Welcome to the Northern Kentucky University Norse Business Directory! NKU alumni across the nation own businesses that we can help support as fellow alumni. Please consider supporting these businesses in any way you can. Share this with fellow alumni to help spread the word.
Join the Norse Business Directory!
Does the business need to be owned by a NKU alumnus to qualify?
The business must be owned or operated by an NKU alumnus. This directory is meant to support our alumni and their small businesses.
Are businesses required to provide a discount for NKU alumni?
No. This resource is meant to be a business directory for NKU alumni. Discounts and promotions are certainly welcomed but not required by the businesses listed.
How does the NKU Alumni Association qualify or confirm the business as alumni-owned?
All businesses are subject to review and posted at the discretion of the NKU Alumni Association. Before posting a listing on the Norse Business Directory, we will verify that it is owned or operated by an NKU alumnus. We will also ensure that the business does not conflict with NKU’s mission and values.
Is the NKU Alumni Association providing financial support to these businesses?
No. The NKU Alumni Association is not providing financial services to any specific business. This is simply a directory for NKU Alumni to share their business and for people to support fellow alumni.
Please direct additional questions to alumni@nku.edu.
Disclaimer: Inclusion in this directory should not be considered an endorsement by Northern Kentucky University or the NKU Alumni Association. Northern Kentucky University is not providing financial support or services to these businesses. The use of the NKU name and/or registered trademarks by businesses is expressly prohibited. Also, please note that the Northern Kentucky University logo and other NKU registered trademarks may not be used by external companies without permission.
Kenda Kohls '14
At Alpha-Lit Cincinnati, we strive to make every event just a little bit brighter using our high quality marquee letters, numbers, symbols, etc.
Business Contact Information
Address: 1032 Nantucket Way Crittenden, KY 41030
Website: https://www.alphalitcincinnati.com/
Jeff Cowens '05 '12
Business Cards, Banners, Promo Items and more! Amplify is the one-stop shop for every Norse Alumni. With our new printers and industrial CNC machine, we are able to customize almost any sign or print you need. Vinyl wall graphics, stickers, even one-off custom apparel – it’s all in-house, and it’s all quick turn around! If you can THINK it… we can INK it!
Ask for the NKU alumni discount when you email or call.
Business Contact Information
Website: turnupyourbrand.com
Email: jeff@turnupyourbrand.com
Address: 5521 Pleasant View Road, Memphis, TN 38134
Phone: (901) 326-9562
Samantha Griffin '07, '08
AnyWeather Heating & Air is an NKY, Cincinnati HVAC contractor company conveniently located in Northern Kentucky just a few miles from downtown Cincinnati, OH. This is a family owned, A+ rated, accredited BBB company, 5 Star rated local business. Proudly offering HVAC repair, installation, and air quality services to
families across Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati, Ohio.
Free Inspections on all HVAC Systems for NKU Alumni, Faculty, & Students.
Business Contact Information
Email: hvac@anyweather.com
Website: https://www.anyweather.com/hvac/
Address: 1010 Windsor Dr., Suite 203 Cold Spring, KY 41076
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday | 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. | 24/7 Emergency Services
Andrea Whitley '01
Blessed Attire spreads messages of positivity, encouragement, and joy in a world that often feels chaotic. We do this through our line of women's faith-based apparel, jewelry, hats and home decor.
We believe that inspiration looks good on everyone! Fashion and faith are both beautiful and unique, and we created a company that isn’t afraid to be bold. With a variety of sizes, styles and designs, we help women live their faith out loud!
Shop our women’s clothing lines for the latest trends, browse our accessories for the perfect touch, or find accent pieces to keep you inspired and centered all day long.
Business Contact Information
Website: www.blessedattire.com
Email: awhitley@blessedattire.com
Phone: 513-532-1494
Andrea Tarter '15
Borrowed Time Creative is a full-service creative agency specializing in integrated marketing and event solutions. Our team of powerhouse women come alongside to bring inspiration and originality to your unique needs and challenges. Our experience branches from small businesses to nonprofits and individuals alike. Let us put our experience to work for your cause or special event!
Business Contact Information
Website: https://www.borrowedtimecreative.com/
Email: Andrea@borrowedtimecreative.com
Phone: 513-262-2261
Social Media: @borrowedtimecreative
Don Brauning '85
We are a full-service Accounting firm licensed in OH. We offer a broad range of services for business owners, executives, and independent professionals. We are affordable, experienced, and friendly.
Business Contact Information
Website: https://www.brauningcpa.com
Email: don@brauningcpa.com
Address: 7800 Laurel Ave, Suite 100, Cincinnati OH 45243
Phone: 513-943-9200
David Lemox '84
Dave is an independent agent guiding beneficiaries to the best Medicare plan based on their medical and financial situation. He is looking to reach people who are on Medicare and need a review, and people who are going on Medicare for the first time.
Business Contact Information
Website: https://www.davelemox.com/
Email: Dave.Lemox@BridlewoodInsurance.com
Phone: 858-395-4667
Maggie Smith-Brune '11
Maggie & Sam Brune are both Certified Personal Trainers and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS). They work with the general public as well as anyone wanting to get a competitive edge on the playing field or in life. They primarily work in Blue Ash, Ohio with clients 1-1 or in small groups, and also travel to clients' homes and job sites. Online coaching is also an option, with personalized programs fit for the individual. Go Norse!
Virtual Training varies, weekends included.
Business Contact Information
Website: https://brunestrong.com/
Email: brunestrong@gmail.com
Address: 8433 Old State Road 350 Aurora IN, 47001
Phone: 513-317-5140
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday | 7 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Dave Willacker '97
The Cincinnati Circus company is a full service entertainment company that offers many different types of entertainment including circus. We have several different acts to choose from, and we even have a robust rental department with everything for your event rental needs. The Cincinnati Circus Company offers all types of physical performances, as well as all types of comedy and corporate entertainment.
We have a variety of bounce houses, inflatable water slides , and inflatable obstacle courses for rent. Keep in mind that face painting compliments an inflatable rental well! We also provide several corporate team building activities for company events and company picnics. In addition to activities and rides, we also rent tents, tables, and chairs.
Business Contact Information
Website: https://www.cincinnaticircus.com/
Email: info@cincinnaticircus.com
Address: 6433 Wiehe Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45237
Phone: (513) 921-5454
Jim Cutter '81
We are a Residential-Commercial Design/Build company that serves the entire Cincinnati Tri-State area. Since 1993, Cutter Construction and Cutter Custom Homes have grown into one of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky's most reputable and trusted builders. We pride ourselves on providing our customers with unmatched service and communication, as well as exceptional quality.
Business Contact Information
Website: http://cutterconstruction.com/
Email: Office@cutterconstruction.com
Address: 4209 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076
Phone: 859-781-6924
Chris Frodge '04
With over 20 years of being a Wedding DJ, I know what it takes to keep your friends and family on the dance floor! Friday nights are $1,500, and Saturday nights are $1,750.
Business Contact Information
Website: https://www.facebook.com/EntertainCincy/
Email: chris.frodge@icloud.com
Address: 6248 Clearchase Crossing Independence, KY 41051
Michael Leone '16
Doctors Michael P. Leone, D.C., Ellen Rettay-Leone D.C., and Michael V. Leone D.C., and Leone Chiropractic provide professional chiropractic services to the Florence area and surrounding communities.
Business Contact Information
Website: https://www.leonechiropractic.com/
Address: 8131 US 42, Florence, KY 41042
Phone: 859-371-3071
Andrea Tarter '15
To creatively highlight women in business and produce a stunning publication that empowers women to tackle any obstacle and achieve their regardless of age, race and situation.
Business Contact Information
Email: Midwestohmama@gmail.com
Phone: 513-262-2261
Social Media: @midwestohmama
Jennifer Dawson '99, '05
We have two locations!
Crescent Springs
2513 Ritchie Avenue
Crescent Springs, Kentucky 41017
Open Tuesday - Friday 6 a.m. - noon | Saturday 7 a.m. - noon
Phone: (859) 360-6643
Covington
3718 Winston Avenue
Covington, Kentucky 41015
Open Tuesday - Thursday 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. | Friday - Saturday 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Phone: (859) 415-0308
Business Contact Information
Website: https://www.moonrisedoughnuts.com/
Jeremiah Hines '18
We manage short term rentals for property owners in the greater Cincinnati/NKY region. We'd love to work with property owners to help them introduce short term rental returns into their real estate portfolio.
Business Contact Information
Website: https://www.theneatsuites.com
Email: jeremiah@theneatsuites.com
Address: 6 East 5th St. Ste. 403, Covington, KY 41011
Phone: 859-350-6328
Kat Wolf '16
Northern Kentucky Dancewear is a brand new business created by NKU Alumni Kat Wolf (2016) to facilitate the needs of dancers and fitness individuals in the Northern Kentucky Area. She opened her business the week of the Covid-19 forced shut down and could benefit greatly from anything we could do to help her grow her business. This is a much needed business in the area and was an integral part of dance and theatre when she was a student at NKU.
Business Contact Information
Website: https://www.nkydancewear.com/
Email: nkydancewear@gmail.com
Address: 3974 Alexandria Pike Cold Spring, KY 41076
Phone: 859-512-2578
Brandon Reis '98
Reis Promotions & Apparel is completely committed and dedicated to providing the highest level of customer service.
We LOVE what we do too! Our greatest asset is client satisfaction. Your success is what makes us succeed. From creative ideas to making sure you received what you expected, we strive to be a part of your team. We understand you have choices and we pledge to make sure you are completely satisfied from start to finish. We’re passionate about what we do and love delivering results.
Business Contact Information
Email: bigideas@reispromo.com
Website: https://reispromo.com/
Address: 3370 Turfway Rd, Suite 100, Erlanger, KY 41018
Phone: 859-283-1513
Shannan Boyer '00
Scooter Media is an award-winning boutique public relations agency specializing in PR, social media, and digital communications.
Business Contact Information
Email: info@scootermediaco.com
Website: https://www.scootermediaco.com
Address: 823 Scott Street, Covington, KY 41011
Phone: 859-414-6882
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sara Daugherty '14
SD Social Media & Digital Marketing helps small business create marketing strategies for the ever growing online community. Experience in creating social media and digital content across all platforms and in various media forms.
Business Contact Information
Email: saradaugherty7@gmail.com
Website: https://www.facebook.com/SDsocialdigitalmarketing
Phone: 513-364-2680
Ryan McCarty '03
Shepherd Insurance has been providing solutions for the insurance needs of individuals, families, and businesses in the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati areas for over 50 years. Here at Shepherd Insurance, we are in the people business. We help our friends, neighbors, and their businesses determine what’s truly important to them and find ways to protect it. From insurance and employee benefits to financial services, members of the Shepherd team take great pride in offering solutions that reduce life’s uncertainties and provide invaluable peace of mind. It’s a big responsibility, and we understand how important it is.
Business Contact Information
Website: https://www.shepherdins.com/northern-kentucky/
Email: rmccarty@shepherdins.com
Address: 234 Main Street, Florence, KY 41042
Phone: 859-371-7006
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday | 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Isaiah Kelly '20
Smoove Creations, is a restoration and customization-based service for shoes of all caliber. The maintenance I provide ensures that the client’s returned product is of higher quality than when it was issued by cleaning, restoring or customizing, when applicable, to suit the customers’ desires.
Business Contact Information
Contact Form: https://smoovecreations.com/contact-us/
Website: http://smoovecreations.com/
Bill Aseere '04
Michael Ash '04 '09
Mark Halpin '84
Space Cowboys Restaurant Group consists of three NKU grads; Bill Aseere, Michael Ash and Mark Halpin. Aseere has worked in the restaurant business for 22 years and is a city council member in Independence. Ash is the president of TLA Ashford and Halpin is a Senior Analyst for the IRS.
The group currently owns a Donatos Pizza & Whit's Frozen Custard location in Independence and Highland Heights. The company also owns two Guthrie's locations -- one in Fort Wright and one in Erlanger.
Business Contact Information
Email: info@spacecowboysrestaurantgroup.com
Dr. Kimberly A. Luse '85 '94
We are unique. Our company welcomes the challenge to help those who are ready to learn new experiences, and accept that leadership must be matched to their value system to effectively lead. Interested? We can help. Strategic Ethical Solutions is a comprehensive, solutions based company that can serve you and your organization in multiple ways. From one-on-one Executive Coaching, Strategic Planning, to building an environment that incorporates Trauma-Informed Care, we can work with you to improve personal, and personnel performance. Building upon that foundation, we can help your organization operate more efficiently, and realize measurable results led by data-driven, strategic approaches to address the issues that need fresh pathways to success. We offer support via Executive Audits, Emergency Planning and Training, Management of Governing Boards, and assisting with Attracting, Recruiting, and Retaining Top Talent. We also offer an extensive network of professionals who we can connect you with in order to enrich your resource pool.
Business Contact Information
Website: www.strategicethicalsolutions.com
Email: Kimberly@strategicethicalsolutions.com
Address: 219 Ridgepointe Drive, Cold Spring, KY 41076
Phone: 513-544-9408
Hours of Operation: 9a.m. - 5p.m. or by appointment
Jennifer Sheffel '02
Coach Jennifer Sheffel started ActionCOACH for one reason: to help business owners and leaders be their best. After many years as a high-performing financial professional, and extensive charitable work, Summit ActionCOACH was born.
Business Contact Information
Address: 3825 Edwards Road, Suite 103 Cincinnati, OH 45209
Website: https://jennifersheffel.actioncoach.com/
Email: jennifersheffel@actioncoach.com
Phone: 859-750-0435
Business Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Phone: 513-532-1494
Alex Narramore '12
My name is Alex Narramore. I own The Mischief Maker in Lexington, Kentucky and I’m a botanically accurate sugar flower artist. I grow all of the flowers in the garden that we later use as live references to sculpt our sugar flowers.
THE MISCHIEF MAKER is a cake and dessert business based in Lexington, Kentucky that specializes in exquisitely crafted one-of-a-kind wedding cakes, sugar floristry, renowned flavors, and celebration cakes. The Mischief Maker is sure to delight both the taste buds and the eyes with a stunning wedding cake emblazoned with dozens of our hand-sculpted sugar flowers...
Business Contact Information
Website: http://www.mischiefmakercakes.com/
Email: Mischiefmakerdesserts@gmail.com
Address: 528 W 3rd St, Lexington, Kentucky 40508
Phone: 859-537-3581
David Dalton '99
We are a full service Brand Elevation agency. We work with businesses in various industries to increase their brand awareness through development and implementation in traditional, digital and social media marketing.
Business Contact Information
Website: https://www.brand-elevation.com/
Email: design@brand-elevation.com
Address: 811 Monmouth Street, Newport, Kentucky 41071
Phone: 859-441-4684
Crystal Kendrick '97
The Voice of Black Cincinnati is a minority owned media company designed to educate, recognize and create opportunities for African Americans in the region
Business Contact Information
Website: https://thevoiceofblackcincinnati.com/
Email: crystal@thevoiceofyourcustomer.com
Address: 2259 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206
Phone: 513-281-3228
Crystal Kendrick '97
The Voice of Your Customer is a minority owned marketing firm that assists clients to penetrate niche markets using survey research, focus groups, secret shopping, business training, and media campaigns. They also hold the following certifications: HUBZone, MBE, WBE, DBE, SBE.
Our clients includes government agencies; non-profit organizations; family owned businesses; corporations; and educational institutions. Our research and training facilities, call center, and community partnerships enable us to assist our clients to create raving fans and to increase profitability by improving employee retention, establishing industry recognition, and building a competitive advantage.
Business Contact Information
Website: https://www.thevoiceofyourcustomer.com/
Email: crystal@thevoiceofyourcustomer.com
Address: 2259 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206
Phone: 513-281-3228
Marty Boyer '99
Since 1955, Theatre House has helped millions of productions come to life by offering a robust inventory of theatrical supply products including makeup, wigs, stage lighting, props, costumes, specialty fabric and much more. With world-class products from Ben Nye, Mehron, Chauvet, MBT and Rosco - we're here to make sure your show goes on. Theatre House is located right across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio in Northern Kentucky. This means that quick ship times for you. K-12 schools, universities, governments and theatre groups large and small have counted on Theatre House for more than sixty years.
Business Contact Information
Website: www.theatrehouse.com
Email: info@theatrehouse.com
Address: 400 W. 3rd St Covington, KY 41011
Phone: 513-226-5024
Todd Asalon '94
Looking to help clients buy, sell or invest in real estate.
Business Contact Information
Email: toddasalon@kw.com
Address: 1136 Carpenters Trace, Villa Hills, KY 41017
Phone: 859-496-6198
Nicole Walter '13
This company is co-owned by 2 NKU Graduates. Nick Walter, my husband, who I met on NKU campus, is also the CEO and an active co-owner for Walter814.
Founded in 2015 with a goal of partnering with small businesses and empowering them to take back control of their marketing. Based in a vision of ownership, education and honest ethical practices. We allow each business to completely own all marketing accounts giving them transparency to clearly see their return on investment. Offering the time and honest, detailed explanations of each platform and campaign to further your understanding of your audience, business and competition in the market. Also offering consulting with actionable insights and recommendations to advance your position.
Business Contact Information
Website: http://walter814.com/
Email: nicole.walter@walter814.com
Address: 283 Walton Nicholson Road, Walton, KY 41094
Phone: 859-667-2707
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Northern Kentucky University
5320 Campus Drive, AC 221
Highland Heights, KY 41099
Phone: (859) 572-5489
E-Mail: alumni@nku.edu
