotlightWe're proud to recognize MAC Construction as a nominee for this year's Family...
08/18/2026

🏆 Family Business Awards Finalist Spotlight
We're proud to recognize MAC Construction as a nominee for this year's Family Business Awards!

For more than 45 years, MAC Construction has been building more than infrastructure projects. Founded in 1980 by Vic and Jeannie Unruh, the company has grown into one of the region's most respected site development and excavation firms, serving Kentuckiana, the Midwest, and beyond. Now under the leadership of second-generation owners Chad Unruh, CEO, and Travis Unruh, President, MAC continues to uphold the values of integrity, accountability, and craftsmanship that have defined the company since its founding.

MAC's nomination stands out not only because of its business success, but because the company was nominated by two different individuals who have witnessed firsthand the positive impact it has had on its employees, clients, and community. Their nominations reflected a consistent theme: MAC's commitment to people, culture, and creating opportunities for others.

MAC's legacy extends beyond ownership transition. The company has intentionally preserved its culture while growing strategically, ensuring that family values remain at the center of decision-making. Today, that legacy can be seen not only in the leadership team but throughout the organization, where multiple generations of employees and their families have built careers together.

Over the years, MAC has helped shape the communities it serves through projects that support public safety, economic development, and quality of life. One notable example is its work on Louisville's Waterfront Park, a project that continues to enrich the community decades later and reflects MAC's commitment to excellence and lasting impact.

Beyond the jobsite, MAC remains deeply committed to giving back through charitable partnerships, local sponsorships, volunteerism, and community engagement. Its leaders understand that building a stronger future means investing not only in projects, but also in people and places.

For more than four decades, MAC Construction has demonstrated the consistency, humility, resilience, and forward-thinking leadership that define outstanding family businesses. By balancing growth with culture, embracing second-generation leadership, and fostering opportunity for employees at every level, MAC continues to build a legacy that will endure for generations to come.

👏 Please join us in congratulating the MAC Construction team on this well-deserved nomination!

Winners will be announced at the Family Business Awards & Summit on August 25. ⚠️ Registration closes today at noon!

🎟️ Register NOW: https://app.glueup.com/org/uoflfamilybusinesscenter/events/

A special thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible:
⭐ Commonwealth Credit Union – Family Business Awards Sponsor
⭐ Axiom Financial Strategies Group – Summit Sponsor

🏆 Family Business Awards Finalist SpotlightWe're proud to recognize The LPX Group as a nominee for this year's Family Bu...
08/17/2026

🏆 Family Business Awards Finalist Spotlight
We're proud to recognize The LPX Group as a nominee for this year's Family Business Awards!

For more than 75 years, LPX Group has demonstrated the resilience, vision, and stewardship that define great family businesses. Today, the fifth-generation family-owned company is led by a multi-generational team, with five family members actively involved across three generations, ensuring a thoughtful balance of legacy, innovation, and long-term leadership.

Serving the Kentuckiana region through five specialized companies operating as one team, LPX Group has successfully navigated multiple generational transitions while remaining committed to both business excellence and family unity. Most recently, ownership transitioned to a fourth and fifth generation partnership supported by formal governance structures designed to protect both the business and family relationships for generations to come.

A key driver of LPX's continued success has been the leadership of Hunter Strickler, President and fifth-generation family leader. Hunter joined the family business 16 years ago as a laborer installing tennis courts and has worked his way through the organization to its top leadership role. Under his leadership, Louisville Paving evolved into LPX Group, creating a unified organization that brings together its diverse businesses under one strategic vision.

LPX's success extends beyond financial performance. Through successive strategic plans, the company has invested heavily in leadership development, promoting its first non-family divisional president, launching the Advancing Leaders Program, and creating a robust mentorship program to develop future leaders throughout the organization. The result is a strong leadership team that includes both family and non-family professionals united around a shared vision.

The company has also become a recognized community leader engaging in initiatives that help make Louisville a better place to live and work, reflecting the family's longstanding commitment to community stewardship. Equally important is the culture they've built, one centered on safety, care for employees, and the belief that business success should benefit the broader community.

👏 Please join us in congratulating LPX Group on this well-deserved nomination!

Winners will be announced at the Family Business Awards & Summit on August 25.

⚠️ Registration closes tomorrow at noon, or sooner if the event sells out. Capacity is limited and we may reach a sellout before the deadline, so register now if you plan to attend.

🎟️ Register today: https://app.glueup.com/org/uoflfamilybusinesscenter/events/

A special thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible:
⭐ Commonwealth Credit Union – Family Business Awards Sponsor
⭐ Axiom Financial Strategies Group – Summit Sponsor

🏆 Family Business Awards Finalist SpotlightWe're proud to recognize John Horne of as a nominee for this year's Family ...
08/17/2026

🏆 Family Business Awards Finalist Spotlight
We're proud to recognize John Horne of as a nominee for this year's Family Business Awards!

For more than 40 years, John Horne has demonstrated the courage, perseverance, and servant leadership that define enduring family business success. Since founding the company in 1985, he has consistently embraced change, invested in innovation, and positioned the business for long-term growth.

What began as a small embroidery and screen-printing company has evolved into one of the region's leading branded merchandise organizations. Now in its 40th year, with two generations actively involved, continues to thrive while remaining grounded in the values that have guided the business from the beginning.

John's entrepreneurial mindset has carried the company through economic downturns, industry disruption, and major business transitions. Most recently, he made the bold decision to invest in an 80,000-square-foot headquarters on the University of Louisville campus, creating opportunities that will benefit future generations of employees, customers, and family leaders.

Perhaps John's greatest achievement is the culture he has built. Guided by the Golden Rule, he has always viewed leadership as an opportunity to serve others. His humility, generosity, and commitment to treating people with dignity have created an organization where relationships matter, employees are valued, and success is measured by impact as much as performance.

Beyond the business, John has spent decades serving Louisville's refugee community and investing in the lives of others without seeking recognition. Equally important, he has intentionally prepared the next generation of leadership, embracing new ideas, empowering others to lead, and ensuring the business will continue to prosper long into the future.

Above all, John is a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and man of faith whose commitment to family, service, and stewardship continues to shape both his business and community.

👏 Please join us in congratulating John Horne on this well-deserved nomination!

Winners will be announced at the Family Business Awards & Summit on August 25. Don't miss this inspiring celebration of family business excellence, featuring a keynote presentation and a dynamic panel discussion with Matthew Nix, Parker Huncilman, and Lindsey Nix of Nix Companies and Huncilman Sheet Metal Fabrication.

⚠️ Registration closes tomorrow at noon, or sooner if the event sells out. Capacity is limited and we may reach a sellout before the deadline, so register now if you plan to attend.

🎟️ Register today: https://app.glueup.com/org/uoflfamilybusinesscenter/events/

A special thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible:
⭐ Commonwealth Credit Union – Family Business Awards Sponsor
⭐ Axiom Financial Strategies Group – Summit Sponsor

🏆 Family Business Awards Finalist SpotlightWe're proud to recognize Kent Weyland of Weyland Ventures as a nominee for th...
08/17/2026

🏆 Family Business Awards Finalist Spotlight
We're proud to recognize Kent Weyland of Weyland Ventures as a nominee for this year's Family Business Awards!

For more than 33 years, Weyland Ventures has been dedicated to transforming historic properties into vibrant, multi-use spaces while preserving their unique character and significance. Now in its second generation of family leadership, the company continues to make a lasting impact through thoughtful development and a deep commitment to the communities it serves.

Kent's nomination stands out not only because of his leadership within the business, but because he was nominated by two different individuals who have witnessed firsthand the positive impact he has on those around him. Peers in the FBC community describe him as someone who consistently shows up, engages thoughtfully, and contributes meaningful insight and perspective. His natural humility and willingness to be vulnerable have made him an invaluable member of his Family Business Center Round Table.

Many family business leaders feel pressure to project that everything is always going well. Kent has modeled a different approach. While openly sharing his professional successes, he also demonstrates a commitment to continuous growth and improvement.

His openness has inspired fellow round table members to engage more deeply and authentically. By sharing both challenges and triumphs, Kent has helped create an environment of trust and support, reminding others that family business communities thrive when members are willing to be genuine with one another. His example reflects the true value of the round table experience: not simply networking, but building a community that helps members navigate life's personal and professional complexities together.

As a leader, Kent brings insight, experience, and compassion to every discussion. Whether sharing lessons learned from his business journey or supporting fellow members through their own challenges, he consistently demonstrates the qualities that make family businesses strong: resilience, authenticity, and a commitment to helping others succeed.

👏 Please join us in congratulating Kent Weyland on this well-deserved nomination!

Winners will be announced at the Family Business Awards & Summit on August 25. Don't miss this inspiring celebration of family business excellence, featuring a keynote presentation and a dynamic panel discussion with Matthew Nix, Parker Huncilman, and Lindsey Nix of Nix Companies and Huncilman Sheet Metal Fabrication.

⚠️ Registration closes tomorrow at noon, or sooner if the event sells out. Capacity is limited and we may reach a sellout before the deadline, so register now if you plan to attend.

🎟️ Register today: https://app.glueup.com/org/uoflfamilybusinesscenter/events/

A special thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible:
⭐ Commonwealth Credit Union – Family Business Awards Sponsor
⭐ Axiom Financial Strategies Group – Summit Sponsor

🏆 Family Business Awards Finalist SpotlightWe're proud to recognize Elly Price of Munson Business Interiors as a nominee...
08/14/2026

🏆 Family Business Awards Finalist Spotlight
We're proud to recognize Elly Price of Munson Business Interiors as a nominee for this year's Family Business Awards!

Over the past decade, Elly has become an instrumental force in the company's success. Most notably, she helped double company sales last year by leveraging strategic relationships, innovative business development efforts, and a vision that expanded MBI beyond traditional office environments into new markets. Her creativity, design expertise, and commitment to exceptional client service have helped position the company for continued growth in an evolving marketplace.

As a new generation of leadership emerged and long-tenured employees retired, Elly has thoughtfully recruited and developed outstanding talent, carefully selecting individuals who aligned with both the company's culture and business goals. Her leadership has created a high-performing team that is helping drive the company's next phase of growth.

Looking ahead, Elly is helping lead MBI's expansion into new markets, including the launch of a Lexington, Kentucky showroom and team in 2026. Her strategic vision and commitment to growth are creating new opportunities for the company while strengthening its presence across the region.

Elly's leadership was perhaps most evident during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Faced with unprecedented disruptions to traditional office environments, she helped guide the company through uncertainty by focusing on essential industries, identifying alternative revenue streams, managing difficult business decisions, and securing available resources to support operations. Through resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking, she helped position the company not only to survive a crisis but to emerge stronger because of it.

Colleagues describe Elly as a leader who combines a calm and approachable demeanor with the ability to have tough conversations when necessary. Her integrity, responsiveness, follow-through, and commitment to doing what she says she will do have earned the trust of employees, clients, and partners alike.

👏 Please join us in congratulating Elly Price on this well-deserved nomination!

Winners will be announced at the Family Business Awards & Summit on August 25. Don't miss this inspiring celebration of family business excellence, featuring a keynote presentation and a dynamic panel discussion with Matthew Nix, Parker Huncilman, and Lindsey Nix of Nix Companies and Huncilman Sheet Metal Fabrication.

🎟️ Register today: https://app.glueup.com/org/uoflfamilybusinesscenter/events/

A special thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible:
⭐ Commonwealth Credit Union – Family Business Awards Sponsor
⭐ Axiom Financial Strategies Group – Summit Sponsor

Address

University Of Louisville College Of Business
Louisville, KY
40292

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+15028524160

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