InTouch with Southern Kentucky February 2020 | Page 21

CALEB LOWNDES I CJ
Bradley Keith helps a customer in his Southern Woodworks store.
“I thought it would be neat to see
if we could make a go of it,” he said.
And make a go of it, he has.
Since that time, Bradley’s opened
a storefront at 890 South Highway
27 (Light #9), Somerset, in October
2018 and opened his third business
— Brushcoat Paint Company — in
January 2019. While most teenagers
go to the movies or sporting events,
Bradley and his friends frequent
auctions. He adds that his parents,
Lynn Roberts and Ronnie Keith, his
stepparents, as well as his brothers,
23-year-old Blake and identical twin
Ben, have been extremely support-
ive.
Originally from McCreary County,
Bradley’s family moved to Somerset
about two and a half years ago.
“I went my first trimester there,”
Bradley said. “Then things just took
off…crazy busy, so I transferred to
homeschooling. It was all online.”
Ben stayed at PC where he is cur-
rently a sophomore. Through the
homeschooling program, Bradley
was able to complete four years of
high school in just over six months
— graduating last June. With that
out of the way, he has time to focus
on woodworking and painting.
F ebruary 2020
At Southern Woodworks, farm-
house decor is a big seller along
with refinished furniture. Bradley
works on both modern and antique
pieces, saying it’s gratifying to see a
finished project go into someone’s
home. “I do a lot of kitchen cabi-
nets,” he said when asked about his
largest projects.
The store also carries the full line
of Goose Creek candles.
“I’m not sure that there’s anyone
else here in Somerset [who does],”
he said, adding he tries to incor-
porate as much locally-produced
merchandise as possible. “They’re
made in Liberty…The Goose Creek
staff have been absolutely amazing
to work with. People don’t realize
the impact of shopping local, and I
want to encourage everyone to do
that. It really helps.”
With Brushcoat Paint Co., Bradley
specializes in commercial and res-
idential painting as well as kitchen
and bath cabinetry, deck staining,
porch railings, and concrete stain-
ing.
Bradley attributes his enterprising
nature to wanting to connect with
people. It has also led him to be-
come active in the Somerset-Pulaski
County Chamber of Commerce,
where just last month he became
likely the youngest ambassador
ever.
And he continues to look ahead.
By year’s end, he hopes to open
a second store outside of Pulaski
County. Longer term, he thinks he
might like to try his hand at real
estate and rentals.
“We’ll see whether it happens
or not,” Bradley said with a smile
which leaves you no doubt he can
accomplish whatever he sets his
mind to. “Time will tell.”
Supports for Community Living
NOW HIRING FULL-TIME DIRECT CARE STAFF
2nd & 3rd shift.
Requirements:
• High school Diploma or GED
• Dependable
• Experience in working with persons with intellectual
disabilities preferred
We offer competitive wages and benefits.
Apply in person at 176 Enterprise Dr., Somerset, KY 42501
I n T ouch with S outhern K entucky • 21