Business Alabama - September 2024 by Business Alabama

SEPT 2024

MAKING HIS

MARK

JOEL BLACKSTOCK CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF DESIGN AT WILLIAMS BLACKSTOCK ARCHITECTS.

PAGE 12 RESIDENTIAL

28 RENEWAL

AGC’S 47 MEET 40 UNDER 40

SPOTLIGHT ON PIKE,

84 BARBOUR & BULLOCK COUNTIES

Volume 39 / Number 9

SEPTEMBER 2024

CONTENTS

28 Elliott Pike’s Vestavia Hills-based Elm Construction helps homeowners achieve the remodel they envision. Photo by Art Meripol.

Features 12

CONSTRUCTION DECADES OF DESIGN Williams Blackstock Architects celebrates 30 years in business

CONCRETE TRACKER Birmingham-born Command Alkon provides the software to help its clients manage heavy loads

ELM CONSTRUCTION TAKES ROOT After several resets, Elliott Pike found the career he was seeking as a home remodeler

HEALTH CARE EDUCATION PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT Real people pose as patients to enhance medical training

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AUTOMOTIVE DESIGNING THE FUTURE Hyundai sponsors STEM learning program in Montgomery Public Schools

INSURANCE KEEPING COVERED Most insurance rates are up, but needed coverage is available across Alabama

RETROSPECT 106 THE LIGHTNING ROUTE Montgomery set the pace with electrified streetcar system

On the Cover: Joel Blackstock and the Williams Blackstock firm he co-founded have created new spaces and rejuvenated historic ones across the state. Photo by Cary Norton.

37: Hyundai sponsors a new STEM unit in Montgomery schools. 34: Standardized patients play a role to help health care students learn their careers. 47: Construction leaders on the career upswing are honored in AGC’s 40 Under 40.

Departments

TOP RANK 17 GENERAL CONTRACTORS 25 ARCHITECTURE FIRMS 27 SUBCONTRACTORS 33 ENGINEERING FIRMS 45 COMMERCIAL INSURANCE AGENCIES & PROVIDERS

GEOGRAPHIC SPOTLIGHT 84 PIKE, BARBOUR & BULLOCK COUNTIES SPECIAL SECTIONS 47 ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS 40 UNDER 40 79 BUSINESS COUNCIL OF ALABAMA

BENCHMARKS: MONTHLY BUSINESS NEWS BRIEFING 105 COMPANY KUDOS: A MONTH OF ACHIEVEMENTS 108 BA INDEX: HUNDREDS OF LEADS EACH MONTH 110 CAREER NOTES: WHO’S MOVING UP 111 HISTORIC ALABAMA: A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE 111 ALABIZ QUIZ: TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 5

SEPTEMBER 2024 BusinessAlabama.com Volume 39 / Number 9 PUBLISHER Walker Sorrell / wsorrell@pmtpublishing.com ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Stephen Potts / snpotts@pmtpublishing.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR Alec Harvey / alec@pmtpublishing.com EDITOR Erica Joiner West / ewest@pmtpublishing.com COPY EDITOR Nedra Bloom / nedra@pmtpublishing.com ART DIRECTOR Vic Wheeler / ads@pmtpublishing.com DIGITAL EDITOR Kathryn Dorlon / kdorlon@pmtpublishing.com ACCOUNTING Keith Crabtree / acct@pmtpublishing.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Birmingham: 205-802-6363 Lee Mills / Ext. 102 / lmills@pmtpublishing.com Mobile: 251-473-6269 Joe Hyland / Ext. 214 / jhyland@pmtpublishing.com DIRECTOR OF INTEGRATED MEDIA & EVENTS Sheila Wardy / swardy@pmtpublishing.com ADMINISTRATIVE Rachel Mayhall / rmayhall@pmtpublishing.com BIRMINGHAM OFFICE 3324 Independence Drive / Homewood, AL 35209 205-802-6363 MOBILE OFFICE 166 Government Street / Mobile, AL 36602 251-473-6269 CORPORATE T.J. Potts, President & CEO Thomas E. McMillan, Partner & Director Business Alabama is published monthly by

PMT Publishing Co., Inc. Copyright 2024 by PMT Publishing Co., Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited. Letters to the editor are welcome. Moving? Please note US Postal Service will not forward magazines mailed through its Bulk Mail unit. Four to six weeks before moving, please send old mailing label and new address to Business Alabama, P.O. Box 43, Congers, NY 109209922 or call 1-833-454-5060.

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Benchmarks

Norfolk Southern plans $200M investment in Alabama NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP. is investing more

than $200 million on a key rail line in Alabama. Improvements will be made on the 3B Corridor, which connects markets in northern and central Alabama to the Port of Mobile. It’s “an important segment of Norfolk Southern’s annual traffic, serving critical industries like agriculture, automotive, chemicals, forestry and steel,” according to a news release from the company. The improvements are expected to come online in 2025. “Together with our customers, we are anticipating where markets are heading, and positioning to deliver on their supply chain needs now and into the future,” said Norfolk Southern President and CEO Alan H. Shaw. “These investments will bring immediate returns as they make rail an even more competitive part of our nation’s supply chain and expand our customers’ end-to-end solutions.” The investments will result in enhancements for more than 40 customers and more than 21 miles of new track construction, the company said. “We are grateful to Norfolk Southern for these investments in our state and for their support of our existing industries,” said Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair. “This

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BIGGER & BETTER Hyundai Power Transformers has announced plans for a $14 million expansion at the Montgomery plant where the South Korea-based firm makes industrial transformers for the electric industry.

Stores for $1.1 billion. The purchase includes 198 stores, including 11 in coastal Alabama. Birmingham’s Citadel Fire Sprinkler, founded in 2013, has been acquired by Century Fire Protection.

WELCOME TO ALABAMA Massachusetts-based Odyssey Systems has opened a new office at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, continuing to build its business in the defense and aerospace hubs. It’s Odyssey’s second facility in Huntsville. MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS Renasant Corp. will acquire The First Bancshares Inc. for $1.2 billion. Both of the Mississippi-based banks have branches in Alabama. Casey’s General Stores is acquiring the owner of CEFCO Convenience

MILESTONE In early August, Airbus celebrated the completion of the 500th commercial aircraft it has manufactured in Mobile. The company continues to grow, with a new final assembly line under construction and expected to be completed in 2025. RIVER PACT Warrior Met Coal has reached a legal agreement with Black Warrior Riverkeeper to fix a dam and fix leaks from Warrior Met’s 160-acre coal slurry impoundment in Tuscaloosa

Improvements to Norfolk Southern’s 3B Corridor will speed connections between north and central Alabama and the port.

is proof that our open for business approach is attracting growth in our state among world-class businesses looking to locate or expand their operation. We look forward to the positive impact these enhancements will have on Alabama’s economic competitiveness and on the nation’s supply chain more broadly.”

County. Riverkeeper had sued Warrior Met Coal in 2022. LANDMARK DEMO The Mobile City Council has given final approval for a $4.3 million contract to demolish the Mobile Civic Center. The council also signed off on revisions to an existing design contract for the complex to replace it. BANK BUY-UP Anniston-based Southern States Bancshares has completed its acquisition of CBB Bancorp. Those companies are the holding companies of Southern States Bank and Century Bank of Georgia. TREE EXCHANGE Weyerhaeuser Co., based in Seattle, is purchasing 84,300 acres of timberlands in Alabama

for $244 million. Weyerhaeuser is the parent company of Southern Timberlands. The acreage was secured through multiple transactions. NEW OWNERSHIP Birmingham-based Hibbett Inc. is now officially part of JD Sports Fashion and will cease to be a stand-alone publicly traded company. Hibbett President Mike Longo will continue in that job, and the company will maintain its headquarters in Birmingham, despite the new owner’s British base. TOURISM HONORS Colbert County Tourism recently was named organization of the year by the Alabama Tourism Department, bringing in $115 million and 1,500 new jobs in 2023.

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BENCHMARKS

Seven chosen for UA Business Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame inductees.

The ALABAMA BUSINESS HALL OF FAME at the University of Alabama will honor seven business leaders at a ceremony in Birmingham on Nov. 14. Here are this year’s inductees: Rob O. Burton of Birmingham, CEO of Hoar Holdings. Raymond J. Harbert of Birmingham, founder, chairman and CEO of Harbert Management Corp. Thomas A. Harris of Hope Hull, an investment banker and entrepreneur whose ventures have included Merchant Capital,

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COOL ON CAMPUS Jacksonville State University has broken ground on the $41.3 million Randy Owen Center for the Performing Arts. It’s named for the lead singer of the band Alabama who is a JSU graduate.

in five additional floors and 100 patient rooms. The $150 million expansion is expected to take 22 months.

ECO BOOST A report from Autos Drive America and the American International Automobile Dealers Association says that Alabama’s four auto plants and affiliated factories contribute $10.8 billion to the state’s economy. The report says that last year, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Hyundai and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing produced 1.124 million vehicles. HOSPITAL BOOST An expansion of Huntsville Hospital Health System’s Madison Street Tower will result

FARNBOROUGH FLYING A number of Alabama representatives attended the Farnborough International Airshow in England in July. The delegation includes lawmakers, educators, economic development specialists and others associated with the aerospace, aviation and defense sectors. CYBER SITE The Alabama Community College System is one of four across the U.S. that will offer two new IBM SkillsBuild certificates in cybersecurity and data analytics. The certificates also will be available in California, Colorado and Louisiana.

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Birmingham Recovery Center and Longleaf Wellness and Recovery Centers. Dr. Marnix E. Heersink of Dothan, an ophthalmologist, co-founder of Eye Center South and namesake of the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine. Thomas H. Lowder of Birmingham, former chairman and CEO of Colonial Properties Trust. Claude B. Nielsen of Birmingham, retired CEO and chairman of the board of Coca-Cola Bottling Company United. Nick Saban of Tuscaloosa, sportscaster, entrepreneur and retired college and professional football coach, best known for coaching the University of Alabama football team from 2007 to 2023.

ECONOMIC BOOST The Growing Alabama program has awarded $15 million in grants to economic development projects around the state. The largest grant, $4.71 million, went to the Walker County Economic & Industrial Development Authority for site work and public infrastructure at Heritage Industrial Park. NEW AT THE TOP Kelly Ortberg has been named CEO of Virginia-based Boeing Co., which has a major presence in Huntsville and is a partner in United Launch Alliance in Decatur. Sean Sabel has been named president and CEO of Sabel Steel, the sixth generation of his family to lead the Montgomery firm. Birmingham-based EBSCO Industries has named Annie

Callahan CEO of EBSCO Information Services. Callahan, most recently CEO of Taylor & Francis, replaces Tim Collins, who announced his retirement after serving as CEO for more than 40 years. Brant Malone will succeed Linda Cencula as CEO of Avadian Credit Union. The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce has hired Lizzie Maymon as executive director. Board Chairman Isaac Cooper has been named interim president at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute after DeJuana Thompson stepped down in July. Lora Terry Blalock has been named executive director of the Rotary Club of Birmingham, one of the largest Rotary Clubs in the world. RIB OUT Birmingham barbecue Rib-It-Up is closing after 32 years.

BENCHMARKS

Three new plants planned in Mobile region Two new plants have opted to The South Alabama Logistics Park located in the South Alabama will have two new tenants. Logistics Park near the Port of Mobile — SIMPSON STRONGTIE and VEYER — while FRITO LAY has announced plans for a new plant in nearby Prichard. News of the Frito-Lay plant, an $8 million investment for a 25,000-square-foot distribution center in Prichard, came from the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce in August. Frito-Lay is a part of PepsiCo Inc. The logistics park anticipates a $7.5 million investment from Simpson, a manufacturer of structural construction products, including steel connectors, fasteners and anchors, and a $9.8 million investment from Bradley Byrne said the logistics park announcements highlight Veyer, a wholly owned subsidi“the strategic investments happening in anticipation of the ary of Office Depot, that provides logistics and final-mile delivery Port of Mobile’s growth. Veyer and Simpson Strong-Tie’s services to Fortune 500 and eCommerce companies. decision to establish facilities at the South Alabama Logistics The announcement comes as the Port of Mobile, about 12 Park underscores the confidence in Mobile’s future as a leading miles from the industrial park, continues to grow. logistics hub.” Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO

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NEW MANAGEMENT The five-hospital Baptist Health System has a new majority partner, after Orlando Health bought Tenet’s 70% stake for $910 million. Tuscaloosa’s Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater has dropped Red Mountain Entertainment and hired Danny Wimmer Presents Talent Services to book the venue. Red Mountain Entertainment had served in that capacity since the facility opened in 2011. Scholar Birmingham, a high-rise apartment building in Birmingham’s Five Points South Neighborhood, has been sold to Atlanta-based Audubon. Audubon plans to transition Scholar, originally built as student housing near UAB, to market-rate housing. Nashvillebased SurgNet, an ambulatory surgical center, has acquired Tuscaloosa Endoscopy Center.

Tuscaloosa Endoscopy has been a staple in the West Alabama region for more than 40 years. SRI Management, based in Tallahassee, Florida, is managing Pioneer Senior Living at Upland Park in Huntsville. The complex is owned by Nicol Investment Co. BUILDING LEEDS A multi-use project with a regional sports park, three hotels, water park, residential and retail developments is moving through approvals in Leeds. UNDER CONSTRUCTION Birmingham-based Robins & Morton is at work on three hospitals in Florida — an emergency department for AdventHealth in Pasco County, Florida; a $220 million addition to AdventHealth in Daytona

Beach and a new Baptist Health Rehabilitation Hospital in South Miami, Florida. HOT PROPERTY Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex has been ranked among the top venues for tickets sold and gross revenue.

land is in west Jefferson County. GROWING PLANS Daphne investment company 68 Ventures is partnering with Daphne’s Gulf Energy, allowing the fuel distributor to expand its distribution network and convenience store portfolio.

REAPING THE WIND The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded Birmingham-based Accelerate Wind $230,000 to perform testing of its rooftop wind turbine. The testing will take place at Windward Engineering in Utah.

QUANTUM LEAP Davidson plans to place a D-Wave quantum computer at its new global headquarters in Huntsville. Leaders at the Space and Missile Defense Symposium hailed it as “a major milestone in the region’s quantum computing leadership.”

LAND TRUST The Freshwater Land Trust has acquired 366 acres on a peninsula at the confluence of the Mulberry Fork, Locust Fork and Black Warrior rivers. The

PLAY PLACE PLAUDITS Montgomery’s Whitewater Park, which opened last year, was honored by Time Inc. as one of 2024’s World’s Greatest Places.

September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 9

BENCHMARKS

Officials hope the new bridge will speed traffic that routinely backs up at under-river tunnels.

Mobile River interstate bridge project gets half-billion-dollar grant The U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION has awarded a $550 million grant from the Bridge Investment Program to the Mobile River bridge and bayway project. The grant for the plan to build a new I-10 bridge and bayway connecting Mobile and the Eastern Shore of Baldwin County is among the largest federal grants ever received for an Alabama project. “It is a great day in Alabama,” Gov. Kay Ivey said. “This federal funding will be a game-changer, not just for Mobile and Baldwin counties, but for our entire state and region. This is exactly how our infrastructure dollars should be spent, and I thank the federal

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WASTE WORKS Dallas-based Monarch Waste Technologies has opened its latest pyrolysis facility in Gadsden. The company calls it the most technologically advanced pyrolysis system for medical waste in the country.

Wharf will anchor Portside on Main, an expansion of the Wharf in Orange Beach. Boutiques, beverages and ice cream shops were also announced at the Wharf project.

TRAIN TIME Mobile’s city council has approved three resolutions that lay the groundwork for Amtrak service to return to the city. The passenger line will offer two trains between Mobile and New Orleans, with several stops in Mississippi. GO GOLF GolfSuites plans to open its first two Alabama locations in Opelika and Hoover next year. The complexes will include driving ranges, restaurants, bars and live music. Tee Off at the

TARGETING ALZHEIMER’S The University of South Alabama has received a $300,000 grant from the Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust to study Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Amy R. Nelson is leading the project. GROWTH TEAM Members of the new Alabama Growth Alliance are Angus Cooper III, Helena Duncan, Macke Maulding, Jimmy Rane, John Turner, Allison Ross, Jeff Peoples and Bruce Culpepper.

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government for their recognition of and support for this critical project.” Alabama Department of Transportation Chief Engineer Ed Austin said the grant means the project could begin as early as next year. “To say we’re grateful that our federal partners are recognizing the project’s national importance is an understatement,” Austin said. “This decision is a testament to the persistent efforts and dedication of our state, local and congressional leaders who have had numerous meetings and extensive discussions with USDOT, tirelessly advocating for this project.”

CITY HALL OPENS The Town of Elkmont has opened its new $1 million city hall, providing city offices and a storm shelter for local residents. AIRBORNE TOGETHER A partnership between Auburn University and Southern Union State Community College will result in a new hangar to be used in Southern Union’s Airframe and Powerplant School and Auburn’s School of Aviation. EVENT SPACE The Sage, a 5,000-square-foot event space, has opened at Pepper Place in Birmingham. POWER PLAY Southern Company, the parent company of Alabama Power, saw profits rise to $1.2 billion in the second quarter of 2024, a 43% increase over last year.

Alabama Power’s profits during the same time frame were $369 million, more than an 18% increase over last year. BIGGER & BIGGER Birmingham-based investment adviser Waverly Advisors has acquired River Capital, based in Jacksonville, Florida. This marks Waverly’s 15th acquisition since December 2021. SHIPS AHOY Mobile’s Austal USA has received a $55 million contract modification to construct two more landing craft (Utility 1700 class craft) for the U.S. Navy. The work is expected to be finished in March 2027. Also, Austal has launched its final Littoral Combat Ship, the last ship of the U.S. Navy’s LCS program.

BENCHMARKS

Magneco/ Metrel opens in Gadsden

Magneco/Metrel celebrated its grand opening in late July.

MAGNECO/METREL cele-

brated the opening of its new Gadsden location in July, after an $8 million renovation of the former Gulf States Steel site. The plant was originally expected to open in fall 2025. “Due to the excellent support from the City of Gadsden, the Industrial Development Authority and the local supplier base, we were able to open a year earlier than projected,” said Chuck Conners, CEO of the company. “We are currently employing 20 skilled workers and look forward to continued expansion at the Gadsden plant.” Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Magneco/Metrel is a “refractory manufacturer and pioneer in the development and use of colloidal bonded monolithic refractory,” according to its website.

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SURVEY WIN Troy University’s Surveying and Geomatics Sciences program is one of seven in the U.S. to win the Surveying Education Award. The award, which includes $10,000, is for advancing licensure for engineers and surveyors to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of the public.

started going-out-of-business sales. Conn’s is closing five locations in Alabama, while Badcock is closing 38 in the state. Jody’s restaurant, a Tuscumbia landmark for more than six decades, is closing Aug. 4. The restaurant has been serving since 1958.

BLAST OFF A student team from the University of Alabama in Huntsville is set to launch its largest payload ever in August as part of the NASA RockSat Program. SAY GOODBYE Conn’s HomePlus, parent company of Badcock Home Furniture, filed for bankruptcy, and more than 40 Conn’s and Badcock stores in Alabama have

REGAL REDESIGN The Admiral, one of Mobile’s downtown landmark hotels, has unveiled a makeover that honors the city’s French colonial roots with a nod to the grandeur of the French court. BIGGER BUILDER Dothan-based Construction Partners has completed its acquisition of Robinson Paving Co., headquartered in Columbus, Georgia. Construction Partners specializes in the construction and

Its products are used in iron, steel, aluminum and glass making and other industries. The company’s major product is Metpump, which is used for refractory applications. The company has manufacturing, warehousing and service centers on multiple continents.

maintenance of roadways across six southeastern states. RECOMPETE Birmingham has received a $20 million Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The grant will be used in the North Birmingham, Northside, Smithfield and Pratt City communities to create renewed economic opportunities. More than 550 applied for the grant, and six communities around the country were chosen. TRAINING TIME Birmingham Legion FC has completed a new training facility, which will include space for UAB Medicine Physical Therapy. The facility is on Dunnavant Valley Road.

CAMPUS CLEAN UP Birmingham-Southern College, which closed this spring, has hired a New York brokerage firm to help find a buyer for the campus. Rare books, maps and atlases from the college’s library also were auctioned off in midsummer. NEW MONIKER Birmingham-based insurance firm Cobbs Allen has rebranded as CAC Group following the 2023 merger with CAC Specialty, based in Denver, Colorado. FRANCHISE OPTIONS Birmingham-based Gone for Good, which employs adults with intellectual and physical disabilities to help get rid of documents and e-waste, is offering franchising opportunities. The company was founded at United Ability.

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CONSTRUCTION

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DECADES OF

DESIGN Williams Blackstock Architects celebrating 30 years in business

By GAIL ALLYN SHORT — Photos by CARY NORTON

Williams Blackstock President Stephen Allen (left) and co-founder Joel Blackstock lead the firm as it sets an architectural tone for Birmingham and beyond.

rom research facilities, hospitals and university buildings to rehabbed office spaces, mixed-use venues and beach communities, the design work of Williams Blackstock Architects is visible across Alabama and beyond. Joel Blackstock says he co-founded the award-winning, Birmingham-based firm with fellow architect Bill Williams (who retired in 2010) back in 1994 after 14 years with another firm, with dreams of carrying out their own business philosophy. “A big part of our philosophy was to provide a high level of service and design to our clients and create spaces that inspire people and make our community a better place,” Blackstock says. Today, Williams Blackstock Architects is celebrating 30 years in business. It is one of the largest architectural firms in Alabama with 56 employees, an in-house interior design division and specialized services such as planning and historic preservation. The firm reports that it charged more than $21.5 million in design fees in 2023 and, as of July 1, 2024, design fees reached $9.61 million. “We work closely together with our clients to understand their vision for a project and to show the possibilities. Each project is uniquely designed for the context of the site and the client’s needs,” Blackstock says. And Williams Blackstock President Stephen Allen says, “We believe each design solution is unique and should be unique to the place that it will be located and capture the client’s goals and aspirations, as well as reflect the community that it’s within.” Past design projects have included the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB and the UAB Collat School of Business in Birmingham, Vestavia Hills City Hall complex and the Red Diamond Corporate Office and Distribution Center in Moody. For its designs, Williams Blackstock has won numerous awards over the years from organizations like the American Institute of Architects Alabama and International Interior Design Association. And last fall, Interior Design Magazine’s Best in Design issue profiled Williams Blackstock’s work on the real estate investment Growth Capital Partners’ headquarters in Birmingham, highlighting the office’s floor-to-ceiling windows, dark wood paneling and computer monitors “cleverly recessed to de-emphasize technological interruptions.” Allen, who joined the firm in 2004 after relocating to Birmingham from Mississippi, says he chose Williams Blackstock for several reasons. September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 13

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Project photos are displayed throughout the Williams Blackstock offices on First Avenue South in Birmingham.

“As I looked at various firms and opportunities, I really found a kindred spirit in this firm, its culture and with Joel Blackstock. It aligned with how I viewed what we do as a profession and the belief that what we do can and should have a positive impact,” Allen says. “But also, it seemed open and approachable, a place where my ideas and my efforts could contribute and would be heard and seen,” he says. Blackstock says the key to Williams Blackstock’s longevity is threefold. “One key is client service and showing clients that we can bring them value for their design and construction dollars,” Blackstock says. The second key is the firm’s ability to find and hire good talent and create a culture where associates feel they’re making a difference in the world, he says. “The third is creating inspiring design and spaces that people remember and enjoy,” Blackstock says. Reflecting on his career, Blackstock recalls some of the firm’s many past corporate, civic, religious, industrial and university clients. One “milestone” project that took the firm to new levels of success, he says, was The Village residence halls at Auburn University. Completed in 2009, it was at the time the largest project the firm had

tackled up until that point. The Village consisted of eight, four-story brick and stone residence halls that the firm designed to fit the classical and pastoral urban design of the campus. “It was exciting to create a positive community space within the Auburn campus,” Blackstock says. “I graduated from Auburn, so, it was an opportunity to give back to the school that helped train us as architects,” Blackstock says. Williams Blackstock also has designed mixed-use properties such as The Waites in Birmingham. For The Waites, architects blended elements from the 1930s art deco building that once stood there with modern elements. They also designed The Arcadia near Cummings Research Park in Huntsville. The Arcadia, still under construction at press time, will feature restaurants, luxury apartments, offices and more. One recent project is the new 175,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art UAB Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building on Seventh Avenue South, between 19th and 20th streets, in Birmingham. That building, which is still under construction, features a double helix design across the windows that is visible from the street. In addition, the firm has started design work on the new $190 million UAB

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Biomedical Research and Psychology Building, an eight-story facility that will house the UAB Department of Psychology and wet and dry research laboratories for the Heersink School of Medicine. “That’s one of the largest projects we’ve done to date,” Blackstock says. Besides new construction, Williams Blackstock is known for its restoration and adaptive reuse work. One example is The Hardwick Building, a 110-year-old structure that once served as a fabricated and prefabricated steel processing plant on First Avenue South. The firm plans to turn the structure into a modern mixeduse center with office space, restaurants and retail stores. “The Hardwick Building is a great example of taking an old facility and giving a new function, and then in this case, a mixed-use function where we’re celebrating all of the old character of the space by preserving it, but we’re also installing new systems and new finishes so that it can be a vibrant, mixed-use facility that will have restaurants as well as businesses in it,” Allen says. Another example is how the firm transformed a once-windowless concrete warehouse into the Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Pavilion in Montgomery, a serene space with a perforated, stainless-steel west façade that displays images of seven well-known civil rights leaders from the city. Blackstock and Allen say more clients these days are demanding designs that promote sustainability, buildings that let in daylight, fresh air, promote wellness and collaboration. “Sustainability is not only important for our planet, but it’s really a wise investment of money because it saves cost over the life cycle of a building,” Blackstock says. Allen says an example is the Nature Conservancy in Alabama headquarters in Birmingham that features a new roof using regionally sourced wood I-joists and solar tubes to disperse diffuse light. “Businesses are looking for more ener-

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Clients want light-filled spaces and pleasant places to meet — and those are hallmarks of the firm’s own offices, as well.

gy efficient spaces that also provide lightfilled spaces and views to the exterior that are engaging and have a variety of spaces within them, a place to work, places to meet and also places that reflect a vibrant, dynamic culture and is more specific to their own company culture,” Allen says. Meanwhile, Williams Blackstock Architects’ own company culture is working on feeding the tributary of architects of the future, Allen says. “As we’ve grown, we’ve really focused a lot on our pipeline of growth,” Allen says. “We’re focusing on the internships now, and we’ll continue doing that, and then, once they become part of our office after graduation, provide opportunities for them to develop professionally.” Blackstock says he is most proud that the firm has upheld its value of treating

people right. “We work with a lot of people, not just the client. We work with the client. We work with engineering consultants,” says Blackstock. “We work with the contractor. And we want everybody to be

successful on a project and treated fairly and with respect.” Gail Allyn Short and Cary Norton are Birmingham-based freelance contributors to Business Alabama.

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CO N S T R U C T I O N

Alabama’s Largest General Contractors

Ranked by Value of Contracts Awarded in 2023.

RANK

COMPANY MANAGING PRINCIPALS

ADDRESS PHONE WEBSITE

VALUE OF CONTRACTS AWARDED IN 2023 VALUE OF CONTRACTS AWARDED AS OF JULY 1, 2024

ALABAMA EMPLOYEES TOTAL EMPLOYEES

LARGEST PROJECT UNDER CONSTRUCTION

YEAR ESTABLISHED

Compiled by ERICA JOINER WEST

COMPANY CLASSIFICATION (GENERAL, DESIGN-BUILD, ETC.)

Brasfield & Gorrie M. Miller Gorrie, M. James Gorrie, Rob Blalock, Matt Carrington

3021 7th Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35226 205-328-4000 brasfieldgorrie.com

$9.6 billion $2.8 billion

1,306 3,744

Project Zeus, Red Oak, TX $1.2 billion

Omni PGA Frisco Resort, Frisco, TX $288 million

1964

General Contractor

Robins & Morton Bill Morton, Robin Savage, Ben Leaver

400 Shades Creek Pkwy. Birmingham, AL 35209 205-870-1000 robinsmorton.com

$2.3 billion $469.4 million

348 1,534

Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital Crystal Spring Tower, Roanoke, VA $342 million

BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel, FL $129 million

1946

General Contractor

BL Harbert International Billy Harbert

820 Shades Creek Pkwy. Ste. 3000 Birmingham, AL 35209 205-802-2800 blharbert.com

$1.6 billion $596.3 million

424 10,032

U.S. Embassy Compound, Hanoi, Vietnam $782.9 million

U.S. Embassy Compound, Windhoek, Namibia

2000

General Contractor

Hoar Construction Turner Burton

2 Metroplex Dr., Ste. 400 Birmingham, AL 35209 407-650-8100 hoar.com

$1.6 billion $554.3 million

390 759

Auburn University STEM Monarch, Tysons, VA + AG Building, Auburn, AL $76 million $185 million

1940

General Contractor

Gray Drew Romans

1728 3rd Ave. N. Ste. 100 Birmingham, AL 35203 205-380-1800 gray.com

$1.5 billion $1.2 billion

60 2,129

Qcells Solar Cell and Module Production Facility, White, GA $1.3 billion

Confidential, Fishersville, VA $172 million

1960

General Contractor

Caddell Construction Mac Caddell

445 Dexter Ave. Ste. 11000 Montgomery, AL 36104 334-272-7723 caddell.com

$1.1 billion $404.1 million

144 2,793

U.S. Embassy Compound, Riyadh, Saudia Arabia $675.5 million

New U.S. Embassy Complex, Asunción, Paraguay $187.9 million

1983

General Contractor

McShane Construction Co. Scott Hoppa, Dave Meadows

3365 Skyway Dr. Ste. 300 Auburn, AL 36830 334-887-8181 mcshaneconstruction. com

$508 million $400 million

58 193

Mallard Creek Apartments, Charlotte, NC Confidential

The Kendry, Charlotte, NC Confidential

1984

General Construction, Design-Build

DeAngelis Diamond Construction David Diamond, John DeAngelis, Reggie Morgan, Brett Diamond, Robert Lewis

2871 Acton Rd. Ste. 222-B Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 205-977-7998 deangelisdiamond.com

$479 million $136.2 million

4 230

Naples Beach Club Market Square, Clubhouse & Conference Center, Naples, FL $127 million

Margaritaville Resort, Fort Myers Beach, FL $78 million

1996

Construction Manager, DesignBuild, General Contractor

Morris-Shea Bridge Co. Inc. 609 20th St. S. Dick Shea, Richard Shea, Irondale, AL 35210 Bill Shea, Steve Shea

$362 million $153 million

150 350

Novelis Aluminum, Bay Minette, AL $114 million

Plaquemine LNG, Port Sulphur, LA $220 million

1969

Design-Build, Specialty Deep Foundations Contractor

Capstone Building Corp. Jay Chapman

1200 Corporate Dr., Ste. 350 Birmingham, AL 35242 205-937-3225 capstonebuilding.com

$333.8 million $247.1 million

50 125

Lakecrest Apartments, Birmingham, AL $88.4 million

Anthem Apartments, Huntsville, AL $54.8 million

1997

General Contractor

White-Spunner Construction John White-Spunner, Jeff Carrico

2010 W. I-65 Service Rd. S. Mobile, AL 36693 251-620-7000 white-spunner.com

$324.9 million $147.9 million

119 119

City of Mobile Parking Deck, Mobile, AL $38.2 million

Home Depot Lantana, FL $19 million

1981

General Contracting, Design-Build, Construction Management

LARGEST PROJECT COMPLETED IN 2023

September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 17

CO N S T R U C T I O N

YEAR ESTABLISHED

COMPANY CLASSIFICATION (GENERAL, DESIGN-BUILD, ETC.)

Doster Construction Co. Walton Doster

2100 International Park Dr. Birmingham, AL 35243 205-443-3800 dosterconstruction.com

$306.1 million $136.4 million

204 225

New Benjamin Russell High School, Alexander City, AL $99.9 million

The Watts at Hampton Cove, Huntsville, AL $49.9 million

1969

General Contractor

Fite Construction Co. LLC dba: Fite Building Co. William J. Fite Sr.

3116 Sexton Rd. SE, Ste. A Decatur, AL 35603 256-353-5759 fitebuilding.com

$282.2 million $100 million

154 156

Nucor Towers & Structures, Trinity, AL $87.8 million

The Lofts at Dallas Mill, Huntsville, AL $20.1 million

1976

General Contracting, Design-Build, Construction Management

Stone Building Co. Justin Drummond, Brett Drummond

8011 Liberty Pkwy. Vestavia Hills, AL 35242 205-328-8300 stonebuilding.com

$251.2 million $64.8 million

72 72

17 Springs Multi-Sport Complex, Millbrook, AL $77.3 million

Marshall on 5th, Birmingham, AL $46.9 million

1983

General Contractor

Dunn Building Co. LLC Andrew Edwards, Brett Clark, Casey Gedgoudas

3901 Messer Airport Hwy. Birmingham, AL 35222 205-510-0300 dunnbuildingcompany. com

$201.1 million $51.2 million

300 300

Hwashin, Dublin, GA $105 million

James Hardie Phase III, Prattville, AL $45 million

1878

General Contractor, Design-Build, Specialty

Jim Cooper Construction Co. Inc. Jim Cooper

5004 5th Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35212 205-283-7814 cooperconstruction.com

$181.5 million $110.5 million

49 52

Ecoplatic Warehouse, Statesboro, GA $45 million

FedEx Ground Warehouse, Myrtle Beach, SC $40.7 million

1991

General Contractor, Design-Build

Harrison Construction Co. Inc. Tim Harrison

5870 Charlie Shirley Rd. Northport, AL 35473 205-333-1120 harrison-const.com

$159.7 million $82.2 million

127 127

SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Orange Beach, AL $23.4 million

University of Alabama Peter Bryce Main Renovation, Tuscaloosa, AL $54.9 million

1996

General Contractor

Rabren General Contractors Matthew Rabren

306 Persimmon Dr. Auburn, AL 36830 334-826-6143 rabren.com

$112 million $256.6 million

120 120

Gulf Shores High School, Gulf Shores, AL $130.5 million

OWA Indoor Waterpark, Foley, AL $65.1 million

2000

General Contractor

First Team Construction Co. Inc. Marvin Deen, Greg Kiteley

475 N. Dean Rd. Auburn, AL 36830

$100.8 million $34.7 million

40 40

Lauderdale County Innovation Center, Lauderdale County, AL $34.7 million

Jackson County Innovation & Career Academy, Jackson County, AL $31 million

1997

General Construction

CS Beatty Construction Inc. Craig Beatty, Jeremy McCormick

1 Civitan Place Birmingham, AL 35213

$97 million $55.2 million

158 158

Tyndall AFB, Panama City, FL $56 million

NHA 5/6, Huntsville, AL $40.5 million

1999

Sitework Construction

Marshall Design-Build LLC Mitch Marshall, Travis Marshall, Chet Marshall

4437 Atlanta Hwy. Montgomery, AL 36109 334 277-8830 marshall-group.com

$95.6 million $32.6 million

25 31

PHA Manufacturing Facility, Savannah, GA $36.4 million

DSC (Alabama) Daechang Seat Co., Phenix City, AL $22.6 million

1976

General Contractor

Rives Construction Co. Inc. Daniel Dillon

5200 Grantswood Rd. Birmingham, AL 35210 205-443-5131 rives.com

$90.3 million $68.5 million

70 70

Did Not Disclose

1930

General Contractor

The Highland Group Scott Shamburger

501 S. McKenzie St., Ste. 2 Foley, AL 36535 251-968-9253 thehighlandgroup.com

The Grove at Seascape Phase 1, Miramar Beach, FL $50 million

Conference & Education Center at Coastal Alabama Community College Atmore Campus, Atmore, AL $4.4 million

2005

General Contractor, Design-Build

RANK

ALABAMA EMPLOYEES TOTAL EMPLOYEES

continued from page 17

VALUE OF CONTRACTS AWARDED IN 2023 VALUE OF CONTRACTS AWARDED AS OF JULY 1, 2024

Alabama’s Largest General Contractors

COMPANY MANAGING PRINCIPALS

ADDRESS PHONE WEBSITE

For more general contractors, visit BusinessAlabama.com

18 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

$87.3 million $20.9 million

26 38

LARGEST PROJECT UNDER CONSTRUCTION

LARGEST PROJECT COMPLETED IN 2023

Source: Business Alabama surveys

September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 19

CO N S T R U C T I O N

CONCRETE TRACKER Birmingham-born Command Alkon provides the software to help its clients manage heavy loads By KATHY HAGOOD

ounded in Birmingham in 1976 to give concrete producers a competitive edge in product delivery, Command Alkon recently acquired yet another company as part of its ongoing drive to put forward the latest technologies in its corner of the heavy construction materials industry, which includes concrete, aggregates, cement and asphalt. The addition of Marcotte Systems, based in Saint Bruno de Montarville, Quebec, is expected to accelerate Command Alkon’s ability to provide customers with next generation cloud applications and AI, says Emily Branum, chief legal officer/head of people.

20 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

ABOVE: Command Alkon’s Wireless Loader program allows one person to monitor all vehicles on site to be loaded.

“As a result of our company’s commitment to innovation and the 17 acquisitions over our 48-year history, Command Alkon has grown to offer a complete suite of software solutions for heavy building material suppliers, including concrete and asphalt producers and cement and aggregate suppliers across the globe,” Branum says. In recent years the company has sought to transition its popular products from traditional on-premises software to cloud

CO N S T R U C T I O N

TOP: Load Assurance software monitors properties of fresh concrete, sharing data with truck drivers and with production, dispatch, quality control and fleet management personnel. BOTTOM: Load Assurance, the company’s concrete telematics system, monitors slump, temperature, water, revolutions and more.

offerings with new capabilities, Branum says, in addition to creating a series of custom IoT hardware (smart devices) allowing its customers “to capture and leverage data to optimize operations.” Branum points to the inspired leadership of company President and CEO Martin Willoughby, who rose to his current position in October 2021. Willoughby is the third CEO the company has had in its long history, she says. In its early days, founder Ken Robinson led the company as Command 1.0, followed by 16 years of the leadership of Phil Ramsey as Command 2.0, and now with Willoughby, Command 3.0. “Command 3.0 is focused on exceeding customer expectations by bringing to market leading-edge innovation with modern user experiences and excellence in support and training, all while being a best place to work for our employees and driving profitable growth,” Branum says. One of Willoughby’s major staff initiatives has been the creation of a leadership academy, which focuses on company values and personal growth, Barnum says. The academy is open to all employees. “Martin tells us you don’t have to be in leadership to be a leader,” she says. “Everyone is a leader, and we work together with the goal of providing a work environment that supports employee personal and professional growth and overall well-being. As Martin often says, every employee should have the opportunity to leave Command Alkon better than they came, if and when their season with us is complete.” Command Alkon started as the Alkon Corp., founded from Robinson’s home in Birmingham. The company originally focused on digitizing and optimizing the dispatch of concrete delivery trucks, which was greatly needed by producers because of the perishable nature of wet concrete, Branum says. The company took on its current moniker after merging in 2000 with Command Data Inc. of Columbus, Ohio. Thoma Bravo, one of the largest software-focused investors in

the world, acquired Command Alkon in 2020 from its previous financial investor, Quilvest Capital Partners, which had owned the company since 2005. The Thoma Bravo private equity firm has a 40-plus year history and currently has approximately $142 billion in assets under management. Branum has worked on about half of Command Alkon’s mergers. Those mergers have taken place during her 10-year tenure and three were made back-to-back after the transition to the company’s partnership with Thoma Bravo. “Command Alkon is the most acquisitive technology provider in our industry, and September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 21

I fully expect that strategy to continue as a proven path to expanding our global footprint and accelerating innovation,” she says. Until relatively recently, Command Alkon was headquartered in the Birmingham area, but the Covid pandemic motivated the company to transition much of its staff to remote work. “We went fully virtual with a few exceptions during the pandemic and learned that we work well in a virtual world, and our employees were still collaborating, innovating and thriving,” Branum says. “When we opened our Birmingham office back up at the end of the pandemic, very few employees wanted to return to the office.” The company now has sublet its Birmingham location, Branum says, and works virtually with the exception of its Dublin, Ohio manufacturing and assembly facility and its international office locations in France, UK, Netherlands, India, Colombia, Brazil, Canada and Malaysia. “The majority of our people and revenue are domestic but our global footprint is critical to supporting our largest customers that have technology needs around the world,” Branum says. “Our international locations offer products that are tailored to their home markets and enable Command Alkon to provide all customers with 24/7 ‘follow the sun’ support services.” Of the company’s 620 employees, 119 reside in Alabama. “We don’t consider ourselves having a physical headquarters anymore since all our leadership is remote,” Branum says. “We use our Ohio address for a mailing address just since it is the only physical location we have left in the U.S. Someone picks up the mail there and scans it to the person it needs to go to, but we are trying to get away from traditional mail as much as possible.” All the company’s custom smart device (IoT hardware) manufacturing and assembly is done at the Ohio location. Its hardware for concrete plant automation batch orders, for example, is assembled based on the client’s individual plant design and layout, Branum says. Its IoT hardware named Load Assurance includes a probe that mounts inside the drum of 22 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

Apex scale ticketing system helps improve throughput and reduce costs.

a concrete truck and measures certain properties of the wet concrete while in transit. The technology was acquired with IBB Rheology. Command Alkon’s telematics tablets product using TrackIt came from its acquisition of FiveCubits. Telematics allows delivery vehicle data to be received and viewed real time. The tablets are provisioned at the Ohio plant before shipping. Branum says Load Assurance, in conjunction with TrackIt, offers monitoring of fresh concrete properties throughout the delivery cycle, allowing “concrete producers to reduce idle truck time in the plant and at delivery by as much as 20 minutes per load. Additionally, with our material science data solution in use, one leading producer reported the ability to reuse 3 percent of returned concrete from its total production volume, equivalent to over 3,000 cubic yards. This reduced 1,215,000 pounds of CO2 emissions and generated substantial financial savings within the first 10 months.” Command Alkon introduced it next-generation platform, Command Cloud, this year to provide greater operational improvements and to increase the potential for more AI-assisted, data-driven decision making, Branum says. “With its comprehensive and connected software and hardware solutions, Command Cloud offers a single cloud platform that manages all business processes, from inventory management to back office,” she says. Cyber security, an industry-wide concern, is deeply embedded into Command Alkon products through its security teams, top-tier frameworks September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 23

“

Our ‘security-by-design’ approach embeds robust security measures into every phase of our product development life cycle. This proactive strategy allows us to address potential vulnerabilities early, adapt continuously to emerging threats, and respond swiftly to incidents, ensuring our products remain secure and reliable for our customers.” — Emily Branum, Chief Legal and People Officer

and best practices, Branum says. “Our ‘security-by-design’ approach embeds robust security measures into every phase of our product development life cycle,” she says. “This proactive strategy allows us to address potential vulnerabilities early, adapt continuously to emerging threats, and respond swiftly to incidents, ensuring our products remain secure and reliable for our customers.” Kathy Haygood is a Hoover-based freelance contributor to Business Alabama. 24 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

CO N S T R U C T I O N

Alabama’s Largest Architectural Firms 2023 DESIGN FEES DESIGN FEES AS OF JULY 1, 2024

ALA. EMPLOYEES TOTAL EMPLOYEES

Blox LLC Chris Giattina, Laura Donald

2625 Fifth Ave. N. Bessemer, AL 35020 205-424-3242 bloxbuilt.com

$20 million $10 million

800 855

Encompass Health Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility, Houston, TX Undisclosed

Encompass Health Bed Additions, Tampa, FL Undisclosed

Design, Manufacture, Construct

2009

Goodwyn Mills Cawood Jeffrey Brewer

2660 EastChase Ln. Ste. 200 Montgomery, AL 36117 334-271-3200 gmcnetwork.com

$170 million $93.9 million

340 620

Auburn University STEM & Agricultural Sciences Complex, Auburn, AL $224 million

Montgomery Whitewater, Montgomery, AL Confidential

Architecture, Engineering

1947

Giattina Aycock Architecture Studio Chris Giattina

2625 Fifth Ave. N. Bessemer, AL 35020 205-424-3242 gastudio.com

$15 million $8 million

55 55

Encompass Health Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility, Houston, TX Undisclosed

Encompass Health Bed Additions, Tampa, FL Undisclosed

Architecture

1964

Williams Blackstock Architects Joel Blackstock, Stephen Allen, Amanda Fowler, Matt Foley, Binx Newton, Bill Segrest, Brittany Foley

2204 1st Ave. S., Ste. 200 Birmingham, AL 35233 205-252-9811 wba-architects.com

$21.5 million $9.6 million

53 53

UAB Biomedical Research and Psychology Building, Birmingham, AL $138.5 million

Bill Nobel Park, Gardendale, AL $32 million

Architecture, Interior Design

1994

Sherlock, Smith and Adams dba SS&A Design Collective Bob Snider

3047 Carter Hill Rd. Montgomery, AL 36111 334-263-6481 ssainc.com

$10.1 million $5.3 million

46 55

Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Ambulatory Care Center/Dental Clinic Replacement, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba $204.9 million

Naval Station Apra Harbor Guam Medical/Dental Clinic, Naval Station Guam - Architecture, Engineering Mariana Islands $66.4 million

1946

McKee & Associates Architecture & Design Walter T. McKee

631 S. Hull St. Montgomery, AL 36104 334-546-3557 mckeeassoc.com

$19.5 million $13.5 million

43 43

Pike Road High School, Pike Road, AL $90 million

Fultondale High School and Athletics, Fultondale, AL Architecture $47 million

1991

Davis Architects Inc. Neil Davis, Julee Potter, Lam Tong, Courtney Pittman, Jim Hartsell, Stephanie Pope, Gabe Fuller

120 23rd St. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 205-322-7482 dadot.com

$12.5 million $9.6 million

36 36

Seibert Hall / Bashinsky Field House at Samford University, Homewood, AL $56 million

Architecture, Planning, Interior Design

1912

Chapman Sisson Architects Martin Sisson, Mike Chapman, Rob Mercer, Alison Corey

305 Church St. SW Ste. 805 Huntsville, AL 35801 256-533-1861 chapmansisson.com

Smart Communities & Innovation Building at The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL $24 million

$5.6 million $3.3 million

27 28

Elkmont Elementary School, Elkmont, AL $31.5 million

Joe Davis Stadium, Huntsville, AL $19.8 million

Architecture

1999

TurnerBatson Architects Dave Reese, Eric Berg

1950 Stonegate Dr. Ste. 200 Birmingham, AL 35242 205-278-6261 turnerbatson.com

Did Not Disclose Did Not Disclose

27 28

The University of Alabama – Performing Arts Academics Center, Tuscaloosa, AL $54 million

The University of Alabama – Peter Bryce Main Renovations, Tuscaloosa, AL $134 million

Architecture, Interior Design, 3D Modeling

1924

Birchfield Penuel Architects W. Alan Crotwell, Alicia Pughsley

2805 Crescent Ave. Birmingham, AL 35209 205-870-1876 bparchitects.com

$6.7 million $2.1 million

24 24

Lab and Medical Facility for Alabama Dept. of Forensic Sciences, Huntsville, AL $14.7 million

UAB School of Dentistry 1st Floor Clinic Expansion, Birmingham, AL $5.8 million

Architecture

1986

Chambless King Architects John R. Chambless Jr., Stephen B. King, Nick Henninger, Michael Shows, Jared Fulton

12 W. Jefferson St. Ste. 300 Montgomery, AL 36104 334-272-0029 chamblessking.com

$7.8 million $4.6 million

18 18

The Land, Saraland, AL $63 million

The Mill at Prattville, Prattville, AL $28.7 million

Architecture

2012

PWBA Architects Inc. Alex W. Alkire, Edward M. Brummal Jr.

529 S. Perry St., Ste. 15 Montgomery, AL 36104 334-244-4990 pwba-arch.com

$2.7 million $410,000

10 10

Lockheed Martin Missile Testing Facility, Pike County, AL $14 million

Northrop Grumman Data Center, Huntsville, AL $16 million

Architecture

1989

For more firms, visit BusinessAlabama.com

LARGEST PROJECT UNDER CONSTRUCTION

LARGEST PROJECT COMPLETED IN 2023

YEAR FOUNDED

COMPANY MANAGING PRINCIPALS

ADDRESS PHONE WEBSITE

CLASSIFICATION

RANK

Ranked by Number of Alabama Employees. In cases of a tie, those entities were ranked by Total Design Fees in 2023.

Compiled by ERICA JOINER WEST

Source: Business Alabama survey

September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 25

26 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

CO N S T R U C T I O N

Alabama’s Largest Subcontractors ALA. EMPLOYEES TOTAL EMPLOYEES

Wayne J. Griffin Electric Inc. Wayne J. Griffin, Mike Irby

296 Cahaba Valley Pkwy. Pelham, AL 35124 205-733-8848 waynejgriffinelectric.com

$372.6 million $330.2 million

70 1,450

BMW Manufacturing Plant Expansion, Greer, SC $52.6 million

Amazon 1600 Osgood - Phase 2, North Andover, MA $33.4 million

FabArc Steel Supply Inc. Tony Pugh, Tom Adams, Greg McCareeth

111 Meadow Ln. Heflin, AL 36203 256-831-8770 fabarc.com

Electrical and Telecommunications 1978 Subcontractor; AL, MA, NH, VT, CT, RI, ME, GA, NC

$221 million $74 million

279 279

Aluminum Dynamics, Columbus, MS $112 million

LGES-MI2, Holland, MI $71 million

Structural Steel 1979 Fabrication; AL and Multiple other states

Cornerstone Detention Products Inc. Charles Mc. Claborn

20871 Sandy Rd. Tanner, AL 35671 256-355-2396 cornerstoneinc.com

$201.5 million $72.1 million

114 311

AL DOC-Specialized Men’s Facility-Elmore County, Deatsville, AL $81.3 million

Brookings County Detention Center Addition/Renovation, Brookings, SD $4.5 million

1998

Qualico Steel Co. Inc. Jed Downs

7797 E. State Hwy. 52 Webb, AL 36376 334-793-1290 qualicosteel.com

$185 million Did Not Disclose

240 295

Mill, Texas $20 million

Mill, Texas $23 million

Persons Services Corp. Paul Persons Jr.

$179.5 million $378.9 million

155 233

Airbus Sitework & Infrastructure, Mobile, AL $24.6 million

USA POB, Mobile, AL $17.7 million

1978

$178 million $208.4 million

490 600

FTY 02, Georgia $95 million

Baptist Healthcare Pensacola, Pensacola, FL $57.5 million

Construction, Industrial, Mechanical; AL, MS, LA, GA, SC, NC, TN, FL, USVI, AR

Marathon Electrical Contractors Chris McGregor, Mark Harry, Bruce Taylor

4474 Halls Mill Rd. Mobile, AL 36693 251-660-0132 personsservices.com

Structural & Miscellaneous Steel 1976 Fabrication; AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NM, NC, SC, TN, VA

1987

Electrical; AL, FL, GA, MS, LA, TX, NC, TN

Covenant Steel Warehouse Inc. Kelly Colbert

$105 million $43 million

96 101

Airbus A320 FAL, Mobile, AL $47 million

Airbus A320 Dual Bay, Mobile, AL $10 million

1996

Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings and Structural Steel; AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV

Jesse Stutts Inc. Jimmy C. Wall, Jesse P. Stutts III

$100 million $75 million

200 215

Confidential Owner, Redstone Arsenal, AL $53.3 million

Confidential Owner, Redstone Arsenal, AL $6.3 million

1977

Electrical; AL, TN, GA, MS, NC, FL

Garrison Steel Inc. Jason Garrison, CC Watson

$51 million $46 million

110 150

University of South Alabama Medical Science Building, Mobile, AL $12 million

Tyndall AFB Airman Lodging, Mexico Beach, FL $9 million

Structural Steel / 1992 Division 5; AL, TN, GA, FL, NC, SC, TX, LA, OH

Auburn Electrical Construction Co. Donald Lanier, Steve Pruitt, Robert Henderson

$39.6 million $17.6 million

98 98

New Benjamin Russell High School, Alexander City, AL $11 million

Associated Mechanical Contractors Inc. Zachary E. Adams, Andrew D. Duncan

$37.4 million $19.4 millon

108 108

C.T. Perry Water Treatment Plant, Montgomery, AL $10.4 million

UAB CUE Expansion to Cultural District, Birmingham, AL $6 million

1956

Mechanical Contractor; AL

Carcel & G. Construction LLC Carmen S. Hastings

$36.1 million $7.1 million

121 121

Highway 11 Widening, Vance, AL $52.2 million

Cedar Ridge Landfill, Maury County, TN $6.3 million

2002

Hubbard & Drake Chris Howard

$32.5 million $12.8 million

150 150

Industrial Waste Water Treatment Facility, Decatur, AL $5.8 million

Demolition, Heavy and Railroad, Highways and Streets, Municipal and Utility; AL, MS, TN

Carbon Fiber Line Rework, Decatur, AL $4.5 million

1984

Industrial Mechanical; AL, TN, MS, GA

ADDRESS PHONE WEBSITE

2830 Commerce Blvd. Irondale, AL 35210 205-323-8500 marathonelectrical.com 4528 Westgate Pkwy. Dothan, AL 36303 334-794-2326 covenantsteel.com 3414 9th Ave. SW Huntsville, AL 35805 256-975-3007 jessestuttsinc.com

1122 Industrial Park Dr. Pell City, AL 35125 205-368-7232 garrisonsteel.com P.O. Box 2310 440 Summerhill Rd. Auburn, AL 36831 334-821-7360 aecci.com

248 S. Lewis St. Montgomery, AL 36107 334-264-2263 amcoinc.com 31 County Rd. 240 Hanceville, AL 35077 256-736-5556 carcelandg.com 1002 5th Ave. SE Decatur, AL 35602 256-476-4825 hubbarddrake.com

For more listings, visit BusinessAlabama.com

LARGEST PROJECT UNDER CONSTRUCTION

LARGEST PROJECT COMPLETED IN 2023

Auburn University Football Performance Center - New Building, Auburn, AL $10.6 million

YEAR FOUNDED

COMPANY MANAGING PRINCIPALS

VALUE OF CONTRACTS AWARDED IN 2023 VALUE OF CONTRACTS AWARDED AS OF JULY 1, 2024

Compiled by ERICA JOINER WEST

RANK

Ranked by Value of Contracts Awarded in 2023.

CLASSIFICATION LICENSED IN WHICH STATES

Detention Contractor; All within U.S.

1993 Electrical; AL, GA, MS

Source: Business Alabama survey

September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 27

CO N S T R U C T I O N

Elliott Pike found his construction niche remodeling homes.

28 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

CO N S T R U C T I O N

ELM CONSTRUCTION

TAKES ROOT After several resets, Elliott Pike found the career he was seeking as a home remodeler By CARY ESTES — Photos by ART MERIPOL

orking as a home remodeler requires meticulous planning and organization. Which is definitely not the way Elliott Pike made his way into an award-winning, home-remodeling career. A native of the Birmingham suburb of Homewood, Pike admits he meandered a bit following his graduation from high school in 1992. OK, he meandered a lot. Over the ensuing decade, Pike enrolled as a student at the University of Montevallo, then transferred to Auburn University where he planned to study to be a catfish farmer. But Pike quickly decided there was something kind of ick about ichthyology. So he left Auburn, worked at a restaurant in Troy, then moved into his grandparents’ old house and began farming the land. He even purchased a tractor and some cows. That career lasted a few growing seasons before Pike returned to college, this time at Troy University, where he majored in journalism. “At that point, I just wanted to get a degree in something as fast as possible,” Pike says with a smile. Degree in hand, Pike moved back to Birmingham and bounced around a few more jobs. He accepted a role in technical sales for a company that built telecom enclosures for cell towers. He sold residential building materials to contractors. He started his own logistics company. Finally, a mere 13 years removed from high school, Pike began to lay a true career foundation when he went to work as a project manager for a company that specialized in remodeling apartment complexes. Sensing he had discovered a profession that he both enjoyed and could do well, Pike ventured out on his own in 2008 and formed Elm Construction. Armed with his commercial contractor license, Pike headed

down his new career path … and almost immediately veered one more time. The first project he acquired for Elm was to rebuild part of a house that had been damaged by fire, and he quickly discovered he enjoyed residential work more than commercial. “The commercial stuff was non-emotional, which is OK. But I just loved the residential side, because you build these relationships with people,” Pike says. “I still maintain my commercial license, but I rarely use it. My work is about 98 percent residential.” It is work that Pike apparently is doing well. He started with only one employee and now has a team of 12, including three designers. And last year, Pike was named the Remodeler of the Year by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Pike says things truly changed for him and Elm Construction when he became a member of one of the NAHB’s 20 Clubs, a group of builders and remodelers from various markets who meet twice a year to discuss issues and share experiences. It was at one of these gatherings that Pike was introduced to the design-build process of remodeling. “That was extremely eye-opening for me,” Pike says. “When I started this company, our model was more traditional. Just come in with a notepad and tape measure and talk to the client. But that was like throwing darts blindfolded. I had a good idea about what they wanted to do, but it was hard to get it exactly right. It was rare that we dealt with clients who had a true set of specifications. “With design-build, our designers come in and assess your needs and look at your style. We bring (subcontractors) in to look at it and give feedback about things like countertops, cabinets, light fixtures, tile, faucets. Then we start creating plans and making selections. We bring all the services under one roof,

September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 29

CO N S T R U C T I O N

BEFORE

AFTER

“

AFTER

xxx xx x x x x xx x x x x x xx x x xxxx x x xx xx x x x x x x x x x x xxx x x x xx xx x xxx

so everybody knows what everybody to people who have worked with him. else is doing.” Alicia Vincent, a recent executive officer We always want to encourage the Pike says there are three primary for the Greater Birmingham Association owners to maintain the character of the of Home Builders, says Pike has the objectives with this approach, and that existing space. But if their dream is to all three need to be met for a successful type of personality needed to handle project. remodeling as compared to general have a NASCAR-themed bathroom, then “One, we have to be able to solve homebuilding. you got it. If we don’t solve whatever whatever the problem or issue is with “Being a remodeler is a whole differthe issue is that they have and give them ent realm of builder experience. It’s a the existing space,” Pike says. “Second is to be make it fit in with the rest of totally different world than construction what they want, then what’s the point?” the house and look like it’s always been because of that personal side of it,” Vinthere and isn’t a renovation. Then the — Elliott Pike, Owner of Elm Construction cent says. “Most of the time the family third piece is the budget. We haven’t is still living there, so you’re disrupting had a client yet who says, ‘Just do it. I don’t care about the cost.’ their life. And it doesn’t matter how good you are, there are going If you can’t do all three of those things, you’re probably not going to be problems and delays that cause frustrations. to have a happy customer.” “Elliott is such a great communicator. He is so careful to think Keeping customers happy is one of Pike’s strengths, according about all the what-ifs and all the details to make sure that his 30 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

CO N S T R U C T I O N

Clients say that Pike “knows how to work through things on the front end in order for it to be successful on the back end.”

business and his contractors are doing everything they possibly can to be professional and efficient. A remodel can be a tough thing for a homeowner to go through. Elliott understands that and takes it into strong consideration. He knows how to work through things on the front end in order for it to be successful on the back end.” That was the experience of Karen and Steve Odle, Vestavia Hills residents who hired Elm Construction last year to remodel a bedroom, two bathrooms and a storage area, a process that took approximately three months. “You don’t realize how many details there are in something like that, but they hold your hand along the way and make it easier,” Karen Odle says. “The thing that stood out to me was they really listened to what we wanted. That’s what made the process work so well.” For Pike, that actually is one of the most enjoyable aspects of his job. He says he enjoys talking with clients and hearing their conception for the remodel. He will offer advice and suggestions, of course. In the end, however, Pike says he simply wants to help make their vision become a reality, no matter what that vision might be. “We always want to encourage the owners to maintain the

character of the existing space,” Pike says. “But if their dream is to have a NASCAR-themed bathroom, then you got it. If we don’t solve whatever the issue is that they have and give them what they want, then what’s the point?” Cary Estes and Art Meripol are Birmingham-based freelance contributors to Business Alabama.

September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 31

CO N S T R U C T I O N

Alabama’s Largest Engineering Firms LARGEST PROJECT UNDER CONSTRUCTION

LARGEST PROJECT COMPLETED IN 2023

CLASSIFICATION

YEAR FOUNDED

ALA. EMPLOYEES TOTAL EMPLOYEES

COMPANY MANAGING PRINCIPALS

ADDRESS PHONE WEBSITE

TOTAL DESIGN FEES IN 2023 TOTAL DESIGN FEES AS OF JULY 1, 2024

RANK

Ranked by Number of Alabama Employees. In cases of a tie, the entities are ranked by Number of Total Employees.

Compiled by ERICA JOINER WEST

728 2,700

Greenfield Polyethylene/ Polypropylene Pipe Production Facility, Florida $425 million

Chlor Alkali Chemical Plant Expansion, Louisiana $150 million

Engineering

1995

US 49 Reconstruction, Florence, MS $149.5 million

Engineering, Architecture, Planning, Survey, Design, Consulting

1953

Hargrove Engineers + Constructors Ralph A. Hargrove

20 S. Royal St. Mobile, AL 36602 251-476-0605 hargrove-epc.com

Thompson Holdings Inc. John Baker

2970 Cottage Hill Rd., Ste. 190 Mobile, AL 36606 251-666-2443 thompsonengineering.com

$120.7 million $62.7 million

270 571

Cryogenic Tank Manufacturing Facility, Theodore, AL Confidential

Volkert Inc. Thomas Hand, Leon Barkan, Mike Sampson, David Webber

11 N. Water St. Ste. 18290 Mobile, AL 36602 251-342-1070 volkert.com

$260.1 million $150.3 million

259 1,382

I-35 Capital Express Central, Austin, TX Approx. $4.5 billion

I-35 Capital Express North, Austin, TX $607 million

Engineering Design

1925

TTL Inc. Dean McClure, Jason Walker

P.O. Drawer 1128 Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 205-345-0816 ttlusa.com

$71.3 million $34.7 million

171 452

LG Chem Battery Cathode Manufacturing Plant, Clarksville, TN $3.2 billion

Neuhoff District Mixed-Use Development, Nashville, TN $550 million

Engineering

1964

Terracon Consultants Inc. Terrell W. Rippstein

2147 Riverchase Office Rd. Birmingham, AL 35244 205-942-1289 terracon.com

$25 million $21.3 million

109 7,000

1 Kerr-McGee Road, Savannah, GA $36.1 million

RR - Greene Co. 01 Contamination, Pittsburg, PA $7.9 million

Engineering

1965

Building & Earth Sciences Inc. Deepa Bhate, Jeff Cowen

5545 Derby Dr. Birmingham, AL 35210 205-966-0350 buildingandearth.com

$35.5 million $20.1 million

85 280

Thimble Schoals Parallel Tunnel, Chesapeake Bay $1.2 billion

Distribution Center, Illinois $300 million

Geotechnical Engineering, Construction Materials Testing, Special Inspections

1999

Dewberry Adam Cone

2 Riverchase Office Plaza, Ste. 205 Birmingham, AL 35244 205-988-2069 dewberry.com

$711.5 million Did Not Disclose

74 2,500

Confidential, Birmingham, AL Confidential

Did Not Disclose

Engineering, Architecture, Construction Firm

1956

Barge Design Solutions Bob Higgins

500 Corporate Pkwy., Ste. 100 Hoover, AL 35242 205-298-6074 bargedesign.com

$150.1 million $83.9 million

74 673

Flint Development, Huntsville, AL $200 million

V.D. Parrott Jr. Water Treatment Plant Improvements, Dalton, GA $75 million

Engineering, Architecture, Planning, Survey, Design, Consulting

1955

Orion Engineering PC Billy Novak

3515 Hurricane Bay Dr. Mobile, AL 36592 251-443-5055 orion-eng.com

$21.4 million $20 million

65 125

Oxidation Reactor Capacity Increase Project, Athens, GA $100 million

New N2O4 Manufacturing Plant Project, Athens, GA $75 million

Engineering

2001

Sain Associates Inc. Jim Meads, Joe Meads, Becky White, Vann Rutledge, Alicia Bailey

Two Perimeter Park S., Ste. 500 E. Birmingham, AL 35243 205-940-6420 sain.com

$10.7 million $5.6 million

51 69

225-acre Food and Beverage Development, Birmingham, AL Confidential

Jacksonville VA Clinic, Jacksonville FL $64 million

Engineering, Survey

1972

For more engineering firms, visit BusinessAlabama.com

$585 million $306 million

Source: Business Alabama survey

September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 33

HEALTH CARE EDUCATION At USA, Katia Janovski plays the role of a patient, while students from the burn unit (maroon) and the physician assistant program (blue) learn how to assist victims in a mass casualty event.

PRACTICE MAKES

PERFECT

Real people pose as patients to enhance medical training By JENNIFER G. WILLIAMS

edical students study for years and memorize volumes of facts and figures to get their certifications and degrees, but a special program being used across the state also can help them work on their bedside manner — before they ever set foot in a clinic or hospital. Standardized Patient (SP) programs represent a pioneering, holistic approach to training future health care professionals, helping prepare them for the complexities of patient care in ways textbooks cannot match. These programs, designed to simulate real-world patient interactions

by using real people portraying patients, play a crucial role in honing clinical skills, enhancing diagnostic abilities and ultimately improving patient care outcomes. “I like to say that students — we call them ‘learners’ — come to simulation first so they can learn how to work with our ‘fake’ patients before they go and actually have to work with real patients,” says Miranda Powell, Standardized Patient lab coordinator at the University of South Alabama. “Make your mistakes with us and then build your confidence up here before you’re in the hospital with people that actually have these issues.”

34 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

Standardized Patient programs involve the use of trained individuals who portray patients with specific medical conditions or scenarios in a controlled setting. These SPs are integral to medical education as they allow students to practice clinical skills in a realistic yet risk-free environment. The scenarios are meticulously crafted to reflect a wide range of medical conditions, ensuring that students encounter diverse situations that they may face in their future careers. Using Standardized Patients has been around since the 1960s, says Tara Edmonds, the director of assessment in the

H E A LT H C A R E E D U C AT I O N

TOP: Pretend patients help health care students learn the skills to examine and interact with real patients. BOTTOM: A group of standardized patients at USA gets instructions before their encounters with health care students.

University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Office of Standardized Patient Education (OSPE) and a faculty instructor in the school’s Department of Medical Education. It has since become a cornerstone in medical education and is used in medical education programs across the country. UAB started its SP-specific program in 2000, and it continues to expand. “In fiscal year 23, we had 7,449 learners with 9,872 learner hours,” says Edmonds, “and that was across 11,718 SP encounters, so that shows how much time these learners are spending in our center.” Standardized Patient programs can be found across the state, from the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM) in Dothan to the College of Nursing at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). Two of the largest programs are at UAB and USA. “What is so valuable about this program is that it provides a standardized way to teach and assess your learners on these exam skills, whether they’re history-taking skills or physical exam skills,” says Edmonds. “So, if you think about when you’re trying to teach somebody

how to do a pulmonary exam or a cardiac exam, if you want to ensure that they learn all of the components of that, and you have to test on all the components, you have to have a way for them to show you or demonstrate all of those components.” To create a case for the program, the course instructors work with the SP program to determine what skills a student/ learner should have learned and exactly what they need to do in a clinical or

examination setting. “Then, we make a case to include a patient’s name, their social history — basically everything that’s going on in their life that is relevant and could be asked during a real medical encounter,” she says. “Then we take a group of people and we train them to the case. They all learn it,” continues Edmonds. “And what’s great is that they’re all standardized to each other, so every single patient has to be the

September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 35

H E A LT H C A R E E D U C AT I O N

The Health Sciences Building at the University of South Alabama, home to many of the standardized patient programs.

same patient every single time. So, then each learner who comes into the room has the exact same opportunity. So, student A and student B, they’re going to see two different patients, but they’re going to get the same information. Hopefully, they’ll ask similar questions and get the same responses, and they’re going to perform the same physical exams, get the same results. And then make the same management decisions. So, what we’re doing is we’re standardizing their testing,” The sessions are recorded, which gives an opportunity for learners to see what they did right and what they need to improve. “We can say, well, that was great, but you should have done this one thing, because now you’re not going to be able to get this diagnosis right,” she says. The USA Standardized Patient program lab opened in 2013, but had been doing simulations a while before that, says Powell. “I actually started here as an SP in 2014 when I was a student and have worked my way up in the program.” USA currently has about 160 SPs, nearly four times the number they started with 11 years ago. The program started with the College of Nursing but has expanded to serve 10 medical disciplines at USA.

Each discipline coordinates the dates needed with the program. “They usually reach out to us about six months to a year before their scheduled event, so we have a lot of time to plan, make sure logistics and everything are set and make sure everything’s going to run smoothly, because we may need a few SPs or we may need 50 for an event,” says Powell. The program tries to recruit a wide variety of SPs as far as age and gender, which helps learners practice on various real people, she says. Many are students and retirees who have the time and flexibility to commit to the program, but Powell says it can be more challenging to find working age men and women to serve as SPs. “We go to career fairs, we go out into the community, to different community groups,” she says. “I’ve gone to the YMCA and Mother’s Day Out programs before because, you know, you have to start getting creative and think, so where can I find working-age men and women that don’t have full time jobs? A lot of people don’t even know about this program, but it’s a flexible, fun job and you can do it and make a little money.” The pay scale varies from program to

36 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

program, but hovers around $16 an hour — not bad for a flexible part-time job, say participants. Bob Hanks, who has been an SP since 2017 when he was the director of Counseling and Testing Services at USA, says the interaction with the learners and the mental challenge are what keeps him coming back. “And, to be honest, I like the flexibility of it. As a retiree, I can work when I want and decline if I want to travel or whatever else.” Eden Blackmon, an online student with Troy University, heard about the program through a friend, got involved about two years ago and loves it. “It gives me freedom to be a student, do what I want to do and then still make a little bit of money on the side.” Blackmon says she also enjoys the diversity of the program, which gives learners a chance to interact with “warm bodies.” “AI is becoming such a big thing and it’s taking over a lot of stuff and it’s wonderful in a lot of ways,” she says. “But the one thing it lacks is emotion — and that’s what SPs bring to the table.” Jennifer G. Williams is a Hartselle-based freelance contributor to Business Alabama.

AUTOMOTIVE

Students pitch ideas for 2050 vehicles and experts offer pointers.

DESIGNING THE FUTURE Hyundai sponsors STEM learning program in Montgomery Public Schools By NANCY MANN JACKSON

ecently ranked “most improved state for business” in a national study, Alabama continues to attract industry and residents. But every industry needs a qualified and prepared workforce — and some that have made investments in the state are now looking to maximize their investments by helping to build the workforce they need. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA), which opened in Montgomery in 2005, is taking strides to prepare local students for future careers in the automotive industry.

“HMMA wants our local students to be better prepared for the safe, well-paying jobs that are available in the automotive industry here in Alabama, especially opportunities we have here at HMMA,” says Scott Posey, manager of the public relations team at HMMA. In its most recent effort to invest in local students, Hyundai partnered with Montgomery Public Schools (MPS) to develop and implement a middle school STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) unit based on automotive manufacturing. During the 2024 spring

semester, 190 students at Montgomery’s nine middle schools participated in the course, culminating with their own creation of designs and prototypes for vehicles in 2050.

BUILDING A PARTNERSHIP Hyundai has a history of working with the Montgomery Public Schools: The company launched its Hyundai Initiative for Robotics Excellence (HIRE) in January 2020, establishing robotics teams at all middle schools in the Montgomery September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 37

AU T O M O T I V E

Hyundai on our Future of Mobility Unit,” says Samantha Swanigan, Montgomery-based student fellows specialist at Ed Farm. “During this unit, students were tasked with applying design thinking principles to develop and present innovative mobility solutions for humans living in the year 2050.”

DRIVING DESIGN THINKING

Montgomery students share their design ideas with the experts at the Hyundai-sponsored STEM program.

Ed Farm designed the curriculum for the program.

school system. “HMMA and MPS have been noble partners on other STEM-related initiatives like our Hyundai Initiative for Robotics Excellence, and this was the obvious next step,” Posey says. “Even if students who take the course elect to work in another industry, the skillsets the course will teach them will still make them more successful, no matter where their passions may lead them.”

MPS already had a partnership in place with Ed Farm, a Birmingham-based nonprofit digital education provider, to develop and teach Introduction to Innovation, a STEM course approved by the Alabama State Department of Education. The new Hyundai-sponsored unit became a nine-week portion of Introduction to Innovation, with Ed Farm experts developing and implementing the curriculum. “It was a privilege to collaborate with

38 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

How do middle schoolers design vehicles of the future? They start by learning about research and design practices, as well as how to use modern technologies. “The course uses challenge-based learning, which allows students to develop the skills they need to be able to use on-demand technology to tackle real-world challenges,” Swanigan says. “By collaborating with Hyundai, our students gained exposure to cutting-edge technologies and industry standards, preparing them for automotive design and manufacturing careers.” For example, the students got an introduction to modern manufacturing at Hyundai, automation in manufacturing, and how to use immersion technologies. In one wildly popular activity, the students had to create models of their proposed vehicles using candy and straws to test aerodynamics. Throughout the unit, students unpacked critical concepts in the research, design and manufacturing phases — ergonomics, robotics, emerging technologies such as VR, AR, AI, computer-aided design/modeling technologies, safety standards and aerodynamics, Swanigan says. Students also explored sustainability, particularly renewable energy sources such as the hydrogen fuel cell battery and green manufacturing processes implemented by HMMA. “Experiences like these inspire the next generation of innovators and changemakers, fostering a culture of creativity and problem-solving in our community,” Swanigan says. As the students learned about design and manufacturing concepts, they were challenged to design vehicles that would help meet the needs of people in the future. Working in teams, they used AI to

AU T O M O T I V E

provide renderings of their designs, and they were required to develop prototypes, test their designs and create a pitch describing the problems their vehicles would solve. “Through prototyping and testing, students developed practical skills in digital design tools and manufacturing techniques, enhancing their employability in the local automotive industry,” Swanigan says. Through a school-based competition, the five top teams were selected from all 21 teams across nine middle schools. Those five teams presented their pitches at the Hyundai facility for HMMA employees and MPS staffers, including Superintendent Dr. Melvin Brown. “The opportunity to present their prototypes to Hyundai’s automotive engineers and industry professionals provided invaluable real-world feedback, enriching students’ understanding of industry expectations,” Swanigan says. The team that won first place honors was from Floyd Middle School. They developed a prototype for a vehicle that would be capable of driving autonomously to help people in wheelchairs with transportation. The second-place team hailed from Southlawn Middle School. Their design was for a flying vehicle intended to avoid hectic traffic and prevent accidents. “The whole experience is a really hands-on process for the students,” Swanigan says. “They’re also learning that employers like Hyundai are right here in their community, and they can use these skills and technologies without ever leaving Montgomery.”

Members of Hyundai and local school representatives at the STEM program in Montgomery.

Schools and since then has been expanded to Autauga County Schools and this year to Selma Public Schools,” Posey says. “So never say never! If students, parents and schools continue to show enthusiasm for

the course, who knows. We’re all about spreading the wealth of knowledge.” Nancy Mann Jackson is a Madison-based freelance contributor to Business Alabama.

LOOKING AHEAD The Hyundai-sponsored STEM program is scheduled to be offered again during the fall semester of 2024, and Hyundai hopes to continue the partnership with Montgomery Public Schools. It’s too soon to say whether the program could expand to other schools, but Posey isn’t ruling it out. “Our Hyundai Initiative for Robotics Excellence initially began by creating robotics teams in Montgomery Public September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 39

INSURANCE

KEEPING COVERED Most insurance rates are up, but needed coverage is available across Alabama By DEBORAH STOREY

he cost of business insurance, like almost everything else, is going up — with one interesting exception. But there are ways for business leaders to make sure they have the critical coverage they need at the best price. Two key strategies, Alabama experts say, are to first shop around, then work closely with their chosen agent. “This collaboration ensures that the business is adequately covered without overpaying for unnecessary coverage,” says Josh McRight, principal at Rocket City Insurance Group in Huntsville. Cost is always a consideration, but McRight says, “it’s vital to prioritize adequate coverage to avoid being underinsured” — which can lead to potentially catastrophic results.

40 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

“Inadequate insurance can lead to significant financial losses or even the closure of the business in the event of a major claim,” he adds. Jennifer Hill, director of operations and vice president at Harmon Dennis Bradshaw Inc. in Montgomery, echoes McRight. Businesses should consider their agents as part of the team and keep them well-informed about operational changes. “This will enable their agent to bring competitive and innovative solutions to solve the insured’s largest exposures,” she says. “A trusted insurance agent with experience in hard-to-place risks and strong relationships with carriers can market your risk and present the best options for your business,” agrees Grantland

INSUR ANCE

Rice IV, president and chief administrative officer at CAC Group (formerly Cobbs Allen) in Birmingham. That agency specializes in custom coverage. “Start the conversation about insurance with your agent as early as posLoren Traylor Gibson sible,” Rice advises. “More time allows for better insurance outcomes.” Loren Traylor Gibson, director of program development for the Alabama SelfInsured Worker’s Compensation Fund in Birmingham, also suggests that businesses work with independent agents “who can evaluate their needs Josh McRight to determine what coverages they need and what level they need it at. “Every business is different,” adds Gibson. “In the insurance business there isn’t one set price because it’s all based on risk.” Rice, at CAC, says the type of coverage a business needs depends on its own risk factors. Types include general liability, property, workers comp, professional, errors and omissions, product liability, commercial auto, business interruption, cyber, directors and officers and employment practices liability. “Our agents conduct a comprehensive risk assessment, client consultation and review of current coverage,” says Rice. “We perform industry and financial analysis to offer bespoke solutions and ensure stakeholders understand the recommended coverages and options.” Insurability depends on factors like the type of business, the overall industry, claims history, risk management practices, location, credit history and nature of operations. Hill agrees that the type of insurance a business needs depends on several factors, including their assets and operations. “For instance, if a business owns property, they’d need property insurance or inland marine insurance or both depending on the type of property it is,” Hill says. “They’d need business interruption insurance to protect them in the event of damage to their property that would cause them to be unable to resume opera-

tions for a while.” A business may need boiler and machinery insurance, crime insurance and more. “General liability insurance is the most commonly needed insurance for businesses, and if a company owns, borrows, leases or Jennifer Hill hires autos or has employees that use their automobiles on company business, auto insurance is also needed,” Hill adds. Excess liability can protect against larger claim awards. “Employment practices liability insurance, directors and officers liability insurance, cyber and fiduciary liability insurance are also pretty standard,” says Grantland Rice IV Hill. Depending on the business, “professional liability insurance may be needed” as well. “HDB’s risk advisors complete a thorough risk assessment to determine the insurance coverages needed for a business and our insurance programs are customized to meet the needs of our clients,” Hill says. Agents agree that business coverage is widely available — but not necessarily for the price companies want to pay. In risky situations, agents can generally find a solution but “it may not always be easy or cost effective,” Rice says. Although property insurance premiums have escalated rapidly since 2019, Hill says they “are widely speculated to have stabilized and we’ve seen some relief already for pricing on the lower hazard risks in 2024.” But Hill says automobile, general liability and professional liability premiums have been continuing to escalate and “haven’t stabilized quite yet.” “The business sector has faced challenges similar to those in personal insurance, including economic uncertainty, natural disasters, cybersecurity threats and legal and regulatory changes,” says McRight. Newer businesses tend to be more price sensitive, he notes, “often requesting remarketing to mitigate premium increases.” An independent agency like Rocket City Insurance Group September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 41

INSUR ANCE

has “the flexibility to tailor coverage to meet specific needs by partnering with multiple carriers,” McRight says. As with most things, cheaper isn’t necessarily better. “We frequently encounter underinsured accounts, and in the event of a claim, the perceived savings can end up costing businesses significantly — potentially even leading to their closure,” McRight says. According to a Federal Government Office of Financial Research article from December 2023, reasons for industry rate increases include high inflation, exposure in higher-risk areas and severe weather “resulting in large cumulative losses.”

CAC’s market report for the second quarter of 2024 forecasts rising costs in auto liability (as much as 15%), general liability, property and umbrella coverage (partly due to so-called “nuclear verdicts”). Directors and officers insurance, however, is forecast to come down. So is cyber, partly due to increased regulatory claims activity. In its analysis of the market, CAC found that “geopolitical and regional conflicts, increased frequency of secondary peril natural disasters, and both economic and social inflation continue to plague the market.”

“

We frequently encounter underinsured accounts, and in the event of a claim, the perceived savings can end up costing businesses significantly — potentially even leading to their closure.” — Josh McRight, principal, Rocket City Insurance Group

Total premium growth is forecast to develop at an average rate of 2.2% annually during 2024 and 2025, according to the risk management company Swiss Re. While cost is typically the foremost consideration with business insurance, Rice emphasizes that “the real focus should be on securing the right coverage at the best available price.” “Every business is different, and a onesize-fits-all approach to insurance doesn’t work,” Rice says. By assessing specific needs, “you can ensure that you’re not paying for unnecessary coverage while also avoiding the pitfalls of being underinsured.” Comparing policies from various insurers is a smart move. “Different companies offer different strengths, and what works for one business might not be the best for another,” he says. “By shopping around, you can find the policy that offers the best combination of coverage and cost.” Bundling is another effective strategy. Many insurers provide discounts when you combine multiple types of coverage, 42 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

such as property, liability and business interruption. “This not only saves money but also simplifies managing your policies,” Rice says. Risk management helps, too. Improving workplace safety or installing security systems can lower premiums. Rice also advises regular coverage reviews. “Periodic reviews ensure that your insurance remains aligned with your current situation, helping you avoid both over-insurance and under-insurance.” Partnering with a trusted agent is key, he agrees.

“

Periodic reviews ensure that your insurance remains aligned with your current situation, helping you avoid both over-insurance and under-insurance.” — Grantland Rice IV, president and chief administrative officer, CAC Group

“Our experienced agents are dedicated to understanding the nuances of your business and the complexities of the insurance market,” Rice says. In an environment where almost every line of coverage has gone up in price, one significant one hasn’t. Workers’ compensation costs have declined dramatically. “The number of claims has gone down,” Gibson says. “People’s workplaces are safer.” Automation — robots in particular — is helping with heavy lifting. Construction companies are emphasizing safety more than ever before, through training, pre-project meetings and PPE. “Workers’ compensation base rates are down more than 50%,” Gibson says. “However, what a company pays for coverage may not reflect that actual decrease because their payroll dollars may have gone up” because of higher salaries or more employees. Deborah Storey is a Huntsville-based freelance contributor to Business Alabama. September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 43

INSUR ANCE

Alabama’s Commercial Insurance Agencies & Providers

Compiled by ERICA JOINER WEST

TOP EXECUTIVE(S)

ADDRESS

Higginbotham

Rusty Reid, CEO; Haig Wright II, Managing Partner

CAC Group

Mike Rice, CEO; Grantland Rice IV, 115 Office Park Dr., Ste. 200 President & Chief Birmingham, AL 35223 Administrative Officer

Palomar Insurance Corp.

Tony Craft, CEO

7480 Halcyon Pointe Dr. Ste. 200 Montgomery, AL 36117

Insurance Office of America (IOA)

Andy Lott, Regional President

3535 Grandview Pkwy. Ste. 400 Birmingham, AL 35243

205-968-3440

Sunstar Insurance Group - Alabama*

Steve Nesbitt, CEO of Southeast Region

2140 11th Ave. S., Ste. 400 Birmingham, AL 35205

Valent Group LLC

Kurt Close, President

EPIC Insurance Brokers

WEBSITE

211 3,435

Commercial insurance, personal insurance, life insurange, employee benefits, HR & financial services

1905

TYPE OF BUSINESS

866-377-1959

higginbotham.com

$337.4 million

205-414-8100

cacgroup.com

$314.1 million

166 500

Commercial property & casualty, employee benefits, high net worth personal lines

1893

334-409-3173

palomarins.com

$186.7 million

76 90

Commercial, personal, transportation, benefits

1954

ioausa.com

$185 million

80 1,600

Commercial property & casualty, employee benefits, bonds, personal lines

2005

205-354-2700

sunstarinsurancegroup.com

$181 million

102 800

Commercial property & casualty, personal lines, employee benefits

2015

3500 Blue Lake Dr., Ste. 120 Vestavia, AL 35243

205-262-2700

valentgroup.com

$180 million

86 86

Commercial property & casualty, employee benefits, personal lines

2001

Brian W. Tanner, Managing Principal

2720 3rd Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233

205-581-3334

epicbrokers.com

$152.4 million

50 3,000

Property & casualty, executive benefits

2014

AssuredPartners of Alabama

Michael V. Gallops, Partner

5251 Hampstead High St. #200 Montgomery, AL 36116

334-270-6824

assuredpartners.com

$130 million

85 100,000

Commercial property & casualty, personal lines, employee benefits & surety

2011

Harmon Dennis Bradshaw Inc.

David Dennis, President

4131 Carmichael Rd. Montgomery, AL 36106

334-273-7277

hdbinsurance.com

$125.3 million

51 54

Commercial property & casualty, group employee benefits

1977

Randy Jones, VP; 8600 U.S. Hwy. 431 Jonathan Pfeiffer, VP; Albertville, AL 35976 Jason Simpson, VP

256-878-3271

leavitt.com/randyjones

$91.2 million

70 77

Property & casualty

1978

11 Thames Batre Insurance Allen Ladd, President

P.O. Box 6989 2065 Old Shell Rd. Mobile, AL 36607

251-473-9000

thamesbatre.com

$90.3 million

56 56

Commercial, personal

1891

Turner Insurance 12 & Bonding Co.

David Durden, CEO

445 Dexter Ave., Ste. 5030 Montgomery, AL 36104

205-913-8256

turnerfirst.com

$75 million

24 26

Commercial property & casualty

1934

13 HUB International

Allen Chapman, Executive Vice President; Jerrime Kitsos, Senior Vice President

1141 Montlimar Dr. Mobile, AL 36609

251-633-8556

hubinternational.com

$70 million

30 12,000

Commercial, personal lines, employee benefits

1972

JR Prewitt & Associates 14 Inc. dba The Prewitt Group

John R Prewitt III, President

2146 Highland Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35205

205-933-9207

prewitt.group

$66.9 million

43 43

Commercial, personal, employee benefits

1974

Greenhalgh 15 Insurance Agency Inc.

Adam Greenhalgh, President

3148 Cahaba Heights Rd. Birmingham, AL 35243

205-967-8800 greenhalghinsurance.com

$19.5 million

16 16

Commercial, personal, surety

1937

16 Portal Insurance

Bradley Flowers, Founder

951 Government St., Ste. B Mobile, AL 36604

251-264-3232

$19.5 million

9 18

Commercial

2019

Randy Jones 10 & Associates Inc.

2120 16th Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35205

PHONE

YEAR FOUNDED IN ALABAMA

AGENCY

2023 POLICY VOLUME WRITTEN BY ALABAMA OFFICES

ALABAMA EMPLOYEES/ TOTAL EMPLOYEES

RANK

Ranked by 2023 Policy Volume Written by Alabama Offices. In case of a tie, the firms are ranked based on number of Alabama employees.

*Editor’s Note: Sunstar Insurance Group - Alabama is made up of Petra RMS, ISG and Whitehaven agencies.

portalinsurance.com

Source: Business Alabama surveys

September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 45

46 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

SPECIAL

SEC TION

Alabama AGC Top 40 Under 40

2024

September September 2024 2023BusinessAlabama.com BusinessAlabama.com| 47 | 47

AGC OF ALABAMA 40 UNDER 40

SPECIAL SECTION

ongratulations to the 2024 Class of 40 Under 40 in Construction! Alabama AGC is proud to welcome another remarkable group of leaders to its recognition program for young professionals. Through Alabama AGC’s Construction Leadership Council, the next generation of industry leaders engages at a young age. They learn the process early by participating in activities throughout the course of the year and interacting with mentors, boards and industry legends. We are proud to recognize these individuals who demonstrate an incredibly high level of leadership, professional excellence and commitment to the construction industry throughout the state of Alabama. From project managers and engineers to lawyers, accountants and safety managers, many different individuals make up this year’s AGC 40 Under 40 class — the very best of Alabama’s non-residential construction industry. As you learn about these interesting individuals who comprise the 2024 class, take time to examine their unique characteristics and the roles they play in providing the future leadership of the billion-dollar economic engine that is Alabama’s construction industry. They serve their companies in leadership roles, as well as the entire industry through their participation in Alabama AGC. The future of the industry depends on these individuals and others like them who are committed to their careers, companies and communities. Alabama AGC is proud to have them represent the outstanding firms that comprise the membership of Alabama AGC. Since Jan. 1, 1920, the Alabama AGC staff and leadership have worked to improve the quality of construction and protect the public interest with a full range of

Recognizing excellence in construction By BILLY NORRELL, CEO, Alabama Associated General Contractors

services, education and advocacy through state agencies, the Alabama Legislature, Congress and other federal agencies. Working with member companies is what the Alabama Associated General Contractors is all about, and the opportunity to work and serve each member is why Alabama AGC is the leading advocate for Alabama’s construction industry.

We are pleased to honor the seventh group of young leaders in the construction industry. Join us in congratulating the 2024 class of Alabama AGC 40 Under 40 in Construction! Billy Norrell is the chief executive officer of Alabama Associated General Contractors.

From project managers and engineers to lawyers, accountants and safety managers, many different individuals make up this year’s AGC 40 Under 40 class — the very best of Alabama’s non-residential construction industry.

48 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

ER UND I N

C O N S T R U C T I O N

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

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September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 49

SPECIAL SECTION

AGC OF ALABAMA 40 UNDER 40

UND

MEET THE 2024 AGC 40 UNDER 40 HONOREES

by ERICA JOINER WEST

graduating from high school,

time with his wife, Erica, and his

he attended night classes at

two sons.

Alabama Southern Community College while working full-time. He later earned his bachelor’s degree in surveying and geomatics from Troy University. After graduating from college, he started working at McInnis Construction as a field engineer

/// Abram “Abe” Wm. Bailey, 38 Abe Bailey began working for the land surveying company run by his dad, Wiley “Tommy” Bailey, in 1998, spending his summers and weekends as a rodman and brush cutter. He became an instrument man by 16 and a crew chief by 18. After

in 2012, and by 2018, had been promoted to project manager. Since 2021, he has served as the company’s preconstruction

/// J. Hunter Barkley, 33

manager. “Just this year, 2024, Abe assisted in the process of

A 2014 graduate of the Univer-

the largest single job, bid and

sity of Alabama with a degree

awarded to the company in its

in construction engineering, J.

history,” said Timothy McInnis.

Hunter Barkley spent four years

When not at work, Bailey spends

with the Alabama Department

September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 51

AGC OF ALABAMA 40 UNDER 40

SPECIAL SECTION

of Transportation before starting

projects, including The Moderne

more than seven years, beginning

his career at Midsouth Paving

at Providence in Huntsville, a

his career there with three intern-

Inc. in 2017. Currently serving

383,130-square-foot apartment

ships while earning his bachelor’s

as operations manager over the

complex; the Stoneridge Villas,

degree in building science at

Dothan area, Barkley has man-

phases I and II, in Huntsville, a

Auburn University. As an estima-

aged several key projects, in-

senior living complex; and Alex-

tor, Blakely works closely with

cluding the Rip Hewes Stadium

andria Apartments in Huntsville, a

clients, subcontractors and ven-

renovation, several municipality

338,792-square-foot, garden-style

dors to bring projects to fruition.

projects and multiple ALDOT

apartment complex. In addition,

In addition, as an estimator II, he

resurfacing projects throughout

he is currently working on the

now bids and oversees special

the Wiregrass. He is an active

$90 million The Colina in Hoover,

projects. To date, he has estimat-

member of the Dothan Area

which is set to be the largest

ed nearly $1.5 billion in construc-

Young Professionals, an organi-

apartment complex in Hoover.

tion value with projects ranging

zation affiliated with the Dothan

In total, he has had a hand in

up to $140 million. “Shawn’s

Area Chamber of Commerce. He

projects valued at more than

attention to detail ensures ac-

and other members participate

$205 million. “Chris’ adept man-

curate and optimized estimates,

in community outreach pro-

agement of complex projects,

leading to high-quality projects

grams and take part in profes-

ability to problem solve proac-

delivered within budget and on

sional development. He also is a

tively, gain trust from clients and

schedule,” said Emily Schultz,

member of the Wiregrass Area

consistently exceed expectations

senior marketing specialist with

chapter of the American Society

make him a distinguished lead-

White-Spunner. When not on

of Civil Engineers.

er in the construction industry,”

the job, Blakely enjoys spending

said Carl McKinney, senior project

time with his wife, Shelby, and is

manager at Capstone Building.

active in his church.

intendent at Capstone Building

/// Shawn Blakely, 31

/// Manson Brooks, 36

Corp., where he has successfully

Shawn Blakely has worked for

Manson Brooks is vice presi-

managed several high-profile

White-Spunner Construction for

dent of strategy for Rogers &

/// Chris Barksdale, 36 Chris Barksdale is a senior super-

52 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 53

AGC OF ALABAMA 40 UNDER 40

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Willard Inc. His strategic vision

Co. Inc. in 2020, bringing well

Carter and Son Contracting Inc.,

and technology integration has

over a decade of experience

was also expanding into under-

transformed the workflows,

in technology to the team. As

ground utility installation and

enhancing project outcomes and

virtual design and construction

then into subdivision develop-

financial reporting, according

manager, Bryan has spearhead-

ment. Today, Carter serves as

to Michael Rogers, owner of the

ed the implementation of a

president of the company his

company. “He has streamlined

VDC program at the company,

father started in 1987. He has in-

processes across departments,

significantly enhancing project

troduced new technology to the

leading to reduced operational

efficiency and accuracy. He also

equipment, making the compa-

costs and improved efficiency,”

manages IT issues, oversees

ny’s work more precise and in-

Rogers said. Brooks also works in

device deployment and handles

creasing production. During his

the areas of project management,

GPS machine operations. Most

presidential tenure, the company

estimating and business devel-

recently, he has expanded his

has continued to grow, with an

opment. Brooks is a University of

experience into drones, which

expected 500 employees by

Alabama graduate with a degree

have been used to identify and

the end of 2024. The company

in commerce and business ad-

address issues early on the job

now has job sites all over the

ministration. When not at work,

site. When not at work, Bry-

region in municipal, government,

he actively participates in several

an and his wife, Emily, mentor

residential and commercial con-

charitable endeavors, such as the

youth through various organiza-

struction. Carter also has been

Hogs for a Cause in New Orleans.

tions, including Big Brothers Big

involved with Associated Gener-

He also serves on the board of

Sisters, and are active in their

al Contractors’ North section for

the Alabama Contemporary Art

church. Bryan also enjoys moun-

more than 15 years.

Center. He has been involved with

tain biking.

Associated General Contractors’ Mobile Section for four years.

/// Halston Carter, 37 /// Phillip Bryan, 36 Phillip Bryan joined T. E. Stevens

/// John Charles Crow, 31 John Charles Crow serves as

Halston Carter started working

chief executive officer of Garnet

with his dad at age 11, growing

Electric Co. A graduate of the

up as the company, Grayson

University of North Alabama,

54 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 55

Crow began his career at Garnet Electric in 2016, where he worked in the field as a project manager. In 2021, he was promoted to vice president. He and his business partner purchased the company in 2022. He is an active member of the Associated General Contractors, is a member of the board for the NECA Gulf Coast Chapter of the North Alabama Electrical JATC Committee and is mayor pro tem of St. Florian, Alabama, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children on the farm. His hobbies include traveling, camping, golfing and hunting.

/// Rachel Finch, 39 Rachel Finch is geotechnical department manager of GTEC. GTEC provides engineering, environmental and testing services for clients in Huntsville and North Alabama. A graduate of the Georgia Institute of

56 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

SPECIAL SECTION

AGC OF ALABAMA 40 UNDER 40

Technology, she brings extensive

ship qualities and commitment

Construction Co. since 2021, Eric

knowledge of the industry to her

to excellence led to his promo-

Fulmer manages initiatives that

work. “Rachel is a great exam-

tion to manager. The firm serves

focus on attracting, retaining

ple of a successful engineer and

more than 100 construction and

and training employees through-

someone who has established

construction-related businesses,

out the company’s footprint,

herself not just as a prominent

many of which Fox collaborates

along with other human resource

woman in construction, but as

closely with. His deep under-

responsibilities. To that end, he

a game-changing leader in the

standing of the industry has led

has established a leadership de-

industry,” said Kasi Phillips, of

him to tailor solutions for his

velopment program for aspiring

GTEC.

clients and the firm. His areas of

foremen, a mentorship program

special competence include au-

for entry-level construction em-

dits, reviews and compliance of

ployees and an orientation pro-

non-public companies, employ-

gram for all new employees. His

ee benefit plans and nonprofit

career spans nearly two decades

organizations. He is a member of

in roles with a similar focus. A

the Alabama Society of Certified

graduate of Troy University, his

Public Accountants and the As-

experience includes working in

sociation of International Certi-

defense, nuclear, manufacturing

fied Public Accountants, as well

and construction. He currently

as the advisory council of the

serves on Alabama’s Workforce

Mobile Chapter of the Alabama

Development Board and active-

Society of CPAs.

ly participates in the selection

/// Simon Fox, 38

of construction textbooks for

Simon Fox is a manager with

schools, developing apprentice-

Wilkins Miller, an accounting and

ships for construction trades and

advisory firm headquartered in

serving on task forces that have

the Mobile Bay region. A gradu-

created construction courses

ate of the University of Alabama

taught at community colleges.

with a bachelor’s degree in com-

He, his wife and two sons reside

merce and business administra-

in Birmingham.

tion, Fox has nearly a decade of experience in public accounting. He began his career in insurance and joined Wilkins Miller in 2015 as a staff accountant,

/// Eric Fulmer, 37

where his performance, leader-

Serving as workforce development director for Wiregrass

September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 57

AGC OF ALABAMA 40 UNDER 40

SPECIAL SECTION

/// Bobby Gagnet, 32

/// Austin Gibson, 30

/// Tim Goodin, 35

Bobby Gagnet serves as vice

Austin Gibson is a seasoned

Tim Goodin began his mining

president of operations for Safe-

project manager at Fite Build-

career at 18, working part time

ty Plus Inc. He joined the com-

ing Co. A graduate of Auburn

as a laborer in the coal industry

pany in 2014 and brings opera-

University with a degree in

in Kentucky. After receiving his

tions management, leadership

civil engineering, Gibson ini-

bachelor’s degree from Union

development and business de-

tially honed his skills at Archer

College, he went to work full

velopment skills to the company.

Western in Atlanta, working

time as an equipment operator.

A graduate of Louisiana State

on significant projects such as

In 2017, he and his wife, Leanna,

University with a bachelor’s

the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta

relocated to central Alabama,

degree in business administra-

International Airport and a rail

where he went to work as a pro-

tion and management, Gagnet

extension for MARTA. He joined

duction manager for Ferro Globe,

has become an expert in safety,

Fite in 2021 and was instrumen-

overseeing production crews and

helping companies develop pro-

tal in launching the company’s

rail car logistics. In late 2018, he

grams to keep their employees

civil division. Today, Gibson

became a sorting plant manager

safe on the job site. In the com-

oversees preconstruction and

at Elmore Sand & Gravel, where

munity, he serves on the adviso-

management of Fite’s self-per-

he oversaw research, design,

ry board for the Mobile Salvation

form operations, which has con-

construction and implementation

Army chapter, was a member

tributed to the company’s recent

of the first laser gravel sorting

of the Young Professionals of

growth. Projects at Fite that

plant in the U.S. In 2020, he

Mobile organization and serves

Gibson has contributed to as

joined Wiregrass Construction as

as a volunteer with the Down

project manager and civil man-

quarry manager of the Allstate

Syndrome Society of Mobile’s

ager include the Polyplex Line 14

operation. Today, he serves as

Buddy Walk. He also serves on

in Decatur, USSRC Cyber Camp

aggregates area manager, where

AGC Mobile’s steering commit-

in Huntsville, Gregory Industries

he oversees the company’s sand

tee and its safety committee and

in Athens and Ardent Preschool

and gravel operations in Coo-

is an AGC-CLC member.

& Daycare in Madison. He also is

sa, Lambert, Hickory Bend and

involved in Associated General

Allstate. He has also designed

Contractors’ North Section.

and led the team that installed a

58 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

AGC OF ALABAMA 40 UNDER 40

SPECIAL SECTION

secondary gravel washing sys-

of Florida. It produced almost

attitude, communicates well and

tem that has increased produc-

4 million tons of quality aggre-

looks at projects and problems

tivity by 25% at the company’s

gate in 2023, much of which

with an open mind,” said Luke

Montgomery location. Outside

was used by construction firms

Newell, a founder of the compa-

of work, Goodin enjoys playing

in the state. As plant manag-

ny. Greer has been involved with

country music, where he has re-

er, Graham manages a staff of

Associated General Contractors

leased two albums in the last two

65 people and is responsible

for more than 12 years. He, his

years, both of which made the

for their safety and health. A

wife, Stephanie, and his son,

top 10 on Billboard Bluegrass and

graduate of the University of

Dak, reside in Trussville.

iTunes country charts. With his

Alabama, Graham has been

music, Goodin helps raise mon-

involved in Associated General

ey for charitable organizations,

Contractors’ Birmingham Sec-

including Healing Appalachia,

tion for more than 25 years.

which helps combat the opioid crisis, and The Mountain Girl Experience, which helps women who have experienced domestic violence.

/// Rachel Greer, 34 Rachel Greer serves as controller of Southern Earth Sciences

/// Colt Greer, 33

Inc. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administra-

A native of Altoona, Colt Greer

tion from Troy University in 2011

joined Newell, Park & Eleazer

and her MBA in accounting from

Construction LLC earlier this

Troy in 2012. She joined SES in

year as a superintendent. He

2014 as a staff accountant, but

holds an associate degree in

her work ethic and attention to

Austin Graham is plant manag-

electrical engineering from

detail quickly earned her recog-

er of the Calera quarry, one of

Snead State Community Col-

nition, leading to her promotion

Vulcan Materials Co.’s largest

lege and a bachelor’s degree

in 2021 to controller. In this role,

limestone quarries in Alabama.

in construction management

she oversees all accounting

The Calera quarry serves Shelby

from Auburn University. In the

and financial functions for the

County locally, but also supplies

superintendent role, he helps

company. In addition to her

stone to the Gulf Coast of Ala-

manage projects being built in

controller position, she also

bama, Mississippi and portions

the state. “He has a get-it-done

serves as corporate secretary

/// Austin Graham, 37

60 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 61

AGC OF ALABAMA 40 UNDER 40

SPECIAL SECTION

on the company’s board. “Her

more than 12 years of engineer-

ability to coordinate and prepare

ing and construction project ex-

internal and external financial

perience. She began her career

statements, manage the budget

at Hargrove as an intern while

process and evaluate accounting

in college, but since coming on

operations have been instrumen-

board as a full-time employee,

tal in ensuring the company’s

Hayden has been the project

success,” said Lewis Copeland,

controls lead, overseeing all

president of SES. Beyond her

financial aspects of a project,

professional endeavors, Greer is

on more than $325 million in

an active member of her church,

chemical, refining, and pulp and

/// Rachel Hester, 34

dedicating time to teaching a

paper projects. Her experience

A graduate of the University of

high school Sunday school class.

allows her to focus on client

Mobile with a bachelor’s degree

She also has been involved in

relations, problem-solving,

in science with a concentration

Associated General Contractors’

organization and time manage-

in marketing, Rachel Hester

Mobile Section for eight years.

ment — support she brings to

started a marketing agency after

multiple projects at a time, from

college, but in 2021, decided to

engineering through construc-

return to Alabama to take over

tion. She is currently a member

the family manufacturing busi-

of Hargrove’s leadership devel-

ness, Hartley Brothers Manu-

opment program, called Pur-

facturing, which her father and

view. She also is active in the

uncle started in 1983 and she

Hargrove Foundation, as well

now owns. She and her husband,

as several local organizations

Matt, have expanded the com-

where she utilizes her artistic

pany outside of the Alabama

talent as a painter to support

Gulf Coast region. Hester plans

the organizations’ endeavors.

to continue to expand the com-

She and her husband and their

pany through the growth of new

three children like spending

technology, machinery, process-

time on the water.

es and marketing and business

/// Kendall Hayden, 35 A native of Mobile, Kendall Hayden currently serves as project controls technical specialist II at Hargrove Engineers + Constructors. An Auburn University graduate with a degree in building science, Hayden has

62 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

development. Outside of work, she serves on the University of Mobile School of Business advisory board and is active in Associated General Contractors.

/// Jackson Howle, 29 Getting his start with Doster Construction Co. in 2019, Jackson Howle has progressed from a laborer in the Healthcare Division to assistant superintendent. While working during the day, Howle was earning his bachelor’s degree in construction management from the University of Southern Mississippi. In his current role, he has successfully built and delivered a ground-up project, serving as lead superintendent on the project, and is currently working on a free-standing emergency department in Okaloosa, Florida. “One of the things that makes Jackson special is that along with the desire to advance, he puts in the necessary work to learn, improve and grow,” said Cobey Everett, senior vice president of field operations at Doster. In addition to his job activities, Howle is involved with AGC’s Birmingham Section.

September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 63

AGC OF ALABAMA 40 UNDER 40

SPECIAL SECTION

/// Craig Jackson, 38

/// Joshua Maharrey, 35

/// Josh Meek, 40

Craig Jackson serves as a proj-

Joshua Maharrey is sales/oper-

Josh Meek has served in mul-

ect manager for Johnson Con-

ations manager for BCC Waste

tiple positions at McElhenney

tractors Inc. in Muscle Shoals.

Solutions LLC. Maharrey attend-

Construction, including estimat-

Joining the company in 2012 as

ed Auburn University. “Josh is

ing, project manager and most

a journey ironworker performing

driven and dedicated and has

recently taking on the role of

his trade in the field, Jackson has

faithfully served BCC Waste

safety director. In this new role,

worked his way up to his current

Solutions in every single aspect

he has streamlined communica-

position. In the role of project

of our business no matter what

tion from the field to the office.

manager, he communicates with

obstacle or task thrown his

He also helps ensure all employ-

clients, architects and the lead

way,” said Hunter Swanzy, chief

ees are trained on each task that

site superintendents on current

financial officer of BCC Waste

is required of them from the time

projects. He also oversees the

Solutions. Maharrey has been

they start on a new or upcom-

company’s AISC Quality Control

involved with Associated Gen-

ing project that requires special

Program and Procedures. Some

eral Contractors’ Mobile Section

attention. “Josh does a great job

of the significant projects he has

for eight years. When not on the

implementing our safety program

worked on are for TVA Nucle-

job, Maharrey spends time with

on a daily basis. He truly cares

ar, Toyota Motor, Facebook and

his wife, Miranda, and their three

about work zone safety and our

Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. A

children.

employees,” said Josh McElhen-

graduate of the welding program

ney, president of the company.

at Northwest Shoals Community

Meek also works with the fleet

College, Jackson also is a safe-

operations team to make sure

ty-trained supervisor, has com-

that maintenance and repairs are

pleted the OSHA 30-hour safety

completed so that minimal down-

training and holds certifications

time occurs on the job site. He

in rigging/signaling from TVA.

attended the University of Ala-

When not on the job, Jackson

bama. He has been involved with

enjoys spending time with his

Associated General Contractors’

wife and three daughters.

Mobile Section for seven years.

64 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

66 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

SPECIAL SECTION

AGC OF ALABAMA 40 UNDER 40

/// Robert C. Morriss, 39

/// Collin Niblett, 36

/// Che Odom, 39

Robert Morriss was hired in

A native of Rome, Georgia, Col-

Che Odom is director of con-

2009 as an assistant project

lin Niblett is a project manager

struction administration for

manager at McAbee Construc-

with GC Specialties Inc. After

Rabren General Contractors. A

tion Inc. A graduate of the

graduating from the Universi-

veteran of the construction in-

University of Alabama with a

ty of Alabama with a geology

dustry, getting her start in 2005

bachelor’s degree in civil engi-

degree, Niblett moved to Mo-

while attending Troy Universi-

neering and a master’s in con-

bile where he worked offshore

ty, she joined Rabren in 2017,

struction engineering, Morriss

in the oil and gas industry as a

building upon her experience

worked his way up to senior

field geologist. He then made a

in roles that included executive

project manager, where he is

career change and worked with

assistant, project engineer, mar-

responsible for modular and

APM Terminals (Maersk) in the

keting coordinator and business

fabrication projects. A few of

vessel department, where he

operations manager. “Whether

the projects he has managed

oversaw unloading and loading

putting together proposals and

are the MHIA carbon capture

of container ships in the Port of

prequalification packets, leading

in Mobile, the Valero Benicia

Mobile. He then made the move

her team of construction ad-

refinery expansion in California,

to the construction industry with

ministrators or helping improve

the Cricket Valley Power Plant in

GC Specialties, where he has

the business with best practices,

New York, the Southfield Power

worked for the past three years.

Che brings a servant leadership

Plant in Ohio and the NASA mo-

“Collin is a reliable, selfless team

mentality to better help those

bile launcher at Cape Canaveral,

player. He’s shown dedication to

around her,” said Jacob Dre-

Florida. Morriss also is a member

the company’s long-term growth

scher, vice president, corporate

of McAbee’s ESOP Communica-

and the daily well-being of each

for RGC. In addition to her daily

tion Committee.

employee at GC Specialties,”

duties, Odom also participates in

said Luci Whitworth, president

the company’s college recruiting

of the company. He is active in

efforts and mentoring student

Associated General Contractors.

interns and co-ops. Odom and her husband, Patrick, have two young children, Peyton and Jase.

September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 67

AGC OF ALABAMA 40 UNDER 40

SPECIAL SECTION

tors teammates. When not on the job, Patrick volunteers with youth organizations and coaches youth sports.

/// Chandler Owens, 30

/// Alex Patrick, 40

Chandler Owens is project

Alex Patrick is a survey su-

manager at John G. Walton

perintendent with Ammons &

Construction Co. Inc. A gradu-

Blackmon Construction LLC.

ate of Auburn University with a

Patrick started his career at

civil engineering degree, Owens

Ammons & Blackmon in 2008,

has worked in the construc-

where he started as a laborer.

tion industry for several years,

However, his strong work ethic,

including for a large general

reliability and understanding

contractor that specialized in

of the intricacies involved in

multifamily construction. “Chan-

concrete placement and field

dler has done an outstanding

layout quickly had him mov-

job in a very short time at John

ing up the ranks. As he pro-

G. Walton Construction Co.,”

gressed, he began overseeing

said Johnny Walton, president of

and managing multiple crews

the company. “He is learning the

and projects simultaneously.

business and has really picked

“His hands-on approach and

it up well.” Owens has been

willingness to tackle challenges

involved in Associated General

head-on earned him the respect

Contractors’ Mobile Section for

and admiration of both his col-

three years. When not on the

leagues and teammates,” said

job, Owens enjoys spending

Chad Ammons, vice president,

time with his two sons, hunting

estimator and project manager

and fishing.

with the company. In his current role, Patrick now oversees the entire concrete placement and field layout operations. Patrick also is committed to professional development and men-

68 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

/// Jonathan Carter Pritchard, 33 Carter Pritchard got his start with Dunn Construction as a summer intern in 2014. After graduating from the University of Alabama with a civil engineering degree, Pritchard joined Dunn Construction full time and now serves as a senior estimator. Pritchard emphasizes customer service, recognizing the impact it has on business success and client satisfaction. He also prioritizes innovation, encouraging creativity, problem solving and continuous improvement in those he works with. In addition to serving Associated General Contractors and Associated Builders & Contractors, Pritchard serves as a mentor for Dunn University’s Impact Program, a leadership program aimed at

AGC OF ALABAMA 40 UNDER 40

SPECIAL SECTION

developing and supporting the

of the Leadership Mobile Class

and residential construction.

next generation of leaders for

of 2015. He currently serves

Alec Reeves is also active in

the company. When not at work,

on the board of Volunteers of

the community, serving with

Pritchard enjoys spending time

America. In his free time, Ray-

the Rotary Club in Dothan and

with his wife, Jenna, golfing and

ford enjoys coaching his chil-

hosting a monthly supper club

traveling.

dren’s sports teams, hunting,

with family friends. He and his

fishing and spending time with

wife, Chandler, have two young

his family.

children.

working for his family’s busi-

/// Alec Reeves, 29

/// Rob Reid, 35

ness, Rayford & Associates, for

A native of Dothan, Alec Reeves

Rob Reid worked as an

almost 16 years. The company is

joined Reeves & Shaw Con-

ironworker for several years after

a distributor of contract hard-

struction LLC in 2019, shortly

graduating from high school. He

ware, architectural flush wood

after earning his degree in

then decided to go to Auburn

doors, hollow metal doors and

civil engineering from Auburn

University, where he earned a

frames, construction specialties

University. Currently he wears

bachelor’s degree in building

and residential bath fixtures

several hats at the company,

science. After graduating, he

and accessories. He started his

including estimator, project

worked in the industrial field

career as an estimator and now

manager and civil engineer. “His

for several years before joining

serves as president of Rayford

strong work ethic and commu-

Rolin Construction in 2022,

& Associates. Rayford is active

nication skills with architects,

where he currently serves as

with AGC’s Young Construction

engineers, owners and subcon-

project manager. “With a solid

Forum. He also is involved in the

tractors has allowed us to grow

background in construction

Mobile community where he has

the business and provide ex-

management and a sharp eye

served various organizations

ceptional service to our clients,”

for business intelligence, Rob

including the Mobile Carnival

said Ron Reeves, president of

leverages data-driven strategies

Association, the Senior Bowl

Reeves & Shaw. The company

to enhance Rolin’s operations,”

Committee and was a member

specializes in both commercial

said Stephanie Rolin, president

/// Forress Rayford Jr., 39 Forress Rayford Jr. has been

70 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 71

72 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

SPECIAL SECTION

AGC OF ALABAMA 40 UNDER 40

of Rolin Construction. He

ally,” said Michael Eidson, vice

a professional engineer and

currently is senior project lead

president, federal operations

project manager at Russo Corp.

for the $54 million LeFlore High

for BL Harbert. Outside of work,

Outside the office, he enjoys

School upgrades in Mobile.

Scott and his family are involved

hunting, fly fishing and traveling

When not at work, Reid enjoys

in supporting The Bell Center,

and cooking with his wife.

traveling and spending time with

which provides early interven-

his family.

tion services to families with young children who are at risk for developmental delays.

/// Jack Sommer, 40 Jack Sommer has worked at

/// Drew Scott, 35 Throughout his 11-year tenure at

Bailey-Harris Construction Co. for just under 7 years. Currently,

BL Harbert International, Drew

/// Wheeler Sewell, 34

Scott has led teams through

Wheeler Sewell is an estimator

and has managed some of the

procurement and delivery of

and project manager at Russo

company’s “toughest projects

some of the company’s most

Corp. in Birmingham. A native of

with the toughest teams,” said

high-profile and challenging

Birmingham, he is a graduate of

Ben Sims, vice president of

federal projects. As an opera-

the University of Alabama with

project management at Bailey-

tions manager, Scott has worked

a bachelor’s in civil engineering.

Harris. He has a bachelor’s

on 11 contracts, totaling just

He joined Russo shortly after

degree in logistics and supply

under $1 billion, at Tyndall Air

graduating from college in 2013.

chain management from the

Force Base in Florida, where he

Today, Sewell is one of the lead

University of Tennessee and a

is responsible for recruiting and

estimators and project manag-

master’s in building construction

building teams and then leading

ers for Russo, serving on several

from Auburn University. As

them towards a common goal.

projects throughout the South-

project director, Sommer has

“With a keen eye on strategy for

east and in Texas, with the com-

overseen projects at Auburn

all aspects of our business, Drew

pany’s division there. “He cre-

University, East Alabama

leads by example and works

ates an enjoyable atmosphere to

Health’s Spencer Cancer

hard daily to build others around

work around that keeps all of us

Center and the Equal Justice

him professionally and person-

on our toes,” said Sam Brown,

Initiative’s Freedom Monument

he serves as project director

September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 73

AGC OF ALABAMA 40 UNDER 40

SPECIAL SECTION

Sculpture Park. Sommer also

gia-Pacific. Outside of work, Stahl

time with Hancock, he has helped

is a member of the company’s

likes tennis and woodworking. He

build several residential-style proj-

Corporate Social Responsibility

and his family, which includes his

ects, from townhomes and lofts

department. In the community,

wife, Curry Moore Stahl, and his

to private residences. He also has

he is actively engaged with

three daughters, live in Mobile.

overseen a Class A office space

the Alabama Sheriff’s Youth

renovation. When not on the job,

Ranches. He and his wife, Kelly,

Thach is still active with Church of

have four children.

the Highlands – Greystone Campus and also enjoys coaching his two children’s sports teams.

/// Brian Thach, 38 Brian Thach got his start as a co-

/// Will Price Stahl, 38

op student with Southern Nuclear from 2007-2010 while earning his

Will Price Stahl has served as a

engineering degree at the Univer-

project manager for S&S Sprin-

sity of Alabama. He then joined

/// Chase Traffica, 33

kler for almost a decade, cov-

Southern Nuclear full time, where

Chase Traffica is vice president of

ering the territory that includes

he served in several engineering

Turner Insurance & Bonding Co.,

Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia

roles leading up to performing

where he provides insurance, risk

and Florida. A native of Ken-

many project management-type

management and surety options

tucky, he attended the University

functions. After graduating from

to clients in the construction and

of Kentucky where he studied

Highlands College with a certifi-

transportation industries. A grad-

agriculture economics and math.

cate in ministry leadership in 2017,

uate of the University of Louisiana

He started working for S&S in

he served for two years on the

with a master’s from Samford Uni-

2016, and as project manager, has

pastoral side, helping to launch

versity, Traffica is currently com-

overseen more than 250 proj-

the McCalla Campus of Church

pleting his Ph.D. in psychology.

ects, including work at the Airbus

of the Highlands. As the church

His expertise in the industry has

campus in Mobile, SSAB, Grand-

grew, Thach oversaw multiple

been developed over many years

view Medical Center, Alabama

campus construction projects.

working with construction clients.

Port Authority, Evonik and several

He joined Hancock Construction

To that end, he has developed

sawmills for various companies

in early 2023, where he serves as

risk management tools specific to

including Westervelt and Geor-

senior project manager. During his

the construction and transporta-

74 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 75

tion industries. He is a member of several committees, including the Associated General Contractors of America’s National Construction Leadership Committee. He holds the designations of CRIS: Construction Risk Insurance Specialist and TRIP: Transportation Risk Insurance Professional and was recognized as a Global Top 100 Insurance Innovator in 2022 by Lightico. Beyond his professional achievements, Traffica is involved in several community initiatives.

/// Adam Waldron, 39 Adam Waldron is an underwriting director for CNA Surety. A graduate of Auburn University with a double major in finance and economics, Waldron has held several positions with CNA including underwriting consultant and underwriting manager before being promoted to director — the youngest person to ever be promoted to this position with the company. Over his 17 years with

76 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

SPECIAL SECTION

AGC OF ALABAMA 40 UNDER 40

the company, he has built lifelong

accident.” While attending the

relationships in the construction

University of West Florida at age

industry, helping contractors grow

16, he needed a job, so he started

and achieve their goals through

working with Brasfield & Gorrie

surety support, financial guidance

on the Waterscape Condomini-

and contract risk review. During

ums project in Ft. Walton Beach,

that time, he has been a member

Florida. The team was so im-

of the Alabama Surety Associa-

pressed with his work ethic that

tion, where he served as president

by the time the project ended, he

in 2017; was named an emerging

was offered a role in the compa-

leader with CNA Financial and

ny’s Safety Department. Today,

/// Blake Wilson, 35

was named to the Young Profes-

he serves as the Central Group

Blake Wilson joined Dunn Build-

sional Leadership group of Surety

safety director, where he direct-

ing Co. as an industrial services

and Fidelity Association of Ameri-

ly manages five employees and

manager in October 2023, com-

ca. He has an Associate in Fidelity

checks in with regional safety

ing from Hill & Wilkinson General

and Surety Bonding designa-

teams at job sites throughout the

Contractors in Austin, Texas. A

tion. When not at work, Waldron

region. In addition to implement-

Drury University graduate, Wilson

enjoys serving as a coach for the

ing safety controls for nearly half

was involved in real estate and

Briarwood Soccer Club and the

the company’s active project

was a partnership manager at

Hoover Rec League. He also is ac-

portfolio, White is active in sev-

Positive Coaching Alliance prior

tive in Oak Mountain Presbyterian

eral professional organizations,

to joining Hill & Wilkinson, where

Church, where he serves as youth

including the American Society

he worked for six years before

Sunday school teacher and life

of Safety Professionals. He also

moving to Athens and joining

group leader.

is a frequent speaker regarding

Dunn Building Co. “Blake is a very

safety issues at construction

hard-working young man,” said

events in Alabama, Georgia and

Craig Fowler, vice president and

Mississippi. In his spare time,

Tennessee Valley area manager

White volunteers with several

for Dunn Building. “His business is

organizations, including Hope

built upon relationships, therefore

Works and Cobb Street Ministries

he is constantly trying to strength-

in Atlanta, Georgia, and United

en his relationship with existing

Way of Central Alabama.

customers, while at the same time building relationships with new ones.” Since coming to Alabama, Wilson has been involved with

/// Josh White, 38 Josh White’s start at Brasfield & Gorrie was, in his own words, “by

both Associated General Contractors and Associated Builders and Contractors, and recently spent the day with Lincoln Village MinisSeptember 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 77

AGC OF ALABAMA 40 UNDER 40

SPECIAL SECTION

try, helping them with painting and

Kansas State University, Zweygardt

nuanced and requires many intrica-

sheetrock installation.

set himself apart on the job site,

cies and specific skill sets that few

allowing him to quickly become a

in the industry possess.” Zweygardt

leader. Now as a project superin-

also seeks out additional training to

tendent he leads a field team of 11

improve his skills, including receiv-

and oversees subcontractor man-

ing the OSHA 30-hour Certifica-

agement. In his current role, he has

tion, USACE Construction Qual-

managed some significant projects,

ity Management for Contractors

including a $90 million stadium

training and being certified as an

renovation on a very tight schedule.

ACI Concrete Field Testing Techni-

“Dillan is one of our most talented

cian. When not on the job site, he is

and trusted project superintendents

active in his community, where he

at Caddell,” said Stephen Strickland,

serves as a co-leader for the Young

senior vice president, governmen-

Adults and Families Sunday School

tal at Caddell. “He is certainly vital

class and participates in the church

to our continued growth in gov-

band. He and his wife are active

ernmental work, especially in the

volunteers with 4H programs in

federal market. This space is very

community schools.

/// Dillan Zweygardt, 38 Dillan Zweygardt joined Caddell Construction as an assistant superintendent in 2017. A graduate of

78 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

SPOTLIGHT TOP: Eufaula and other cities in the area have several historic districts depicting various architecture. BOTTOM LEFT: Fendall Hall. Photo by Peter Pauley Photography. BOTTOM RIGHT: The 45-acre Pike County Lake, just south of Troy.

Pike, Barbour & Bullock Counties by KATHERINE MacGILVRAY

Bullock County

Pike County

estled together in the southeastern part of the state, Pike, Barbour and Bullock counties are among the nearly two dozen counties that make up Alabama’s Black Belt. Named for its dark, fertile soil, the region also is well known for supporting a variety of outdoor activities, especially hunting and fishing. According to a report released in May by the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association, hunting and fishing in the 23-county region accounts for $1.7 billion in annual economic impact. When it comes to offering an abundance of hunting and fishing opportunities, Pike, Barbour and Bullock counties deliver. All three counties are known for their agricultural commodities as well, particularly poultry processing, peanuts and timber. Other leading industries include aerospace and aviation, marine electronics, trucking, distribution and recycling.

Barbour County

Higher education and health care also are top employers in the area. Pike County prides itself on being home to large industries that have a global reach while still maintaining a small-town feel. Lockheed Martin’s Pike County Operations facility has made international headlines in recent months, due in part to a visit in February by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. The plant serves as a manufacturing, final assembly and storage facility for many of Lockheed Martin’s missile programs, including Javelin missiles that have played a key role in supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russian invasion. Sikorsky Aircraft, a Lockheed Martin company, also operates a helicopter manufacturing facility in Troy. Pike County is home to Troy University. As the county’s largest employer, the institution plays a key role in bringing new residents and businesses to the area. Last fall, the Alabama Commission on

84 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

Higher Education approved an instructional role change that will allow the university to offer additional doctoral degrees. That development also elevates the institution to Carnegie R2 status with formal recognition as a research institution. Currently, Troy’s doctoral degrees are available in nursing practice, sport management and global leadership. Lake Eufaula makes up a large portion of Barbour County’s eastern border and is why the county is a popular destination for a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, birdwatching and fishing. Eufaula, the largest city in the county, calls itself the “Big Bass Capital of the World” and is a frequent tournament destination for competitive fishermen. Fittingly, it is the home base for Humminbird, a fishing electronics manufacturer and one of the county’s top industrial employers, along with Tyson Foods poultry processing, Boyd Brothers Transportation and Benny Whitehead Trucking. Eufaula’s Southern charm also attracts plenty of visitors. The Seth Lore and Irwinton Historic District is home to more than 700 structures listed in the National Register of Historically and Architecturally Significant Places and is the second-largest historic district in the state. Each April, thousands of visitors attend the Eufaula Pilgrimage, the state’s oldest tour of homes. Roughly 6% of the 4,010 students enrolled in Wallace Community College last fall attended classes at the college’s Sparks campus in Barbour County. The Sparks location offers programs and training opportunities in technology, criminal justice, entrepreneurship and child development. It is also well-known for its nursing and allied health degree programs. Each February, hundreds of bird dog enthusiasts from around the country flock to Bullock County to participate in the National Amateur Free-for-All Championship, and Union Springs, the county

S P O T L I G H T: OV E R V I E W

M E D I A N H O U S E H O L D I N CO M E Madison County: $78,058 Baldwin County: $71,039 Jefferson County: $63,595 Coffee County: $62,199 Montgomery County: $56,707 Mobile County: $55,352 Dale County: $52,813 Russell County: $47,420 Pike County: $42,616 State of Macon County: $41,206 Alabama Barbour County: $39,712 $59,609 Bullock County: $36,136 Source: U.S. Census Bureau

seat, is known as the Bird Dog Field Trial Capital of the World. And like its neighbors, Bullock County is a renowned hunting and fishing destination. Union Springs also has its share of historic charm with more than 47 buildings and sites on the National Register of Historic Places, including one of the oldest surviving jailhouses in the state. And the

P O P U L AT I O N Total Alabama Population: 5,108,468 Jefferson County: 662,895 Madison County: 412,600 Mobile County: 411,640 Baldwin County: 253,507 Montgomery County: 224,980 Russell County: 58,744 Coffee County: 55,643 Dale County: 49,871 Pike County: 33,137 Barbour County: 24,585 Macon County: 18,370 Source: U.S. Census Bureau (estimates) Bullock County: 9,897

historic Red Door Theatre, operated by the Tourism Council of Bullock County and known for productions that depict the region’s history and culture, celebrated its 20th anniversary last year. Poultry processor Wayne Sanderson Farms and plant wholesaler Bonnie Plants are the county’s top employers. Others include To Your Health Sprouted

Flour, which supplies sprouted organic grains and flours to major commercial companies; Fiblast, which manufactures architectural fiberglass products for the construction industry; and Ace Packaging, a metal fabricator. Katherine MacGilvray is a Huntsville-based freelance contributor to Business Alabama.

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Economic Engines Veterans Memorial Stadium at Troy University has a seating capacity of 30,000. Photo by Lee Photography.

AGRICULTURE / FOOD / WOOD / PAPER

Pike County is known for agricultural commodities like poultry and egg production, cattle, peanuts and timberland. Southern Classic Food Group began operating out of Brundidge in 2001 and has since grown to run a 235,000-square-foot manufacturing

B U S I N E S S

facility that produces and packages a variety of sauces, seasonings, dressings and condiments. Formerly known as Golden Boy Foods, 8th Avenue Nut Butters, a leading nut butter supplier, operates a plant in Troy. A new cutting-edge facility operated by New York-based Conecuh Ridge Distillery is scheduled to open in

2025. Among its products is Alabama Style Whiskey, the official state spirit of Alabama, invented by famous moonshiner and Alabama native, Clyde May. Rex Lumber, a leader in the softwood lumber industry, has operated a manufacturing facility in Troy since 2019. HB&G Building Products is the country’s largest manufacturer of outdoor columns; the company also produces railing and balustrade systems and other outdoor living products. Sunbelt Forest Products Corp. specializes in manufacturing pressure-treated lumber made to withstand harsh tropical climates. Tyson Foods Inc. operates a poultry processing plant that is the largest employer in Barbour County. Tyson acquired the Eufaula facility in 2018. The county’s second-largest employer is Mahrt Mill, a paper mill operated by Smurfit Westrock. While the mill is located in Russell County, a large percentage of its workforce commutes from Eufaula daily. Barbour County also is home to lumber product companies like Southeast Forest Products, which built its Louisville sawmill in 2019 to address market supply shortages; and M.C. Dixon Lumber Co. Michigan-based Panel Processing purchased the business operations of Alabama Inter-Forest in 2004; the facility manufactures a variety of engineered wood products. Like Barbour County, poultry processing is the largest industrial employer in Bullock County, home to Wayne Sanderson Farms. Next on the list is Bonnie Plants, a top provider of vegetable and herb plants. The company also operates

B R I E F S

JULY 2024: Humminbird announces a renewable energy plan to reduce CO2 emissions at its Eufaula plant over the next 20 years. The project is part of ongoing sustainability efforts at Johnson Outdoors, Humminbird’s parent company, and includes the installation of a solar array that allowed the company to begin generating its own solar power last year.

renovations on 44 of its rooms. The project is expected to be complete in December.

MAY 2024: The Lakepoint State Park Resort Lodge begins

MARCH 2024: Union Springsbased Community Bank & Trust

APRIL 2024: KW Plastics, one of the country’s largest plastic recyclers, announces plans to expand its recycling capabilities by adding a sixth wash line capable of processing 100 million pounds of plastic per year.

86 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

is rebranded as LifeSteps Bank & Trust following its acquisition by LS Investor Group LLC. The bank’s future plans include implementing new and updated banking systems, entering the Huntsville market and offering wealth management strategies. JANUARY 2024: Dothan Pediatric Healthcare Network opens its newest satellite clinic, Troy Pediatric Clinic & Collegiate Health, which provides a full range of medical care for infants,

children, adolescents and young adults in Troy and Pike County. DECEMBER 2023: Sikorsky Aircraft, a Lockheed Martin company, delivers the first of 45 MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter airframe replacements to the U.S. Coast Guard as part of a $374 million contract signed in 2021. OCTOBER 2023: Clio Health Clinic opens in downtown Clio. The general-purpose health

S P O T L I G H T: ECO N O M I C E N G I N E S

TAXES

Ace Packaging, in Union Springs, was founded in 2013 and provides CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication and welding. It designs a number of rolling carts and bins for manufacturers.

PROPERTY TAX PIKE COUNTY

22.5 mills outside municipalities 18.5 mills inside municipalities BARBOUR COUNTY

9.0 mills

BULLOCK COUNTY

18.5 mills

STATE OF ALABAMA: 6.5 MILLS

SALES TAX PIKE COUNTY: 3.5% Cities within the county:

BANKS: 1% BRUNDIDGE: 2% GOSHEN: 2% TROY: 3%

capable of producing 70,000 pounds of sprouted organic grains and flours and supplies large commercial companies like Whole Foods Market, Arrowhead Mills and Kellogg.

BARBOUR COUNTY: 1.5% Cities within the county:

BAKERHILL: 2% BLUE SPRINGS: 1% CLAYTON: 4% CLIO: 4% EUFAULA: 4% LOUISVILLE: 4%

AEROSPACE / AVIATION

BULLOCK COUNTY: 2.5% Cities within the county:

MIDWAY: 3% UNION SPRINGS: 3.5% STATE OF ALABAMA: 4%

Source: Alabama Department of Revenue

a trial garden in Union Springs and more than 70 growing stations across the country. To Your Health Sprouted Flour is another top employer in Bullock County. The company’s facility in Fitzpatrick is

B U S I N E S S and wellness facility focuses on providing routine medical care and education in self-care to clients in rural communities. OCTOBER 2023: Pike County and Troy city officials attend a groundbreaking ceremony for a four-story, 91-room Home2 Suites by Hilton, an extendedstay hotel. SEPTEMBER 2023: Mineral Manufacturing Corp. announces a $12.3 million investment

More than 600 employees see to the final assembly of missiles at Lockheed Martin’s Pike County Operations. The 4,000-acre complex is a manufacturing, test and storage operation for missile programs supported by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control (MFC), including Javelin, the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile, the Joint Airto-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and air-to-ground missiles. It also manufactures missiles and hardware for a variety of development programs. The facility has received a fair amount

of national and international attention in recent months: NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg visited the facility in February, and the Alabama plant continues to play a critical role supplying Javelin missiles to bolster Ukraine’s defense against Russian invasion, as President Joe Biden acknowledged shortly after signing a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine in April. Lockheed Martin also operates the Sikorsky Aircraft helicopter plant in Troy. In November 2023, the facility announced a $374 million contract to produce 45 airframes for the Coast Guard’s fleet of MH-60T Jayhawk helicopters. HIGHER EDUCATION

With just over 2,300 employees, Troy University is the largest non-manufacturing employer in Pike County, and its four

B R I E F S to modernize and upgrade its facilities and handling equipment for crushing, grinding, screening and sizing mined clays, ceramics, refractory and other miscellaneous nonmetallic minerals to remain competitive in the bauxite industry. The expansion includes the addition of 30 new jobs at the 266,000-square-foot former Beaulieu of America yarn processing plant in Eufaula.

AUGUST 2023: The Pike County Judicial Detention Complex opens in Troy, marking the completion of a $36 million project that broke ground in May of 2021. The new facility includes a jail, courtrooms and offices for the county’s circuit clerks, district attorney, juvenile office and sheriff. JUNE 2023: The city of Eufaula signs an agreement with Tesla to build 16 stalls in a municipal parking lot near downtown.

The site will include three prefabricated Supercharger units, each with four stalls, and four pull-through stalls. FEBRUARY 2023: Pike Medical Foundation provides $70,000 to the Troy Regional Medical Center to purchase a camera for the hospital’s Nuclear Medicine Department to use for cancer detection, cardiac imaging and abdominal imaging. Source: Economic developers

September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 87

S P O T L I G H T: ECO N O M I C E N G I N E S

campuses in Troy, Dothan, Montgomery and Phenix City generate a significant economic development impact in the state. The university has roughly 14,000 students enrolled worldwide from more than 65 countries and counts more than 176,000 alumni in its ranks. In May, Troy University Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins and Meesoon Han, executive director of the AlabamaInternational Education and Economic Partnership (ALIEEP), signed a memorandum of understanding to improve economic development in Alabama by training international students to alleviate shortages in critical professions, such as education. Under the agreement, the university will provide teaching expertise in foreign or critical languages and multicultural education, as well as help develop international exchange and global leadership opportunities for professional development. Wallace Community College’s Sparks campus in Barbour County supports workforce development through strong partnerships with the area’s leading employers. The Workforce Development Department recently began offering no-cost Skills for Success heavy equipment operator training, required for operating skid steers, bulldozers, excavators and rollers, and Skills for Success fiber optic technician and installer training. Wallace’s nursing and allied health programs are among its most popular, and the Sparks campus is a regional test site for the Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) exam. Other programs available at the Sparks campus include industrial systems technology, air conditioning and refrigeration, welding technology, criminal justice and child development. Online courses in entrepreneurship and Google IT support are also offered. HEALTH CARE

Troy Regional Medical Center in Pike County, Medical Center Barbour and Bullock County Hospital are all among the top 10 largest employers in their respective counties. In April, Bullock County Hospital announced it is starting the process to become designated as a Rural Emergency Hospital. The transition means the facility

will close inpatient beds and shift its focus from acute care to 24-hour emergency care and other outpatient services. MARINE ELECTRONICS / SPORTS FISHING PRODUCTS

Home to Lake Eufaula, Pike County Lake and the city of Eufaula, which prides itself on being the “Big Bass Capital of the World,” it’s no surprise that marine electronics play a vital role in Barbour County’s economy. Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of global outdoor recreation company Johnson Outdoors Inc., manufactures and markets a full range of fishing electronics, one of which is Eufaula-based brand Humminbird. In June, Humminbird received the Large Industry of the Decade Award from the Eufaula Barbour County Chamber of Commerce. Humminbird was acquired by Johnson Outdoors in 2004. DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRY / TRUCKING / METALS

Other industries in Pike County include a Walmart Distribution Center that has operated in the county for 20 years. The facility has more than 900 employees and an average daily inventory of 47 million items. Troy is home to IT and business consultant CGI’s U.S. onshore delivery center, and KW Plastics, one of the largest plastics recyclers in the U.S., is headquartered in Troy. This spring, KW announced it will start up what will be its sixth wash line, capable of processing 100 million pounds of plastic per year. Firearms company Kimber Manufacturing also is headquartered in Troy. Both Pike and Barbour are headquarters for trucking companies: Wiley Sanders Truck Lines in Pike County and Boyd Bros. Transportation Inc. and Benny Whitehead Inc. in Barbour. Also in Barbour County, Hyundai Polytech manufactures auto parts made from rubber and plastic. Other industries in Bullock County include Ace Packaging, which specializes in returnable packaging for the automotive industry; chemical manufacturer and distributor Gulf States International; and chemical wholesaler The Alchemy Group.

88 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

Largest Industrial Employers PIKE COUNTY WALMART DISTRIBUTION CENTER Distribution • 930 employees

WILEY SANDERS TRUCK LINES INC. Trucking • 786 employees

LOCKHEED MARTIN

Aerospace • 600 employees

KIMBER MANUFACTURING Firearms • 500 employees

SANDERS LEAD CO. INC.

Secondary lead smelter • 460 employees

HB&G BUILDING PRODUCTS INC. Decorative columns • 300 employees

SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT MANUFACTURING

Helicopter manufacturer 367 employees

BARBOUR COUNTY TYSON FOODS

Poultry processing • 1,480 employees

WESTROCK MAHRT MILL Paper mill • 878 employees

BOYD BROTHERS TRANSPORTATION

Trucking • 530 employees

HUMMINBIRD-JOHNSON OUTDOORS

Marine electronics • 216 employees

BULLOCK COUNTY WAYNE FARMS

Poultry processing • 954 employees

BONNIE PLANTS

Plant nursery and distributor 354 employees Source: Economic developers

Higher Education

Troy University serves 14,000 students with four campuses and a network of support centers. Pictured here is the main quad before John Robert Lewis Hall and below is the university’s commencement ceremony.

TROY UNIVERSITY

Founded as a teachers’ college in 1887, today Troy University has grown into an international university with campuses in Troy, Dothan, Montgomery and Phenix City; a network of support centers; and strong partnerships with universities around the world. The university serves roughly 14,000 students from more than 65 countries and counts more than 176,000 alumni in its ranks. Troy offers degrees at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral level; more than 170 undergraduate majors and minors across its five colleges; and a wide range of academic programs in high-demand fields. In September 2023, the Alabama Commission on Higher Education approved an instructional role change that will allow the university to offer additional doctoral degrees, furthering its ongoing maturation as a research institution. Currently, the university offers doctoral degrees in nursing practice, sports management and global leadership, and new programs are in the planning stages. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) recently reaffirmed the Sorrell College of Business’ elite status, and the AACSB board of directors validated the accreditation for both the Sorrell College and its William H. Carr School of Accountancy in its July meeting. Accreditation places the Sorrell business programs among 1,026 colleges in 65 countries and territories worldwide and places the accountancy program in the elite category as just one of 194 to be recognized. Fewer than 200 colleges of business worldwide hold both accreditations. The Troy campus, a residential campus that serves traditional college-aged students, is home to the Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park, which includes several outdoor art installations and the university’s International Arts Center. In downtown Troy, the university’s IDEA Bank serves as a hub for entrepreneurship and small business development for students and the surrounding community.

And the campus continues to grow. Construction is nearly complete on two new buildings. Jones Hall will house programs in the university’s College of Health Sciences. The Center for Materials and Manufacturing Sciences will be dedicated to polymer chemistry research, specifically finding new ways to recycle existing plastics and developing biodegradable plastics. Other recent developments include: The university received accreditation for its educator preparation programs from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, making it one of 35 providers to receive accreditation from the council’s Spring 2024 review. The university’s exercise physiology program was recognized for the third time by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, for its programs leading to certification for graduates. NASA selected Troy University to receive a “Moon Tree” seedling that flew around the moon during the 2022 Artemis I mission. NASA selects institutions based on their ability to care for the tree and how they plan to use it to promote educational opportunities in their communities. Dr. Alvin Diamond, biology professor and director of the arboretum, plans to use the tree in a September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 89

S P O T L I G H T: H I G H E R E D U C AT I O N

The Wallace Community College - Sparks Campus serves students in a number of programs, including those seeking welding courses (at right).

variety of hands-on activities for students tailored to different ages and grade levels. The university signed a partnership agreement with Anáhuac Querétaro University in Querétaro, Mexico, opening the door for student, faculty and athletic exchange programs along with collaborative research. Troy has more than 100 partner universities in 31 countries worldwide, but Anáhuac University is its first partner in Mexico. The university’s board voted to rename the Collegeview Building to honor the memory of Troy alumnus and Medal of Honor recipient Bennie G. Adkins. The building is currently home to programs in the College of Health and Human Services, but they will relocate to the Jones Hall Center for Health Sciences when it is completed later this year. Bennie G. Adkins Hall will then become home to the Army and Air Force ROTC programs and the Troy University Police Department. In February, Troy forged an agreement with Bermuda College that will provide a pathway for students from Bermuda to study in the university’s undergraduate business administration program. Hospitality management, nursing and criminal justice options may be added later. Last fall, Troy University Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr. presided over commencements at three partner institutions in Vietnam: Duy Tan University, Hanoi University of Science and Technology and Vietnam National University’s University of Economics and Business. More than 1,100 students participate in Troy’s program at these institutions, where they take classes in computer science, business administration and hospitality and event management that are taught in English by Troy professors. WALLACE COMMUNITY COLLEGE - SPARKS CAMPUS

Barbour County is home to Wallace Community College’s Sparks campus, and 6% of the 4,010 students enrolled at the college last fall were attending classes at the Eufaula location. More than 70% of Wallace’s student body falls in the 18-24 age range, and 16% are between 25 and 34. To keep up with demand in an ever-changing career technical landscape, the Sparks campus offers a variety of programs and training opportunities in technology, criminal justice, entrepre90 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

neurship and child development. Other career tech programs include industrial systems technology, air conditioning and refrigeration and welding technology. The criminal justice program offers students hands-on training with a VirTra Simulator that realistically demonstrates law enforcement scenarios. For those seeking to upgrade their skill sets, short-term online certificate options are available in the business technology program and the computer information systems program. The child development program prepares individuals for entry-level positions in early child care and education. And, thanks to articulation agreements with Troy University’s College of Education, the University of Alabama’s College of Human & Environmental Sciences and Athens State University’s College of Education, graduates of the child development program can transfer their credits toward a four-year degree. Wallace’s accredited nursing and allied health degrees are among its most popular and include programs for emergency medical services, medical assisting and phlebotomy, physical therapist assistant, radiologic technology, respiratory therapist and surgical technology. The college also has plans to add courses for its mental health technician program in the coming year. The Sparks campus Workforce Development Department maintains partnerships with the area’s leading employers. It recently began offering no-cost Skills for Success heavy equipment operator training, required for operating skid steers, bulldozers, excavators and rollers, and Skills for Success fiber optic technician and installer training. Dual enrollment participation among local high school students has surged in recent years, driven by state workforce development grant opportunities. The Sparks campus is home to three federally funded TRiO programs that serve Barbour, Bullock, Henry and Russell counties. These programs provide support services for first-generation college students. The Sparks campus also houses the Student Success Project, a state-funded program that provides tutoring, mentoring, college and career advising and other support services to prepare high school students for technical careers. Overall, these programs serve more than 1,200 students.

Movers & Shapers BETHANY WILSON ALLEN is presi-

dent of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce where she coordinates networking and educational events to promote and grow local businesses. She earned her bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from Troy University. She serves on the university’s homecoming parade committee and is vice president of the Chapter Advisory Board for the Delta Delta chapter of Kappa Delta Sorority at Troy. She also serves on committees for Pike County FarmCity, the TroyFest Art and Craft Festival and Get Involved Pike County.

KENNY CAMPBELL is co-owner and

founder of Troy-based KW Plastics and KW Container, which also operates locations in California, Illinois and Pennsylvania. Campbell also is the owner of Pike Aviation and president of Sanders Lead Co. He serves on the boards of Wiley Sanders Truck Lines, Troy Bank and Trust, the Pike Economic Development Council, the Association of Battery Recyclers, the Society of Plastic Engineers and the Army Aviation Museum. He also is involved with the International Lead Association and the National Association of Plastic Recyclers.

PHILIP CLAYTON is the director of

economic development for the Eufaula Barbour County Chamber of Commerce. Earlier, he practiced law and

served 36 years in the Alabama Army National Guard, where he retired as a colonel. Clayton is a graduate of Auburn University with a law degree from Faulkner University’s Thomas G. Jones School of Law and a Master of Laws in Taxation and additional certification from Villanova University. He holds Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Green Belt certificates and is a U.S. Green Building Council and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design accredited professional.

DR. JACK HAWKINS has served as

chancellor of Troy University since 1989 and is the longest serving chief executive officer of a public university in the country. The Mobile native earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Montevallo and his doctorate from the University of Alabama. Hawkins serves on the boards of the Daniel Foundation, the Bennie Adkins Foundation, Business Council of Alabama, the American Village Trust, College Football Playoff Board of Managers and Troy Bank and Trust Co. He also is a member of the Troy Rotary Club.

STEVE HAWKINS is the executive

director of the Eufaula Barbour County Chamber of Commerce. A graduate of Jackson State University with a master’s from Troy University, Hawkins is a former high school band director and retired school administrator. He serves on the Eufaula Committee for the Promotion of the Performing Arts, the Southeast AlabamaWorks Region 6 Workforce Council and the Eufaula Historic Preservation Com-

mission. He is a graduate of Leadership Barbour, a member of the Economic Development Association of Alabama and the Eufaula Rotary Club and serves First Presbyterian Church Eufaula as a session member and organist/choirmaster.

MARVIN LOWE is director of career

and technical education for Bullock County Public Schools. Prior to that, he was director of student services and district athletic director for Bullock County Public Schools and he also served on the board for the Alabama Southeast Area Health Education Center. Lowe earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Alabama State University and his Ph.D. in education from Nova Southeastern University.

MARSHA MOFFETT is executive

vice president and CFO at AmeriFirst Bank, where she has worked for more than 39 years. A graduate of Bullock Memorial High School in Union Springs, Moffett holds a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University at Montgomery, and she attended the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University. Community service includes the Union Springs Chunnenuggee Fair Board, the Bullock County Development Authority Board, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life Team and the Bullock County Tourism Board.

JAY MOORER, along with his wife,

Leigh, owns Union Springs Home Center Inc. Earlier he had a 24-year career with

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Bonnie Plants. Moorer serves on the Bullock County Chamber of Commerce, the City of Union Springs Planning Committee and is a member of the Bullock County

Cattlemen’s Association. A Union Springs native, Moorer graduated from Bullock Memorial High School before attending Southern Union Community College.

BRAD PARRISH is executive director

of Wallace Community College Foundations, which raises money to fund student

scholarships. He has more than 25 years of experience in higher education. Parrish earned his bachelor’s degree from Birmingham-Southern College and his MBA from the University of Dallas. He is active in community organizations, including the Dothan Rotary Club, and area events that support Wallace Community College, local charities and local businesses.

JOHN RAMAGE is a fifth-generation

community banker and executive vice president and chief administrative officer at Troy Bank and Trust. Since 2012, he has served as chairman of the Pike County Economic Development Corp., where he also has the distinction of being the only original board member from the corporation’s founding in 2002. Ramage also serves as Alabama’s only democratically elected representative to the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) Federal Delegate Board. He is a University of Alabama graduate.

DAN SMITH is director at Troy Parks

and Recreation where he has worked for 34 years. He is chairman of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce Troy University Appreciation Day Homecoming Parade, chairman of the Alabama Recreation and Parks Association District VI Durrell “Duke” Smith Scholarship Committee, membership chair of the Alabama 92 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

S P O T L I G H T: M OV E R S & S H A PE R S

Recreation and Parks Association and professional development chair for its District VI and is an advisor to the Troy Miracle League Board. Smith also is a sports writer and photographer for The Troy Times and a volunteer photographer for local events. He graduated from Troy University.

JACK B. TIBBS JR. is currently serving

his third term as mayor of Eufaula. Tibbs has more than 40 years of business management and marketing experience,

most of which has been in Barbour County. He also is the founder and owner of Strikezone Lure Co. An avid outdoorsman, Tibbs enjoys hunting, fishing and golfing.

RICK SMITH is CEO of Troy Medical

Center where he oversees the hospital’s daily operations, management and its continued expansion. Smith holds a master’s degree in health administration, is credentialed in radiology administration and is board certified by the American College of Healthcare Executives as a fellow. He is a board member of the Alabama Hospital Association and is currently president of its Southeast Council. Smith also serves on the boards of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce and the Pike County Economic Development Council and is active in the Troy Rotary Club.

ANN SPARKS serves as the director for

Main Street Eufaula for the City of Eufaula, a position she has held for 22 years, making her the longest serving Main Street director in Alabama. Sparks also is the director of tourism for the Eufaula Barbour County Chamber of Commerce. In addition to her roles on boards and committees for Main Street Alabama, Sparks also has been active in programs including Your Town Alabama, LEAD Wiregrass, Wiregrass Main Street and the Southeast Tourism Society’s Marketing College. She attended Troy University.

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Health Care

The 97-bed Troy Regional Medical Center provides emergency and acute care, as well as primary care services.

TROY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

Troy Regional Medical Center has been serving residents in seven counties for 55 years. In addition to emergency and acute care, the facility, which is licensed for 97 beds, offers pain management, surgical services, pathology, a medical detox unit, a senior behavioral care unit, a sleep disorders center and an in-hospital rehabilitation service, as well as an extensive range of outpatient services, both diagnostic and for treatment. These include primary care, orthopedics/sports medicine, an infusion therapy center, diagnostic imaging, wound care and hyperbaric medicine, ENT, and its newest service, a vein and vessel clinic. Troy Regional is owned by the City of Troy and operates under the direction of the Troy Hospital Health Care Authority Board. It employs more than 30 physicians, surgeons and advanced practice providers and more than 325 full- and part-time employees. The Pike Medical Foundation (PMF) is the 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to enhance the operations of Troy Regional Medical Center by providing external financial support to facilitate the

Medical Center Barbour’s radiology services incluce MRIs, CTs and other scans.

various needs of the medical center and to aid in communicating to the citizens of Pike County care benefits offered by Troy Regional Medical Center. Since 2013, PMF has raised and contributed almost $600,000 to Troy Regional to purchase new equipment and support new services. PMF funds assisted in renovating the Center for Infusion Therapy and the Women’s Diagnostic Center and helped replace surgical laparoscopic instrumentation in the hospital’s surgical services area. In February, PMF provided $70,000 to purchase a camera for the Nuclear Medicine Department that is used for cancer detection, cardiac imaging and abdominal imaging. MEDICAL CENTER BARBOUR

Medical Center Barbour (MCB) is one of the top employers in Barbour County. Located in Eufaula, MCB operates a surgical services department that handles general surgery cases, gynecological surgery, orthopedic surgery and podiatric surgery; an inpatient care unit that includes a Swing Bed Care Program that is available to patients who no longer require acute hospitalization but are not physically ready to return home; and a 24-7 ER that has

operated since 1998. The MCB Specialty Clinic provides specialized cardiology, podiatry and orthopedic services. MCB also runs three Family Care Clinics located in Eufaula, Louisville and Hurtsboro, in neighboring Russell County. BULLOCK COUNTY HOSPITAL

Bullock County Hospital has been providing health care for the residents of Union Springs and the surrounding area since 1951 and is one of Alabama’s oldest rural hospitals. In April, the hospital announced it had started the process to become a Rural Emergency Hospital, a designation that Congress established in 2020 in response to the loss of critical health care services in rural areas due to hospital closures. The transition means the hospital will close inpatient beds and change its focus from acute care to 24-hour emergency care and other outpatient services like pulmonary function tests, nuclear stress tests and mammography. The hospital also had to shutter its Adult Psychiatric Unit and its Geriatric Psych Unit. In exchange, the facility will receive enhanced Medicare and Medicaid payments.

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Community Development

The Pike County Judicial Detention Complex. PIKE COUNTY

The Pike County Judicial Detention Complex in Troy opened last August, marking the completion of a $36 million project that broke ground in May 2021. The new facility is capable of housing up to 175 inmates. New features include a control center that monitors everything from water to electricity in each cell and a full-body Intercept scanner that detects metallic and nonmetallic threats like weapons, drugs and other contraband. A catwalk connects the jail to the main building where four courtrooms, offices for judges and their staff and holding cells are located. The complex also houses offices for the county’s circuit clerks, district attorney, juvenile office and the sheriff. Located behind the jail is a new County Emergency Operations building that serves as a centralized countywide 911 call facility for the Troy police and fire departments, the Brundidge police department, the Pike County sheriff’s office, rescue squads and state troopers. It also has storage facilities, a firing range, impound lot, a gym for sheriff’s deputies, an armory and a records building. Troy University, the county’s largest employer, plays a major role in drawing new residents and businesses to the area. Residential sales in Pike County have increased 64.2% in the last decade. The city of Troy issued 51 new residential

housing permits in 2023. The Summit at Oak Park has completed four phases and constructed more than 70 homes, and the City of Troy Planning Commission approved a fifth phase that will have 39 lots. Stone Martin Builders has completed most of the build-out for the first phase of the Walter’s Branch subdivision; it is the homebuilder’s first community in Troy. Phase two of the project has 33 lots. Meanwhile, Walter’s Branch West has begun building houses as part of its second phase, which has 48 lots. Pike County and Troy city officials broke ground last fall on a four-story, 91-room Home2 Suites by Hilton, an extended-stay hotel that will be located on U.S. Highway 231. Pike County also is welcoming new dining and entertainment options; last year Troy’s downtown square welcomed a Moe’s Original BBQ and a new Cajun Creole bistro, Bayou la Roux. The university town also became home to Baumhower’s Victory Grille’s tenth Alabama location. A GoodTimes bowling alley and the Conecuh Ridge Distillery experience also are on the horizon. In January, Dothan Pediatric Healthcare Network opened its newest satellite clinic, Troy Pediatric Clinic & Collegiate Health, which provides a full range of medical care for infants, children, adolescents and young adults in Troy and Pike County.

Pike County Schools serve 2,200 students in Banks, Brundidge and Goshen and offer a variety of college prep and hands-on learning opportunities. The system has 17 dual enrollment programs leading to associate degrees that are available to high school students at no cost. The school district is committed to STEM education and tech for its K-12 students. The system was the first in Alabama to earn Cognia’s district-wide STEM accreditation. Every school has a fully functional STEM lab, laptops are used at all grade levels and STEM curriculum is incorporated into classes. The district also is expanding its fine arts programs following the success of a partnership between Patti Rutland Jazz and Pike County Elementary through which students could participate in weekly dance lessons. BARBOUR COUNTY

The Eufaula Barbour County Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its centennial this year, and communities in the county have a lot of new development to celebrate as well. While Clayton is the county seat, Eufaula is the largest city in Barbour County and is a popular tourist destination for outdoor activities, especially its recreational and commercial fishing industry, which brings thousands of visitors to the county each year. Eufaula’s historic downtown district, home to more than 700 structures listed in the National Register of Historically and Architecturally Significant Places, also brings tourists in droves. To better accommodate visitors and further enhance the area’s charm, the former Bluff City Inn is being converted to a boutique hotel by Marriott. And in May, the Lakepoint

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S P O T L I G H T: CO M M U N I T Y D E V E LO PE M E N T

completed. Eufaula City Schools have completed several projects in the past year. Eufaula Primary School has a new gym; the Eufaula City Auditorium underwent a complete renovation; Eufaula High School had new floors installed and its baseball and softball fields were renovated. In March, Wallace Community College-Dothan announced it is partnering with four high schools, including Eufaula High School and Barbour County High School, to offer free career training programs through its Workforce Development department. Eufaula High School has participated in S4S training for skid steer operations and will be expanding its offerings to include fiber optic and bulldozer training. Meanwhile, Barbour County High School will offer fiber optic and skid steer training.

The Red Door Theatre.

BULLOCK COUNTY

Old Creek Town Park. Photo by Peter Pauley Photography.

State Park Resort Lodge and Convention Center began renovations on 44 of its rooms. For permanent residents, leases started last fall for a new housing development near Lake Eufaula. The Villages at Reeves Farm offers a variety of living options from townhomes and cottages to ranch and two-story detached homes. Amenities include a community clubhouse, pool and walking trails. The Eufaula Community Center will soon wrap up a $4.3 million renovation. New pickleball courts are open on South Eufaula Avenue, and there are plans to install more at the Eufaula Community Center complex. Last year, Old Creek Town Park welcomed a new disc golf course. And a

Starbucks opened last year. Last summer the city signed an agreement with Tesla to build 16 Supercharger stalls in a municipal parking lot near downtown. The site will feature three prefabricated Supercharger units with four stalls each and four pull-through stalls. In October 2023, a new health clinic opened in downtown Clio. Services include health exams, full laboratory testing and diabetic services. This year, All In Credit Union opened a branch in Clio. The Barbour County School System provides services for students who live outside Eufaula’s city limits and consists of four schools. Elementary schools are located in Louisville and secondary schools are in Clayton. Sidewalks connecting the middle school and high school also were

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Thanks to the efforts of the City of Union Springs, Wayne Farms, the Bullock County Development Authority and the Bullock County Commission, Bullock County is set to have a new recreation center. The facility, located across from the Bullock County Department of Human Resources, will serve as a multipurpose building for the community. Local officials broke ground last March. Last fall, Bullock County Hospital opened a Mobile Healthcare Unit that provides primary and preventative healthcare services, including outpatient labs, wellness checks, EKG and flu and Covid vaccines to rural areas of Bullock County. Last summer, 26 miles of roadway in the county were resurfaced, and the Bullock County Commission authorized resurfacing of an additional 4.5 miles. The projects were funded in part by a $400,000 community development block grant. The county is also working to secure additional funding to improve bridges throughout the county. The Red Door Theatre in Union Springs celebrated its 20th anniversary last year. The theater operates under the direction of the Tourism Council of Bullock County and is known for performances that reflect the region’s history and culture.

Culture & Recreation Yoholo Micco Walking Trail. Photo by Peter Pauley Photography.

Hank Williams Sr. is the subject of this mural, painted by Wes Hardin, in Union Springs.

The MacMonnie’s Fountain on Barbour Street in Eufaula. Photo by Peter Pauley Photography.

HUNTING, FISHING AND MORE

Each February, bird dog enthusiasts from around the country come to Union Springs to participate in the National Amateur Free-for-All and the National Open Shooting Dog Championship, a highlight among bird dog field trial competitions. In Eufaula, “Big Bass Capital of the World,” visit Manny, the 12-foot-tall statue of a largemouth bass, named in honor of the late fishing legend Tom Mann. Then toss a line on Lake Eufaula or at Pike County Lake in Troy. Both have fishing facilities and more. Don’t miss Lakepoint State Park, with its hiking, swimming, fishing and more. TAKE A HIKE

Just over three miles of abandoned rail bed has been converted into the Yoholo Micco Walking Trail. The trail starts in

downtown Eufaula, crosses over Lake Eufaula and ends at Old Creek Town, a waterfront recreational area. Barbour, Bullock and Pike are among the 10 counties that make up the Wiregrass Birding Trail. Or visit the Wehle Nature Center with hiking, camping, fishing and horseback trails. HOMES WITH HISTORY

Eufaula’s Seth Lore and Irwinton Historic District is the second largest historic district in the state and contains more than 700 antebellum homes and landmarks. Each April, the Eufaula Heritage Foundation hosts the Eufaula Pilgrimage. It’s the state’s oldest tour of homes and showcases the area’s historic churches and gardens as well. In December, visitors can enjoy the houses decked out in their holiday finest during the Christmas Tour of Homes.

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Pike County Lake.

Historic home buffs make sure to see: • Fendall Hall is one of the state’s first and finest examples of Italianate architecture. Its exterior has remained mostly unchanged since it was completed in 1860, while the interior has been turned into a museum that reflects the 1880-1916 time period. • Shorter Mansion, built between 1901 and 1906 by Eli Sims Shorter II and his wife, Wileyna Lamar Shorter, is on the National Register of Historic Places and is included in the Historic American Building Survey. • Octagon House, formally the Petty-Roberts-Beatty House in Clayton, is the only surviving (of two) antebellum octagonal house in Alabama. • Pauly Jail in Union Springs, built in 1897 and restored in 2000, is one

S P O T L I G H T: C U LT U R E & R EC R E AT I O N

of the oldest surviving jailhouses in the state. The three-story Victorian Gothic building is a popular destination for ghost hunters. MORE HISTORY

You can also soak up local history by visiting:

Museum. Or, in Union Springs, visit Red Door Theatre for specialty shows on regional history and culture. MORE FUN

Butter and Egg Adventures in Troy is a 48-acre retreat center and aerial adventure park that offers ziplining, laser

tag, a climbing wall, axe throwing, an escape room, waterfront recreation and more. Dream Field Farms specializes in custom weddings and events. Thousands of people gather annually to celebrate regional artists and enjoy food and live entertainment at events like TroyFest, the Chunnenuggee Fair and EufaulaFest.

• The Pioneer Museum of Alabama, with displays from Native American history to pioneer quilting. Grounds include wetlands, trails, cabins and a one-room schoolhouse, plus the Conecuh River Depot Military Museum. • Barbour County Governors Trail, covering 36 miles and recognizing eight men from Barbour County who became governors of Alabama. • The James S. Clark Interpretive Center operated as a freight depot for nearly a century and is now renovated to house the Eufaula Welcome Center and the Eufaula Barbour County Chamber of Commerce. ARTS ABOUND

Johnson Center for the Arts, in an old post office in Troy, features seven galleries of arts. On the Troy University campus, Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park includes an amphitheater, walking trails, a lagoon and several prominent art installations, including 200 permanently exhibited Terracotta Warriors. It is also home to the university’s International Arts Center, which houses the Fred “Nall” Hollis Museum and Gallery, The Huo Bao Zhu Gallery and a Foyer Gallery that features regional artists. North Prairie Street, in Union Springs’ historic downtown, is home to Murals on Main, a series of five murals that celebrate the citizens, traditions and history of Bullock County. SEE A SHOW

We Piddle Around Theatre is run by the Brundidge Historical Society and known for annual events like Pike Piddlers Storytelling Festival and the Peanut Butter Festival. Don’t forget to stop by the Johnston Mill Peanut Butter September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 103

Company Kudos

by ERICA JOINER WEST

ServisFirst Bank recently was ranked 4th in American Banker’s Top Publicly Traded Banks with assets between $10 billion and $50 billion. They were the only Alabamaheadquartered bank to make the top 10 of the listing. The annual list is compiled by Capital Performance Group and is based on the institution’s three-year average return on average equity.

Alabama Shipyard and Austal USA, both in Mobile, have each received the Shipbuilders Council of America Excellence in Safety award for 2023. Austal USA also received the Improvement in Safety award. Forbes recently released its 7th annual Best of Credit Unions in Each State ranking. The top 5 in Alabama are (in order): All in Credit Union in Daleville, Redstone Federal Credit Union in Huntsville, Avadian Credit Union in Hoover, America’s First Federal Credit Union in Birmingham and Alabama Credit Union in Tuscaloosa. Auburn University has won seven Council for Advancement and Support of Education 2024 Circle of Excellence awards, including one Grand Gold award in the category of publications and a Gold award for storytelling. Big Spoon Creamery, of Birmingham, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The company now also has a location in Huntsville, where it offers its handmade artisanal ice cream. Butterfly Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center, in Clanton, has been accredited by the National Children’s Alliance. Honda Alabama’s 2025 Pilot has been awarded a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Regions Bank has come in first among regional banks in J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Online Banking Satisfaction Survey. The survey measures satisfaction with

OCTOBER Aerospace Takes Off in Alabama An Innovative Economy Banking’s Rising Stars

navigation, speed, visual appeal and content. Southeast Health, in Dothan, came in second in Soliant’s annual survey of the top 20 most beautiful hospitals in the nation. Southeast Health received more than 240,000 votes. Torch Technologies, of Huntsville, has been named to Tugboat Institute’s inaugural Best Evergreen companies list. Torch was certified evergreen in 2023. Evergreen companies believe that being of service to their employees leads to longterm service to customers, suppliers and their communities. Troy Regional Medical Center’s Forefront leadership teams have achieved the highest Gallup employee engagement scores recorded in Forefront’s history. Forefront’s EVS division, which partnered with Troy in 2021, provides environmental services and food nutrition services to the hospital. TruBridge Inc., a healthcare solutions company in Mobile, has achieved the Peer Reviewed by HFMA designation for its Complete Business Office solution for a fourth consecutive year and its Revenue Cycle Management solution for a seventh consecutive year. The company also has been included in the 2024 Black Book Research survey as a top provider in Endto-End Revenue Cycle Management and as the highest performer in Outsourcing for Hospitals Under 100 Beds and in Community Hospital Inpatient Accounting System.

Geographic Spotlight: The Shoals

NOVEMBER Higher Ed Boosts Alabama Economy Exceptional Educators Commercial Real Estate: Finding the Right Space Geographic Spotlight: Cullman, Walker & Winston Counties Check BusinessAlabama.com for daily business headlines and additional content

September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 105

RETROSPECT

At Montgomery’s Court Square, cotton wagons, horse-drawn carriages and an electric streetcar all traverse the busy street, circa 1888. Photo courtesy of Alabama Department of Archives & History.

The Lightning Route Montgomery set the pace with electrified streetcar system By SCOTTY E. KIRKLAND

n 1886, Montgomery became the first city in the Western Hemisphere to electrify its entire streetcar system. It was a feat of technology and innovation for the Capitol City. The so-called “Lightning Route” helped spur development of several suburbs. Canadian-born J. A. Gaboury brought mule-drawn streetcars to Montgomery in 1885. Having successfully created a streetcar system in Columbus, Georgia, he petitioned Montgomery officials for permission to lay tracks along the public streets. The Capital City Street Railway Co. was born, a public-private partnership befitting the rapidly approaching modern age. Stockholders in the company included early electrical provider Thomas Foster and Josiah Morris, the financier largely responsible for the development of

The last ride on the Lightning Route, March 8, 1936, at Court Square. Note the bus on the far left waiting to receive passengers. Photo courtesy of the Alabama Department of Archives & History.

Birmingham. E. B. Joseph, a local banker and member of the city council, served as

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the railway company’s president. The mule-powered streetcar system, nicknamed “Jingle Bells,” began service in April 1885. Later that year Gaboury met Charles Van Depoele, a Belgian cabinetmaker who had created a streetcar powered by electricity. Gaboury returned to Montgomery and received permission to modify his new railway line for electric power. Van Depoele agreed to install and supervise the new system. During the early weeks of 1886, 25-foot power poles set 100 feet apart rose throughout downtown Montgomery. The company ordered new streetcars equipped with “dynamo electric machine” engines. Montgomery would soon have a mode of transportation “powered by lightning,” wrote a local editor. Van Depoele tested his new system

R E T RO S PE C T

over several moonlit April nights while the expectant citizens of Montgomery were sleeping. In the light of day, the company worked to allay public fears over safety. Electricity on such a scale was still relatively new to Alabama. “There is more real danger, ten to one, in a Texas mule’s heels than in all the electric motor system,” wrote an expert hired to A Lightning streetcar is reassure the citizenry. on display in downtown Service began on Montgomery. April 15, 1886. “The electric street railway in Montgomery is a success,” boasted the “The incident came very near [to] depriveditor of the Montgomery Advertiser. He ing Alabama of her able and most efficient encouraged all doubters and pessimists governor,” wrote one Alabama editor. to continue with their mule-powered Contrite company executives instituted perambulations. The electrified routes new safety precautions and reimbursed along three busy downtown streets — Gov. Seay for the loss of his mare. Commerce, Court and Dexter — each A greater calamity befell the company ran for 16 hours a day. More streets were the following year. On the night of June soon added, eventually totaling 15 miles 30, 1888, fire engulfed the powerhouse, of track. destroying the generator and most of The railway company’s two-story the parked streetcar fleet. Losses were powerhouse on Tallapoosa Street operated estimated at $40,000 (roughly $1.4 mila massive steam-powered generator that lion today). With an insurance payout far daily consumed more than 3,000 pounds short of that total, the company took time of coal. For a few months, mule-drawn to recover. That meant temporarily revertstreetcars operated alongside the new maing to mules to power the five remaining chines. On June 22, 1887, the company streetcars. Eighty beasts of burden were completed the switch to a fully electric purchased for the task. fleet. Gaboury and Van Depoele soon Executives faced a steep hill. Stockdeparted to replicate the system in other holders bolted. In 1889, the company cities. changed hands and was renamed the While there were occasional accidents Montgomery Terminal and Street Railway along the Lightning Route, none had Co. Electrified service did not begin to more potentially historic consequences return until 1892. By the time the last than what happened on July 25, 1887, mule-drawn cars were replaced two years near the Alabama Capitol. An electrified later, a complex system of rail lines served guide wire broke loose and fell into the a sprawling Montgomery and its populastreet, directly in front of a fine white tion of 50,000 with newly developed subhorse pulling a carriage along Dexter urbs like Highland Park and Cloverdale. Avenue. The poor animal stepped on No single company could meet the the cable and was electrocuted. The two demand of Montgomery’s rapidly growing passengers thrown from the carriage narpopulation. The creators of the Lightning rowly avoided a similar fate themselves. Route may have been first, but they soon This was providential, indeed, considering found the landscape rather crowded. one of the men was Gov. Thomas Seay. Several of the larger concerns, including Although the governor made light of the successor to the original Capital City the accident, it was no laughing matter. Street Railway Co., combined in 1906

under the name Montgomery Traction Co. Years of competition and gamesmanship between the various streetcar companies eventually left them all in financial trouble. Enter the Alabama Power Co. With Montgomery’s electricity, water and streetcar companies all facing dire financial futures, Alabama Power purchased them all in 1923, absorbing some $2 million in combined debt. Alabama Power continued operation of the streetcar lines for a decade of uninterrupted service. By the early 1930s, however, the rising number of automobiles had reduced the demand. As revenues fell, service along certain routes was discontinued. In December 1935, regular public bus service came to Montgomery. Like the lumbering mules five decades earlier, electric streetcars suddenly seemed like a remnant of a passing era. A few weeks later, the city council and Alabama Public Service Commission granted Alabama Power permission to abandon the street railway system. Montgomery and Alabama Power sent the Lightning Route out in style. On March 8, 1936, the final day of service, rides along the original route were offered free of charge. At Court Square, a crowd of 2,500 gathered to say goodbye to the service. Once the speeches and rides were concluded, many of the people who assembled to bid a fond farewell to the Lightning Route departed the square on one of Montgomery’s new city buses. So it goes, as Kurt Vonnegut might say. Today, visitors to Montgomery’s Riverwalk can see a restored streetcar that once traversed the Lightning Route. This bright-yellow vehicle provides a glimpse of transportation history along a busy, always changing landscape. Historian Scotty E. Kirkland is a freelance contributor to Business Alabama. He lives in Wetumpka.

September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 107

Index 68 Ventures.......................................................9 8th Avenue Nut Butters....................................86 Accelerate Wind.................................................9 Ace Packaging LLC...................................... 84, 86 Adkins, Bennie G..........................................................89 Admiral, The....................................................11 AdventHealth.....................................................9 Airbus Group................................................7, 51 Alabama (band)..................................................8 Alabama Army National Guard..........................91 Alabama Associated General Contractors..... 48, 51 Alabama Association of Public Continuing and Adult Education...................................110 Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association.......84 Alabama Business Hall of Fame..........................8 Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine.........34 Alabama Commission on Higher Education. 84, 89 Alabama Community College System..................8 Alabama Contemporary Art Center....................51 Alabama Credit Union....................................105 Alabama Department of Commerce.....................7 Alabama Department of Public Health............110 Alabama Department of Transportation....... 10, 51 Alabama Growth Alliance..................................10 Alabama Hospital Association...........................91 Alabama Inter-Forest........................................86 Alabama Port Authority....................................51 Alabama Power Co.................................... 10, 106 Alabama Public Service Commission...............106 Alabama Recreation and Parks Association........91 Alabama Securities Commission.....................110 Alabama Self-Insured Worker’s Compensation Fund.....................................40 Alabama Shipyard..........................................105 Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants.......................................51 Alabama Southeast Area Health Education Center.........................................91 Alabama Southern Community College.............51 Alabama State Department of Education...........37 Alabama State University..................................91 Alabama Style Whiskey....................................86 Alabama Surety Association..............................51 Alabama Tourism Department............................7 Alabama Workforce Development Board...........51 Alabama-International Education and Economic Partenership..........................86 Alchemy Group, The..........................................86 Alexandria Apartments, Huntsville...................51 Alkon Corp.......................................................20 All In Credit Union.................................... 99, 105 Allen, Bethany Wilson..................................................91 Allen, Stephen..............................................................12 Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building, UAB.................................12 America’s First Federal Credit Union................105 American Banker............................................105 American Cancer Society...................................91 American College of Healthcare Executives........91 American Institute of Architects Alabama..........12 American International Automobile Dealers Association....................................................8 American Society of Civil Engineers...................51 American Society of Safety Professionals...........51 American Village Trust......................................91 AmeriFirst Bank...............................................91 Ammons & Blackmon Construction LLC..............51 Ammons, Chad.............................................................51 Amtrak Corp.....................................................10 Anáhuac Querétaro University..........................89 Anderson, Kenny....................................................... 110 APM Terminals.................................................51 Appalachian Leadership Institute....................110 Arcadia, The, Huntsville....................................12 Archer Western.................................................51 Ardnet Preschool & Daycare, Madison...............51 Army Aviation Museum....................................91 Arrowhead Mills...............................................86 Associated Builders & Contractors.....................51 Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications.........................110 Association of Battery Recyclers........................91 Association of International Certified Public Accountants.......................................51 Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business......................................89 Athens State University....................................89 Auburn University..............10, 12, 28, 51, 91, 105 Auburn University at Montgomery............ 91, 110 Audubon Communities Management.................9 Austal USA............................................... 10, 105 Austin, Ed.....................................................................10 Autauga County Schools...................................37 Autos Drive America...........................................8 Avadian Credit Union................................. 8, 105 Badcock Home Furniture...................................11 Bailey-Harris Construction Co............................51

A guide to businesses (bold) and individuals (light) mentioned in this month’s issue of Business Alabama. Bailey, Abram...............................................................51 Bailey, Erica...................................................................51 Bailey, Wiley “Tommy”.................................................51 Baptist Health Rehabiitation Hospital.................9 Baptist Health System........................................9 Barbour County................................................84 Barbour County Governors Trail......................102 Barbour County Schools....................................99 Barkley, J. Hunter.........................................................51 Barksdale, Chris............................................................51 Bass, JoAnne............................................................. 110 Baumhower’s Victory Grille..............................99 Bayou la Roux Restaurant.................................99 BCC Waste Solutions LLC...................................51 Beaulieu of America.........................................86 BellSouth Services..........................................111 Bennie Adkins Foundation................................91 Benny Whitehead Trucking......................... 84, 86 Bermuda College.............................................89 Biden, President Joe....................................................86 Big Spoon Creamery.......................................105 Biomedical Research and Psychology Building, UAB............................12 Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.......................8 Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex............................. 9, 111 Birmingham Legion FC.....................................11 Birmingham Recovery Center.............................8 Birmingham-Southern College................... 11, 91 Birmingham, City of................................. 11, 110 BL Harbert International...................................51 Black Warrior Riverkeeper..................................7 Blackmon, Eden............................................................34 Blackstock, Joel............................................................12 Blair, Cody................................................................. 110 Blakely, Shawn.............................................................51 Blakely, Shelby.............................................................51 Blalock, Lora Terry...........................................................8 Bluff City Inn....................................................99 Boeing Co..........................................................8 Bolden, Diana............................................................ 110 Bolling, Lara Claire.................................................... 110 Bonnie Plants Inc............................84, 86, 88, 91 Boone, Connie........................................................... 111 Boyd Brothers Transportation............... 84, 86, 88 Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP.................110 Branum, Emily..............................................................20 Brasfield & Gorrie..................................... 51, 111 Brooks, Manson............................................................51 Brown, Melvin..............................................................37 Brown, Sam..................................................................51 Brundidge Historical Society...........................102 Brundidge, City of............................................99 Bryan, Emily.................................................................51 Bryan, Philip.................................................................51 Bryant Bank...................................................110 Bullock County.................................................84 Bullock County Cattlemen’s Association............91 Bullock County Chamber of Commerce..............91 Bullock County Development Authority...... 91, 99 Bullock County Hospital....................... 86, 97, 99 Bullock County Public Schools..........................91 Bullock County Tourism Board..........................91 Burnett, Derrick......................................................... 110 Burton, Rob O.................................................................8 Business Council of Alabama.................... 91, 110 Bussey, Katelyn.......................................................... 110 Butter and Egg Adventures.............................102 Butterfly Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center....105 Byrne, Bradley................................................................9 CAC Group.................................................. 11, 40 Caddell Construction........................................51 Callahan, Annie..............................................................8 Campbell, Kenny..........................................................91 Capital City Street Railway Co..........................106 Capstone Building Corp....................................51 Carroll, Allen.............................................................. 110 Carter, Halston..............................................................51 Casey’s General Stores........................................7 CBB Bancorp.......................................................7 Cedeño, Manny......................................................... 110 CEFCO Convenience Stores..................................7 Cencula, Linda................................................................8 Century Bank of Georgia.....................................7 Century Fire Protection.......................................7 CGI Inc.............................................................86 Chunnanuggee Fair........................................102 Church of the Highlands...................................51 Citadel Fire Sprinkler..........................................7 City Walk, Birmingham..................................111 Clarke, Amanda......................................................... 110 Clayton, Philip..............................................................91 Clayton, Town of...............................................99 Clio Health Clinic..............................................86 CNA Financial...................................................51 Cobbs Allen................................................ 11, 40

108 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2024

Coca-Cola Bottling Company United....................8 Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust.................10 Colbert County Tourism......................................7 Colina, The, Hoover...........................................51 Collat School of Business..................................12 College Football Playoff Board of Managers......91 Collins, Tim.....................................................................8 Colonial Properties Trust.....................................8 Colonnade, The, Birmingham..........................111 Columbia Southern University........................110 Command Alkon Inc.........................................20 Command Data Inc...........................................20 Community Bank & Trust..................................86 Conecuh Ridge Distillery............................ 86, 99 Conecuh River Depot Military Museum...........102 Conn’s Home Plus............................................11 Conner, Taylor Bentley............................................... 110 Conners, Chuck.............................................................11 Construction Partners.......................................11 Cooper, Angus III..........................................................10 Cooper, Isaac..................................................................8 Copeland, Lewis...........................................................51 Council for Advancement and Support of Education...........................105 Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation................................89 Cowart, Doug............................................................. 110 Cricket Valley Power Plant, New York.................51 Crow Shields Bailey PC...................................110 Crow, John Charles.......................................................51 Culpepper, Bruce..........................................................10 Curry, Erin.................................................................. 110 Daniel Foundation............................................91 Danny Wimmer Presents Talent Services.............9 Davidson Technologies Inc..................................9 Defense Credit Union Council..........................110 Diamond, Alvin.............................................................89 Doster Construction Co.....................................51 Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce..................51 Dothan Pediatric Healthcare Network.......... 86, 99 Downs, Klaudia.......................................................... 110 Dream Field Farms..........................................102 Drescher, Jacob............................................................51 Drury University...............................................51 Duncan, Helena............................................................10 Dunn Building Co.............................................51 Dunn Construction...........................................51 Duran, Austin............................................................. 110 Duy Tan University...........................................89 Dwyer, Tim................................................................. 111 East Alabama Health.........................................51 EBSCO Industries................................................8 Economic Development Association of Alabama..................................................91 Ed Farm............................................................37 Edmonds, Tara..............................................................34 Eidson, Michael............................................................51 Eiland, Mark.............................................................. 110 Elkmont, Town of..............................................10 Elm Construction..............................................28 Elmore Sand & Gravel.......................................51 Equal Justice Initiative.....................................51 Equal Justice Initiative Legacy Pavilion.............12 Eufaula Barbour County Chamber of Commerce............................86, 91, 99, 102 Eufaula City Schools.........................................99 Eufaula Committee for the Promotion of the Performing Arts...........................................91 Eufaula Heritage Foundation..........................102 Eufaula Historic Preservation Commission.........91 Eufaula Pilgrimage................................... 84, 102 Eufaula, City of..................................... 84, 86, 91 EufaulaFest....................................................102 Eufuala Community Center...............................99 Everett, Cobey...............................................................51 Evonik Corp......................................................51 Eye Center South................................................8 Farnborough International Airshow....................8 Faulkner University..........................................91 Federal Office of Financial Research...................40 Fendall Hall...................................................102 Ferro Globe......................................................51 Fiblast LLC........................................................84 Finch, Rachel................................................................51 First Bancshares Inc., The....................................7 First Presbyterian Church Eufaula.....................91 Fite Building Co................................................51 FiveCubits Telematics.......................................20 Floyd Middle School, Montgomery....................37 Forbes Magazine............................................105 Forefront Healthcare.......................................105 Foster, Thomas........................................................... 106 Fowler, Craig.................................................................51 Fox, Simon....................................................................51 Frazer, Steve............................................................... 110 Freshwater Land Trust.........................................9

Frito Lay/PepsiCo Inc...........................................9 Fulmer, Eric...................................................................51 Gaboury, J.A............................................................... 106 Gadsden Industrial Development Authority......11 Gadsden, City of...............................................11 Gagnet, Bobby..............................................................51 Gallup Inc......................................................105 Garnet Electric Co..............................................51 GC Specialties Inc.............................................51 Georgia Institute of Technology........................51 Georgia-Pacific LLC............................................51 Geotechnical Testing & Environmental Consultants.................................................51 Get Involved Pike County..................................91 Gibson, Austin..............................................................51 Gibson, Loren Traylor....................................................40 Gill, Vince................................................................... 111 Golden Boy Foods.............................................86 GolfSuites........................................................10 Gone for Good..................................................11 Goodin, Leanna............................................................51 Goodin, Tim..................................................................51 GoodTimes Bowling Alley.................................99 Gorrie, Miller............................................................. 111 Graham, Austin.............................................................51 Grandview Medical Center................................51 Grayson Carter and Son Contracting Inc.............51 Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders.........................................28 Greer, Colt.....................................................................51 Greer, Dak.....................................................................51 Greer, Rachel................................................................51 Greer, Stehanie.............................................................51 Gregory Industries...........................................51 Growing Alabama...............................................8 Growth Capital Partners Headquarters, Birmingham................................................12 Gulf Energy........................................................9 Gulf States International...................................86 Gulf States Steel...............................................11 Han, Meesoon..............................................................86 Hancock Construction.......................................51 Hanks, Bob...................................................................34 Hanoi University of Science and Technology......89 Harbert Management Corp.................................8 Harbert, Raymond J........................................................8 Harbison, James........................................................ 111 Hardwick Building, Birmingham.......................12 Hargrove Engineers + Constructors...................51 Harmon Dennis Bradshaw Inc...........................40 Harris, Thomas A.............................................................8 Harsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport....................................51 Hartley Brothers Manufacturing.......................51 Hatch, Timothy........................................................... 110 Hawkins, Jack...................................................86, 89, 91 Hawkins, Steve.............................................................91 Hayden, Kendall...........................................................51 HB&G Building Products Inc........................ 86, 88 Heersink, Marnix E.........................................................8 Heircraft Planning LLC....................................110 Heritage Industrial Park.....................................8 Hester, Matt..................................................................51 Hester, Rachel...............................................................51 Hibbett Inc.........................................................7 Highlands College............................................51 Hill and Wilkinson General Contractors.............51 Hill, Jennifer.................................................................40 Hoar Holdings....................................................8 Home2 Suites by Hilton.............................. 86, 99 Honda Alabama.......................................... 8, 105 Hoppa, Scott.............................................................. 110 Howard Bentley Buick GMC.............................110 Howie, Jackson.............................................................51 Humminbird-Johnson Outdoors........... 84, 86, 88 Huntsville Hospital Health System......................8 Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama.......8, 37 Hyundai Polytech.............................................86 Hyundai Power Transformers..............................7 IBB Rheology...................................................20 IBM SkillsBuild..................................................8 Independent Community Bankers of America....91 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety............105 Interior Design Magazine.................................12 International Interior Design Association..........12 International Lead Association..........................91 Ivey, Gov. Kay................................................................10 J.D. Power......................................................105 Jackson State University...................................91 Jackson, Craig...............................................................51 Jacksonville State University..............................8 James S. Clark Interpretive Center..................102 Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park............. 89, 102 Janovski, Katia..............................................................34 JD Sports Fashion...............................................7 Jody’s Restaurant.............................................11

INDEX

John G. Walton Cosntruction Co. Inc..................51 Johnson Center for the Arts............................102 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics Inc..........86 Johnston Mill Peanut Butter Museum.............102 Joseph, E.B................................................................ 106 Kansas State University....................................51 Kappa Delta Sorority........................................91 Kellogg Co.......................................................86 Kennedy, Paul............................................................ 110 Kimber Manufacturing............................... 86, 88 Kimbrough, Jack....................................................... 110 KW Container...................................................91 KW Plastics Inc........................................... 86, 91 Lake Eufaula............................................ 84, 102 Lakepoint State Park........................... 86, 99, 102 LEAD Wiregrass................................................91 Leadership Barbour..........................................91 Leadership Empowerment Enterprise..............110 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design........................................................91 LeFlore High School, Mobile..............................51 LifeSteps Bank & Trust......................................86 Lightning Route, Montgomery........................106 Lockheed Martin Corp................................. 84, 86 Longleaf Wellness and Recovery Centers.............8 Longo, Mike....................................................................7 Louisiana State University.......................... 51, 91 Lowder, Thomas H..........................................................8 Lowe, Hayley............................................................. 110 Lowe, Marvin................................................................91 LS Investor Group LLC.......................................86 M.C. Dixon Lumber Co......................................86 Machen McChesney........................................110 Magneco/Metrel...............................................11 Maharrey, Joshua.........................................................51 Maharrey, Miranda.......................................................51 Mahrt Mill........................................................86 Main Street Eufaula..........................................91 Malone, Brent.................................................................8 Mann, Tom................................................................. 102 Mantel, Kristine......................................................... 110 Marcotte Systems.............................................20 Marion Community Bank................................110 Marriott International Inc.................................99 Maulding, Macke.........................................................10 May, Clyde....................................................................86 Maymon, Lizzie...............................................................8 Mazda Toyota Manufacturing..............................8 McAbee Construction Inc...................................51 McElhenney Construction.................................51 McElhenney, Josh.........................................................51 McInnis Construction........................................51 McInnis, Timothy..........................................................51 McKinney, Carl..............................................................51 McNair, Ellen..................................................................7 McRight, Josh...............................................................40 McShane Construction Co................................110 Meacham, Lance........................................................ 110 Meadows, Dave......................................................... 110 Medical Center Barbour.............................. 86, 97 Meek, Josh...................................................................51 Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater.............................9 Mercedes-Benz U.S. International........................8 Merchant Capital................................................8 MHIA Carbon Capture, Mobile...........................51 Midsouth Paving Inc.........................................51 Miller, Charlie............................................................ 110 Minteral Manufacturing Corp............................86 Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce....................9 Mobile Civic Center............................................7 Mobile River Bridge Project..............................10 Mobile, City of....................................................7 Mobile, Port of...............................................7, 9 Moderne at Providence, The..............................51 Moe’s Original BBQ..........................................99 Moffett, Marsha............................................................91 Monarch Waste Technologies............................10 Monk, Richard III....................................................... 110 Montgomery Advertiser.................................106 Montgomery Main Street................................110 Montgomery Public Schools..............................37 Montgomery Riverwalk..................................106 Montgomery Terminal and Street Railway Co.................................................106 Montgomery Traction Co.................................106 Montgomery, City of.......................................106 Moorer, Jay...................................................................91 Moorer, Leigh...............................................................91 Morris, Josiah............................................................ 106 Morriss, Robert C..........................................................51 Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce..............8 Murals on Main, Union Springs.......................102 NASA................................................... 11, 51, 89 National Amateur Free-for-All Championship..................................... 84, 102 National Association of Home Builders..............28 National Association of Plastic Recyclers............91 National Children’s Alliance............................105

National Environmental Health Association.....110 National Open Shooting Dog Championship....102 National Strength and Conditioning Association..................................................89 NATO......................................................... 84, 86 Nature Conservancy Headquarters, Birmingham................................................12 Nelson, Amy R..............................................................10 Newell, Luke.................................................................51 Newell, Park & Eleazer Construction LLC............51 Niblett, Collin...............................................................51 Nicol Investment Co............................................9 Nielsen, Claude B...........................................................8 Norfolk Southern Corp........................................7 Norrell, Billy..................................................................48 North Atlantic Treaty Organization.............. 84, 86 Nova Southeastern University...........................91 O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center................12 Octagon House...............................................102 Odle, Karen...................................................................28 Odle, Steve...................................................................28 Odom, Che...................................................................51 Odom, Jase...................................................................51 Odom, Patrick...............................................................51 Odom, Peyton...............................................................51 Odyssey Systems................................................7 Office Depot Corp...............................................9 Old Creek Town Park, Eufaula............................99 Orlando Health..................................................9 Ortberg, Kelly.................................................................8 Owen, Randy..................................................................8 Owens, Chandler..........................................................51 Panel Processing..............................................86 Park, Daewoo............................................................. 110 Parrish, Brad.................................................................91 Patrick, Alex..................................................................51 Patti Rutland Jazz.............................................99 Pauly Jail, Union Springs................................102 Peanut Butter Festival, Brundidge...................102 Peoples, Jeff.................................................................10 Pepper Place, Birmingham...............................10 Perry, Eric................................................................... 110 Petty-Roberts-Beatty House............................102 Phares, Justin............................................................ 110 Phillips, Kasi.................................................................51 Pike Aviation....................................................91 Pike County............................................... 84, 99 Pike County Chamber of Commerce..................91 Pike County Economic Development Corp..........91 Pike County Emergency Operations...................99 Pike County Farm-City......................................91 Pike County Judicial Detention Complex..... 86, 99 Pike County Lake............................................102 Pike County Schools.........................................99 Pike Economic Development Council.................91 Pike Medical Foundation............................ 86, 97 Pike Piddlers Storytelling Festival...................102 Pike, Elliott....................................................................28 Pioneer Museum of Alabama..........................102 Pioneer Senior Living at Upland Park..................9 Polyplex, Decatur.............................................51 Port of Mobile................................................7, 9 Posey, Scott...................................................................37 Powell, Miranda............................................................34 Prichard, City of..................................................9 Pritchard, Jenna............................................................51 Pritchard, Jonathan Carter............................................51 Quilvest Capital Partners..................................20 Rabren General Contractors..............................51 Ramage, John..............................................................91 Ramsey, Phil.................................................................20 Rane, Jimmy.................................................................10 Rayford & Associates.........................................51 Rayford, Forress Jr.........................................................51 Reaves, David............................................................ 110 Red Diamond Corporate Office..........................12 Red Door Theatre................................ 84, 99, 102 Red Mountain Entertainment.............................9 Redstone Arsenal...............................................7 Redstone Federal Credit Union................ 105, 110 Reeves & Shaw Construction.............................51 Reeves, Alec..................................................................51 Reeves, Chandler..........................................................51 Reeves, Ron..................................................................51 Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham..............................110 Regions Bank.................................................105 Reid, Rob......................................................................51 Renasant Corp....................................................7 Rex Lumber......................................................86 Rib-It-Up Restaurant...........................................8 Rice, Grantland IV.........................................................40 Richard Murray & Co.......................................110 River Capital....................................................10 Roberts, Chris............................................................ 110 Roberts, Tanner.......................................................... 110 Robins & Morton................................................9 Robinson Paving Co..........................................11

Robinson, Andy......................................................... 110 Robinson, Ken..............................................................20 Rocket City Insurance Group.............................40 Rogers & Willard..............................................51 Rogers, Michael............................................................51 Rolin Construction............................................51 Rolin, Stephanie...........................................................51 Ross, Allison..................................................................10 Rotary International.....................................8, 91 Russo Corp. .....................................................51 S&S Sprinkler...................................................51 Saban, Nick.....................................................................8 Sabel Steel.........................................................8 Sabel, Sean.....................................................................8 Safety Plus Inc..................................................51 Sage, The.........................................................10 Sain Associates...............................................110 Samford University..........................................51 Sanders Lead Co. Inc................................... 88, 91 Scholar Birmingham..........................................9 Schultz, Emily...............................................................51 Scott, Drew....................................................................51 Seay, Gov. Thomas..................................................... 106 Selma Public Schools........................................37 ServisFirst Bank..................................... 105, 110 Seth Lore and Irwinton Historic District...........102 Sewell, Wheeler............................................................51 Shaw, Alan H...................................................................7 Shipbuilders Council of America.....................105 Shorter Mansion............................................102 Shorter, Eli Sims II..................................................... 102 Shorter, Wileyna Lamar............................................. 102 Sikorsky Aircraft................................... 84, 86, 88 Simpson Strong-Tie............................................9 Sims, Ben......................................................................51 Smith, Dan....................................................................91 Smith, Rick....................................................................91 Smurfit Westrock..............................................86 Snead State Community College.......................51 Society of Plastic Engineers...............................91 Soliant Health................................................105 Sommer, Jack...............................................................51 Sorrell College of Business, Troy University.......89 South Alabama Logistics Park.............................9 Southeast Alabama Works................................91 Southeast Forest Products.................................86 Southeast Health............................................105 Southeast Tourism Society................................91 Southern Classic Food Group.............................86 Southern Company..........................................10 Southern Earth Sciences....................................51 Southern Nuclear.............................................51 Southern States Bancshares................................7 Southern Timberlands........................................7 Southern Union State Community College... 10, 91 Southfield Power Plant, Ohio............................51 Southlawn Middle School, Montgomery............37 Sparks, Ann...................................................................91 SRI Management................................................9 SSAB Americas..................................................51 St. Florian, Town of...........................................51 Stahl, Curry Moore........................................................51 Stahl, Will Price.............................................................51 Standard Commercial Roofing & Envelope Solutions.................................110 Starbucks Corp.................................................99 Stoltenberg, Jens...................................................84, 86 Stone Martin Builders.......................................99 Stone, Jeff.................................................................. 111 Stoneridge Villas..............................................51 Strickland, Stephen......................................................51 Strikezone Lure Co............................................91 Summit at Oak Park, Troy..................................99 Sunbelt Forest Products Corp............................86 Surety and Fidelity Association of America.........51 SurgNet Health Partners.....................................9 Swanigan, Samantha....................................................37 Swanzy, Hunter.............................................................51 Swiss Re...........................................................40 T.E. Stevens Co. Inc............................................51 Tarr, Sheila................................................................. 111 Taylor & Francis Group LLC..................................8 Tee Off at the Wharf..........................................10 Tenet Healthcare Corp.........................................9 Tesla Inc..................................................... 86, 89 Thach, Brian..................................................................51 Thoma Bravo LP............................................................20 Thomas G. Jones School of Law.........................91 Thompson, DeJuana.......................................................8 Tibbs, Jack B. Jr.............................................................91 Time Inc.............................................................9 To Your Health Sprouted Flour..................... 84, 86 Torch Technologies.........................................105 Tourism Council of Bullock County.............. 84, 99 Traffica, Chase...............................................................51 Troy Bank and Trust.................................. 91, 110 Troy Hospital Health Care Authority..................97 Troy Medical Center..........................................91

Troy Miracle League..........................................91 Troy Parks and Recreation.................................91 Troy Pediatric Clinic & Collegiate Health...... 86, 99 Troy Regional Medical Center.............. 86, 97, 105 Troy Times........................................................91 Troy University....11, 28, 34, 51, 84, 86, 89, 91, 99, 102 Troy, City of................................................ 97, 99 TroyFest.........................................................102 TroyFest Art and Craft Festival...........................91 TruBridge Inc..................................................105 Tugboat Institute............................................105 Tuggle, Jeremy.......................................................... 110 Turner Insurance & Bonding Co.........................51 Turner, John..................................................................10 Tuscaloosa Endoscopy Center..............................9 Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida...........................51 Tyson Foods Inc.................................... 84, 86, 88 U.S. Coast Guard...............................................86 U.S. Department of Energy..................................9 U.S. Department of Transportation....................10 U.S. Economic Development Administration......11 U.S. Green Building Council..............................91 U.S. Navy.........................................................10 Union College..................................................51 Union Springs Chunnenuggee Fair Board..........91 Union Springs Home Center..............................91 Union Springs Planning Commission................91 Union Springs, City of................................. 84, 99 United Ability...................................................11 United Launch Alliance.......................................8 University of Alabama................ 8, 51, 89, 91 110 University of Alabama at Birmingham............................. 8, 9, 11, 12, 34 University of Alabama in Huntsville............ 11, 34 University of Dallas..........................................91 University of Kentucky.....................................51 University of Louisiana.....................................51 University of Mobile.........................................51 University of Montevallo............................ 28, 91 University of North Alabama.............................51 University of South Alabama....................... 10, 34 University of Southern Mississippi....................51 University of Tennessee....................................51 University of West Florida.................................51 USSRC Cyber Camp, Huntsville..........................51 Valero Benicia Refinery, California....................51 Van Depoele, Charles................................................ 106 Vestavia Hills City Hall......................................12 Veyer LLC...........................................................9 Vietnam National University.............................89 Village Residence Halls, Auburn.......................12 Villages at Reeves Farm, Eufaula.......................99 Villanova University.........................................91 Vincent, Alicia...............................................................28 Vonnegut, Kurt.......................................................... 106 Vulcan Materials Co..........................................51 Waites, The, Birmingham..................................12 Waldron, Adam.............................................................51 Walker Area Community Foundation...............110 Walker County Economic & Industrial Development Authority.................................8 Wallace Community College...... 84, 86, 89, 91, 99 Walmart Inc............................................... 86, 88 Walter’s Branch, Troy........................................99 Walton, Johnny............................................................51 Warrior Met Coal................................................7 Washington, Darryl.................................................... 110 Waterscape Condominiums, Ft. Walton Beach....51 Waverly Advisors.............................................10 Wayne Sanderson Farms....................... 84, 86, 99 We Piddle Around Theatre..............................102 Weble Nature Center......................................102 Westervelt Co...................................................51 Westrock Mahrt Mill.........................................88 Weyerhaeuser Co...............................................7 White-Spunner Construction.............................51 White, Josh...................................................................51 Whitewater Park, Montgomery...........................9 Whitworth, Luci............................................................51 Whole Foods Market.........................................86 Wiley Sanders Truck Lines..................... 86, 88, 91 Wilkins Miller.......................................... 51, 110 Williams Blackstock Architects..........................12 Williams, Bill................................................................12 Willoughby, Martin......................................................20 Wilson, Blake................................................................51 Wilson, Jesslan.......................................................... 110 Windward Engineering......................................9 Wiregrass Birding Trail...................................102 Wiregrass Construction Co................................51 Wood, Brian............................................................... 110 Yates, Brandon........................................................... 110 Yoholo Micco Walking Trail.............................102 Your Town Alabama..........................................91 Zweygardt, Dillan.........................................................51

September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 109

Career Notes ALLEN CARROLL

TAYLOR CONNER

JEREMY TUGGLE

STEVE FRAZER

by ERICA JOINER WEST

DAVID REAVES

DOUG COWART

SCOTT HOPPA

KRISTINE MANTEL

DERRICK BURNETT

GOVERNMENT The City of Birmingham has named Diana Bolden chief financial officer in the Department of Finance. CHARLIE MILLER

DAEWOO PARK

AMANDA CLARKE

ACCOUNTING Klaudia Downs and Manny Cedeño, of Crow Shields Bailey PC, have earned their CPA licenses. Machen McChesney has promoted Tanner Roberts and Austin Duran to manager; Eric Perry and Lance Meacham to supervisor; Lara Claire Bolling to senior accountant; and Cody Blair to assistant director of small business services. Wilkins Miller Managing Partner Allen Carroll has been elected chairman of the Alabama Securities Commission. In addition, the firm has hired Hayley Lowe as a senior associate. AUTOMOTIVE Howard Bentley Buick GMC has named Taylor Bentley Conner dealer principal. BANKING Jeremy Tuggle has been named Bryant Bank’s Birmingham city president. Marion Community Bank has appointed Steve Frazer vice president for the Montgomery market. ServisFirst Bank has opened its 14th office in Alabama in Auburn-Opelika with David Reaves as market president. Doug Cowart has joined Troy Bank and Trust as city president for Dothan. CONSTRUCTION McShane Construction Co. has promoted Scott Hoppa to executive vice president of operations nationally; Dave Meadows, Brian Wood and Brandon Yates were named vice presidents.

RICHARD MONK

ANDREW ROBINSON

MARK EILAND

Standard Commercial Roofing & Envelope Solutions, of Montgomery and Birmingham, has promoted Kristine Mantel to president. In addition, Derrick Burnett has been promoted to executive vice president and COO. CREDIT UNIONS Charlie Miller, a recently retired Redstone Federal Credit Union board member, has been selected for the Defense Credit Union Council Hall of Honor. EDUCATION Auburn University at Montgomery has named Daewoo Park dean of the College of Business. Columbia Southern University, in Orange Beach, has named JoAnne Bass its new strategic advisor for government, military and community relations. Chris Roberts, an associate professor in the Department of Journalism and Creative Media at the University of Alabama, has won the Dorothy Bowles Award for Outstanding Public Service from the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. Amanda Clarke, an adult education instructional coordinator at Wallace Community College-Dothan, has been named 2024 Staff Member of the Year at the Alabama Association of Public Continuing and Adult Education conference. ENGINEERING Sain Associates, of Birmingham, has added Erin Curry and Jack Kimbrough to its shareholders.

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Darryl Washington has been named executive director of Montgomery Main Street. HEALTH CARE Timothy Hatch, of the Alabama Department of Public Health, has been presented the 2024 Walter F. Snyder Environmental Health Award by the National Environmental Health Association. LEGAL Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP has named Richard Monk III managing partner in Birmingham and Andy Robinson to the firm’s board. Mark Eiland, JD, LLM, has established the estate planning law firm of Heircraft Planning LLC. LOGISTICS Richard Murray & Co., of Mobile, has appointed Justin Phares as its customs compliance manager. ORGANIZATIONS Three Alabamians were among 40 individuals from the region named as Appalachian Leadership Institute fellows. They are Kenny Anderson, executive director of Leadership Empowerment Enterprise; Paul Kennedy, president of the Walker Area Community Foundation; and Jesslan Wilson, director of economic development at the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham. The Business Council of Alabama has named Katelyn Bussey as director of communications.

Historic Alabama

SIX DECADES OF CONSTRUCTION Brasfield & Gorrie employees Connie Boone, Jeff Stone, founder Miller Gorrie, founder James Harbison, Tim Dwyer and Sheila Tarr pose in front of the BellSouth Services headquarters at the Colonnade in Birmingham in the late 1980s. This year the general contractor celebrated its 60th anniversary with a block party at City Walk, followed by dinner and a Vince Gill performance at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. About 3,000 employees and their guests attended. Photo courtesy of Brasfield & Gorrie. Do you have a photo you’d like us to consider for Historic Alabama? Send it to Erica West at ewest@pmtpublishing.com.

Alabiz Quiz

Challenge yourself with these puzzlers from past issues of Business Alabama magazine. Beginning Sept. 20, work the quiz online and check your answers at businessalabama.com.

September 2024:

September 2023 (one year ago):

September 2014 (10 years ago):

Q: Alabama’s largest general contractor is celebrating 60 years in business. Here are the top four. Which tops the list? A) BL Harbert B) Brasfield & Gorrie C) Hoar Construction D) Robins & Morton

Q: Heirs of a former Alabama university football coach donated 400 acres plus buildings to the school where he coached. Which school and which coach? A) Alabama, Paul “Bear” Bryant B) Alabama, Nick Saban C) Auburn, Pat Dye D) Auburn, Tommy Tuberville

Q: Our annual construction issue featured Hargrove Engineers, a young engineering firm that started from scratch in 1995 and had grown by leaps and bounds. It has grown even more since then. Where is it based? A) Birmingham B) Huntsville C) Mobile D) Montgomery

August 2024 (one month ago): Q: South Korean auto supplier firm Samkee, a supplier to Hyundai, opened its first U.S. plant in Alabama. In which city? A) Dothan B) Montgomery C) Tuskegee D) Vance

September 2019 (five years ago): Q: Cathy Sloss Jones found a calling in bringing new life to older areas of Birmingham. Among her many projects is one that attracts people from all walks of life. What is it? A) Old Town Alabama B) Pepper Place Market C) The Vulcan Statue D) The Wharf

September 1999 (25 years ago): Q: We featured “Automotive Alabama,” with a piece likening the state to a batter who hits back-to-back home runs. The first “home run” was landing the Mercedes plant in Vance. What was the state’s second automotive score, announced in 1999? A) Honda B) Hyundai C) Mazda D) Toyota Answers from August: D, D, C, B, A, A September 2024 BusinessAlabama.com | 111