Kentucky Thermal Institute founder named ‘Small Business Person of the Year’

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A Bowling Green business owner is receiving national recognition during Small Business Week.

John Harnage, president and founder of Kentucky Thermal Institute, has been named the 2026 Small Business Person of the Year for Kentucky by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“Well, it’s unexpected,” Harnage said. “I’m the kind of person who just keeps my head down and works, so that type of recognition is pretty humbling.”

The award honors business owners who demonstrate excellence in growth, innovation and community impact.

Kentucky Thermal Institute, located at the Western Kentucky University’s Innovation Campus, specializes in thermography training and education. The company provides hands-on instruction and real-world application across industries, from building and construction to industrial and medical thermology.

Harnage says the business grew out of his experience in the thermal imaging inspection field.

“It’s really rewarding when you hand someone a thermal camera for the first time and see that spark, that ‘wow, this is cool’ moment,” he said. “We’re able to bring their knowledge and our knowledge together, and it’s been a great journey.”

But that journey wasn’t always easy.

Harnage says there was a point when his business account had just seven cents left.

“That was a gut-check moment,” he said. “We had to focus, come up with a plan and push forward. We were able to make it through.”

Now, Harnage is preparing to travel to Washington, D.C., for National Small Business Week, where he will represent both Kentucky and the Bowling Green community on a national stage.

“From a professional standpoint, I’m really looking forward to showing others what we do through the lens of thermal imaging,” he said.