UofL Family Business Center

🏆 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

🚨 Last Chance to Register for the Family Business Awards & Summit! 🚨
The Family Business Awards & Summit is just over a week away, and if you haven't secured your seat yet, now is the time to act.

Join us on August 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Louisville for what has become the can't-miss event of the year for the family business community.

We'll celebrate our outstanding Family Business Award nominees, announce this year's winners, and hear invaluable insights from two fifth-generation family businesses that have successfully adapted, grown, and thrived across generations while remaining rooted in excellence.

Final headcounts must be submitted on Tuesday, August 18 at noon, but with strong interest and limited capacity, this event may sell out before then.

Don't miss your opportunity to:
✅ Celebrate the achievements of family businesses in our region
✅ Learn from multigenerational leaders who have stood the test of time
✅ Connect with the incredible members who make the FBC community so special
✅ Help continue the legacy of this signature event

Register today before it's too late. We can't wait to see you there!

Link to register: https://app.glueup.com/org/uoflfamilybusinesscenter/events/

🏆 Family Business Awards Finalist Spotlight
We're proud to recognize Kyana Packaging Solutions as a finalist for this year's Family Business Awards!

For 50 years, Kyana has built a legacy of service, innovation, and community impact. As a family business with 21 family members and three generations working in the business, Kyana has remained committed to the values established by founders Dave and Inez White in 1976. While the company has grown into a trusted packaging solutions provider, it continues to operate with the same focus on relationships, hard work, and caring for others.

That commitment extends well beyond the workplace. Community support is embedded in Kyana's culture and mission. Through donation drives, blood drives, sponsorships, employee volunteer efforts, and direct contributions, the company has consistently invested in causes that make a difference across the region. Guided by its mission, "Through innovation, education and service, Kyana Packaging Solutions makes every interaction better for our employees, our community, and our business partners," the company encourages employees to identify organizations in need and actively participate in service initiatives that strengthen the communities they serve.

Kyana's impact can be seen through its support of organizations including Feed Louisville, Harbor House, Metro United Way, The BreakAway, Hildegarde House, Home of the Innocents, the American Red Cross, and many others. From supporting addiction recovery and disability services to fighting food insecurity, promoting literacy, and assisting families in need, Kyana's efforts reflect a genuine commitment to generosity, compassion, and leadership. Many of the causes supported by the company hold personal significance for employees, creating a culture where giving back is both meaningful and deeply personal.

Kyana was built on the belief that success brings with it a responsibility to serve others. That philosophy continues to guide the company today, as family members and employees work together to support their customers, each other, and the broader community.

Kyana exemplifies the spirit of our Family Business Awards through its dedication to family, community, and long-term impact. Their story demonstrates how a multigenerational family business can create a lasting legacy by investing in people, fostering meaningful relationships, and making service a core part of its identity.

👏 Please join us in congratulating Kyana Packaging Solutions on this well-deserved recognition!

Winners will be announced at the Family Business Awards & Summit on August 25. Don't miss this inspiring celebration of family business excellence.

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

A special thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible!

🏆 Family Business Awards Finalist Spotlight
We're proud to recognize Katrina Dietrich, of Wehr Constructors, Inc., as a nominee for this year's Family Business Awards!

As a key leader within Wehr Constructors, Katrina has played an instrumental role in building a people-first culture that reflects the company's vision of Building Exceptional People Who Create an Exceptional Building Experience. Through her leadership, Wehr continues to strengthen its workforce, enhance employee engagement, and foster an environment where team members can grow both professionally and personally.

Katrina brings more than 23 years of human resources experience to her role and has spent the last eight years helping shape the future of Wehr Constructors. What began as a one-person HR function has evolved into a dedicated HR team that supports the company's continued growth and commitment to its employees. Recently promoted to Director of Human Resources, Katrina has been a driving force behind initiatives that improve the employee experience, strengthen organizational effectiveness, and support long-term success.

One of Katrina's greatest strengths is her collaborative leadership style. She believes that lasting success comes from investing in people, building meaningful relationships, and creating opportunities for others to thrive. Whether developing talent, leading strategic HR initiatives, or helping employees navigate challenges, she is known for her integrity, professionalism, and genuine commitment to helping others succeed.

Beyond her work at Wehr Constructors, Katrina has become an invaluable member of the FBC's HR Roundtable since joining in 2022. A consistent and highly engaged participant, she regularly shares innovative ideas, practical solutions, and valuable insights that benefit fellow HR professionals and family business leaders. Her willingness to contribute her expertise and support her peers and has made a lasting impact on the roundtable community.

Katrina exemplifies the values that make family businesses successful. Her forward-thinking approach, dedication to people, and commitment to continuous learning have helped position Wehr Constructors for continued success while strengthening the broader business community.

👏 Please join us in congratulating Katrina 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.

📍 Please note our new event venue: Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Expo Center

🎟️ 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 Spotlight
We're proud to recognize Jason O'Daniel of Millennium Events & Floral as a nominee for this year's Family Business Awards!

For 19 years, Millennium Events & Floral has been a family-owned and operated business built on strong relationships, exceptional customer service, and a passion for creating memorable experiences. Since its founding, three generations of family members have contributed to the company's success, helping establish Millennium as a trusted name in the event industry.

Jason has been instrumental in that success and growth. As the driving force behind the company's sales and business development efforts, he serves as both the face of the organization and a trusted representative of the Millennium brand. Through his commitment to building lasting client relationships, Jason has helped create a loyal customer base and a reputation for excellence that fueled the company's growth for its first 15 years almost entirely through repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals.

What sets Jason apart is his forward-thinking approach to leadership. Throughout his career, he has consistently looked for opportunities to improve operations, embrace innovation, and better serve customers. Whether exploring new technologies, identifying growth opportunities, or adapting to industry changes, Jason is always focused on strengthening the business and creating an even better experience for clients.

As the company has evolved, Jason has demonstrated exceptional leadership by successfully transitioning from managing every aspect of the business to focusing on strategic growth and long-term vision. By empowering team members to take ownership of their roles, he has built a stronger organization while positioning Millennium for continued success. His willingness to trust his team and embrace change has been a key factor in the company's longevity and growth.

Today, Jason is helping carry the family legacy into the next generation. His dedication to honoring that legacy while pursuing innovation and growth exemplifies the qualities that make family businesses thrive across generations.

👏 Please join us in congratulating Jason O'Daniel 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.

📍 Please note our new event venue: Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Expo Center

🎟️ 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 Spotlight
We're proud to recognize Jesika Young of Cimtech Inc. as a nominee for this year's Family Business Awards!

As a woman-owned manufacturing business, Cimtech has built a reputation for quality, innovation, and community engagement. Under Jesika's leadership, the company continues to make a meaningful impact both within the manufacturing industry and throughout the greater Louisville business community. From supporting chamber initiatives to championing women-owned business programs, Jesika is committed to strengthening the organizations and communities around her while driving Cimtech's continued success.

A first-generation family business leader, Jesika took an unconventional path to entrepreneurship. After a successful career in banking, she and her husband made the bold decision to purchase Cimtech and lead the company into its next chapter. Since then, she has brought a unique perspective, blending financial expertise, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

One of Jesika's greatest strengths is her hands-on leadership style. Whether tackling operational challenges, supporting customers, or developing new opportunities for growth, she is known for rolling up her sleeves and doing whatever it takes to move the business forward. Her energy, enthusiasm, and determination have helped create a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Beyond business performance, Jesika is deeply committed to making Cimtech a great place to work. She understands that a successful company is built on the strength of its people and continually invests in building an environment where team members can grow professionally and personally. Her dedication to employee engagement and workplace culture has helped establish Cimtech as an employer of choice within the manufacturing sector.

Perhaps most notably, Jesika exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit that drives family businesses. Her willingness to take risks, embrace challenges, and lead with passion has positioned Cimtech for continued growth while making a positive impact on employees, customers, and the broader community.

👏 Please join us in congratulating Jesika Young 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.

📍 Please note our new event venue: Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Expo Center

🎟️ 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 Spotlight
We're proud to recognize Dr. Abby Lavelle Staffieri of Lavelle Family & Cosmetic Dentistry as a nominee for this year's Family Business Awards!

For more than 35 years, Lavelle Family & Cosmetic Dentistry has been serving families throughout Oldham and Jefferson counties with exceptional care, outstanding service, and a commitment to building lifelong patient relationships. Founded by Dr. Paul Lavelle, the practice has grown into a true family enterprise, with two generations working together to uphold a legacy rooted in trust, quality, and community.

Since joining the practice in 2012 and assuming leadership in 2021 following her father's retirement, Abby has successfully guided the business into its next chapter. While preserving the values that have defined the practice for decades, she has expanded its service offerings and introduced a new focus on specialized cosmetic and restorative procedures. Through the launch of Vie, Lavelle's cosmetic dentistry brand, Abby has broadened access to services such as veneers, teeth whitening, and Botox, helping patients enhance both their oral health and confidence.

Today, Lavelle Family & Cosmetic Dentistry remains a family-driven organization. Alongside Abby, her brothers Tim and Chad Lavelle provide administrative and financial leadership, while founder Dr. Paul Lavelle continues to serve as a consultant. Together, the family has built a business culture centered on personalized care, long-term relationships, and a commitment to excellence that has earned the practice more than 300 five-star Google reviews.

What truly distinguishes Lavelle Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is its continuity across generations. From first baby teeth to lifelong smiles, the practice has cared for patients and families throughout every stage of life. Abby's leadership reflects a thoughtful balance of honoring her family's legacy while embracing innovation and growth, ensuring the practice continues to meet the evolving needs of the community it has proudly served for decades.

👏 Please join us in congratulating Dr. Abby Staffieri 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.

📍 Please note our new event venue: Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Expo Center

🎟️ 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

📢 Important Venue Update: Family Business Awards & Summit

As many family business leaders know, even the best-laid plans sometimes require a pivot.

Due to an unexpected double-booking issue at The Galt House, the Family Business Awards & Summit on August 25 will now be held in the Grand Ballroom at the Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Expo Center.

While this wasn't the change we hoped to make, we're grateful that an alternative venue capable of hosting our growing event was available. We'd also like to thank the Crowne Plaza team for welcoming us on very short notice and immediately jumping in to help make this transition as seamless as possible.

At the end of the day, what makes this event special isn't the venue. It's the opportunity to bring together family business leaders, celebrate this year's award nominees and recipients, learn from our incredible speakers, and strengthen the relationships that make our community so unique.

The event program remains unchanged, and we're looking forward to welcoming what is shaping up to be a sold-out crowd.

If you haven't registered yet, now is the time!
🔗 Register here: https://app.glueup.com/org/uoflfamilybusinesscenter/events/

Thank you for your understanding, flexibility, and continued support. We can't wait to see you on August 25.

🏆 Family Business Awards Finalist Spotlight
We're proud to recognize Zoeller Pump Company as a finalist for this year's Family Business Awards!

For 87 years, Zoeller Company has built a remarkable legacy as a family-owned business, successfully navigating growth, leadership transitions, and long-term stewardship across four generations. Today, approximately 150 family members are connected to the business, with more than 30 actively contributing as employees, board members, and participants in the family's governance system. Their commitment to thoughtful governance and family engagement has helped position the company for continued success while preserving the values that have defined the business for nearly nine decades.

What makes the Zoeller family's story especially compelling is their dedication to strengthening family businesses far beyond their own. Drawing on generations of experience, they generously share their knowledge, governance practices, and leadership lessons to help other family enterprises navigate the unique opportunities and challenges that come with family ownership. Their belief is simple: strong family businesses create stronger communities, and helping others succeed benefits everyone.

As a founding member of the University of Louisville Family Business Center (ULFBC), the Zoeller family has played a significant role in advancing family business education and collaboration throughout the region. They have hosted educational programs, facilitated roundtables, served as panelists, mentored fellow family business leaders, and contributed countless hours to fostering learning and connection within the family business community.

The family's leadership and service can be seen across generations. Numerous members of the Zoeller family have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to helping family businesses thrive through board service, mentoring, speaking engagements, and educational outreach. Since 2011, either John Zoeller or Kevin Zoeller has served on the University of Louisville Family Business Center Board of Directors, helping guide the organization through leadership transitions, the COVID-19 pandemic, and periods of continued growth. Both have also served as Board Chair. Their impact extends even further through service on multi-generational family business boards, where they help other families navigate governance, succession planning, and generational transitions.

That commitment continues throughout Zoeller Company. Under Bill's leadership, family business education and support remain a priority, while Kathleen Hoye provides governance education, change management support, and practical guidance to the company's family-owned representatives and distributors. Together, they exemplify the spirit of servant leadership by investing in the success of others and sharing lessons learned through decades of family business stewardship.

Zoeller Company embodies the spirit of our Family Business Awards through its commitment to long-term family success, community impact, and the advancement of family businesses everywhere. Their example demonstrates that building a lasting legacy is not only about sustaining your own business, but also about helping other family enterprises flourish for generations to come.

👏 Please join us in congratulating Zoeller Company on this well-deserved recognition!

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

🏆 Family Business Awards Finalist Spotlight
We're proud to recognize Mister "P"​ Mister "P" Express, Inc. as a finalist for this year's Family Business Awards!

For 37 years, Mister "P" Express has built a reputation for excellence not only through its success as a transportation and logistics company, but through its unwavering commitment to giving back. As a family-owned business with three generations actively involved, the company has created a culture where philanthropy is viewed as a responsibility, not an obligation. From its founding, leaders at Mister "P" Express have believed that true success is measured not only by business performance, but by the positive impact made in the community.

That commitment is evident throughout the organization. While the company contributes significant financial support to causes across the region, its leaders also invest their time, talents, expertise, and resources in the organizations they champion. Whether serving on nonprofit boards, mentoring students, volunteering at fundraising events, supporting veterans, advocating for animal welfare, or strengthening educational opportunities, the Mister "P" Express leadership team leads by example. Their hands-on approach to service has helped create a culture where giving back is woven into the fabric of the business.

Founded in 1987 by Allan Parnell, Mister "P" Express was built on the belief that success should create opportunities for others. That philosophy continues today through the leadership of President & CEO Cynthia Collier and the next generations of family members who carry forward the company's values. Together, they have established a lasting legacy of servant leadership, community engagement, and family stewardship that extends far beyond the workplace.

Mister "P" Express exemplifies the spirit of our Family Business Awards through its dedication to family, community, and long-term impact. Their story demonstrates how a family business can create an enduring legacy by investing in both its people and the communities it serves.

👏 Please join us in congratulating Mister "P" Express on this well-deserved recognition!

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