A 34-foot lighted tree dominates the amphitheater at the Wind Creek Casino in Atmore. PHOTOS COURTESY BURR INDUSTRIES
Andalusia company decks halls across Alabama By Stephanie Snodgrass
T
he holidays are all about making memories. For one Andalusia family, it’s a mission they’ve taken to heart. Whether working with their company, Burr Industries, or watching families build memories while visiting one of their countless holiday creations – for Justin and Sarah Sightler, it’s all about creating family tradition. And while the Burr Industries name might not sound familiar, odds are you’ve seen their work. Burr Industries is quickly becoming one of the nation’s leading wholesale holiday display companies. Their work is featured in the annual Christmas scenes in cities and towns across the state, including Andalusia, Brewton, Atmore, Opelika, Elba, Luverne, Auburn, Foley, Birmingham and more. Over the years, pieces have gone as far as Canada, South America, Hawaii and Dubai. “When you begin a business, you dream about what you can accomplish,” Justin says. “But when you see families loving what was created by your team, that’s what fuels us to continue improving each day.”
Humble beginnings
In the mid-1970s, Alabama’s economy was changing from agricultural to industrial. Many farmers converted cotton land to planted pines or pastureland. Others shifted to soybeans and other cash crops. Roger Sightler, the founder of Burr Industries and longtime cattle farmer, recognized the need to keep his crew employed between harvests. He took a hobby started in his
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barn to the next level in 1975. “Dad’s first piece he ever made still hangs in my office,” Justin says. “He saw a need for quality décor and started with pine burr wreaths. Then, he moved on to vine deer, Santa sleighs and nativity scenes using natural elements from the farm. He started going to ‘market’ in Atlanta and Dallas and made some great connections to build a network of distributors.” In the mid-1980s, the company created its iconic building-sized red Christmas bow, which is now the company’s staple product. From there, the inventory, staff and client base grew. In 2012, after operating his own local business, Justin, a 2006 Auburn graduate, and his wife, Sarah, became the owners at Burr and began to focus on growing the business.
Lighting the way
The Burr Industry catalogue now features signature Burr bows, fiberglass ornaments, Christmas trees, greenery and elaborate lighted holiday designs. “It really is a niche that we fill,” Justin says. “We are always looking for new ideas and educating ourselves on how to take a concept into reality. We are surrounded by talented people, and they are the key to our success.” In its beginning, work was done with a handful of employees. Today, the roster has grown to more than 20 full-time workers. As seasonal
Sightler family: Justin and Sarah Sightler and their three children, Emma, Callie and Anderson. www.alabamaliving.coop
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