LEAN into Kentucky

Mustard Seed Hill*

Mustard Seed Hill is a unique destination in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region. The recorded history of the property dates to 1852 when William Nunn established his impressive, Greek Revival home, commonly referred to as the Allen House – part of the National Register of Historic Places. In 1920, the citizens of Millersburg purchased the dwelling so Millersburg Military Institute (MMI) could return to the town. They added a number of buildings, including Moffett Hall, Rankin Hall and a gymnasium. MMI was an icon of Kentucky private education for 113 years, graduating generations of young men, many of whom still hold it in their hearts as a special part of their personal growth and education. Learn more at MustardSeedHill.events

Claiborne Horse Farm*

The Home of Secretariat, Claiborne is one of the most storied farms and families in Horse Country. Come see and learn for yourself why Claiborne is known as one of the most iconic Thoroughbred breeding farms in Kentucky’s Horse Country! Your tour will include a fascinating overview of Claiborne’s storied history, including its involvement with Triple Crown winner Secretariat. See where the legend is buried, and walk the grounds that many other famous racehorses called home. Thousands of guests have had the opportunity to view our traditional breeding shed, which has produced more than 80 champions. Voted the #1 Horse Farm two years in a row by the Herald-Leader’s Readers Choice Award. Learn more at ClaiborneFarm.com.

Hartfield & Co. Distillery*

Hartfield & Co., formerly The Gentleman, is a small batch distillery located in Paris, KY.  They are the first licensed distillery in Bourbon County since Prohibition forced the closure of the distilling industry in 1919.  It’s odd to think that out of all the bourbon currently produced in the world, none of it has been produced in Bourbon County – until now.  Hartfield & Co. is named after a branch of the owner’s family that stretches all the way back to 1700’s Germany.  The Hartfield family left the motherland and settled into modern day Pennsylvania and Ohio with a very pioneering portion making its way to Green County, KY.  There they founded a distillery which ran for 20-25 years upon which it ended in an unfortunate fire.  Learn more at HartfieldandCompany.com.

Toyota Manufacturing*

Toyota’s first American vehicle plant and their largest in the world is located in Georgetown, Kentucky, home of the Camry, Avalon and Lexus ES 350. Ride through the plant on a tram-driven tour to see how people and machines are working together each day to build ever-better cars.  See the renowned Toyota Production System in action. Learn more about tried and true Lean philosophies like Kaizen and Just-in-Time Production. Learn more at TourToyota.com.

The Kentucky Castle 

The Kentucky Castle is a beautiful medieval-style stone castle completely enclosed by a stone wall with turrets on a 50-acre estate in Versailles, Kentucky.  It is home to a world-class farm-to-table restaurant, boutique hotel, and event space. The boutique hotel was recently named by Architecture Digest as “The Most Beautiful Hotel in Kentucky”. Learn more at TheKentuckyCastle.com.

An Exceptional Addition

Optionally stay an extra day and participate in Kentucky experiences custom curated by Rachel’s Bluegrass Experiences. Through this opportunity, participants gain unparalleled access to authentic Kentucky destinations. 

It starts with a Behind-the-Scenes tour of Keeneland Race Course and breakfast at the track. Next you’ll visit some famous horses who call Lexington “home,” and enjoy lunch at The Stave, a favorite local restaurant. You’ll then wrap up your day with a tour of the extraordinary and historic Castle & Key Distillery – recently refurbished and re-opened to the public. Your day includes all transportation plus drinks (bourbon!) and snacks.

Your cost for this add-on experience is $200.

Or if you have other interests in mind, Rachel’s Bluegrass Experiences can custom curate an adventure specifically designed for you!

*Venues subject to change

Bud Ratliff

After working with Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Bud founded Solarity in 2003, and has over twenty years of experience in the industry. An experienced consultant and trainer with a degree in education and a passion to engage students in improving their skills and environments, he delivers high-quality training consulting locally, nationally, and internationally in diverse organization ranging from manufacturing, healthcare, technology, pharma, military, government, and higher education. 

Glenn Thomas

Glenn Thomas, PMP®, CSM is an Executive Project Manager and Trainer with The Solarity Group. Glenn brings more than 30 years of demonstrated success in project and program management, strategic planning, systems analysis, process improvement, application development, and training; including nine years of specialized experience with domestic and international military research activities.

Tim Knittel

Tim Knittel is a Bourbon industry veteran with over a decade of experience. Formerly the Culinary Center Manager and later VIP hospitality manager for the Woodford Reserve Distillery, he now runs Distilled Living which offers Bourbon education and consulting services. He holds the titles of Executive Bourbon Steward through the Stave & Thief Society and Adjunct Professor of Bourbon Studies at Midway University, plus sits on the Tasting Table for Distiller.com. He writes for consumers and industry through many publications. His specialty is in Bourbon palate education and he can guide Bourbon novices and enthusiasts alike through tasting the nuanced and complex flavors of fine Bourbons.