2019 Mid-South Capital Connection

Louisville Metro Mayor Greg Fischer is a longtime entrepreneur who started several businesses, including SerVend International and Iceberg Ventures, a private investment firm.  He also co-founded bCatalyst, the first business accelerator in Louisville.

Fischer, Louisville's 50th mayor, is in his third term.  He was named a Public Official of the Year from Governing magazine in 2013.  A 2016 Politico survey named him as the most innovative mayor in America, and in June 2017, Politico named him among its list of 11 most interesting mayors in America.  Mayor Fischer is a trustee for the the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

Angel’s Envy exists today because of Wes Henderson’s vision and determination.  By convincing his father Lincoln to come out of retirement, and then working with him to create groundbreaking whiskeys using secondary barrel finishing techniques, they have been at the forefront of innovation in the industry. Working alongside his father, together they ensured that Angel’s Envy’s whiskeys would be of the highest quality. Since Lincoln’s passing in 2013, Wes has continued the Henderson legacy of craftsmanship and innovation.

Prior to Co-Founding Louisville Distilling Company with Lincoln, Wes served as CEO for Master Distiller Select LLC, acting as a consultant in the distilled spirits industry. Before that, he was the President and CEO of Conecuh Ridge Distillery, the producer of Clyde Mays Whiskey. He studied Aeronautics at the Florida Institute of Technology, and is a certified pilot. Wes is also a State Certified Firefighter, serving his community as a volunteer firefighter, and a board member for various community organizations.

Filmmaker Eric Byford is a graduate of the University of Tennessee’s Communication Department with a major in Broadcasting. After stints as a DJ, nightclub owner and real estate dabbler, he enrolled in film school in 2012 and went on to create a series called “Straight Up,"  focusing on the economic, political, and social impact of alcohol on the world, followed by a documentary, “Straight Up: Tennessee Whiskey”.

He started BeardForce Films to provide an outlet for future productions and a voice in the film community.  He has earned several awards and been selected for several more film festivals regarding his Tennessee Whiskey project. He also produced Straight Up: Kentucky Bourbon. He continues his quest to make BeardForce Films a successful film company and give life to stories for the world to enjoy.