Built In The Bluegrass

Griffin Meredith, Tommy Lawson

A podcast highlighting the cool stuff made by manufacturers and creators in our own Kentucky backyard.

  1. Corning: 2026 Coolest Thing Made in KY Spotlight

    APR 6

    Corning: 2026 Coolest Thing Made in KY Spotlight

    Big news for Kentucky manufacturing 👇 The precision cover glass made by Corning Incorporated right here in Harrodsburg has officially advanced to the Final Four in the Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky tournament. This isn’t just another product—it’s the kind of innovation that quietly powers the technology we use every single day. From smartphones to advanced displays, this glass represents: ✅ World-class engineering ✅ High-skilled Kentucky jobs ✅ Global impact from a local community I recently had the chance to spotlight this incredible operation and see firsthand the level of precision and pride behind what they’re building. Let’s show some support for a company that’s putting Kentucky on the map in advanced manufacturing. 🔁 Share to spread the word 🗳️ And don’t forget to vote!  https://coolestthingky.com/cast-your-vote/ #KentuckyProud #Manufacturing #Innovation #MadeInUSA #EconomicDevelopment #Corning #BluegrassBusiness Find all Built In The Bluegrass links here https://linktr.ee/builtinthebluegrass  We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has its members covered. Learn more and become a member by visiting www.kam.us.com

    10 min
  2. Bullard: 2026 Coolest Thing Made in KY Spotlight

    APR 1

    Bullard: 2026 Coolest Thing Made in KY Spotlight

    🔥 Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky Spotlight 🔥 In this episode, we sit down with Wells Bullard, CEO of Bullard, to highlight one of the most innovative pieces of safety gear made right here in Kentucky — the Adaptix Helmet.  We dive into:  ✅ The story behind Bullard and its deep Kentucky roots  ✅ What makes the Adaptix Helmet a game-changer in safety innovation  ✅ How cutting-edge design is improving protection for workers across industries Kentucky isn’t just about tradition — it’s about innovation, manufacturing excellence, and products that make a real impact.  The Adaptix Helmet is proof of that.  👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more “Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky” spotlights! #KentuckyMade #Manufacturing #Innovation #Bullard #Adaptix #SafetyFirst #MadeInUSA #Entrepreneurship Watch the full spotlight here!https://youtu.be/itnlthu94N0 Find all Built In The Bluegrass links here https://linktr.ee/builtinthebluegrass  We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has its members covered. Learn more and become a member by visiting www.kam.us.com

    11 min
  3. Wes Morin, VP of Operations of AquiSense, KAM's Small Manufacturer of the Year

    12/30/2025

    Wes Morin, VP of Operations of AquiSense, KAM's Small Manufacturer of the Year

    In this episode, Tommy sits down with Wes Morin, Vice President of Operations at AquiSense, a Kentucky-based water technology company recently named Small Manufacturer of the Year by the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers (KAM). AquiSense is a global leader in UV-LED water disinfection technology, designing and manufacturing systems that help provide safe, clean water across residential, commercial, industrial, and humanitarian applications. AquiSense earned the KAM Small Manufacturer of the Year Award for its innovation, operational excellence, and impact in the water technology space. Under Wes’s operational leadership, the company has successfully scaled advanced manufacturing processes while maintaining quality, efficiency, and a culture of continuous improvement. From product development to production execution, AquiSense has demonstrated how a small manufacturer can compete — and lead — on a global stage. Find all Built In The Bluegrass links here https://linktr.ee/builtinthebluegrass  We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has its members covered. Learn more and become a member by visiting www.kam.us.com

    23 min
  4. Tyler Cox, 2025 Manufacturing Employee of the Year (WaterStep)

    11/26/2025

    Tyler Cox, 2025 Manufacturing Employee of the Year (WaterStep)

    Tyler earned the 2025 Manufacturing Employee of the Year Award after leading one of WaterStep’s most critical manufacturing efforts to date: A million-dollar contract required WaterStep to build 28 mobile water treatment systems (WoW Cart) in just 90 days. Failure wasn’t an option — communities around the world were depending on this equipment for clean, safe drinking water. Tyler stepped up in a huge way: Reengineered the entire production process Developed a clear plan and structure for his team Delivered all 28 units on time, saving the contract Ensured thousands of people received access to safe water But what made Tyler truly stand out wasn’t just the systems he built — it was the team he built. WaterStep’s manufacturing team is largely made up of volunteers, many with little or no factory experience. Tyler trained, encouraged, and inspired them, and when crunch time hit, those volunteers stayed late, worked weekends, and believed in the mission because Tyler helped them see their impact. Check out WaterStep's social: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Find all Built In The Bluegrass links here https://linktr.ee/builtinthebluegrass  We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has its members covered. Learn more and become a member by visiting www.kam.us.com

    19 min
  5. Meet the Robotic Viper: Kentucky-Built, Industry-Changing Tech

    05/14/2025

    Meet the Robotic Viper: Kentucky-Built, Industry-Changing Tech

    In this episode, I sit down with Justin Falck, Marketing & Communications Manager at Fives Machining Systems, Inc., to explore the cutting-edge technology behind the Cincinnati Robotic Viper—a high-speed automation system redefining what’s possible in advanced manufacturing. 🤖⚙️  Justin shares how the Robotic Viper is designed to boost efficiency, precision, and flexibility on the shop floor, and why it represents a major step forward for U.S.-based manufacturing.  Whether you're in the industry or just love hearing about smart innovation made right here in Kentucky, this episode delivers a powerful look into the future of automation.  🎧 Give it a listen—you’ll come away impressed by both the tech and the team behind it.  Subscribe: @Fives_Group @builtinthebluegrass   Find all Built In The Bluegrass links here https://linktr.ee/builtinthebluegrass  We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has its members covered. Learn more and become a member by visiting www.kam.us.com

    21 min
  6. Coolest Thing Made In Kentucky: PDS Optical | Sean Loosen

    04/22/2025

    Coolest Thing Made In Kentucky: PDS Optical | Sean Loosen

    This week, we’re highlighting a finalist that’s making a real difference—custom prescription eyeglasses for veterans, proudly made by PDS Optical. 🇺🇸👓 I had the pleasure of talking with Sean Loosen, CEO of PDS Optical, about how their team combines innovation, precision, and purpose to serve those who’ve served us. From Kentucky to VA clinics across the country, their eyewear is changing lives one pair at a time. As part of the Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky tournament, PDS Optical is a standout example of how manufacturing and mission can go hand in hand. 🎧 Tune in to hear the story behind the frames—and the heart behind the business. #CoolestThingMadeInKentucky #VeteranSupport #MadeInKentucky #PDSEyewear #PDSOptical #SeanLoosen #Podcast #InnovationWithPurpose #VeteransCare #KentuckyManufacturing Find all Built In The Bluegrass links here https://linktr.ee/builtinthebluegrass  We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has its members covered. Learn more and become a member by visiting www.kam.us.com

    12 min
  7. Coolest Thing Made In Kentucky Spotlight: Elizabeth McCall | Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked

    04/10/2025

    Coolest Thing Made In Kentucky Spotlight: Elizabeth McCall | Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked

    We’re shining a spotlight on one of the top contenders from the Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky tournament this year—Brown-Forman's Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked! 🥃🔥  In this spotlight, I sit down with Elizabeth McCall, Master Distiller at Woodford Reserve, to talk about what makes Double Double Oaked such a standout in the world of bourbon. From the unique double-barreling process to the creativity and craft behind it, Elizabeth gives us an inside look at how this fan-favorite was born. Whether you’re a bourbon lover, a fan of Kentucky-made excellence, or just love a good origin story—this one’s for you. 🔗 Listen & Subscribe: https://youtu.be/HvwX07NWtO4   Find all Built In The Bluegrass links here https://linktr.ee/builtinthebluegrass  We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has its members covered. Learn more and become a member by visiting www.kam.us.com

    10 min
  8. Coolest Thing Made In Kentucky Spotlight: National Band & Tag Company | Paw Finders Rabies Tag

    04/03/2025

    Coolest Thing Made In Kentucky Spotlight: National Band & Tag Company | Paw Finders Rabies Tag

    In this Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky spotlight, we’re featuring National Band & Tag Company and their innovative Paw Finders Tag—a game-changer for lost pet recovery! 🐶🐱 The Paw Finders Tag helps reunite lost pets with their owners using a simple yet effective QR code system, providing instant contact information to anyone who finds a missing pet. 🏡🐾 Join us as we dive into the story behind National Band & Tag, their legacy of innovation, and why the Paw Finders Tag is one of the coolest things made in Kentucky! 🔗 Listen & Subscribe: https://youtu.be/Yf_KITnJvTo #BuiltInTheBluegrass #NationalBandAndTag #PawFinders #CoolestThingMadeInKY #PetSafety #LostPetRecovery #QRCodeTechnology #MadeInKentucky #Innovation Find all Built In The Bluegrass links here https://linktr.ee/builtinthebluegrass  We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has its members covered. Learn more and become a member by visiting www.kam.us.com

    15 min
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5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

A podcast highlighting the cool stuff made by manufacturers and creators in our own Kentucky backyard.

Information

  • Creator
    Griffin Meredith, Tommy Lawson
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Built In The Bluegrass
  • Show Website
    Built In The Bluegrass