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© 2025 Commonwealth Connections
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Commonwealth connections is a podcast highlighting local leaders and entrepreneurs. We want to spotlight their stories, business and leadership impact in the commonwealth.
72 Episodes
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Send us a text Emily Johnson is the owner of Recovery Room in Lexington, KY. She comes on to share how she got involved with starting her own Health and Wellness Recovery Room. With services including Cold Plunge, Infrared Sauna, Contrast Therapy, Red Light Therapy, Compression Therapy, Cryotherapy, and more. Recovery room is your full body recovery services all in one place. You can check out their website at: https://recoveryroomlex.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA5pq-BhBuEiwAvkzVZaK_K4...
Send us a text Brian VanNote is the owner of DRD Repair in Lexington, KY. Providing commercial refrigeration, HVAC, and cooking equipment repairs to restaurants 24/7. He comes on to tell his story getting started and the challenges that come with running a 24/7 emergency service business to commercial clients. Check out their website at: https://www.drdrepair.com/ Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the show, email dawson@novainsur...
Send us a text Shelby Johnson is an Army Vet turned Real Estate Entrepreneur running Five Pillars Team. After years running her real estate team in Fayetteville, NC. She's moved to Lexington to start building her business in a new city. You can check out her website at: https://fivepillarsteam.com/ Also make sure to check out her own 2 podcasts she hosts. The "Real Estate Rockstars" podcast and "The Agent Goldmine" podcast. Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fie...
Send us a text Nathan Brinker is the owner of Bluegrass Soft Wash and Bluegrass Christmas Lights. He's comes on to share about the challenges of both businesses, and his drive for entrepreneurship. Check out the business website at: https://bgsoftwash.com/ Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the show, email dawson@novainsurancegroup.com or culverscky@gmail.com
Send us a text Jeremy Collins joins us in the studio talking about his career getting into marketing with a real estate broker to opening up LevelUp Consulting Group. Working with Real Estate agents and brokerages all over the country. Check out their website at: https://www.relevelup.com/ Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the show, email dawson@novainsurancegroup.com or culverscky@gmail.com
Send us a text Neil Howard and Adam Howard talk about their business Envisage Wealth Advisors. They discuss how the business started, how they've balanced the family dynamic working together, and the future vision for the business. Check out their website at: https://www.envisagewealthadvisors.com/ Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the show, email dawson@novainsurancegroup.com or culverscky@gmail.com
Send us a text Aaron is with Walk Thru Plans in Nicholasville, KY. Check out his story and their website at: https://walkthruplans.com/ Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the show, email dawson@novainsurancegroup.com or culverscky@gmail.com
Send us a text Derek owns Madison HVAC/R in Richmond KY. Check out their website at: https://www.madisonhvacr.com/ Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the show, email dawson@novainsurancegroup.com or culverscky@gmail.com
Send us a text In this episode, Weston and Dawson sit down with Derek DeFranco, co-owner of Mirror Twin Brewing, to discuss his journey from homebrewing to co-founding one of Lexington’s top breweries. Derek shares the story behind the name "Mirror Twin," the challenges of scaling up a brewing business, and how the community and creativity drive Mirror Twin's ongoing success. The episode dives into Derek's entrepreneurial roots, his thoughts on customer service, and the future plans for the...
Send us a text AND WE'RE OFF! Seasons 2 is here. With more interviews, more lessons, and more content than before. Bringing you the stories and lessons from entrepreneurs across the commonwealth. Tune in each week for new episodes. Connect with us: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CommonwealthConnections Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commonwealth_connections/ Contact us by email: dawson@novainsurancegroup.com culverscky@gmail.com
Send us a text Zack Wallace started Abri in Chicago before moving it to Lexington, KY. Starting his career in finance at a top company in Chicago and becoming their top advisor within a few years. Zack started Abri to ensure clients receive the best advice for how to grow their business. Check out more about Abri at: https://abri.io/ Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the show, email dawson@novainsurancegroup.com or culverscky@gma...
Send us a text Harold is a grief counselor in Lexington, KY. He comes on to discuss how through his own experience with grief and a timely job change he opened up his practice and the future plans he has to grow it. Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the show, email dawson@novainsurancegroup.com or culverscky@gmail.com
Send us a text Anthony is the owner of Eden Companies in Lexington, KY. He comes on to chat about everything real estate. From getting started and how to get started, to his experience investing in single family, student housing, and apartment complexes. As well as investing in other industries such as HVAC and Insurance. Find out more about Eden Companies at: https://www.edencompanies.com/ Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the s...
Send us a text This week Jeremy Buchanan comes on from Paris, KY. We dive into his story as a distillery owner about his long family history in Bourbon and where the industry is today. Check out Hartfield & Co. Bourbon and distillery tours at their website below: https://www.hartfieldandcompany.com/ Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the show, email dawson@novainsurancegroup.com or culverscky@gmail.com
Send us a text Alex is one of the founding owners of Goodfellas Pizzeria. Starting on Mill St in downtown Lexington, Goodfellas now has 10 locations with 2 more coming soon in Columbus, OH and Nashville, TN. In this episode we discuss how Goodfellas started, how they choose new locations, and the impact of national media from Barstool Sports. Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the show, email dawson@novainsurancegroup.com or culve...
Send us a text This week we chat with Jason Cummins about his time with the military. Ending his military career with the University of Kentucky ROTC he moved into a position with Horizon Performance to bring their leadership training model from military recruitment into college athletics and the commercial sector. You can check more about horizon performance at: https://horizonperformance.com/ Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of t...
Send us a text Hunter Jablonski comes on to discuss starting Junk Magicians out in Reno, Nevada. Then moving to Lexington to open another location as well as Demolition Magicians. You can contact Hunter and his businesses at: https://junkmagicianslexington.com/ (859) 533-1420 Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the show, email dawson@novainsurancegroup.com or culverscky@gmail.com
Send us a text Clay is the owner of Creative Caddie. A video marketing company in Lexington, KY. Starting Creative Caddie out of his graphic design background and his career as a Caddie on the PGA Tour. Clay comes on to talk about his time as the UK mascot, being a professional Caddie, and the details of Creative Caddie. You can contact Clay and Creative Caddie at: https://creativecaddie.com/ 859-536-1656 Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with...
Send us a text Adam comes from a family deeply rooted in the Horticulture industry. He joins us to talk about his experience learning the industry, pitching software to Walmart, and ultimately starting Silver Fern alongside Stephen Vanwingerden and Kevin Short to provide modular ERP softwware for growers across the nation. Check out more about Silver Fern at: https://silverfern.com/ Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the sho...
Send us a text Joey Svec comes on to talks about creating Building The Bluegrass. A one stop shop for real estate needs, whether is it's buying or selling a home, to renovation or complete new build construction. Find out more about Building The Bluegrass at: https://www.buildingthebluegrass.com/ Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the show, email dawson@novainsurancegroup.com or culverscky@gmail.com
Send us a text Nikki is an integrated health practitioner in Central KY. Nikki comes on to share how she got started in the business and what it looks like working with her clients. You can contact Nikki at: nikkikoval4@gmail.com or her instagram @naturalnikkiwellness Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the show, email dawson@novainsurancegroup.com or culverscky@gmail.com
Send us a text David Jude is the owner of DPJ Consulting in Lexington, KY. After a full career and retiring from the State Police, David turned to starting his own business as a private investigator. He comes on to discuss what all goes into the business, the challenges dealing with emotional cases, and working with the KY legal system. You can get in contact with David at their website:\ http://www.dpjconsulting.com/ Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To...
Send us a text Born in Western KY but growing up mostly in Central KY. Co-host of the podcast Weston Wilson gives his background, life lessons, and an insight into his start as a Culver's Franchise owner. Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the show, email dawson@novainsurancegroup.com or culverscky@gmail.com
Send us a text Dawson Fields is an insurance broker at Nova Insurance Group in Nicholasville, KY. On this episode we dive into his background and past careers that led into his current role and becoming a host on the Commonwealth Connections Podcast. To contact Dawson regarding the podcast, discuss insurance, or chat about Lexington. You can reach him at 859-618-9009 or dawson@novainsurancegroup.com Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts...
Send us a text DH comes on to dive into the story of building one of the largest breweries in Kentucky. After starting in 2012 you can now find their locations in Lexington, Georgetown, and Louisville, as well as in stores in multiple states. To find out more about the still growing Country Boy brand, check out their website below: https://countryboybrewing.com/ Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the show, email dawson@novainsura...
Send us a text Mary Ann has had Top Mops Cleaning Service for the last 11 years serving central KY. Top Mops provides residential cleaning services and they pride themselves in offering free cleanings to cancer patients. You can find out more about them at their website or sign someone you know battling cancer up for a free home cleaning. https://topmopscleaning.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5rGuBhCnARIsAN11vgQ7H8_F51L47AhG1jMbHVNZvCse0wz_N5DV1RY-wtGy6LuCnJhMAMQaAuKkEALw_wcB Commonwea...
Send us a text Ronny is the current owner of The Bleed Blue Group handling home buying, selling, and flipping. His previous businesses he's started and been involved in include Bleed Blue Contracting, Bleed Blue Landscaping, and Bleed Blue Ink tattoo shop. You can check out more about The Bleed Blue Group at: https://bleedbluegroup.com/ Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the show, email dawson@novainsurancegroup.com or culverscky@...
Send us a text Rob currently owns Reaction MMA in Nicholasville, KY. With a successful career competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a 3rd degree Black Belt. Rob's passion is coaching those in Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, and boxing. You can find out more about Reaction MMA at: https://www.reactionmma.com/ Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the show, email dawson@novainsurancegroup.com or culverscky@gmail.com
Send us a text Dr. David Lambert started Equine Analysis in 1987. With degrees from Liverpool University and Cornell University. Dr. Lambert has spent decades researching horses and offers consulting services to horse industry leading owners and breeders. You can find out more about Equine Analysis at their website: https://www.equineanalysis.com/ Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the show, email dawson@novainsurancegroup.com or ...
Send us a text Allen Warford is the Co-Founder of Inndoorsy, working to design, build, and host unique short term rentals across the bluegrass. Formerly Allen has had ownership in multiple businesses including A Cup of Commonwealth, Chocolate Holler, Bluegrass Beats, and Warford & Co. You can find out more about Inndoorsy at: https://www.inndoorsy.com/ Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the show, email dawson@novainsurancegrou...
Send us a text Brewster currently operates McLeods Coffee House on Southland Dr. Brewster comes on to talk about his time working for Southland Christian Church, starting Jesus Prom, and ultimately starting Mcleods Coffee House to employee VIPs with disabilities. Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the show, email dawson@novainsurancegroup.com or culverscky@gmail.com
Send us a text Viorika shares her experiences of her family immigrating to America, starting side jobs, and ultimately starting Brevede Coffee Company and the future plans of where to take it. Check out their website and social media at: https://www.brevedecoffee.com/ https://www.instagram.com/brevedecoffee/?hl=en Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the show, email dawson@novainsurancegroup.com or culverscky@gmail.com
Send us a text Jordan is the owner of Zilla Meals based out of Somerset, KY. Zilla Meals provides customizable pre-made meals that can be kept fresh and stored for months. Zilla Training and provides personal training and coaching by Jordan. You can learn more about both on their website as well as social media: https://zilla-meals.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jordanzilla/?hl=en Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the show, emai...
Send us a text Rob and Diane come on to share their experiences working in the restaurant industry. Rob and Diane have been involved working with Hard Rock Cafe, ESPN Zone, Saul Good, to currently owning DV8 Kitchen. Providing food while also employing and empowering those going through rehab. Check out their website below: https://dv8kitchen.com/ Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the show, email dawson@novainsurancegroup.com or ...
Send us a text Logan is one of the owners of Decisive Action LLC. He comes on to share how he got started in the executive protection business and the unique challenges the industry faces. You can check out their website at: https://www.decisiveaction-us.com/ Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the show, email dawson@novainsurancegroup.com or culverscky@gmail.com
Send us a text Chelsea Gilson is the owner of social media pages My Kentucky Bucket List. Sharing everything unique about Kentucky. Her videos have gone viral in and out of the state helping bring tourism eyes to all parts of Kentucky. Tune in to hear why she started, the challenges faced in being a content creator, and her future plans for the page. Check out My Kentucky Bucket List on all their pages below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mykybucketlist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook...
Send us a text David King is the owner of RollTheLex Painting LLC. David discusses how he decided to start a painting company from scratch and the challenges he faced. Find out more about RollTheLex at: https://www.rollthelexpainting.com/ Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the show, email dawson@novainsurancegroup.com or culverscky@gmail.com
Send us a text Joe Ross of North Lime comes on to share about how he turned his passion for coffee shops and doughnuts into creating North Lime with co founders Heidi Hays and Teddy Ray. Starting just over 10 years ago to grow into currently 4 locations between Lexington and Louisville. You can check out their website and social media below: Web: https://www.northlimeorders.net/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/north_lime/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/northlimecoffeeanddonuts Commonwealth C...
Send us a text John Withers is a life coach in Lexington, KY. Starting in ministry but having an entrepreneur mind. John shares about starting and owning various businesses, and ultimately about starting the Lexington Leadership Foundation. Lexington Leadership Foundation has multiple community initiates including their Amachi program, Fatherhood Initiative, and the Lexington Prayer Room. You can find out more about all the initiatives LLF at: https://www.lexlf.org/ Commonwealth Connection...
Send us a text Matt Stone is the franchise owner of SVN Stone Commercial Real Estate. With a long history in Lexington. Matt comes on to share the ins and outs of running a commercial brokerage, and how they are able to help promote and develop the whole central KY area. To connect with Matt, you can reach him at matt.stone@svn.com or check out their website at https://svnstone.com/ Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the sho...
Send us a text David is one of the owners of Epic Lawn Care. Servicing over 800 clients in the Central KY area. David comes on to share how he's able to keep high employee retention, and how he put systems in to grow the business. You can contact Epic Lawn Care through their website and number below: http://epiclawncareky.com/home 859-494-6847 Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the show, email dawson@novainsurancegroup.com or cul...
Send us a text Ben and William join the studio from Bardstown with Brown Water Bourbon Exchange to talk everything Bourbon investing and wholesaling. Learn how they're making it easier than ever to invest in bourbon and they're long term goals to promote Kentucky Bourbon. Check out their website and get in contact with them at: https://bwbx.co/ Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the show, email dawson@novainsurancegroup.com or cul...
Send us a text Bruce and Brian are the co-founders of Bluegrass Hospitality Group. Starting in 1998 BHG now consists of 6 different concepts including Malone's, Malone's Prime Events, Harry's, Drake's, Aqua Sushi and OBC Kitchen. Currently in 7 states and employing over 3000 team members. BHG focuses to keep "100% guest satisfaction, 100% of the time." Highlight topics discussed in the episode: - Building a $10 million a year business as a teenager. - How to pivot your business when it...
Send us a text Crinda Franke is the President and CEO of ExecuTrain. Starting as the Sales Manager in 1994 for ExecuTrain Lexington. She went on to buy the Lexington franchise in 1997, then the Louisville franchise in 2000, and recently has purchased ExecuTrain United States. ExecuTrain serves as Subject Matter Expert to Fortune 500 companies to design training, consulting, and support services for their companies. Find out more about ExecuTrain at: https://www.executrain.com/ Common...
Send us a text Bart is founder and owner of The Referrals Group. With groups all across Kentucky, Bart helps business professionals grow themselves, their businesses, and their network. Topics Discussed: Business growth through a core network. Launching a business before a finished product. Tips on how to get involved with your community. You can connect with Bart at: Phone - 502-773-6638 Email - bart@thereferralsgroup.com https://thereferralsgroup.com/ Commonwealth Connections is ho...
Send us a text Steve Pearson is the pastor of Church of The Savior in Lexington, KY. Steve discusses lessons he's learned running and building churches. As well as his most recent endeavor bringing pastors of different churches together in central KY. https://churchofthesavior.net/ Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the show, email dawson@novainsurancegroup.com or culverscky@gmail.com
Send us a text Dave Bush is the owner of DB General Contracting. DB General contracting specializes in commercial space fit ups. You can get in contact with Dave and check out his company website below. Dave@DBGenContracting.com https://dbgencontracting.com/ Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the show, email dawson@novainsurancegroup.com or culverscky@gmail.com
Send us a text Don Robinson is the owner of Winter Quarter Farm. Born the same year his father started Winter Quarter. Don has seen over 70 years of Thoroughbreds raised in the Bluegrass, including the 2010 horse of the year, Zenyatta. https://www.winterquarterfarm.com/ Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the show, email dawson@novainsurancegroup.com or culverscky@gmail.com
Send us a text Lincoln Ogata is the cofounder of EZ Turn. Founded in 2018, EZ Turn is a housing software company now used by College Universities in over 40 states. It is used to manage over 50,000 units of on campus and off campus housing. Topics include: - Lessons learned from Lincoln's time in the military. - Doing your research before starting a new business. - Staying true to the brand of your business. You can check out the website at: https://www.ezturn.net/ Commonwealth...
Send us a text Gavin Duerson comes on to tell the story of helping pass the Freedom To Play Bill in KY, his time with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and starting Simple Church Alliance. https://simplechurchalliance.com/ Commonwealth Connections is hosted by Weston Wilson and Dawson Fields. To connect with hosts of the show, email dawson@novainsurancegroup.com or culverscky@gmail.com
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