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Join us at BD’s Mongolian Grill in September! We will hear from a panel of business owners on Succeeding in Tourism as a Small Business.
Join Eli, Christie, Hemal, and Amy in September to discover their unique journies as entrepreneurs. We hope you discover how to succeed through their combined expertise, management prowess, and heartfelt commitment to promoting tourism in the beautiful Bluegrass region.
Eli Mertens
TravelHost of the Bluegrass
Eli Mertens, a graduate of Kansas State University, is the president and publisher of TravelHost of the Bluegrass. Eli and his family, Paula, wife of 35 years, and twin sons Henri and Matthew, moved from Miami, FL, in 2000, where Eli grew up and worked at the Miami Herald as a marketing manager. In 2000 Eli received the Knight Ridder Excellence award from over 10,000 employees. In 2000 Eli was recruited to the Lexington Herald-Leader as the Consumer Marketing manager. In 2004 Eli started his own business and started publishing TravelHost.
Active in the community, Eli has served on the boards of the Bluegrass Tourism and Marketing Association, Bluegrass Hospitality Association, Co-Chair of the American Heart Association Auction Committee, Past Chair of the National TravelHost Advisory Board, past board member of Commerce Lexington, Friends of the Library and served on the LFUCG Human Rights Commission.
Eli graduated from the 2007 Leadership Lexington class and the 2018 Central Kentucky Leadership Class.
Christie Eckerline
The Kentucky Castle
Originally from Lexington, Christie Eckerline grew up right around the corner from The Kentucky Castle. She attended Centre College, where she double majored in economics and history. After graduating, she began working in marketing and events at Alltech. She continued to build her events, marketing, and business experience over the next few years before joining the team at The Kentucky Castle.
Christie now uses her events, customer service, and business background to take on the challenge of continuing to build and develop The Kentucky Castle. Opening this Central Kentucky landmark as a working farm, hotel, restaurant, event center and spa has been a dream. She truly enjoys the challenge that each day brings. Serving The Kentucky Castle's guests and helping to make unforgettable memories for them is an absolute joy.
Hemal Patel
BD’s Mongolian Grill
Tour Van Rental
Hemal Patel is a Chemical Engineer turned Entrepreneur with a successful track record in the hospitality industry. With two decades of experience owning and operating popular establishments across multiple states, including Buffalo Wild Wings, Cold Stone Creameries, and BDs Mongolian Grill, Hemal's insights as a small business owner promise to be invaluable, reflecting his passion for delivering exceptional experiences and his forward-thinking approach, as he currently explores the exciting realm of family entertainment centers.
Amy Hudson
Purple Door Management
Passionate about creating unforgettable experiences and empowering small businesses, Amy Hudson's diverse career spans event coordination, entrepreneurship, and the vibrant world of tourism. After excelling at the University of Kentucky, earning a B.F.A. in Theatre Design and Technology, Amy's foundation in creativity and innovation was set. Her pivotal role as Event Coordinator at The Thoroughbred Center from 2007 to 2019 launched her into an entrepreneurial journey.
In 2016, Amy's side venture, inspired by her own successful listing on Airbnb, transformed into Purple Door Management LLC, expertly managing multiple properties for diverse owners. Join Amy on this transformative journey, from theatre to thriving entrepreneurship, as she continues to redefine excellence in the realm of unforgettable experiences and property management, ultimately fostering local businesses and creating a lasting impact in the beautiful Bluegrass region.