Saluting Women Who Lead
October is National Women’s Small Business Month and we’re celebrating by highlighting ladies in leadership. After all, Women Mean Business.
Tune in as we shine a light on these hard working women all month long!
2025 Spotlight
Kate Faupel Ford
Kate Faupel Grealish
Kate Faupel Grealish is the owner and operator of Kate Faupel Ford and Henderson Chevrolet GMC in Henderson, KY. Kate got her start in the car business at age 15 when she was answering phones and filing papers in the service department.
After graduating from Indiana University’s Kelley School of business in 2015, Kate pursued a job in corporate retail and worked for Kohl’s department stores for 5 years at their headquarters in Wisconsin. In May of 2020, Kate moved home to Henderson and joined the family business full-time at Henderson Chevrolet GMC, becoming the General Manager in 2021. Kate became the owner and dealer principal of Kate Faupel Ford when the Faupel Automotive team purchased the store in December of 2023. Kate oversees both stores with the mentality of “three brands, two stores, one big team.”
Kate and her husband, Tate live in Henderson and have two little girls.
Travel with Tourcy
Tracy Wilson
Owner, Tourcy
TOURCY – Guiding Every Journey with Expertise and Extraordinary CareGreat travel experiences begin with travel professionals who genuinely take the time to understand what you’re looking for. Tourcy stands out for our personal approach to guided group travel and exceptional customer service. We take time to understand each traveler’s preferences — matching them with the right destination, travel style, and pace. From your first inquiry to the moment you return home, every detail is thoughtfully handled.
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Travelers today are seeking meaningful experiences, smaller groups, and hassle-free planning. This is exactly what Tourcy does best. We specialize in seamless, guided group tours that allow travelers to focus on enjoying the journey — not managing logistics. With Tourcy, it’s more than just a trip — it’s stress-free travel, unforgettable experiences, and meaningful connections!
Lic's Deli & Ice Cream
Jodi Ashby
Jodi was born and raised in the region, growing up in McLean County before moving to Ohio County as a teenager. At 18, she began her career as a tower hand, traveling, climbing and working on communication towers. A few years later, she started nursing school but soon switched to business, focusing on human resources. She then spent several years in Germany, using her human resource skills working for the U.S. Army. During this time, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State University and obtained certifications in economic and industrial development.
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After years in economic development, Jodi set her sights on entrepreneurship. She earned her real estate license, invested in e-commerce, and even dabbled in the stock market—all leading to her biggest venture yet: purchasing Lic’s Deli & Ice Cream. Known as the Jane of all trades and the master of a few, Jodi is passionate about growing her business and making a positive impact.
Her faith is very important to her and she is covered by the Grace and Love in Jesus Christ who leads her. She is a proud mother of three, a grandmother, and is surrounded by a loving family and friends who are helping her achieve her goals and take Lic’s Deli and Ice Cream to new heights.
National Women’s Small Business Month Fast Facts
This month, we’re talking about all of the different ways women small business owners and leaders benefit our community and the world around us. Did you know…
- There are over 13 million women-owned businesses in the United States, employing 9.4 million workers and generating revenue of $1.9 trillion.
- There are 116 Women’s Business Centers that supported 150,000 women last year, helping their businesses make 1.7 billion dollars and creating 17,000 jobs.
- 50 percent of women small business owners are women of color.
- In 2012, 44 percent of women small business owners also had children under the age of 18 in their household. That means, by supporting women-owned businesses, you’re also supporting families.
- In 1972, women only owned 4.6% of all businesses in the United States. Now women own 42% of businesses in the United States.
- There are 114% more women entrepreneurs than there were 20 years ago.
- October 1988 marks the anniversary of President Ronald Reagan’s signing of H.R. 5050, which is the Women’s Business Ownership Act. This legislation increased federal support of women-owned businesses and made it easier for female entrepreneurs to get working capital, business training, and assistance.
- Prior to this bill being signed into law, some states required women to have a male family member co-sign on their business loan applications.
