Jerad T. Whitt

Jerad Whitt practices in the firm’s Business Representation & Transactions Group with a concentration in commercial finance and banking. He assists lenders, borrowers, finance companies, lessors, lessees, and investors in connection with a variety of secured and unsecured debt financing and equipment leasing transactions. Jerad has experience representing clients in diverse commercial loan structures, including single-lender loans, broadly syndicated credit facilities and middle market loan facilities, litigation finance and law firm lending, commercial mortgage backed securities (CMBS) loans, working capital lines of credit and collateralized loan obligation (CLO) transactions. Jerad’s practice also includes representation of escrow agents, paying agents and trustees in connection with holdback escrows, indemnity escrows, retainage and paying agent agreements and private placements.

In addition to his experience with secured lending and other finance transactions, Jerad also provides practical advice and advocates for clients involved in venture capital transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and general corporate matters.

Prior to joining KMK, Jerad practiced law at Frost Brown Todd in their Louisville, Kentucky office with a focus on CMBS loans. Jerad earned his law degree from the University of Cincinnati School of Law in 2017, cum laude, where he served as Articles Editor for the University of Cincinnati Law Review. While attending law school, Jerad worked as a law clerk at The Kroger Company, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, and the Office of the Ohio Attorney General. Prior to law school, Jerad worked as a project manager overseeing large scale roll-outs and enterprise-level projects in the fields of information technology and healthcare.

What was your first job?
When I was 13, I started mowing lawns for folks around my neighborhood. I grew up in a fairly rural part of central Kentucky, so everyone had at least a couple of acres of grass that needed care during the summer. Being somewhat entrepreneurial, I asked my parents if I could use our tractor to start my lawn care business and they acquiesced, on the condition that I had to pay for my own gas. It didn’t take long to realize that I wasn’t charging enough for my services to cover gas money and come away with much profit. This was just one of many small lessons in practicality that my parents imparted on me.

Where would we find you on a typical Saturday/Sunday?
Like many people, my weekdays are particularly busy. Saturdays, for me at least, are for squeezing in all the activities that I don’t have an opportunity to focus on during the week – personal health, home chores, friends and family time. Most Saturdays start with a trip to the gym or a quick run, followed by work around the house (which is never ending). My wife, Alexis, and I will then usually go out for lunch somewhere with our dog, Josie, weather permitting. We will often spend the afternoon either meeting up with friends at a local brewery or visiting with my brother and parents when they are in town from Florida.

What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
People are often surprised to learn I have tattoos. I got my first when I was 18, and have slowly continued to acquire more over the years, including a full sleeve. I know what you are thinking – yes, my mother was a bit disappointed when I first told her. However, she has grown to like (at least tolerate) them over time and even gave input on a few of my more recent ones. It is certainly not something I’d recommend to everyone, but I really appreciate the artwork and creativity that goes into a truly great tattoo.