John Chmela Announces TEDx SoardsRoad to Mark America’s 250th Anniversary

GEORGETOWN, KY, United States, June 19th, 2026, FinanceWire

John Chmela, technology entrepreneur and founder of the Applied AI Speakers Bureau, has announced the inaugural TEDxSoardsRoad event, scheduled for July 4, 2026. Hosted at Queenslake Horse Farm in Kentucky, the independent TEDx gathering deliberately aligns with the 250th anniversary of the United States. The curated event will feature an exclusive lineup of 24 distinguished speakers, ranging from self-made billionaires and startup founders to military veterans and cultural influencers, delivering actionable insights on human ingenuity, technological advancement, and the practical execution of artificial intelligence across global industries.

Redefining the Semiquincentennial with Applied Knowledge 

TEDxSoardsRoad was conceptualized to offer a substantive, high-impact alternative to traditional Independence Day celebrations. By gathering top performers on a significant historical milestone, the event aims to dissect the frameworks that have driven two and a half centuries of progress in medicine, humanitarian efforts, business, and technology. With topics bridging the gap between historical resilience and future-forward innovation, attendees will hear direct accounts of monumental personal and professional achievements, backed by actionable methodologies that modern leaders can implement immediately. Furthermore, the TEDx platform ensures these insights will be recorded and distributed globally, amplifying the impact far beyond the physical venue in Kentucky.

"We're talking about 250 years of American ingenuity, and what we've done here in the last two and a half centuries is mind-boggling," says John Chmela. "Celebrating that by just blowing off fireworks is one thing, but celebrating it by actually looking with a microscope at what these freedoms are doing for people today creates a much deeper impact. We have speakers flying in who have built empires, scaled businesses, and protected our nation, all gathering to share the exact blueprints of their success."

Bridging the Gap Between Historical Achievement and Artificial Intelligence 

The foundation of the event traces back to Chmela’s recent work in the technology sector. After a lucrative exit from a mobile software company, Chmela co-founded the Airhead Institute to teach artificial intelligence and established the Applied AI Speakers Bureau. Rather than focusing solely on the technical mechanics of software tools, Chmela’s methodology centers on applying artificial intelligence to proven success models. Through his daily publications and business consulting, he reverse-engineers the strategic plans of highly successful individuals, from legendary investors to industry titans, into a series of actionable tasks. He then uses large language models to upscale those processes, demonstrating how modern businesses can achieve similar results with greater speed and lower overhead.

This focus on practical application over theory led him to recruit top-tier speakers for TEDxSoardsRoad, aiming to pair their raw, historical experiences with modern technological execution so that audiences leave with a clear roadmap for their own ventures.

"Most companies today see the writing on the wall that AI is either going to put them out of business or catapult them past their competition, but they don't exactly know how," Chmela explains. "It's not the AI itself that changes an outcome; it's the application of AI. Information is not power. The execution of knowledge is power."

Fostering Community and Veteran Philanthropy

The backdrop for the July 4th event, Queenslake Horse Farm, is a sprawling 140-acre property featuring the largest privately owned lake in Kentucky. Acquired by Chmela following his software company exit, the farm has evolved into a vital hub for community service and veteran advocacy. Beyond boarding horses and hosting high-profile corporate retreats, the property operates heavily in the philanthropic sector, opening its 1,000-seat equestrian arena to local charities and nonprofits at no cost.

More critically, Chmela has structured specific, ongoing programs on the farm to combat veteran isolation and mental health crises. Initiatives like the annual Mogadishu Mile endurance event, extensive fishing retreats, and a dedicated veteran housing program provide at-risk service members with crucial community support. These programs are designed specifically to reset the critical 90-day isolation window that often leads to severe depression or veteran suicide.

"If a veteran is left in isolation for 90 days or more, their odds of escaping the psychosis that accompanies veteran suicide are very low," Chmela states. "I didn't set out to help veterans initially. I bought a farm, and community leaders came to me noting that this environment could help. Now, we use the lake, the property, and the camaraderie to bring these heroes together, and it is actively saving lives."

About John Chmela 

John Chmela is a serial entrepreneur, technology expert, and the owner of Queenslake Horse Farm. He is the co-founder of the Airhead Institute and the Applied AI Speakers Bureau, focusing on the practical application of artificial intelligence to accelerate business growth. Following the successful exit of his digital software startup, Chmela dedicated his time and resources to philanthropy, heavily investing in veteran advocacy and community mental health support programs. A 33-year recovered alcoholic, he attributes his business success to his faith and family. He currently resides in Georgetown, Kentucky.

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