With AI come questions, and the University of Louisville is dedicated to bringing answers through research and academic initiatives that uncover solutions for our campus and community.Ěý

In June, the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute at UofL will kick off a new series to teach the community about the ins and outs of AI and data centers. The Exchange: Data Centers 101 will include weekly webinars until July 8 and a culminating session on July 23 at 6 p.m. featuring a film screening, followed by a panel discussion.

Through six virtual webinars,ĚýThe ExchangeĚýwill bring in subject matter experts to examine data center impacts in topics such as health, community and the environment. The webinars, hosted by the Community Engagement Cores of Green Heart Louisville and the UofL Superfund Research Center, are free and open to the public.Ěý

Data center developers are investing more than $30 billion dollars in large-scale data centers across the state of Kentucky to keep up with the demand of the booming AI industry. The webinar series aims to help the community learn how to navigate the impact of these efforts, in response to significant local interest in the subject.

The first webinar,ĚýĚýwill be hosted virtually at 12 p.m., June 3. Mohana Gutta from the UofL J.B. Speed School of Engineering will lead a deep dive into what a data center is and explore the infrastructure that powers artificial intelligence.

To register,Ěý.Ěý

Narayanan’s research to decode how atoms move and interact within these materials requires hundreds of computer simulations, but the work can now progress much faster thanks to a new high-performance computing (HPC) system at UofL. The system allows Narayanan’s team to develop machine learning tools that will perform these simulations much more rapidly.

The “Zurada” HPC system, launched in late 2025, enables Narayanan and researchers across the university to conduct more advanced research in materials development, personalized medicine, AI and many other fields. The blazing fast and versatile system yields rapid solutions to a wide variety of complex computational problems and once programmed, can even perform and analyze a sequence of computer models autonomously. The researchers then assess the final results to move forward with physical experiments.

The system represents a $3.7-million computing investment that significantly enhances the university’s capabilities and will help UofL achieve its strategic research goals.

“This new HPC system represents a monumental leap forward for UofL’s research and development initiatives,” said Jon Klein, executive vice president for research and innovation. “Its processing power, combined with dedicated AI acceleration and ultra-fast networking, will empower our students, faculty and researchers to achieve breakthroughs faster and explore new frontiers previously beyond our reach.”

The materials Narayanan is testing have the potential to significantly improve the next generation of storage batteries over current lithium-ion technology. Narayanan,Ěýassociate professor of mechanical engineering in the , is modeling batteries that use iron and aluminum – inexpensive and abundant elements – and sustainable electrolytes, containing simple salts and water.

With Zurada HPC, Narayanan can run the models much more rapidly than with previous systems. He also believes the system has excellent potential to accelerate research in autonomous experimentation.

“We can develop AI models that decide what experiments to run, how to run them and how to analyze the results of those experiments,” Narayanan said. “Most of the heavy lifting is done by AI, and human scientists can come in once every so often to supervise. This platform can get results much faster.”

Using existing approaches, Narayanan said it would take 10 to 15 years to bring a commercial battery product such as the ones he is working on to market. He estimated that autonomous experiments and testing capability with Zurada HPC could shorten that time to 3 to 4 years.

Narayanan also uses the HPC system in his research on metal-insulator transitions in complex oxides, which can be used for preparing the building blocks – called memristors – for brain-like computing platforms.

“We are trying to understand the atomic processes that dictate how the same material can switch from being an insulator to a metal when a voltage is applied.” Narayanan said. “Interestingly, when the direction of voltage is flipped, they turn back to insulators again. These materials hold a lot of potential in mimicking the neurons of the human brain.”

The Zurada HPC system also empowers UofL researchers to advance cutting-edge artificial intelligence research inspired by its namesake, . A professor of electrical and computer engineering at UofL, Zurada is known for his pioneering research in neural networks – a core technology of today’s AI – since the 1990s and has since become one of the world’s in computer engineering, according to data compiled by the global academic publishing and information analytics company Elsevier.

, associate professor in the and a former PhD student of Professor Zurada, is using Zurada HPC for AI research in personalized medicine.

“A lot of my work involves time consuming and computationally heavy AI model training, fine-tuning and simulation,” Gaweda said. “With the Zurada HPC, I will be able to run multiple such jobs in parallel, thereby accelerating the generation of new results.”

For one project, Gaweda is collaborating with in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences to develop tools for individualized treatment of eating disorders. He also relies on Zurada HPC in his project on AI-powered discovery of treatments and interventions to slow progression of chronic kidney disease.

Technical specifications

The various servers that comprise the Zurada HPC system have different “personalities,” each suited for specific kinds of computation and projects, according to Ritu Arora, associate vice provost of . The system consists of 119 servers and features a powerful blend of blazing fast CPUs, 43 NVIDIA GPUs, very large memory servers, ultra-fast 200 gigabits-per-second networking and 5 petabytes of high-performance storage.

The system is capable of more than 1.6 petaflopsĚýof double-precision performance. “Peta” in petaflops refers toĚýa quadrillion (1,000,000,000,000,000). “Flops” are floating-point operations per second, or the number of math problems (like 4.5 x 1.2) the system can solve every second.

In other words, Zurada HPC can perform more than 1.6 quadrillion calculations every second.

To understand the magnitude of this capability, imagine if each of the approximately eight billion people on Earth performed one calculation every second. It would take them more than 55 hours to do what this machine can do in one second. This kind of speed is necessary to solve complex problems with billions of interacting variables, such as research in drug discovery, cybersecurity, AI and high-performance materials development.

Researchers can learn more about using the system .

The program was developed with the input of supply chain leaders from a diverse range of regional and national corporations, ensuring graduates are equipped with skills modern employers value.

“Supply chain management is a core function of every global, national and regional business, and the demand for skilled professionals in this field has never been greater,” said Amy Henley, dean of the UofL College of Business. “We are thrilled to offer students a rigorous, industry-informed degree that prepares them for a rewarding and lucrative career while strengthening the talent pipeline for employers across our region and beyond.”

The 27-credit-hour program of study is built around five capabilities identified by employers as critical:

• A broad business perspective
• Core supply chain and operations knowledge
• The ability to turn data into actionable information
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Relevant practical experience.

Students will have the opportunity to earn credit through internships and co-ops with regional industry partners and may choose to pursue international study abroad experiences. The curriculum also incorporates applications of artificial intelligence and data analytics, reflecting the modern demands of the profession.

“At UPS, we know today’s supply chains run on data, technology and collaboration across complex networks. Programs like UofL’s global supply chain management degree help develop the talent that powers Louisville’s world-class logistics ecosystem,” said Peg O’Neil, president, UPS Network Design & Optimization.

Supply chain management is among the fastest-growing career fields in Kentucky, with a projected 10-year job growth rate of 34%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Louisville’s status as a major national logistics hub – with access to an international airport, major waterways, rail infrastructure and interstate highways – gives students exceptional proximity to industry leaders, internship opportunities and real-world learning experiences.

For more information about the BSBA in global supply chain management at the UofL College of Business, visit .

With an estimated cost of $280 million, the building represents the largest single-project funding package in UofL’s history. The State of Kentucky has allocated $260 million toward the project, with the university providing the remaining $20 million.

“Today marks more than the start of a new building. It reflects a bold commitment to the future of health in our community and across Kentucky,” said President Gerry Bradley. “This new health sciences facility will accelerate discovery, strengthen our workforce and expand access to high-quality care. It’s an investment in people, in partnership and a powerful step toward building healthier lives, stronger families and a more resilient region.”

The , located along Preston Street from Chestnut to Gray, will be a connecting point for the UofL Schools of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing and Public Health and Information Sciences. The building features extensive medical simulation facilities, along with dedicated spaces for learning, research and work. The six-story, 257,000-square-foot structure will enable UofL to increase enrollment in health professions programs to meet existing and future health care workforce demands.

“Investing in the UofL Health Sciences Center is a direct investment in the future of Kentucky’s economy. By modernizing how we train our next generation of nurses, doctors and dentists through simulation training, we are ensuring that our commonwealth remains a leader in health care innovation,” said Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers. “A healthy workforce is the backbone of a strong economy, and this facility will provide the critical infrastructure needed to train the next generation of health care professionals to serve the people of the commonwealth.”Ěý

The space is designed to facilitate interdisciplinary learning, instilling a collaborative, interprofessional approach to health sciences. The goal is to advance health professions education, empowering the next generation of health care providers to improve health and health care for people in Louisville, across Kentucky and beyond.

“Building a strong and resilient economy for Kentucky families starts with investing in people – those including our health care workforce. This state-of-the-art simulation facility will give students the hands-on training they need to master complex clinical skills before ever entering a hospital room,” said David Osborne, speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives. “By modernizing health care education, we are strengthening the pipeline of highly trained professionals ready to meet the demands of a 21st-century economy. Ultimately, this investment will lead to better care, improved outcomes and healthier communities across the commonwealth.”

The building’s modular classroom and conference spaces, research labs and workspaces are designed with the needs of learners and instructors in mind. UofL’s School of Public Health and Information Sciences will be completely housed within the building, while other spaces are customized for the Schools of Dentistry, Medicine and Nursing.

Extensive simulation facilities will incorporate the latest technology where health professions students, residents and clinical professionals can gain practical skills training. Jarrod Young, , is leading the development, integration and strategic direction of the simulation spaces.

“This groundbreaking is an investment in Louisville’s future,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. “By uniting education, research and hands-on training, UofL’s new Health Sciences Building will grow the next generation of health care professionals, strengthen our workforce, improve health outcomes for people across Kentucky and reinforce Louisville’s role as a leading medical and education hub for Kentucky and beyond.”

The structure is infused with an emphasis on collaboration, engagement and wellbeing for those who use each space, with formal and informal working and gathering spaces, natural light and easy access to landscaped outdoor spaces. Casual dining and seating options encourage personal interaction. Abundant windows are enhanced with a unique scrim to prevent glare and heat gain, while still taking advantage of sunlight. The space provides multiple opportunities to access nature with plantings along the perimeter, terraced outdoor space and a microforest of dense natural landscaping on the building’s south side.

The building sits along the main corridor of the and borders the , which is improving walkability, health and safety by enhancing walkways and adding trees and green spaces to the streetscape.

The building design is a product of architects Champlin | EOP with Perkins&Will, and Messer construction is the general contractor. Construction is expected to be completed in 2029.

To learn more, visit the .ĚýView a of the construction site.

See the complete gallery of photos from the .

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It is the first Power 50 recognition for all three men.

Two members of the , Christopher Dischinger and John Hollenbach, also are among those recognized.

For the sixth consecutive year, Business First has published the list of 50 most influential business and civic leaders in the region. Louisville Business First selected honorees from individuals nominated by the public and those covered in the publication’s own reporting and sourcing. It does not include elected officials. The 5 on the Rise class recognizes emerging influential leaders.

Bradley assumed leadership of UofL in March after serving as executive vice president and university provost and dean of the UofL School of Dentistry. Since taking the helm at UofL, Bradley has overseen the completion of the , the opening of the Engineering Student Success and Research Building and surpassing 25,000 enrolled students for the first time in the university’s history.

In his State of the University address on Feb. 12, Bradley highlighted goals for UofL, including a focus on further improvements in enrollment, six-year retention rates, degrees offered and experiential learning opportunities. He intends to prioritize new residence halls and academic research facilities.

“I am grateful to lead this great university and amplify its positive impact on the city of Louisville,” Bradley said. “It is an honor to be recognized by Business First in the Power 50 2026, particularly after less than a year in my role as president of UofL.”

Since being named director of athletics in 2022, Heird also has had some significant wins. He hired Jeff Brohm to lead the football program and Pat Kelsey to take the reins of men’s basketball. In the 2024-25 season, ten UofL teams earned a top-25 ranking and 11 programs earned trips to the postseason.Ěý

Under Heird’s leadership, student-athlete academic success has been a priority. Last semester closed with an overall department GPA of 3.431Ěý— with 18 of 19 sports above 3.2. UofL athletes are also winning with a 96% graduation success rate.Ěý

Jason Smith, chief executive officer of UofL Health, was named CEO of the health system in October after serving most recently as its interim CEO and chief medical officer. In December, he oversaw the opening of the $186 million, seven-story .

The honorees will be profiled in the March 27, 2026, print edition of Louisville Business First, and online around that time.

The ceremony brought together students, faculty, staff and community members to mark the continued collaboration between UofL and the Louisville-based restaurant brand.

Special guests included Texas Roadhouse executives Gina Tobin and Chris Colson, along with representatives from Buffalo Construction, university leadership and the College of Business Student Council.

First opened in 2010, the Texas Roadhouse Student Center remains one of the most unique student spaces at any university in the country.

The Western-themed environment, complete with wooden benches, neon signage and design elements found in Texas Roadhouse restaurants, was originally funded and constructed by Texas Roadhouse. The recent renovations preserve some of the iconic theming while enhancing comfort, durability and functionality for today’s students.

“Texas Roadhouse has been an incredible partner to the University of Louisville for more than a decade,” said Amy Henley, dean of the College of Business. “Tłó±đir investment with Buffalo Construction continues to strengthen the student experience and demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to growing Louisville’s future business leaders.”

Buffalo Construction partnered with Texas Roadhouse to lead the renovation project, mirroring the collaboration the two organizations use to build new restaurant locations across the country. The student center remains one of the most popular study spaces on campus, consistently filled with students seeking a quiet, comfortable and distinctive place to gather between classes.

“We’re proud to support the next generation of leaders at the University of Louisville,” said Gina Tobin, president of Texas Roadhouse. “This space reflects our culture, our roots in Louisville and our ongoing connection to the community.”

The drives intellectual and economic growth locally and globally through cutting-edge academic programs, innovative research and strong community partnerships. Students benefit from real-world learning experiences co-designed with industry partners and a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, executive education, certificate, entrepreneurship, equine industry, online and international programs.

See the from the ribbon-cutting event on Jan. 8, 2026.Ěý

DIU works with companies to rapidly prototype and scale technologies for national defense and currently operates OnRamp Hubs across the U.S. in Arizona, Hawaii, Kansas, Ohio and Washington. The addition of OnRamp Hub: Kentucky presents an opportunity for talent and technology companies across the state.

“Tłó±đ University of Louisville is establishing itself as a national leader in defense technology and innovation,” said Senator Mitch McConnell, who supported UofL’s selection for the hub. “Today’s announcement will bring a Defense Innovation Unit OnRamp Hub to Kentucky with UofL as the commonwealth’s delivery partner. I am proud that UofL will create new opportunities for defense companies, researchers and students to contribute directly to our national security.”

Multiple areas of established infrastructure at UofL will contribute to the hub’s mission, including a nationally ranked research enterprise, particularly assets within the J.B. Speed School of Engineering, such as defense-focused facilities in additive manufacturing, robotics, cybersecurity and micro and nano technology. Support mechanisms for innovation commercialization and existing partnerships with regional defense and manufacturing entities also will contribute to the hub’s goals.

“We are immensely grateful for the opportunity to engage the talents and assets at the University of Louisville to strengthen our nation’s security, while elevating manufacturing businesses and innovators across Kentucky,” said UofL President Gerry Bradley.

UofL has demonstrated success in outreach and education for Kentucky’s manufacturing businesses through the Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership (KY-MEP), which provides support and networking for Kentucky manufacturers. This expertise will translate directly to OnRamp Hub: Kentucky endeavors, giving UofL a leg up in launching the hub’s collaboration and programming efforts.

“Kentucky has a long and proud history of contributing to America’s security and the launch of this OnRamp Hub builds on that legacy. It will be a game-changer, speeding innovations to our warfighters and providing a dedicated space for innovators to receive mentoring and rapidly deploy tech that strengthens national defense,” said Will Metcalf, UofL associate vice president for research development and strategic partnerships.

William Fortune, a Kentucky native, has been named director of Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Kentucky, bringing more than two decades of military and civilian leadership experience and a strong background in deploying and operationalizing new technologies.

Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Kentucky, overseen by and supported with funding from the DIU, is located in a dedicated, state-of-the-art collaboration space at 300 East Market St. on UofL’s J.D. Nichols Campus for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Fortune will lead a team of full-time personnel, in offering a suite of comprehensive programming at the hub designed to lower barriers to entry and speed development of new innovations. These services will disseminate the expertise present at UofL for the benefit of Kentucky businesses, building a unified defense innovation ecosystem to support warfighter needs.

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The Defense Innovation OnRamp Hubs are a strategic initiative by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) designed to lower barriers to entry for the talent and technology found in academia, startups and commercial companies. Recognizing that the best-of-breed technology can be found across the country, DIU currently has OnRamp Hub locations approved in eight states. These hubs serve as accessible entry points – local “front doors” – for innovators to collaborate directly with the DoW.

The Yum! Scholars Program, launched this fall through the in the UofL College of Business, has welcomed 10 students to its first cohort. Yum! Scholars, who may be from any school and major across the university, receive up to $8,000 in financial support and mentoring within a community designed to help them become the next generation of leaders who drive growth, innovation and success in the franchising world. Successful scholars will embody the spirit of leadership, resilience and community impact.

“Being selected as a Yum! Scholar means having the support and opportunity to turn my hard work and dreams into a future where I can give back to my community,” said Ethan Walker, a junior majoring in business administration and one of the scholars selected.

The program is made possible by a $1-million endowment from Yum! Brands, demonstrating Yum!’s commitment to investing in the next generation of franchise business leaders. The program aims to prepare talented individuals for thriving careers in franchising, business and leadership.

“It’s truly a pleasure to support these amazing students from Yum! Brands’ home state of Kentucky,” said Kat Abner, senior manager, community impact for Yum! Brands. “It is so rewarding to continue working with the University of Louisville on innovative ways to provide a best-in-class education to those interested in a career in franchising. The industry’s future leaders are being trained today at the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence.”

The is a cohort experience that builds a strong community of changemakers driven to make a difference on campus and beyond. As part of the program, each scholar will receive $1,000 per semester for up to eight semesters and engage in franchising education and community designed to inspire them to explore careers and leadership in the franchise industry. Each year, the program plans to add five students from the incoming freshman class.

Yum! Scholars are selected for academic potential along with how they live out the four core values that reflect the spirit of the Yum! Scholars Program:

• Drive:ĚýDemonstrate grit and determination by rising above obstacles and turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
• Leadership:ĚýLead with integrity, courage and empathy – taking initiative and inspiring positive momentum in every endeavor.
• Belonging:ĚýRespect and value the unique experiences of others, fostering an environment where all people and voices are welcome.
• Impact:ĚýStrive to make meaningful contributions that create lasting, positive change on campus, in communities and beyond.

Yum! Scholars will have exclusive opportunities to engage with franchise industry professionals to help build their professional network and provide real-world franchising insights as part of the scholars’ community, while pursuing the degree of their choice.

“Tłó±đse students will be prepared to become leaders in the franchising industry,” said Kathleen Gosser, director of the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence. “Franchising provides a tremendous entrepreneurial opportunity for students who are driven and focused. This program will help boost their success and accelerate their careers.”

Yum! Scholars must be residents of Kentucky or a state covered by UofL’s tuition reciprocity agreements and must complete at least one of four designated undergraduate online courses in franchise management during their junior or senior year. To remain eligible, scholars must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and participate in program events, which include workshops, networking and professional development. Current high school seniors are encouraged to to be part of the 2026 cohort by Sunday, Dec. 15.

The 2025 Yum! Scholars

• Brian Alonso, Sophomore, Business Admin
• Mohammed Alyaserri, Junior, CIS
• Mateo Barrientos, Junior, Public Health
• Maycee Decker, Junior, Biology
• Ezra Foote, Sophomore, Political Science
• Kyleigh Greenwell, Sophomore, Accountancy
• TaRon Smith, Junior, Neuroscience
• Key’Shawn Stoner, Sophomore, Business Admin
• Ethan Walker, Junior, Business Admin
• Trinity Ziakas, Sophomore, Psychology

Students enrolled in Elevator are working in small groups to lead real change in the Louisville community. Sandbox participants are building a software business from scratch, retaining 100% equity in the company. Although the classes are coordinated by the Center for Positive Leadership and Forcht Center for Entrepreneurship in the College of Business, students from the College of Arts & Sciences and J.B. Speed School of Engineering also may take the classes and earn 18 hours of credit toward their degrees. The goal is to encourage collaborative, multidisciplinary experience, accomplishments and professional networks that the students can directly build on for the next steps in their careers.

“Our vision is to make hands-on learning a common experience for our students, to give them deep knowledge and immediate job readiness” said Ryan Quinn, associate professor of management and entrepreneurship and academic director of the Center for Positive Leadership.

Elevator: Leading change

In the Elevator class, teams of students majoring in business administration, communications, criminal justice, management, sociology, sustainability or urban studies work at least 24 hours per week with local organizations to improve some aspect of life for Louisville residents. The students receive mentorship throughout the class from professional experts and faculty.

In the current Elevator class, four groups of students are working on projects to implement change in various areas of Louisville:

• Collaborate with Feed Louisville to reduce hunger in the city by identifying untapped sources of surplus food as well as areas of high food insecurity where needs are not being met. The team plans to then connect the sources of food with areas of need to close hunger gaps in the city.
• Grow Da Lat’s Gateaux and CafĂ©, a Vietnamese restaurant on the south side of Louisville, by increasing revenue, launching a digital presence and improving training for new employees. They also plan to explore options for a second location.
• Enhance the health and well-being of Louisville residents through the development, improvement and maintenance of greenspaces across the city. The group is working with members of the Greenprint initiative and the UofL Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute to help coordinate efforts among greening organizations.
• Reduce loneliness among seniors in the city with practical, community-grounded interventions. Working with the Envirome Institute, the students will conduct surveys, focus groups and interviews with community members and then create, implement and evaluate strategies tailored to the needs of the specific communities.

Upon completion of the class, students receive access to the Elevator network as a resource for mentorship and job placement. Elevator is supported by the Bufford Family Foundation and managed by the at the UofL College of Business.Ěý

Sandbox: Building software businesses

The Sandbox class allows students from business administration, computer information systems, electrical engineering, graphic design and management to form interdisciplinary teams to identify and validate software products, sell them and seek venture financing. The students retain 100% of the equity in any company they build as part of Sandbox.

Small groups within the current class of 18 students are working on six ideas:

• Due Gooder: Tracks due dates so you don’t have to
• Daker: Home care app connecting clients and caregivers across languages
• Nexus Audit: Finance platform for small-to-midsize businesses to manage accounts payable and accounts receivable
• Night District: A nightlife application that provides guests with a platform to discover, explore and order drinks at bars and nightclubs
• Stuf’d: Digitized menu made for real-time ratings
• CUB: Truck repair invoice and waitlist system for shops

The Due Gooder group already has built and launched a software product that is being used by more than 2,000 schools worldwide. It has more than 10,000 users and is generating $6,000 recurring revenue per month.

In the course, facilitated by Jack Manzella, an instructor and entrepreneur-in-residence in the College of Business, students learn using proprietary technology along with students from other universities around the country which also offer Sandbox. Successful Ěýcompanies developed at other institutions are now valued at over $120 million.

The increasing use of technology has played a pivotal role in the company’s success.

Stidham’s most recent challenge was to reduce finishing time so the company can complete contracts faster and take on new work. The purchase of a CEFLA flatline finishing machine will accomplish that goal by improving the finishing department’s precision, quality and time.

Two organizations with the mission to help small businesses grow in Kentucky partnered to fund this investment.

The first was University of Louisville’s Catalyst Equipment Match (CEM) program, which provided a grant for the purchase. This program provides up to a 50 percent match for investments in capital equipment and next-generation technologies.

“It’s making all the difference,” Stidham said. “We have been looking to upgrade this process for years but didn’t have the money to make this big move all at once.”

“Tłó±đ was developed to help small and mid-sized Kentucky manufacturers offset just enough of costs to allow for growth and expansion,” said Scott Broughton, executive director of Kentucky MEP. “Stidham Cabinets was a perfect example of the type of company CEM was meant for. They needed help and we were delighted to have them in the program.”

Stidham says the MEP grant has been invaluable to his small business and its growth.

“It’s been a real game changer,” Stidham said. “With the grant, we are comfortable with the balance of debt and payments.”

The family chose to work with regional nonprofit business lender Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation (SKED) to fund the equipment purchase.

Stidham said working with SKED has made a big difference in their bottom line.

“Usually, the interest rate is favorable, the red tape for the loan is much less, and there is usually some helpful advice or information that comes along with the loan,” said Stidham. “They constantly encourage us to grow and do better.”

SKED Director of Lending Bob Burgess said helping the Stidhams purchase this new technology has been rewarding.

“James and his staff are dedicated to excellence in their production,” Burgess said. “This new equipment will enable them to do more work and increase their bottom line. We are pleased to have played a role in seeing that happen.”

Before purchasing the new equipment, the company was finishing their products the same way they had for 50 years.

“With this equipment, we now have the entire finishing process up to the same level as the rest of our plant,” Stidham said, adding that the finishing team can now clean, paint, sand and seal 50 cabinet doors in an hour. Before the recent upgrade, that task took 10 hours of manual labor.

But this new automated equipment won’t cost anyone at Stidham Cabinet their job.

“We’ve bought new equipment over the years to help meet customer demand,” Stidham said. “This new automation won’t take anyone’s job; it just allows us to move people around and take on more work orders.”