07.12.2023

Today’s Forecast

89º | Sunny | 6% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:23 a.m. | Sunset 9:02 p.m.

Business

Meet the Kentuckians behind Rodgers Painting

Presented by a LEXtoday Partner

A man and a woman stand with a dog sitting in front of them

If you see Bryce and Alli out and about, feel free to say hi. | Photo provided by Rodgers Painting

Rodgers Painting has been a staple in Paducah, KY for decades. However, the family-owned business is new to Lexington. We recently caught up with owner Bryce Rodgers about the history of the business, what it means to be an employee-first company, and more.

Here’s what he had to say:

Q: Why did you decide to go into the family business and continue its legacy?

A: My grandfather had a significant impact on my life. I grew up living next to him and spent much of my childhood following him around and learning from him.

Unfortunately, he passed away when I started my senior year of high school. As my focus shifted to post-high school plans, I felt compelled to continue the legacy of the Rodgers name and business.

Q: How long has this company been around? Was expanding always part of the plan?

A: JB Rodgers Painting & Decorating was founded by my grandfather in 1964. Today, the business is called Rodgers Painting and is run by multiple family members. Despite the name change, we still hold onto our 1964 roots and proudly celebrated our 59th year in the painting industry as a family this year.

Q: What can the community expect from your business?

A: At our business, we consider high-quality painting to be the minimum standard. We don’t need to brag about our work, because doing a good job is simply part of our responsibilities. Our focus is on exceeding expectations by providing exceptional communication, security, and return on investment for our customers.

Q: How big of a UK fan are you?

A: From my earliest memories, my family always watched Kentucky basketball games. My sister attended the University of Kentucky, so I got the chance to see some of those games, too — they were some of the most cherished moments of my childhood. I played basketball growing up and even went to state tournaments one year, which only strengthened my passion for the University of Kentucky Basketball. Go Cats.

Q: What’s your favorite spot you’ve discovered in Lexington so far?

A: Choosing just one amazing place in Lexington is a challenge. Excluding college athletics, my wife, Alli, and I would have to pick Drake’s as our go-to spot.

Keep reading to see how Bryce is using new technology to increase innovation at the company.

Bryce answers 3 more questions

Giveaway Alert

We’re teaming up with Rodgers Painting to give one lucky reader $500 to spend at any of Bluegrass Hospitality Group’s restaurants (you might see Bryce at Drake’s if you’re lucky). The winner will be picked on Wednesday, July 26. Enter here.

Events

Wednesday, July 12

Garden Guild: Bug Friends & Foes | Wednesday, July 12 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Duncan Park, 530 N. Limestone, Lexington | Free | Build a bug hotel + learn about Lexington’s beneficial insects, pollinators, and pests.

Thursday, July 13

Free Dentistry Days | Thursday, July 13-Saturday, July 15 | Times vary | Dental Wellness of Lexington, 527 Wellington Way Ste. 120, Lexington | Free | Residents who can’t afford dental work can make a screening appointment to see if they are eligible to receive free basic dental care.
Bocce for Beginners | Thursday, July 13 | 6-9 p.m. | Wise Bird Cider, 1170 Manchester St., Lexington | Free | Both experienced and beginners are invited to learn the game in a family-friendly environment.
Taylor Swift Trivia | Thursday, July 13 | 7 p.m. | Mirror Twin Brewing, 725 National Ave., Lexington | Free | Make the whole place shimmer by testing out your knowledge of this pop icon.

Friday, July 14

Parks & Rec + Myriad Meadery Collab | Friday, July 14 | 12 p.m.-12 a.m. | Myriad Meadery, 732 National Ave., Lexington | Price of purchase | Help fund new trees in our local parks through the purchase of a special themed drink.
Phoenix Paint n’ Take | Friday, July 14 | 5 p.m. | Chaotic Good: Coffee, Comics and Games, 545 S. Broadway Ste. 160, Lexington | $10 | Paint your own miniature 3D-printed Phoenix model to use for a future game piece or a fun display.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Ranked

J.D. Power has named Kentucky as the state with the best tap water in the US. The top 10 was determined by resident feedback, quality, and overall reliability. It’s so good, our neighbors in Louisville have been able to trademark their water as Pure Tap. (CNBC)

Traffic

Expect some delays over the next few months when traveling on I-75 in Fayette County. The rehabilitation project, which began yesterday, will see single + double lane closures between mile markers 107 and 97 during weeknights and weekdays, mostly between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Edu

There are only a few days left for you to give input on the name of Lexington’s newest middle school. The school, located on Polo Club Boulevard, will be home to ~1,200 students. You have until 6 p.m. on Monday, July 24 to share your suggestions. (WKYT)

Cause

Dessert and a good cause? Sign us up. On Thursday, July 27, Dairy Queens across Kentucky will celebrate Miracle Treat Day. One dollar from each Blizzard sold will be donated to the Kentucky Children’s Hospital to support a new pediatric transport unit. (UKNOW)

Lexingtonian

A local rapper is up for multiple awards for this year’s Kentucky Urban Entertainment Awards. Devine Carama, who leads the city’s One Lexington initiative, is nominated for Hip Hop/Rapper of the Year, Lyricist of the Year, and Smashing the Streets: Lexington. Voting is open throughout the rest of the month.

Plan Ahead

The Carnegie Center will host a Back To School Bash on Saturday, July 29 at Gratz Park. Here, kids can receive a free backpack with school supplies, a new book, and kick off the school year with games activities, crafts + lunch.

Cause

Did you know Ronald McDonald House serves 500+ families locally each year? Lexingtonians can show their support by donating wish list items for families calling RMH their home away from home while their children are receiving critical care. Follow them on Instagram to stay up to date on wish list needs.*

Finance

ICYMI, Gratz Park Private Wealth recently launched an Instagram page to provide Lexingtonians with the latest updates about the firm, valuable insights from market trends, investment strategies to financial planning tips, and more — care to give them a follow?*

The Word

Broncearse. Start using it in conversation in three weeks.*

Trending

It’s the last day of Amazon Prime Day. Shop the deals, including 30% off the TV that looks like a picture frame on your wall.*

Festival

Celebrating Harry Dean Stanton

What Harry Dean Stanton means to Lexington

A man and woman sit on rocking chairs together.

Harry Dean Stanton with Michelle Phillips, actress + former Mamas and the Papas singer, at the 2014 festival. | Photo courtesy of Harry Dean Stanton Festival

Harry Dean Stanton, a native of Irvine, is known for his roles in iconic films such as “Pretty in Pink,” and “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.” Around these parts, he’s treasured as one of Hollywood’s greatest underrated performers.

As the Harry Dean Stanton Festival enters its 11th year, Lucy Jones, founder of the festival, spoke with us about the life + impact of the UK alum.

“One aspect of the festival that we particularly enjoy is the opportunity to bring Harry’s collaborators to Kentucky to discuss their work,” Lucy said. “This year, we are hosting Sean Young, who worked with both Harry + our other Kentucky honoree, Warren Oates, during the 1980s.”

The Harry Dean Stanton Festival runs from Friday, July 14 through Sunday, July 16 at various venues around Lexington, including the Kentucky Theatre and Farish Theatre. Head to the website to buy tickets, learn about all the events, and connect with fellow cinephiles.

Shop

It’s the last day of Amazon Prime Day sales — aka, discounts on everything from iPads to furniture to nugget ice makers. Surf the sales or check out our picks. Note: Deals may be subject to change.

Family

Keep crumbs and messes under control with the iRobot Roomba that empties itself — it’s $400 off (yes, you read that right).

Eat

Bread makers are making a comeback, and we totally get why (read: soft, warm, homemade bread). Snag the Hamilton Beach Bread Maker that’s $34 off.

Arts

Customize tees, pillows, and totes with the Cricut Heat Press Machine’s pro-level heat-transfer that lasts through repeated washes. Get it while it’s 20% off.

Outdoors

Keep comfy and cool this summer with wear-anywhere black running shorts, discounted down from $24.99 to $18.39.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Aayat

From the editor

The Harry Dean Stanton Festival is one of those events that is a must for Lexingtonians or anyone in the area with a knack for films. I’ll be swinging by the Green Lantern for the fest’s VHS Movie Night showing of “Dream A Little Dream.”

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