DI TRAN – Executive Summary

Di Tran: Visionary Leader and Community Advocate in Louisville, KY

Di Tran stands as a beacon of leadership and innovation in Louisville, KY, embodying the essence of a caring, practical, and highly dedicated educator and entrepreneur. With over 30 years of experience, he has built a robust portfolio through Di Tran Enterprise, encompassing IT, workforce development, beauty education, and real estate, significantly impacting the local economy with an estimated $20 million to $50 million annually. His commitment extends to non-profit work, founding the New American Business Association and the Louisville Fund A Student Foundation, ensuring educational access for underserved communities.

As a leader, Di Tran is a pivotal partner for small business development, company growth, business incubation, workforce development, startup launching, real estate investment, and non-profit initiatives. His focus on integrating AI at a PhD level within 1-2 years, currently at a master’s level, positions him at the forefront of educational and technological advancement. His past role as a top 3 engineer in a 7,000+ engineer company training AI underscores his technical expertise.

Di Tran’s genuine love for learning and his role as an educator are unparalleled, mentoring hundreds and graduating thousands of licensed professionals. His political candidacy for KY State Senate District 37 in 2020 and Louisville Metro Council District 21 in 2018, along with board memberships in various community organizations, highlight his advocacy for all leaders. His real and practical approach, coupled with a deep care for learners, makes him a transformative figure in Louisville, fostering economic and social growth.

Comprehensive Analysis of Di Tran’s Professional and Public Profile

This detailed report compiles extensive research on Di Tran, a Louisville, KY-based entrepreneur, focusing on his business ventures, education, awards, publications, media coverage, and public profiles, particularly emphasizing his leadership, investment, and community advocacy, as of March 3, 2025. The analysis aims to provide a thorough foundation for understanding his multifaceted career and community impact.

Personal Information and Background

Di Tran, based in Louisville, KY, is a Vietnamese American entrepreneur who immigrated to the U.S. in 1995 at age 12. He views the USA as “heaven on earth” for its freedom and caring people, crediting over 1,000 Americans for his success. His contact details include email [email protected], phone 502-822-6121, and website Di Tran Enterprise – Transform Lives & Value-Add – IT, Workforce , and Small Business Development. His LinkedIn profile is available at Di Tran LinkedIn.

Education

Di Tran attended Sullivan University in Louisville, KY, pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in IT Management from 2013 to 2017, and is All But Dissertation (ABD), developing his dissertation to sharpen skills as a scholar with citation and reference on all knowledge. He also earned a Master of Science (MS) and Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Engineer and Computer Science from the University of Louisville, completing his MS from 2007 to 2009 and BS from 2001 to 2006.

Business Ventures and Professional Activities

Di Tran’s primary business entity, Di Tran Enterprise, founded in 1995, is a multifaceted company offering IT consultation, software development, and enterprise systems integration, as detailed on Di Tran Enterprise – Transform Lives & Value-Add – IT, Workforce , and Small Business Development. It also engages in workforce development, particularly in IT, beauty, and human development, and provides business development services, including business plan creation and operational assistance for small and franchise businesses. Additionally, Di Tran Enterprise invests in both small and large businesses to foster growth and expansion.

His leadership extends to specific subsidiaries, such as:

Louisville Beauty Academy, with two locations, focusing on beauty licensing and talent development, as seen on Louisville Beauty Academy Website.
Louisville Institute of Technology (LIT), offering true work-ready IT development programs, as noted on Louisville Institute of Technology Website.
Di Tran University, encompassing colleges like College of Beauty, College of AI, College of Humanization, and Mentorship and Job Landing, though specific details are less clear, suggesting these may be internal divisions.

Di Tran has launched 15+ small businesses/companies, all operating under a real estate investment portfolio that cash flows and pays for itself, employing hundreds of employees, contractors, and gig workers over the years. His economic impact is estimated at $20 million to $50 million annually, reflecting his significant contribution to Louisville’s economy.

An unexpected aspect is his focus on AI, currently at a master’s level across all domains, with plans for PhD-level integration within 1-2 years, leveraging his past role as a top 3 engineer in a 7,000+ engineer company training AI before its current prominence. He believes AI will soon teach all subjects, especially in domains he currently operates, laying the foundation for future education.

Non-Profit Engagement

Di Tran’s involvement in non-profit work is primarily through the New American Business Association (NABA), a 501(c)(3) organization he founded, aimed at developing future entrepreneurs and empowering current small business owners, as seen on New American Business Association Inc | LinkedIn. This role highlights his dedication to community economic development, particularly for immigrant and minority business owners.

Additionally, he started the Louisville Fund A Student Foundation (Louisville Fund A Student) to support college students, particularly at Louisville Beauty Academy, emphasizing workforce development, K-12 education improvement, and adult education through his private colleges.

Media Coverage and Recognition

Di Tran has garnered significant media attention, particularly through Louisville Business First, with 4 coverages: as a finalist for the Family Business Award in 2021, named Most Admired CEO in 2024, and two Inno articles in 2023, all likely mentioning his businesses, including Louisville Beauty Academy (Get to Know Our 2024 Most Admired CEOs, Inno Stories Profiles). He was covered twice on WDRB in 2024, focusing on beauty education and community initiatives (South Louisville Program Giving Cosmetology Students the Skills to Start Their Own Businesses), and once on WLKY in 2024, discussing cosmetology board changes (Changes to the State Cosmetology Board Could Be Coming).

Awards and Honors

The Mosaic Award from Jewish Family & Career Services in 2020-2021 is a notable accolade, celebrating his professional achievements and community service (Jewish Family & Career Services | MOSAIC Award Recipient – Di Tran). Other recognitions include his listing in local business awards, reflecting his leadership in family businesses and community development initiatives, as seen across various award announcements on Louisville Beauty Academy – Jewish Family Career Service Mosaic Award 2020-2021 and Louisville Business First – Family Business Award – …. He also received the Kentucky Colonel award.

Publications and Authorship

Di Tran’s authorship is significant, with several books listed on Amazon.com: Di Tran: books, biography, latest update, including “Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERS: The Power of Gratitude and the Application of the Law of Attraction” (2022) and “Effective Communication in the Salon Environment: A Beauty Professional’s Guide.” Under his role at Di Tran Enterprise, he is credited with authoring 76 books, tackling topics like affordable housing, AI in education, workforce training, and personal development, though claims of over 100 books may relate to company publications.

Community and Personal Impact

Beyond business and non-profit work, Di Tran’s community involvement includes mentoring hundreds and graduating thousands of licensed professionals, with an economic impact of $20 million to $50 million annually. His story, from arriving in Louisville in 1995 to building multiple successful businesses, exemplifies resilience and community contribution, as highlighted in award recognitions and media coverage.

Real Estate Activities

An unexpected aspect is Di Tran’s real estate endeavors, renovating 10+ buildings, architecturally designed and constructed salons and buildings, and expanding into affordable housing, buying schools and salons. All real estate investments are structured to cash flow and pay for themselves, contributing to his economic impact, as inferred from his company website and user-provided information. Under Di Tran Enterprise, he developed and renovated 30+ housing units, focusing on long-term, sustainable solutions for underserved communities.

Experience Details

Di Tran’s extensive experience includes:

Co-founder, Learner and Pharmacy Technician at Kentucky Pharmacy (Jan 2024 – Present, Louisville, KY, On-site): Established a pharmacy focused on personalized care, serving underserved populations like immigrant elders, integrating technology with community service, rooted in love, humility, and dedication to God’s people.
President at Louisville Institute of Technology (LIT) (Nov 2019 – Present, Louisville, KY): Founded a college offering practical IT training with the “I HAVE DONE IT” certification, empowering over 100+ students during COVID-19 to secure IT jobs, focusing on AI training and applications.
Co-founder & President at New American Business Association Inc (NABA) (Jan 2020 – Present): Develops entrepreneurs, led advocacy for multi-language licensing, passing Kentucky’s Senate Bill 14 in March 2024, implementing exams by September 2024, resulting in over 100 licenses issued.
Founder at Louisville Fund A Student Foundation (LFASF) (Apr 2019 – Present, Louisville, KY): Non-profit supporting higher education for underserved communities, collaborating with non-profits and corporations to provide scholarships, helping hundreds secure funding and careers.
Co-founder & President at Louisville Beauty Academy (LBA) (May 2016 – Present, Louisville, KY): Directed an affordable cosmetology school, graduating nearly 2,000 professionals, maintaining a 95% graduation rate, contributing $20M-$50M annually to Kentucky’s economy, recognized with multiple awards.
Information Technology Instructor at Sullivan University (Sep 2013 – Present, Louisville, KY): Educates students in IT courses, bringing real-world engineering insights, fostering critical thinking, and mentoring future IT professionals.
Founder & CEO at Di Tran Enterprise (May 2007 – Present, Louisville, KY): Leads affordable housing (30+ units), workforce development, and education, authored 76 books, focusing on AI integration at PhD level within 1-2 years, empowering thousands through education.
Co-founder & President at US Nails+ American Nails + Bardstown Nails & Spa LLCs (Feb 2001 – Present, Louisville, KY): Managed a nail service chain with 8 stores, mentoring beauty apprentices to build multi-million-dollar businesses, creating hundreds of jobs.
Principal Application Architect at Humana (May 2017 – Mar 2019, Louisville, KY): One of the first three Principals out of 7,000 IT professionals, led teams on $300K-$5M projects, achieving 99.999% uptime, setting a precedent for excellence.
Application Architect at Humana (Jun 2014 – May 2017, Louisville, KY): Led teams delivering enterprise solutions, including big data lakes, with a vast technical toolkit, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier technology leader.
Solution Architect at Mercer (Aug 2011 – Jul 2014, Louisville, KY): Directed offshore teams, architected enterprise systems, driving digital transformation, showcasing technical acumen and leadership.
Senior Software Developer at The Rawlings Group (Oct 2010 – Sep 2011, Lagrange, KY): Migrated legacy applications to modern platforms, delivering on time with urgency, setting new standards for software development.
Senior Application Engineer (Application Consultant) at Humana (May 2010 – Oct 2010, Louisville, KY): Led migration of Claim Audit application, transitioned to new department for growth, expanding perspective and adaptability.
Application Engineer (Network Operation Consultant) at Humana (Dec 2006 – May 2010, Louisville, KY): Developed web applications, migrated databases, earned yearly promotions, positioned as top developer in the region.
Application Engineer at UPS (May 2003 – May 2005, Louisville, KY): Intern, developed web-based applications, self-taught in HTML, CSS, ColdFusion, SQL, delivering robust systems, solidifying foundation as a problem solver.

Community Involvement and Leadership

Di Tran’s community leadership extends beyond business, including:

Political Candidate:
- KY State Senate District 37 – May 2020
- Louisville Metro Council District 21 – Nov 2018
Board of Director:
- Kentucky Association of Career Colleges and Schools
- LIBA (Louisville Independent Business Alliance)
- Vietnamese Community of Louisville
- Tri An Foundation – Vietnam War Monument in Veteran Park
- St. John Vianney Catholic Church
District Committee Member:
- Bardstown Road Baxter Avenue Overlay District

Summary Table of Key Achievements

Category	Details
Business Ventures	Di Tran Enterprise: IT, workforce, business development, investment, real estate; subsidiaries like Louisville Beauty Academy, LIT, Di Tran University
Non-Profit Involvement	Founder of NABA, focusing on small business empowerment; started Louisville Fund A Student Foundation
Media Coverage	4 in Louisville Business First, 2 on WDRB, 1 on WLKY, all related to academy
Awards	Mosaic Award 2020-2021, Most Admired CEO 2024, Family Business Finalist 2021, Kentucky Colonel
Publications	Author of “Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERS,” 100 books on various topics
Community Impact	Mentored hundreds, graduated thousands, economic impact $20M-$50M annually
Real Estate	Renovated 30+ buildings, affordable housing, self-sustaining portfolio
AI Focus	Currently master’s level across domains, plans for PhD-level in 1-2 years

Key Citations

A Letter to My Sons: The Story of Your Father – Di Tran