Join us for our weekly “Rock Reflections,” a series celebrating Trinity alumni. From all 50 states to countries worldwide, our graduates are making an impact, and we'll share their stories on Trinity's website and social media.
This week's profile is about David Glass '89
David Glass, Class of 1989, has built a successful career as a restaurateur. He credits Trinity for much of his success.
Like many Trinity students, David attended St. Martha Catholic School.
“Looking back on it, many of our St. Martha coaches in football, baseball, track and basketball were recent Trinity grads,” David said. “We were already Shamrocks, and our colors were green and white. ‘We Will Rock You’ was our song as well. All our older brothers attended Trinity and took a lot of pride in their alma mater. Those Trinity guys knew they were the best, and we were eager to become a part of the tradition they helped build.”
David immediately got involved at Trinity. He was a member of the National Honor Society, a freshman and senior retreat leader, and played football for four years, including as defensive end on the 1988 state championship team. He received All-District and All-State honors his senior year. David received the prestigious Steinhauser Award following his senior football season. He’s convinced Jeff Brohm had no room left on his shelf for awards and conceded the accolade. David also participated in the Future Business Leaders of America and served as Student Council vice president and president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
One of David’s favorite Trinity memories was of the first day of freshman football practice in August 1985.
“I recall sitting in the bleachers the first time our freshman team was together and our coaches telling us that if we stuck together and put in the work, we'd go undefeated our senior year,” he said. “It was like the scene in the movie ‘Stripes’ when they had just enlisted and were first meeting the rest of their unit. We were a ragtag group from several different Catholic parishes but were ready to come together and embrace the values of Pride, Discipline, Loyalty and Achievement. The coaches' predictions were correct, and our 1988 state title capped off a memorable four years of brotherhood.”
“The time I spent in the company of close friends counts as one collective, precious memory,” he continued. “Time went by fast, and I'm fortunate to still have many of these ‘cronies’ still in my life today. There was so much personality, humor, creativity and uniqueness coursing through those hallways that fond memories were created daily.”
David also fondly remembers his Trinity teachers. Each instructor had his or her own technique.
“Each instructor had their own unique ways of getting us to grasp the material,” he said. “The teachers had such distinctive personalities, but it was clear they all cared greatly for their students. And you better button the top button of your shirt because that cheesy eighties knit tie wouldn’t conceal it! I loved the levity and liveliness of the cafeteria. If someone dropped a tray, everyone would yell, ‘Geek! Geek!’”
David has a lengthy list of favorite teachers and coaches: Dennis H’01 and John H’05 Esterle, Dr. Tom Zehnder ’63, Gene Eckert ’62, Rudy Volz ’73, Rev. David Zettel ’58, Rev. Ron Domhoff H’98, Rev. Kevin Caster H’93, Don Switzer H’04, Coach Dennis Lampley H’93, Coach Mickey Kalbhin H’97, Mike Hamilton H’96, John Kahl ’69 and Maurice Woods.
After graduating from Trinity, David attended Bellarmine University, earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting. While at Bellarmine, he was a cook at a local restaurant. When school was not in session, he would travel to open new locations and train the kitchen staffs.
Shortly after graduating, David had to decide whether to take the CPA exam or spend a month opening the chain’s first restaurant in Columbus, Ohio. He chose the latter, and the hook was set. David was promoted into management and spent time in several cities, including opening a restaurant in Nottingham, England.
In 2016, David and some partners, Trinity alum Josh Bleidt ’96 among them, opened Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint in Louisville. They’re celebrating 10 great years in November 2026. David has also been with the Roosters restaurant concept since 2020. The franchise operates in 13 locations in Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio.
David acknowledges Trinity’s foundational role in his success.
“Trinity taught me how to be humble, yet confident,” he said. “It fortified key ideals introduced to me by my parents, such as empathy, a belief in hard work and collaboration, and a sense of morality. Trinity instilled in me the philosophy of servant leadership, which has been an invaluable asset in the restaurant business.”
David has not forgotten Trinity. He’s been involved as an Alumni Class Agent, donor and corporate sponsor.
“I support Trinity because I would like to see kids who may lack the means enjoy and benefit from the same experience with which I was blessed,” he said. “I believe strongly in the faculty, staff and leadership, who continue to consistently and deftly deliver the Trinity experience.”
David and his wife, Outhay, met in Toledo, Ohio, in 1998. They have two daughters, Alexa, 25, and Haley, 20, who are both proud Assumption High School alumnae.
“Alexa is getting married in March,” David said. “So, I ask that after my classmates give to Trinity, maybe they Venmo me a few bucks for the wedding.”
Share an alumni story!
Do you know a Trinity alumnus with a compelling story? Please reach out to Travis Wagoner '90, Alumni Relations & Communications Director, at 502-736-2122 or wagoner@trinityrocks.com.
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