Galt House honors employee who has been there four decades

LOUISVILLE, KY. (WDRB) -- The Galt House is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year by honoring an employee who has been with the hotel since the start.

Director of Engineering Kenny Franklin started working there in 1972 when it first opened.

He was presented with an award this afternoon for his service.

His first job involved cutting grass and odd jobs for the maintenance department until he worked his way up.

"It's family owned, and it gave me a chance to grow and expand my own horizons. I was my own boss. Basically, I answered directly to Mr. Schneider and I work for his daughter now, Mary, who is the president of our company. Just being able to sit down across from the president of the company and talk to her and know your opinion means something means something to me. I've had opportunities to leave, but chose not to," says Franklin.

A.J. Schneider built the 25-story hotel in 1972 as part of Louisville's Riverfront Urban Renewal Project on Fourth Street.