Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Inductees

Awesome Inc is pleased to announce the 2026 Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame class.

The Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame celebrates the stories of Kentucky’s most successful entrepreneurs, with a mission to raise awareness of the impact of entrepreneurship in the Commonwealth and to encourage others to pursue similarly ambitious endeavors.

This year’s class represents decades of entrepreneurial leadership, innovation, and economic impact across Kentucky and beyond.

2026 Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Class

John Neace | Neace Lukens and Neace Ventures

Ervin Houchens | Houchens Industries

Roger Griggs | Richwood Pharmaceuticals and Pharmaceutical Corporation

Purna Veer | V-Soft Consulting

These four entrepreneurs will be formally inducted during the 2026 Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Induction Celebration Dinner on November 4, 2026.

2026 Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Induction Celebration, Presented by JPMorganChase

Mark your calendar for Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at Central Bank Center in Lexington.

Networking Reception: 4:30 p.m.

Dinner: 6:00 p.m.

Join us as we celebrate the newest members of the Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame and recognize the vision, persistence, and leadership that helped them build enduring companies and create opportunities for others.

The Induction Celebration attracts entrepreneurs, executives, students, community leaders, and supporters from across the Commonwealth for an evening centered on Kentucky’s entrepreneurial legacy and the people continuing to carry it forward. This year’s Celebration is presented by JPMorganChase.

“Investing in Kentucky means investing in the entrepreneurs who power the Commonwealth’s economy,” said Jill Wilcox, Kentucky Market Executive for Commercial Banking, J.P. Morgan. “The Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame honors the builders who create jobs, strengthen communities, and inspire the next generation—and we’re proud to support that work across the state.” Wilcox is also a member of the Kentucky and West Virginia Market Leadership Team at JPMorganChase, a group of leaders responsible for driving local business growth and supporting community engagement.

Individual tickets, student tickets, and tables are now available.

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Become a Partner

Partnerships and advertising opportunities are available for organizations interested in supporting the Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame and connecting with Kentucky’s entrepreneurial and business community.

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Event Questions?

Contact the Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame team at ky@entrepreneurhof.com.