Multiple downtown Louisville businesses named among Best Places to Work in Kentucky

Downtown Louisville is a great place to work, and the data proves it.

The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, along with the Kentucky Society for Human Resource Management announced the 100 companies that will be earning the title of Best Places to Work in Kentucky. The list includes more than a half dozen companies located in Downtown Louisville; companies like Hillerich & Bradsby Co. (H&B), Luckett & Farley, Republic Bank and ISCO Industries.

The results show that not only are these companies dedicated to being an employee-centric business, they are also committed to being a part of the city’s everchanging downtown landscape.

“Between upcoming major developments at the Louisville Gardens, Slugger Field, the Belvedere and more, our downtown is becoming one of the best places to live, work and visit in Kentucky,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. “Congratulations to this group of companies. Thank you for your continued investment in our downtown.”

Hillerich & Bradsby Co.

“Our roots run deep to this city. Louisville’s been our home since horse-drawn carriages were the main form of downtown traffic,” said John Hillerich, President and CEO of Hillerich & Bradsby Co. “Five generations in, we’re still a family-run crew, still swinging for the fences, and still proudly planted in the heart of downtown.”

It all started in 1875 when J.F. Hillerich set up shop on First Street, right between Main and Market. The current headquarters, home to the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, is located on Main Street.

The museum hosts more than 300,000 guests annually and was named one of the top 5 Best Attractions for Sports Fans by USA Today in 2024.

“We’re here to help keep the energy up, bring folks into the city, and make sure downtown Louisville stays as iconic as the bats we make.”

ISCO Industries

In 1962, ISCO founder Jim Kirchdorfer, Sr. began selling irrigation pipe in the back of his family’s hardware store in the heart of Louisville, a venture that led him to create the Irrigation Supply Co. (ISCO).

Since then, Mr. Kirchdorfer’s sons Jimmy and Mark have taken over the reins, building ISCO into the largest global HDPE piping solutions provider in North America.

“Our family has had a business presence in the great city of Louisville dating back to the late 1800s ” said CEO Jimmy Kirchdorfer, “We couldn’t be more proud that the heart of Louisville remains the anchor for ISCO.”

Republic Bank

In 1987, Republic Bank built its Corporate Center Headquarters in downtown Louisville, and in 2008 established its second downtown office, Republic Bank Plaza. In 2023, the Bank began a multi-year relocation plan, bringing more associates back to downtown Louisville from other locations in Greater Louisville. The move reflects the Bank’s continued commitment to creating a more vibrant downtown community in Louisville.

“It is an essential part of our mission to enable the communities we serve to thrive — it’s at the core of who we are,” said Republic Bank CEO Logan Pichel. “Giving back and making an impact — whether that be in downtown Louisville, the entire Louisville and Southern Indiana area, or across all five states where we have banking centers — has been part of our DNA since Republic Bank was established by the Trager Family in Louisville more than 40 years ago.”

To that effect, Republic Bank has proudly partnered with Louisville community-based organizations such as the Brightside Foundation, Family Scholar House, Fund for the Arts, Kentucky Derby Festival, Metro United Way, Muhammad Ali Center, Louisville Downtown Partnership and many others to give back and make an impact on the Bank’s downtown Louisville neighbors.

In addition to being named among the Best Places to Work in Kentucky for nine years in a row, this year, Republic Bank has been recognized as a Top 50 U.S. Community Bank by S&P Global Market Intelligence and among Newsweek’s America’s Best Regional Banks, both for the second consecutive year.

Luckett & Farley

Luckett & Farley embodies a legacy of resilience, innovation and technical expertise that few firms can match. Founded in 1853, Luckett & Farley is the longest continually operating architecture, engineering and interior design firm in the United States, headquartered right in the heart of downtown Louisville.

As an employee-owned company, Luckett & Farley ensures every member of the team has a vested interest in the collective success and shares in the rewards of team efforts. And, through an intentional transmission of skills from one generation of designers to the next, the firm fosters a tradition of craftsmanship and expertise that sets our work apart. Luckett & Farley is proud to be named one of the Best Places to Work in Kentucky by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

The firm continues to push the boundaries of design across a diverse group of clients throughout the corporate, civic, higher education, distilled spirits and industrial sectors. With some of the world’s most respected brands and institutions, the firm designs dynamic structures and environments that embrace client strategy and elevate the human experience. Current projects include the University of Louisville Speed School Student Success Center, Saga Spirits Distillery, Tom Wallace Park at Jefferson Memorial Forest and more.

“Luckett & Farley is honored to be named one of the best places to work in Kentucky by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce,” said CEO Rolf Provan. “Our commitment to Downtown Louisville and our entire region spans more than 170 years with a legacy of design that has shaped our city since 1853. Our employee-owners are dedicated to their craft and the spirit of our region, and as a result, produce spaces that transform communities and inspire human connection.”

Other Best Places to Work in Kentucky with addresses near Downtown Louisville: