Tell us a bit about your background. Where are you from and where do you live now?

I grew up and spent most of my childhood and teenage years in Somerset, Ky. Sometimes I tell people "my car" due to the amount I'm on the road! But currently, I reside in Lexington. I may be in the 859 but my heart will always be with the 606!
 

You are the principal of Thoroughbred Hospitality Group, but you have just ventured into the food industry. What led up to this decision?

It was a combination of a couple of things - COVID really made me look long and hard in the mirror about THG, our line of work, and how and what we can learn from this. At the same time, my best friend and I fell in love with Crumbl Cookies and their amazing products that we just had to do something about it. Our shop is located in the Hamburg area of Lexington and features a weekly rotating menu of fresh-baked cookies.

How did Gatton help prepare you for this business venture?

Gatton helped prepare me for success by making me a well-rounded individual not only professionally but personally as well. Majoring in Accounting was probably the best thing I could've done to help prepare myself for the world of small corporate business! Being able to make and structure deals isn't something that is directly taught - but Gatton helped me lay the foundation of being able to do what I love!

What did you love most about your time at Gatton?

The jackhammers and loud banging that was going on during renovations in the middle of finals! All jokes aside - it was the professors, peers, and the Graham Office of Career Management to name just a few. I highly recommend taking advantage and fostering these relationships early on.

What is something (personal or professional) that you are most looking forward to?

Well, in the span of 45 days, I tied the knot with my best friend, Jessica, opened Crumbl Cookies, broke ground on a Hampton Inn by Hilton hotel in Lexington, and will be opening a brand new dual-branded hotel, The Sleep Inn and MainStay Suites in Georgetown. I am most looking forward to my honeymoon - it will be a much-needed break that I can spend with my wife. She deserves it as she's had to deal with the late nights, early mornings, and everything in-between.

What is your favorite recipe or treat using your products?

At Crumbl, our Milk Chocolate Chip Cookie is a top-secret recipe, and trust me when I say, this cookie will change your life!

What is the best dessert, in your opinion?

I am a sucker for contrast - I love nothing more than a hot brownie or cookie with a cold scoop of ice cream on the side! The hot and cold difference gets me every time.

What superpower would you like to have?

Invisibility - I am not one for the limelight.

What is your favorite place to eat in Lexington?

I absolutely love Dad's Deli - to the point where if anyone is visiting, we make our plans around their hours!