Business Alabama - September 2023

SEPT 2023

IN 35 INSURANCE THE DIGITAL AGE MEET AGC’S

53 40 UNDER 40 SPOTLIGHT ON

87 TUSCALOOSA COUNTY

Breaking Ground with Diversity AUBURN GREAT REGGIE TORBOR LEADS PYLON, BRASFIELD & GORRIE’S NEW EFFORT

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Volume 38 / Number 9

SEPTEMBER 2023

CONTENTS

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Darrell Wright manages the new Cerrowire facility in Hartselle where the company is launching production of metal clad cable. Photo by David Higginbotham.

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CONSTRUCTION HEALTH CARE JOB SITES Patient safety, coordination of material delivery and sensitivity to ongoing operations are all key in health care construction.

WORKING FOR PEANUTS Hollis & Spann builds value in rural communities with new peanut shelling and processing facilities.

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COVERAGE FOR A CYBER AGE The same interactions that make business flow more quickly can leave that business vulnerable to attack from half a world away.

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BUSINESS OF SPORTS COACHING FOR SUCCESS UAB program aims to prepare coaches to help their players succeed in sport and scholarship.

EXEMPLARY DESIGN Showcasing the work of Alabama’s designers who won the Alabama Chapter IDIE Awards.

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MANUFACTURING WIRED Cerrowire doubles down in Hartselle.

INSURANCE IN THE DIGITAL AGE CAREFULLY CRAFTED COVERAGE Businesses benefit from the expertise of working with an insurance agent.

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BREAKING GROUND WITH DIVERSITY New Birmingham construction company aims to open opportunities.

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RETROSPECT THE BUSINESS GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN J. EAGAN As president of Birmingham’s American Cast Iron Pipe Co., Eagan applied the Biblical “Golden Rule” to industry.

On the Cover: Reggie Torbor and the new Pylon Building Group aim to share opportunities throughout a diverse community.

Photo courtesy of Pylon Building Group.

30 30: Highlands College and TurnerBatson Architects are among the winners of the IDIE Awards, honoring the best in Alabama interior design.

40: Grantland Rice IV of Cobbs Allen and other execs talk insurance in a digital age.

Photo by Art Meripol.

12: Inside the new Marshall Medical Center South facilities built by Robins & Morton.

TOP RANK 16 GENERAL CONTRACTORS 24 ARCHITECTURE FIRMS 28 SUBCONTRACTORS 34 ENGINEERING FIRMS 45 COMMERCIAL INSURANCE AGENCIES & PROVIDERS

Departments

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SPECIAL SECTIONS 49 BUSINESS COUNCIL OF ALABAMA 53 ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS 40 UNDER 40 GEOGRAPHIC SPOTLIGHT 87 TUSCALOOSA COUNTY

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BENCHMARKS: MONTHLY BUSINESS NEWS BRIEFING 112 CAREER NOTES: WHO’S MOVING UP 116 COMPANY KUDOS: A MONTH OF ACHIEVEMENTS 117 BA INDEX: HUNDREDS OF LEADS EACH MONTH 119 HISTORIC ALABAMA: A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE 119 ALABIZ QUIZ: TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 5

SEPTEMBER 2023 BusinessAlabama.com Volume 38 / 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 ADMINISTRATION/OFFICE MANAGER Lauren Sullivan / lsullivan@pmtpublishing.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Birmingham: 205-802-6363 Hal Cain / Ext. 111 / hcain@pmtpublishing.com 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 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

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Benchmarks Pat Dye’s 400-acre grounds and buildings donated to Auburn

More than 400 acres owned by longtime Auburn University football coach PAT DYE will be donated to the school, including Dye’s main house, a guest cabin, lodge, pavilion, gazebo, two barns and nursery office.

“We had been longtime supporters of Auburn University through our charitable trust and in hosting fundraising events, and the timing was right to make the gift,” said Nancy McDonald, Dye’s longtime partner and retired nursing educator at Auburn University at Montgomery.

The Auburn University Real Estate Foundation is holding the 415-acre property known as Crooked Oaks on behalf of the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment. Auburn plans to continue operating an event venue on the property and to expand its use for student instruction and community outreach.

“We both knew we would donate the farm to the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment and seeing the work CFWE leaders have done since accepting

the proposal, I could not be more confident that the land will be valued and held to the standard Pat and I always wanted to see,” McDonald said.

“I feel his spirit in this, and I know what’s happening is something he would be proud of.”

Pat Dye Jr. said the gift would have pleased his father.

Pat Dye on the “Given everything Crooked Oaks that Auburn has done property. for dad and our family, he would be thrilled to know that Auburn will be great stewards of his beloved farm, hopefully for many generations,” he said.

Dye began developing the property in 1998 and continued to do so until his death in 2020. The land includes ponds, pastures and woodlands that include Japanese maples, azaleas, camellias, boxwoods,

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TOP DOLLARS To be among the top 1% of earners in Alabama, you must have an income of at least $470,341, according to the folks at SmartAsset. In Connecticut, which topped the list, you need to earn $952,902 to be among the top 1% of households, based on IRS and Bureau of Labor Statistics figures.

WORK TIME Alabama’s unemployment rate remained at a record low 2.2% for the month of July 2023.

That’s down from 2.6% in June 2023. Shelby County had the lowest unemployment rate at 2%, while Wilcox County had the highest at 7.5%.

BETTER, BRIGHTER? Business executives surveyed by the Center for Business and Economic Research see brighter prospects for sales, profits, hiring and capital expenditures, but are still leery of the national economic trends.

JOB LOSS Both Auburn’s SIO2 and Mobile’s Unifi Aviation are laying off employees, according to the Alabama Department of Commerce’s WARN list. SIO2 is laying off 104 employees.

Unifi is laying off 62 employees.

On the heels of Yellow Corp. declaring bankruptcy and announcing its closing, 200 employees are losing their jobs

gardenias and many other plants.

“To me, living on this place is like living in paradise,” Dye wrote of Crooked Oaks in his 2014 book, “After the Arena.”

“The good Lord created it and then I just put a few touches on it so I can enjoy it and appreciate it, because no one can paint a picture like Mother Nature.”

in Birmingham. The Nashvillebased trucking company employed 30,000 workers.

NEW AT THE TOP Founder Jim Cooper is Jim Cooper Construction’s new chief executive officer, while former Executive Vice President Ryan Ferris has become president and chief operating officer. The Birmingham-based firm also has offices in Huntsville and Dallas. Drew Dolan has been named CEO and Adam Campbell president of 68 Ventures, a Daphne-based development, investment and construction firm.

UAB TO NIH Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, who has led the infectious disease

program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, has been chosen as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, where she succeeds Dr. Anthony Fauci.

BIGGER & BETTER Core Industries is investing $8.75 million to expand its Mobile County port facilities with two new warehouses to handle wood pellets under a new contract with CM Biomass.

The Denmark-based biomass firm has pellet facilities in Clarke and Washington counties.

Rehau Automotive in Cullman has been issued a nearly $13 million construction permit.

The Mercedes-Benz supplier has expanded multiple times

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 7

BENCHMARKS

Annexation makes Mobile Alabama’s second-largest city Port City the second largest in Alabama. Residents of a fourth area voted not to be annexed.

Huntsville moved into the top spot when U.S. Census figures were released in 2021, reordering the state’s cities with Huntsville at the top, then Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile and Tuscaloosa.

After the annexation vote, Mobile leapfrogged into second with a population of 208,830, so that Birmingham now ranks third and Montgomery fourth.

“You know, they’ve already been calling themselves Mobilians and now it’s official,” said Mayor Sandy Stimpson in a WKRG-TV The RSA Tower is a landmark in downtown Mobile. interview. “They’re citizens of the City of Mobile and I happen to be their mayor.”

Residents in three of MOBILE’s west In the run-up to the election, the city side suburban areas voted in July to be council threatened that it might curtail annexed into the city — making the

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in the past few years. Athensbased sheet metal contractor Morgan Metals has expanded its facility on U.S. 31, adding a 4,800-square-foot building and a loading dock.

City-based Development Counsellors International to help market the city as a prime business location.

RESEARCH FUNDS The University of Alabama at Birmingham has been awarded $15 million for pathology research on liver and heart disease, breast cancer, Alzheimer’s and other conditions. Researchers in the physics department were awarded nearly half a million dollars for research into superconductors.

BOOSTING BIRMINGHAM The Birmingham Business Alliance has hired New York

WORK SHIFT Alabama’s workforce booster AIDT, aiming to fill thousands of jobs at the state’s major automakers and their supplier firms, has reignited its SHIFT program. The program targets underemployed Alabamians and out-of-state workers using an on-line application process.

CAP CITY CLOSING Montgomery’s Capital City Club closed in July after 46 years, more than a quarter century of them atop the RSA Tower. The club is owned by Texas-based Invited Clubs.

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the police, fire and emergency medical services it has been providing if voters chose not to become part of the city.

While residents of the areas paid for the services, city officials said it’s been steadily more expensive to provide them.

The mayor’s chief of staff, James Barber, told WKRG-TV news that access to those services was important to voters.

With their choice, he said, voters indicated that “We want to keep Mobile police; we want Mobile fire; we want Mobile emergency medical backup.”

Commenting after the election, Stimpson said EMS services should be available in the newly annexed areas immediately, that police patrols will begin as soon as possible and that garbage and trash collection services should begin Oct. 1.

“Today’s vote ensures Mobile can continue its long history of growing to the West while preventing us from becoming landlocked by surrounding municipalities,” Stimpson said in a prepared statement on the night of the election. “The neighborhoods that went to the polls today have made a decisive choice about their future.” 

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS BBB Industries, a manufacturer serving automotive, industrial and solar markets and based in Daphne, has acquired Hydraulex, a provider of hydraulic solutions in the industrial aftermarket.

Birmingham-based Waverly Advisors, an investment management and financial planning firm, has acquired Gwynn Management Co., based in Atlanta. This is Waverly’s third acquisition of 2023. UES, an engineering and consulting company based in Orlando, Florida, has acquired GEO Solutions, a company with headquarters in Huntsville.

Birmingham-based logistics firm P&S Transportation has

acquired Action Dedicated, another Birmingham company.

Action’s 364-trailer fleet mainly hauls automotive components.

Birmingham’s Tricon Wear Solutions, which makes steel plates and similar items, has been acquired by Construction Forms Inc., a portfolio company of H.I.G. Capital. PS Logistics, a Birmingham-based logistics company, has purchased Jacksonville, Florida, interstate trucking and brokerage company Rinaudo Enterprises.

Rinaudo’s fleet includes 56 tractors and 75 trailers.

Huntsville-based financial services firm Anglin Reichmann Armstrong has merged with Adamson + Co., giving Anglin Reichmann a stronger presence

BENCHMARKS

Six inducted into Alabama Business Hall of Fame The Alabama Business Hall of Fame has announced the six men it will induct this year at a ceremony in November.

The inductees are Herman E. Bulls, of McLean, Virginia; Tom Hough, of Atlanta; C. Phillip McWane, of Mountain Brook; James W. Rane, of Abbeville; Frank Stitt III, of Birmingham; and Michael D. Thompson, of Birmingham.

The six will be inducted into the hall of fame, established in 1973 and located at the Culverhouse College of Business at the University of Alabama, during a ceremony Nov. 9 at Haven in Birmingham.

More information about the event, including ticket and sponsorship information, can be found at the Alabama Business Hall of Fame website.

Here’s a little more about this year’s inductees: HERMAN E. BULLS, a Florence native, is vice chairman, Americas, as well as international director and founder of Jones Lang LaSalle’s Public Institutions

practice, which he created to serve governmental and higher education clients.

TOM HOUGH’s career was largely spent working for the Big 4 accounting firm Ernst & Young, leading the firm’s Americas Assurance Practice when he retired in 2014. A golfer at the University of Alabama, Hough also co-chaired the 1986 U.S. Amateur Golf Championship and the 1990 PGA Championship.

C. PHILLIP MCWANE is chairman of McWane Inc., the Birmingham-based manufacturer of ductile iron products such as pipes, hydrants and other goods used in construction and water infrastructure. He is a graduate of Auburn University.

JIMMY RANE is chairman and CEO of Great Southern Wood Preserving,

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in central Florida. Birminghambased construction firm Hoar has opened its second Florida office, this one in Tampa. Valent Group, an insurance brokerage company based in Birmingham, has acquired Mobile’s Coastal Professional Insurance, an agency specializing in coastal property coverage and flood insurance. Mobile-based Hiller Companies, a fire and life safety services provider, has acquired Fire Defense Services of Chester, Virginia. Dothanbased Construction Partners, a company specializing in the construction and maintenance of roadways, has acquired a hot-mix asphalt plant in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and established a new greenfield

hot-mix asphalt plant in Waycross, Georgia. Cyber intelligence firm Sentar Inc. has acquired Waterfront Technical Services. Both companies are headquartered in Huntsville.

PICK-UP GAME Huntsville International Airport is adding a cell phone lot — a temporary parking lot for those picking up incoming passengers. The goal is to ease congestion in airport entrance lanes.

BANK BUSINESS Chase, the consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase, plans to open five branches in the Birmingham area and its first in the Huntsville market.

which he founded in Abbeville in 1970 and built into one of the world’s largest manufacturers of pressure-treated lumber.

He graduated from Auburn and Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law. FRANK STITT is the owner and executive chef of Highlands Bar and Grill, Bottega Restaurant, Bottega Café and Chez Fonfon in Birmingham.

Highlands Bar and Grill won the James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Restaurant in 2018.

MICHAEL D. THOMPSON is chairman of the board of Thompson Trailer Co., a dealer of heavy earthmoving machinery and engines throughout the South, as well as president and CEO of Fairway Investments. Fairway Investments has holdings in 10 states. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama.

ER EXPANSION UAB Hospital is kicking off a $73 million expansion of its emergency facilities, adding exam rooms and waiting space now, followed by an addition of a three-story facility next to the North Pavilion.

MEGA BUCKS Norfolk Southern is giving an added $3 million toward the Etowah County NEAR megasite. The funds will be used for a 500-gallon water tank, allowing the addition of water and sewer service from nearby Rainbow City.

BIG CLIENT Birmingham-based Luckie & Co. has been named the creative and brand agency

of record for Atlanta-based convenience store chain RaceTrac.

WHAT A WIZ Birmingham startup TaxxWiz has been selected for a $150,000 grant from Google, as part of the global firm’s effort to support Black tech entrepreneurs. The company has also changed its name to SmartWiz. MORE FLIERS Traffic at BirminghamShuttlesworth International Airport continues to grow, with June 2023 traffic up 19% over June 2022 numbers. All six months in 2023 have seen significant increases.

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BENCHMARKS

New in Tuskegee, bigger in Auburn In mid-August SHINHWA AUTO USA CORP. announced plans to invest $114 million to expand its manufacturing operation in Auburn to support production of electric vehicle parts.

Just a week earlier, TRENDCO USA, a nitrile medical glove producer based in South Carolina announced plans for a $32 million facility in Tuskegee, creating 292 jobs. The facility will be in the new Regional East Alabama Logistics (REAL) Park off of I-85 in Macon County.

The Shinhwa project will create an additional 50 jobs and will add 170,000 square feet to the facility in Auburn Technology Park West. This is Shinhwa’s third expansion since it selected Auburn for its first U.S. plant in 2019.

Shinhwa plans to expand its die casting operations and associated processes that are required to make control arm, knuckle, carrier and motor housing covers in support of Hyundai, Kia and other automakers in the U.S. “We are thrilled to be expanding our business yet again, building new stateof-the-art facilities in Auburn, Alabama, where Shinhwa has a successful business operation since 2019,” said Kwi Hyun Lee, chairman of the Shinhwa Group.

Shinhwa plant in Auburn.

Trendco plans to install as many as 10 glove production lines at its REAL Park location, eventually expanding to produce masks and gowns.

“We are very excited about our move to Alabama and look forward to building our PPE manufacturing facility in Tuskegee,” said Trendco USA CEO Darryl Hunter. “We believe the people of

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HOT PROPERTY CNJ Property in Montgomery is the only gold-level designate in the latest group of CSX Select Site designations.

Refunding Warrants were raised from AA- to AA, and Limited Obligation Refunding Warrants were raised from AA to AA+.

COASTAL FUNDS Twenty-seven projects along the Gulf Coast, from a park and amphitheater in Daphne to the Cedar Point boat ramp will receive federal funds, as Gov. Kay Ivey doles out more than $67 million in GoMESA funds accumulated through Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas leases.

BETTER BONDS S&P Global Ratings has upgraded two series of bonds in Jefferson County. The ratings for General Obligation

SO LONG, SPACE Jody Singer, director of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center since 2018, retired at the end of July. Deputy Director Joseph Pelfrey has taken the helm on an interim basis.

OH BABY! The University of Alabama at Birmingham introduced the mother who had a son after a uterus transplant at UAB’s Comprehensive Transplant Institute. It’s the first birth in the country via a uterus transplant outside of a clinical trial.

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Tuskegee and the surrounding communities will play a vital role in our success in the medical technology sector.”

Trendco has signed an agreement to lease more than 100,000 square feet in Building 100 in REAL Park, where the company will initially set up a distribution operation as it prepares to launch glove production. 

COKE BUCKS Birmingham’s Coca-Cola Bottling Co. United is one of nine partners in a nearly $138 million venture capital fund. The Greycroft Coca-Cola System Sustainability Fund will focus on sustainability investments, including packaging, heating and cooling, and distribution.

foot leasable office building in Redstone Gateway, just outside Gate 9 of Redstone Arsenal. Corporate Office Properties Trust is the developer. Birmingham-based general contractor Brasfield & Gorrie recently completed a $38 million cancer center UNC Health Blue Ridge Valdese in North Carolina.

BUILD UP Birmingham-based construction firm Robins & Morton has completed a $167 million medical center in Palm Coast, Florida — the 153,000-squarefoot AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway Hospital. The firm also finished construction of a five-story, 125,000-square-

FLEX OPTIONS Landing, the Birmingham-based company that offers furnished apartments throughout the United States via subscription, has unveiled Flex, a new option to book open-ended stays without a multi-month commitment.

BENCHMARKS

Orange Beach chef wins national seafood competition

Brody Olive, chef at VOYAGERS AT PERDIDO BEACH RESORT in Orange Beach, won the Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans.

Olive and assistant chef Luis Silvestrie competed against 11 other chefs. It’s the first time an Alabama chef has won the competition since 2011.

The winning dish was “Fishing on the Rocks, The Jetties at Perdido Pass,” which consisted of gaff-top catfish, flash-fried mole crabs and more.

Gaff-top catfish is a saltwater fish, and mole crabs, also known as sand fleas, are rarely eaten.

“Having the national seafood title return to Alabama is something we are immensely proud of, and we are thrilled for Chef Olive and his team for their innovative approach to this dish,” said Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Chris Blankenship. “The fact that he integrated what are otherwise underrepresented Gulf species is even more impressive. We hope this win encourages others to think differently about what is not only consumable — but also enjoyable — moving forward.” 

Brody Olive of Voyagers wins in New Orleans.

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CHARGE IT Hyundai, Honda and Mercedes-Benz, three automakers with plants in Alabama, are among those joining a group to expand electric vehicle charging station access across North America.

Those three, plus BMW, GM, Kia and Stellantis NV, are developing a new charging network with at least 30,000 chargers.

The Gardner Farm in Lowndes County, and St. Paul Baptist Church and Armstrong School in Tuskegee.

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING Five spots in Alabama have been added to the National Register of Historic Places. They are Noojin House in Gadsden, Selma University in Selma, Automobile Alley Boundary Increase in Mobile, Campsite 3:

HOUSE HUNTING The Birmingham community of Smithfield has been awarded a $50 million grant from the Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant Program.

The grant, plus $35 million from the City of Birmingham, will go toward a new housing plan that the city estimates will generate $242 million in new economic activity.

OVERSEAS TRADE Mexico is offering Birminghambased Vulcan Materials 6.5 billion pesos, or $390 million,

for land it owns in the southeast of the country. In May 2022, Mexican officials closed Vulcan’s facilities at the location, alleging environmental damage that the company denies. Vulcan is demanding more than $1.5 billion from the World Bank arbitration tribunal ICSID. UNION YES AT&T employees in Birmingham, Huntsville and Mobile – 74 of the company’s in-home experts – have joined the Communications Workers of America. AT&T voluntarily recognized the union. Some members of Jacksonville State University’s faculty have formed their own union local, following in the footsteps of the University

of Alabama and Auburn University. The union’s goals include upping the minimum wage for campus workers and eliminating graduate student fees.

STUDY STEM The Toyota USA Foundation has pledged $6.7 million in grants to the Huntsville City Schools to prepare students for science and technology careers.

CORRECTION The Bassmaster Classic took place on Lake Guntersville in 2020. We listed the wrong lake in our August issue.

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 11

CONSTRUCTION

UAB Medical West, a project of Brasfield & Gorrie, is set to open next year.

Health care job sites Patient safety, coordination of material delivery and sensitivity to ongoing operations are all key in health care construction

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ive of the nation’s 20 largest general contractors ranked by dollar volume for completed health care projects last year are based in the Birmingham metro area.

Two of those contractors are at the top of the Modern Healthcare magazine ranking list — Brasfield & Gorrie at No. 1 and Robins & Morton at No. 2. The other three — Hoar, M.J. Harris and Doster — are ranked Nos. 7, 16 and 18 respectively.

Here’s a look into the specialized world of health care construction and recent projects from several of Alabama’s largest health care builders.

By KATHY HAGOOD BRASFIELD & GORRIE

The next Medical West replacement hospital, an affiliate of the UAB Health System, is being built by Brasfield & Gorrie and can be seen under construction off the I-459 Exit 1 in McCalla. The 35-acre campus will include a nine-story, 200-bed hospital with a central energy plant, five-story medical office building and parking deck. The new hospital is expected to open in 2024, says Ed Hauser, Brasfield & Gorrie regional vice president and division manager.

Special techniques used by project management include online systems for

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a workflow that uses digital dig boards to supplement physical signage. QR codes may be accessed by employees and trade contractors “to geolocate themselves in relation to existing and proposed utility lines,” Hauser says. “This process has created a safer and more productive job site.”

Like other Alabama-based top 20 health care contractors, Brasfield & Gorrie has a long history in hospital construction and often partners with repeat clients. The company has built health care facilities in 29 states.

“Since our company was founded, we’ve completed more than 2,000 projects in

CO N S T R U C T I O N

“A hospital (in general) is challenging to build, but it is also very rewarding knowing that you’ve been part of constructing a complex building that is a vital part of the community.”

—Mark Mattox, Robins & Morton vice president

Alabama,” Hauser says. “Over the past decade alone, we’ve generated more than $4.6 billion in revenue from nearly 500 projects across the seven-county Birmingham area.”

The company’s first project kicked off in 1969 when it negotiated a $6.2 million contract for all preconstruction and construction services for a major expansion to what was then East End Memorial Hospital in Birmingham. “The success of the project led to subsequent projects, and the relationship with the client continues to this day,” Hauser says. “With a collaborative team approach, we work to become an extension of the medical campus staff to foster a true partnering arrangement.

Maintaining infection control, safety and uninterrupted campus operations are our primary focuses.”

Robins & Morton’s project at Marshall Medical Center South.

concourse with coffee shop and foodservice. The bed tower addition was particularly complicated because it was built on top of the existing, operating hospital, says Mark Mattox, Robins & Morton vice president. “A hospital (in general) is challenging to build, but it is also very rewarding knowing that you’ve been part of constructing a complex building that is a vital part of the community,” he says.

Robins & Morton has built 1,700 projects in 38 states, including many in Alabama. While some of the largest contractors for health care construction are diversified in the types of construction they do, 86% of Robins & Morton’s revenue in 2022 was from health care projects, Mattox points out. “Health care is our main focus,” he says.

The company got its start with health

care during a small renovation project at Shelby Baptist, completed in 1972.

“Nearly every operations team member at Robins & Morton is an expert in health care construction due to the amount of experience they have as individuals and the experience we have as a company,” he says.

Robins & Morton prides itself upon its construction quality and continuous improvement initiatives, Mattox says.

“When you’re coordinating100 to 200 or more construction workers and are trying to prevent disruptions to a health care campus, it can be challenging. That’s why it’s critical to establish the right culture. It’s important that our entire team, including our trade contractors, understand that we are guests on that campus and our actions are a direct reflection of our team.”

ROBINS & MORTON

July marked the grand opening of the two-story vertical expansion of the Marshall Medical Center South bed tower in Boaz. The project, constructed by Robins & Morton, also includes a new hospital entrance featuring an atrium and a main

Hoar is building a new outpatient clinic at Russell Medical Center in Alexander City.

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HOAR CONSTRUCTION

Doster is building a new outpatient clinic at UAB Hospital Highlands.

“There is a shift in the industry from large traditional hospitals for new construction to small outpatient clinics closer to where patients live.”

—Manny Norrell, Doster project director

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A new outpatient clinic, the Benjamin Russell Center for Advanced Care, is being built at Russell Medical in Alexander City. Construction of the two-story, 28,000-square-foot specialty care clinic began in February and is expected to be completed by April 2024. The facility is part of a plan to expand the hospital campus to include independent and assisted living options, says Owen Moore, director of business development at Hoar. “Seniors will be able to live there and have any needed medical services nearby,” he says.

Founded in 1940, Hoar completed its first major health care project, the $6.5 million Brookwood Ambulatory Care Center, in the 1980s, Moore says. The company’s Healthcare Division was established in 1991.

“Since then, we’ve expanded our portfolio to build and renovate health care facilities big and small across the country,” he says.

To be successful, hospital construction requires an intense amount of preplanning and careful scheduling and materials procurement to meet deadlines, Moore says. “For active campuses, we have to coordinate with hospital stakeholders (doctors, nurses, etc.) to ensure phasing creates as little disruption as possible and that patient safety is our top priority,” he says.

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Health care construction continues to be a strong division for the highly diversified Hoar, which builds both across the country and internationally, including in civic, government, education, hospitality, retail, industrial, office and multi-family sectors. Hoar is seeing more demand for rural hospitals, freestanding emergency rooms and medical office buildings, Moore says. “Existing facilities are renovating to keep up with demand and stay on top of technological advancements,” he says. “Behavioral health facilities are becoming a bigger priority as more emphasis is put on mental health.”

“Outside the walls must be clean and nice, but behind the ceilings and walls are all sorts of ducts and conduits,” he says.

Norrell and other representatives of large general contractors believe demand for health care construction will remain strong because there will always be a need for health care, especially with the

nation’s aging population.

“There is a shift in the industry from large traditional hospitals for new construction to small outpatient clinics closer to where patients live,” he says.

Kathy Hagood is a Homewood-based freelance contributor to Business Alabama.

DOSTER CONSTRUCTION CO.

UAB Hospital Highlands in Birmingham has a new 18,000-square-foot outpatient clinic completed by Doster in May. Phase one of a two-phase interior health care renovation, the new clinic includes family medicine, imaging, geriatric and vein specialties. The second phase, a 9,000-squarefoot sports medicine section, began in July and is set for completion by October, says Manny Norrell, Doster project director. “We often build in areas with ongoing operations, which can mean work after hours, on weekends or both,” he says. “Our team has to understand their surroundings and keep them in mind. In a critical environment, you could be one hallway away from sensitive work.”

Doster, which builds in 33 states, including Alabama, got its start in hospital construction in the 1970s with a renovation project at Carraway Methodist Medical Center in Birmingham. The success of that project lead to projects at other regional hospitals and the company’s targeting health care business, Norrell says.

“Health care is our bread and butter.”

Because health care construction requires special expertise, most major projects are completed by general contractors with decades of experience, Norrell says.

Numerous extra health care regulations, local, state and federal, must be followed, including those for indoor air quality, ADA regulations, life safety issues and fire safety. Other considerations include facility needs for medical gases, high power and low voltage.

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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 2022.

COMPANY MANAGING PRINCIPALS

VALUE OF CONTRACTS AWARDED IN 2022 VALUE OF CONTRACTS AWARDED AS OF JULY 1, 2023

ALABAMA EMPLOYEES TOTAL EMPLOYEES

1

Brasfield & Gorrie LLC James Gorrie, Rob Blalock

3021 7th Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 205-328-4000 brasfieldgorrie.com

$5.9 billion $2.7 billion

1,265 3,741

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Arthur M. Blank Hospital Atlanta, GA $775 million

Midtown Union Atlanta, GA $385 million

1964

2

Caddell Construction B.E. Stewart

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

$2.6 billion $677.3 million

185 2,626

U.S. Embassy Compound Riyadh, Saudi Arabia $673.8 million

U.S. Consulate Compound Dhahran, Saudi Arabia $231.5 million

1983

3

Robins & Morton Bill Morton, Robin Savage

400 Shades Creek Pkwy.

Birmingham, AL 35209 205-870-1000 robinsmorton.com

$2.6 billion $1.5 billion

290 1,400

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

AdventHealth Tampa Taneja Center for Surgery Tampa, FL $155.8 million

1946

4

Hoar Construction Robert Burton, Turner Burton Douglas Eckert, Randall Curtis

Two Metroplex Dr., Ste. 400 Birmingham, AL 35209 205-803-2121 hoar.com

$2.1 billion $3.4 billion

377 709

The Sinclair Nashville, TN $151.9 million

Broadwest Nashville, TN $221.2 million

1940

5

BL Harbert International Billy Harbert, Alan Hall, Jim Stewart

820 Shades Creek Pkwy.

Ste. 3000 Birmingham, AL 35209 205-802-2800 blharbert.com

$1.2 billion

372 10,744

U.S. Embassy Compound Beirut, Lebanon

University of Alabama Tutwiler Residence Hall Tuscaloosa, AL $120 million

2000

6

McShane Construction Co. Scott Hoppa

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

$672.3 million

63 216

Kennesaw Apartments Kennesaw, GA Confidential

Southeast Gateway Savannah, GA Confidential

1984

7

Capstone Building Corp.

Jay Chapman

1200 Corporate Dr., Ste. 350 Birmingham, AL 35242 205-380-5671 capstonebuilding.com

$469.6 million $113.1 million

67 105

Elevate Apartments Pensacola, FL $62.7 million

Anthem Apartments Huntsville, AL $54.7 million

1997

8

Doster Construction Co. Inc. Walton Doster

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

$415.6 million $129.7 million

202 232

Benjamin Russell High School Alexander City, AL $99.9 million

Eclipse Mixed-Use Development Huntsville, AL $56.1 million

1969

9

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

2871 Acton Rd., Ste. 101B Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 205-977-7998 deangelisdiamond.com

$385 million $318 million

4 218

Margaritaville Resort Fort Myers Beach, FL $78 million

Berry Farms Franklin, TN $62 million

1996

10

MJ Harris Construction Services LLC Tommy Yeager, Robbie Egan, Matt Hall, Ralph Crumpton

1 Riverchase Ridge, Ste. 300 Birmingham, AL 35244 205-380-6800 mjharris.com

$361.6 million $73.2 million

51 112

South Baldwin Regional Medical Center Tower Upgrade Foley, AL $127.9 million

Alabama A&M Event Center Huntsville, AL $52.5 million

1995

11

Morris-Shea Bridge Co. Inc. Dick Shea, Richard Shea, Bill Shea, Steve Shea

609 20th St. S. Irondale, AL 3210 205-956-9518 morrisshea.com

$275 million $153 million

150 425

Plaquemine LNG Port Sulphur, LA $217 million

California Science Center Los Angeles, CA $6.8 million

1969

12

Rabren General Contractors LP Matt Rabren, Jordan May, Leslie Farrington, Drew Brown, Spearman Cobb, Patrick Donohoe, Matt Hearn, Jon Phelps, Jon Rabren

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

$264.1 million $63.9 million

123 123

558 W. Broad Student Housing Complex Athens, GA $107.6 million

Auburn University Academic Classroom and Lab Complex Auburn, AL $68.0 million

2000

ADDRESS PHONE WEBSITE

16 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

LARGEST PROJECT UNDER CONSTRUCTION

LARGEST PROJECT COMPLETED IN 2022

YEAR ESTABLISHED

RANK

Compiled by ERICA JOINER WEST

CO N S T R U C T I O N

Alabama’s Largest General Contractors

COMPANY MANAGING PRINCIPALS

VALUE OF CONTRACTS AWARDED IN 2022 VALUE OF CONTRACTS AWARDED AS OF JULY 1, 2023

ALABAMA EMPLOYEES TOTAL EMPLOYEES

13

Gray Construction Inc. Drew Romans

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

$201.1 million $1.2 billion

54 2,096

Qcells Solar Cell and Module Production Facility Cartersville, GA $1.2 billion

Confidential Customer Little Rock, AR $284.7 million

1960

14

Stone Building Co. Justin Drummond, Brett Drummond

8011 Liberty Pkwy.

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

$195 million $106 million

53 57

Livano Town Madison Madison, AL

The Marshall Birmingham, AL

1983

15

Jim Cooper Construction Co. Inc. Jim Cooper

5004 5th Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35212 205-871-0304 cooperconstruction.com

$184 million $135.8 million

30 65

Huntsville Logistics Center Huntsville, AL $70 million

FedEx Ground Binghamton NY Binghamton, NY $68.8 million

1991

16

Fite Construction Co. LLC dba Fite Building Co. William Fite

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

$132.4 million $165.7 million

120 120

Polyplex Decatur, AL $37 million

Feralloy Sinton, TX $33.8 million

1976

17

Dunn Building Co. LLC Andrew Edwards, Brett Clark

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

$114 million $135 million

250 250

Alabama Graphite Kellyton, AL $12 million

Sky Harbour Nashville Hangars Nashville, TN $24 million

1878

18

White-Spunner Construction John White-Spunner, Jeff Carrico

2010 W. I-65 Service Rd. S. Mobile, AL 36693 251-471-5189 white-spunner.com

$99.8 million $160 million

144 144

Home Depot Katy, TX $23.1 million

Residence Inn Fort Walton Beach, FL $14.3 million

1981

19

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

4437 Atlanta Hwy. Montgomery, AL 36109 334-277-8820 marshall-group.com

$98.7 million $104.7 million

28 28

PHA Manufacturing Facility - GA Savannah, GA $36.4 million

Car Tech Assembly Addition Opelika, AL $11.2 million

1976

20

Dunn Construction Co. Inc. Bo Walters, Wade Edwards

3905 Airport Hwy. Birmingham, AL 35222 205-592-3866 dunnconstruction.com

$77 million $36 million

300 300

I-20 Resurfacing Birmingham, AL $14 million

City of Birmingham Resurfacing Birmingham, AL $7 million

1878

21

CS Beatty Construction Inc. Craig Beatty, Jeremy McCormick

1 Civitan Place Birmingham, AL 35213 205-879-5788 csbeatty.com

$75.9 million $43.9 million

158 158

NHA 516 North Alabama $41.0 million

NHA 3F North Alabama $36.0 million

1999

22

Rives Construction Co. Inc. Daniel Dillon

5200 Grantswood Rd. Birmingham, AL 35210 205-443-5000 rives.com

$75.3 million $62.9 million

70 70

23

Hollis & Spann Inc. Hayne Hollis, Glenn Spivey

116 Loftin Rd. Dothan, AL 36302 334-793-4444 hollisandspann.com

$72.3 million $33 million

17 20

Foley Cottages Foley, AL $13 million

Coastal Growers Atmore, AL $38.3 million

1950

24

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

475 N. Dean Rd. Auburn, AL 36830 334-502-7400 firstteamconstruction.com

$68.7 million $55.9 million

35 35

Jackson County Innovation and Career Academy Hollywood, AL $31 million

Redland Middle School Wetumpka, AL $20.8 million

1997

25

Goodgame Co. Inc. Connie Goodgame

2311 3rd Ave. S. Pell City, AL 35128 205-338-2551 goodgamecompany.com

$68 million $47 million

97 97

Stivers Ford Birmingham, AL

River Valley Ingredients Hanceville, AL

1955

26

Ben M. Radcliff Contractor Inc. Ben Radcliff Jr.

3456 Halls Mill Rd. Mobile, AL 36693 251-666-7252 bendradcliff.com

$66.3 million $69.9 million

45 45

Private Alabama Private

Mobile County Metro Jail Addition Mobile, AL $14.7 million

1956

ADDRESS PHONE WEBSITE

For more general contractors, visit BusinessAlabama.com 18 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

LARGEST PROJECT UNDER CONSTRUCTION

LARGEST PROJECT COMPLETED IN 2022

YEAR ESTABLISHED

RANK

continued from page 16

1930

Source: Business Alabama surveys

CO N S T R U C T I O N

WORKING FOR PEANUTS Hollis & Spann President Glenn Spivey at the American Peanut Growers Group facility in Donalsonville, Georgia — one of two peanut plants completed recently by the Dothan-based general contractor.

20 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

Hollis & Spann builds value in rural communities with new peanut shelling and processing facilities

By STEVEN CASTLE — Photos by JAY HARE

CO N S T R U C T I O N

O

ver the last few years, more than $100 million has been invested in rural communities in and near Alabama, providing hundreds of families in underserved areas with good jobs. And at the center of this frenzy of economic development are two things — Dothan-based contractors Hollis & Spann Inc. and the humble peanut.

Glenn Spivey has been president of Hollis & Spann since 2011 and has seen the company at every level. “I started in 1993 as an intern when I was trying to make enough money to finish Auburn [University],” says Spivey. “[Then] in 1995, I started off as an assistant superintendent, quickly transitioned to a project manager, then vice president and then president.

“Our company was founded in 1950. They went through residential work, in the early days building cabinets, even boat work one time. And then in the ’60s [we] transitioned over to commercial construction. It just kind of grew from there. When I came on in 1993, we were doing a lot of corrections work — prisons, jails,” says Spivey. “In the ’90s we got into building hotels.”

And now, Hollis & Spann has grown into a major player, ranking 23rd on Business Alabama’s list of largest contractors in Alabama, with close to $100 million in contracts annually. And while Hollis & Spann specializes in the hospitality industry — they have constructed more than 85 hotels in the Southeast for national chains like Hilton and Marriott — their most unusual recent work has involved peanuts.

Hollis & Spann has completed two different but similar peanut-related facilities — a peanut-shelling facility in Atmore for Coastal Growers LLC and a peanut storage, shelling and processing complex for the American Peanut Growers Group LLC (APGG) just a few miles from the Alabama border in Donalsonville, Georgia. “These two projects were about as much fun as I have had in my whole career,” says Spivey. “They’re tremendously rewarding, satisfying projects for me and all the people involved.

We would love to do more of these kinds of things.”

Part of what makes these projects more fun, according to Spivey, is the challenge they pose and the precision required, especially in the planning phase. “There are aspects of [hotels] that are more difficult than industrial projects, but with industrial projects, you have to have everything perfectly planned ahead of time. It all has to fit exactly right.

“For the peanut plants, we provided the electrical system, which included the controls of all the equipment. Our subcontractor programmed the operation of all the equipment, which is a big deal…The coordination between the general contractor and the equipment designer, manufacturer and provider — who’s all the same company — was extremely important,” says Spivey.

Coastal Growers in Atmore has leveraged its new facility, completed in 2021, to realize the dream of peanut farmers throughout the area. One of Coastal Growers’ three co-founders, Joe Parker, explains, “[We have] 180 investors made up of farm families throughout the Southeast… It’s a game changer for them financially with great potential to…double their profits per acre.”

“This allows [the farmers] to be vertically integrated up the value chain for the peanuts they grow,” explains Alex Jones, president of UB Community Development, which assisted with finances for both projects. “So instead of a corporation shell-

American Peanut Growers Group Construction:

DECEMBER 2021

MARCH 2022

SEPTEMBER 2022

FEBRUARY 2023 September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 21

CO N S T R U C T I O N

ing and selling the peanuts to Mars or Smuckers or Jif, the farmers now own this plant that sells those peanuts, and they get a proportional share of that profit.”

In Donalsonville, APGG and its President and CEO Neal Flanagan are still readying for the sweeping economic impact that their brand-new complex, officially opened in June of this year,

will have on the local community. “We employ over 240 employees in a town of 2,800 people,” says Flanagan. “So that says something about the size and the scope of our business in a small town.”

The Donalsonville complex consists not only of peanut storage and shelling, but also on-site processing of peanuts into goods like peanut butter and paste,

22 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

primarily for industrial applications — a side of the business in which local farmers weren’t yet experts. “We needed somebody with horsepower,” says Flanagan.

“It was a little bit of a dive off the deep end for us as far as complexities like air pressure and those kinds of things. We needed somebody with expertise that could research and learn together with us.” Having just been involved with the Atmore shelling plant, Hollis & Spann was the logical choice.

Both projects have more than just peanuts in common. Also shared between the two sites is a large boon of federal assistance in the form of new market tax credits, corralled by UB Community Development and Jones. “We created UB Community Development years ago to do new market tax credit transactions.

We built it from the ground up. There are other CDE’s [community development entities] all across the U.S. that do what we do… but we’re the first ones here in Alabama.”

These new market tax credits are focused on developing businesses in underserved communities and have helped bring prosperity to rural areas throughout Alabama and neighboring states. “We’ve secured almost $300 million in federal tax credits from the Department of the Treasury,” says Jones. “We’ve probably done about 30 projects now with about a billion dollars in capital expenditure over the years.”

Those crucial economic incentives are just one reason why these peanut companies have turned to Hollis & Spann.

“There’s a lot of general contractor work in getting the new market tax credit — [contractors] have to be vetted, they have to have certain credentials, they have to have a lot of budgets and timelines in place,” says Flanagan. Again, Hollis & Spann “had done it all before.”

Hollis & Spann’s history with these credits isn’t the only draw for their clients.

Their communication and relentless diligence are commonly praised. “When [the project] was just a dream, they were involved,” says Parker. “They were willing to take some risk in doing the dream stage with us before ever breaking ground.”

“They communicate well,” says Fla-

CO N S T R U C T I O N

nagan. “They’re always available, they’re always engaged. You always feel like you’re communicating with them on a daily basis... [It was] a true partnership.”

These projects may have recently finished, but their positive impacts have only just begun. “This money is going back into the rural communities where the farmers are located that they can use to buy another tractor, or just do other things in their communities that boost economic activity,” says Jones. “Plus, [in Atmore and Donalsonville], there are 100 people in each place who have jobs that didn’t before.”

That positive impact in rural communities sits well with Spivey: “Hometown pride,” he says. “You can imagine when we finished [these projects] how proud we were — just to be involved in something grower-owned. My dad farms and has always been in agriculture. It was something we were super proud to be involved in.”

The challenge of distributing wealth

and economic opportunities to the far reaches of rural Alabama may often seem daunting, but for UB Community Development, Coastal Growers, the American Peanut Growers Group and Hollis & Spann, that challenge did not prove a very tough nut to crack.

Steven Castle and Jay Hare are freelance contributors to Business Alabmaa. Castle is based in Mobile and Hare in Dothan.

Community support for the Donalsonville peanut plant was right up there with the Fourth of July celebration.

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 23

CO N S T R U C T I O N

Alabama’s Largest Architectural Firms Ranked by Total Design Fees for 2022.

COMPANY MANAGING PRINCIPALS

2022 DESIGN FEES DESIGN FEES AS OF JULY 1, 2023

ALA. EMPLOYEES TOTAL EMPLOYEES

LARGEST PROJECT UNDER CONSTRUCTION

1

Goodwyn Mills Cawood Jeffrey Brewer

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

$129.6 million $84 million

320 540

Gulf Shores High School Gulf Shores, AL $100 million

Auburn University Woltosz Football Performance Center Auburn, AL $92 million

Architecture, engineering

2

McKee & Associates Inc. Walter McKee

631 S. Hull St. Montgomery, AL 36104 334-834-933 mckeeassoc.com

$18.9 million $12.0 million

38 38

New Guntersville High School Guntersville, AL $57.8 million

New Reeltown Elementary School Notasulga, AL $12.7 million

Architecture

3

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

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

$18.5 million $9.5 million

50 52

University of Alabama at Birmingham Altec Styslinger Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building Birmingham, AL $76.2 million

Vestavia Hills Community Spaces Vestavia Hills, AL $40 million

Architecture, interior design, planning

4

Gresham Smith Robert Murphy, Blair Perry

2222 Arlington Ave., Ste. 202 Birmingham, AL 35205 205-298-9200 greshamsmith.com

$14.4 million $6.9 million

37 1,125

UAB Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Birmingham, AL $116 million

Encompass Libertyville Rehabilitation Hospital Libertyville, IL $30 million

Architecture, engineering

5

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

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

$13.7 million $7.5 million

32 32

Samford University Seibert Hall/Bashinsky Fieldhouse Renovation & Addition Homewood, AL $63.5 million

New Quad Residence Hall for Auburn University - Phase 1 Auburn, AL $13 million

Architecture, planning

6

Giattina Aycock Architecture Studio Christopher Giattina

2625 Fifth Ave. N. Birmingham, AL 35020 205-933-9060 GAStudio.com

$11.9 million $5.9 million

35 35

Encompass Health Houston, TX

Hospital Corporation of America Pensacola, FL

Architecture, engineering

7

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

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

$10.4 million $5.6 million

47 60

Naval Station Apra Harbor Guam Medical/Dental Clinic Apra Harbor, Guam $96 million

Ambulatory Care Center/Dental Clinic Replacement, Hadnot Architecture, Point MCB engineering Camp Lejeune, NC $22.4 million

8

KPS Group Inc. Donald Simpson

60 14th St. S., Ste. 100 Birmingham, AL 35233 205-251-0125 kpsgroup.com

$9.2 million $4.9 million

34 34

New Medical West Hospital & Parking Structure McCalla, AL $258 million

The Hillside Residences Memory Care & Assisted Living Building and the Commons Building Renovations at Kirkwood by the River Birmingham, AL $23.6 million

Architecture, interior design, planning

9

Chapman Sisson Architects Martin Sisson, Mike Chapman

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

$6.1 million $3 million

23 23

Elkmont Elementary School Elkmont, AL $31.5 million

Wellstone Crisis Stabilization Center Huntsville, AL $8.8 million

Architecture, interior design

10

Birchfield Penuel & Associates LLC Chuck Penuel, Alicia Pughsley, Alan Crotwell, Russ Realmuto

2805 Crescent Ave. Birmingham, AL 35209 205-870-1876 bpa.net

$5.6 million $3.5 million

21 21

GBHS Animal Adoption/ Clinic Facilities and Jefferson Co. Animal Care and Control Birmingham $60 million

Interior renovations of patient rooms for Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Nittany Valley, PA Pleasant Gap, PA $10.8 million

Architecture, interior design

11

Live Design Group PC Craig Krawczyk, Jonathan Perry, Jeff Quinn, Matt Burks

3117 2nd Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 205-870-3069 livedesigngroup.com

$5.3 million $2.8 million

23 25

Auburn Community Church Auburn, AL $23.5 million

IPG Photonics Corp., Bldg. #7 Oxford, MA $20 million

12

TRO Jung|Brannen Richard Richard

2200 Lakeshore Dr., Ste. 200 Birmingham, AL 35209 205-881-3991 trojb.design

$5.3 million $2.7 million

14 15

Marshall Medical Center Patient Bed Tower and Dining Boaz, AL $60 million

Architecture, interior design, space planning

Cullman Regional Medical Center Expansion and Renovation Cullman, AL $8.1 million

Architecture, interior design

ADDRESS PHONE WEBSITE

For more firms, visit BusinessAlabama.com 24 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

LARGEST PROJECT COMPLETED IN 2022

CLASSIFICATION

RANK

Compiled by ERICA JOINER WEST

Source: Business Alabama surveys

CO N S T R U C T I O N

Breaking ground with diversity New Birmingham construction company aims to open opportunities

By GAIL ALLYN SHORT

Reggie Torbor leads the new Pylon Building Group.

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 25

CO N S T R U C T I O N

Y

ou see it in most large and mid-size cities. Hard-hatted construction workers operating cranes, excavators, bulldozers, asphalt pavers and other equipment, raising new high-rises, hospitals wings, stadiums, schools and multi-family housing units.

And most of those projects cost millions of dollars.

But statistics show that minorities, and African Americans in particular, are underrepresented in the construction industry these days. In fact, a 2020 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

shows that African Americans make up just 5.1% of the construction workforce even though they are 12% of the U.S. population. In contrast, non-Hispanic whites make up just over 60% of the construction workers, followed by Hispanics at 30%.

And news headlines around the nation about African American contractors’ frustration with the lack of inclusion in the construction industry are many.

To help, one white-owned firm, Brasfield & Gorrie — the largest contractor in the Southeast, capturing $5.9 billion in contracts in 2022 — has created the Pylon Building Group.

Launched in January 2023, the Pylon Building Group is a general contractor and wholly owned subsidiary of Brasfield & Gorrie that aims to help address inequities in the construction industry, and it has hired former Auburn football star

Reggie Torbor to lead the venture.

Pylon’s specific goal is to create more job opportunities for minority contractors in the construction industry, he says.

“At the end of the day, people do business with people in their circle and who they like. I’m not saying that it’s right or wrong. I’m just saying that a lot of times that can happen. You don’t even realize that you’ve created this very small circle of people who have access,” Torbor says.

“If you’re outside of that circle, you can work hard and study and do all the things that you want, but breaking into that circle will be very difficult. This is a way to create another circle,” he says.

But Torbor makes it clear that the Pylon Building Group is not a Minority Business Enterprise.

To earn the classification of an MBE, a company must be 51% owned, controlled and capitalized by a minority group; the minority group must be U.S. citizens and they must be the ones responsible for the management and daily operations of the company.

“We’re not doing work that is set aside for that classification, nor have we tried to pursue it,” he says.

“We’re a general contractor, so we secure contracts with owners. We manage that project. We have some parts that we’ll perform on our own like some carpentry work. And like most general contractors do, we will then hire subcontractors from specific trades like mechanical, electrical and plumbing,” Torbor says.

“We’re really intentional about hiring, and not just hiring, but building relationships with minority contractors,” he says.

Currently, Pylon has five full-time employees — one external hire and four others who previously worked at Brasfield & Gorrie, Torbor says. “That was intentional because we needed to have people who knew the systems, were sharp and

26 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

could hit the ground running,” he says.

“We didn’t have time to onboard and start with four or five people who had never worked together, didn’t know each other and try to build a company.

It would just drastically slow down our progress,” Torbor says.

But Pylon is now hiring, he says.

And, he says that having the backing of Brasfield & Gorrie has advantages when it comes to launching a startup like Pylon.

Pylon was just the latest effort in a string of programs at Brasfield & Gorrie promoting inclusive leadership, supplier and trade contractor opportunities and hiring programs.

But Torbor says he and others at Brasfield & Gorrie at first struggled to come up with a plan for building a separate company that would emphasize diversity.

“One thing that we wanted to do was start something from the beginning along with what we’re doing internally,” Torbor says.

“We looked at several different ways of how we would create it and how we would launch it and we kept running into problems. Startups have lots of problems.

A lot of startups don’t make it.

“A construction startup is even more risky than a startup in another industry.

There’s a lot of barriers to getting licenses.

There are barriers to getting bonding and raising capital and hiring talent and getting resources from the operations standpoint, but also from a support standpoint, accounting, legal, payroll.”

They finally settled on creating a wholly owned subsidiary, Torbor says.

“The reason we’re doing that is we’re under the umbrella of Brasfield & Gorie.

We can use their licensing; we can use their ability to bond. We can use capital.

We can use their resources like their attorney and payroll.

“We can do that and operate and get work and execute work and build a resume for the next two to three years,” he says.

Simply put, Torbor says they wanted to create what will become in the next few years a minority-owned, diverse company able to reach out and give opportunities to groups that would normally be shut out of opportunities in the industry.

“We believe this is something we can

CO N S T R U C T I O N

do in two to four years,” he says. “And I understand that is a big gap, but this is something that none of us has ever done before. There isn’t really a case study that we could find of a company ever doing something like this before.

“We put that two-to-four-year window on it to give us some time to figure it out and make sure that there’s a strong, viable company that can go off on its own and not launch it too fast and fall on its face.”

Pylon currently has several projects going, Torbor says, including work to construct a restaurant on the campus of the Red Mountain Theatre in Birmingham and a demolition job for another client on Fifth Avenue South.

“We’re currently hiring superintendents, project managers and pre-con estimators, the three things that any construction company is looking for right now. So, we’re not unique in that regard.

But we’re definitely hiring,” he says.

Torbor began his career at Brasfield & Gorrie in 2018 as a personal development

coach for the employees. The job, he says, was like being a career coach.

“It comes from the belief that the greatest thing they can do is support and invest in our people,” Torbor says.

A native of Baton Rouge, Torbor played defensive end at Auburn University before going on to play in the NFL for the New York Giants, the Buffalo Bills and the Miami Dolphins.

After eight years in the NFL, Torbor left the game in 2012. He decided to move back to Alabama and thought Birmingham was a good place to settle down and figure out his next step. He soon settled on public speaking.

“When you play sports professionally, it opens doors for you and people give you a platform, and they’ll let you come in and speak and that continued happening,” he says.

Torbor says his experience receiving coaching and mentoring from others helped him transition into his role as a personal development manager.

“I was able to build a high level of relational capital and trust with the people. I and other people in my group were known internally as a safe place to go where you could bounce ideas off someone or get direction or instruction,” he says.

In the end, Torbor says he envisions the Pylon Building Group as growing a new generation of professionals in the construction industry.

To keep the team motivated, Torbor says he developed a mantra.

“The thing that we all talk about is that we’re building something special. On the hard days, we’re building something special.

“It’s a small team. But every single person here is invested in building something special. That is the main draw for the people in this building, and I believe it’ll be the draw for the people to come.”

Gail Allyn Short is a Birmingham-based freelance contributor to Business Alabama.

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 27

CO N S T R U C T I O N

Alabama’s Largest Subcontractors

COMPANY MANAGING PRINCIPALS

VALUE OF CONTRACTS AWARDED IN 2022 VALUE OF CONTRACTS AWARDED AS OF JULY 1, 2023

ALA. EMPLOYEES TOTAL EMPLOYEES

Compiled by ERICA JOINER WEST

RANK

Ranked by value of contracts awarded in 2022.

1

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

296 Cahaba Valley Pkwy.

Pelham, AL 35124 205-733-8848 waynejgriffinelectric.com

$591.2 million $153 million

60 1,450

2

Cornerstone Detention Products Inc. Charles Mitch Claborn

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

$226.6 million $82.2 million

99 300

3

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

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

Alabama Dept. of Corrections Specialized Men's Prison (Precast) Deatsville, AL $60.8 million

$225.2 million $95 million

285 285

Aluminum Dynamics Columbus, MS $83 million

Ultium Cell III Lansing, MI $100 million

Structural steel Multiple states

4

Qualico Steel Co. Inc. John Downs, Jed Downs

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

$142.3 million $59 million

250 300

Steel Mill Alabama $39.2 million

Steel Mill Colorado $47.3 million

5

Persons Services Corp.

Paul Persons Jr., Paul Stevens, Bryan Shuford

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

$111.7 million $106.9 million

130 180

Airbus Sitework & Infrastructure Mobile, AL $23.9 million

USA Health Hospital Modular Physicians Clinic Mobile, AL $10.7 million

Structural & miscellaneous steel fabricator AL, FL, LA, NC, NM, MS, SC, TN, VA

6

Covenant Steel Warehouse Inc. John Downs, Kelly Colbert

4528 Westgate Pkwy.

Dothan, AL 36303 334-794-2326 covenantsteel.com

$80.7 million $140.2 million

80 80

Airbus A320 FAL Mobile, AL $47.0 million

Microsoft LVL08 Boydton, VA $12.5 million

7

Marathon Electrical Contractors LLC Bruce Taylor, Chris McGregor, Mark Harry

2830 Commerce Blvd.

Irondale, AL 35210 205-323-8500 marathonelectrical.com

Pre-engineered metal building manufacturer & steel fabricator AL, GA, FL, AR, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV

$69.4 million $155 million

500 650

FTY 01 Douglasville, GA $62 million

Project NHA Huntsville, AL $82.5 million

Electrical AL, FL, GA, TN, KY, SC, NC, TX, VA, LA, MS

ADDRESS PHONE WEBSITE

LARGEST PROJECT UNDER CONSTRUCTION

LARGEST PROJECT COMPLETED IN 2022

CLASSIFICATION LICENSED IN WHICH STATES

BMW Manufacturing Plant Expansion Greer, SC $51.2 million

Bldg. 4 Amazon Project Warrior Windsor, CT $32.7 million

Electrical & Telecommunications AL, MA, NH, VT, CT, RI, ME, GA, NC

Wichita Co. Law Enforcement Center Wichita Falls, TX $13.7 million

Detention equipment contractor All 50 states in U.S.

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

8

2678 Queenstown Rd. All-South Subcontractors Inc. Birmingham, AL 35210 Bradford Price, Wesley Willings, 205-836-8111 Buddy Petitjean, Jennifer Vila allsouthsub.com

$60.4 million $6.3 million

91 103

USA-4 Decatur, AL

Amazon Project Starship Park City, KS

Roofing AL, AR, FL, GA, TX, LA, MS, TN, WV

9

Jesse Stutts Inc. Jimmy Wall, Jesse Stutts III

$33.3 million $118.0 million

215 215

Confidential Owner Redstone Arsenal, AL $52.3 million

Confidential Owner Redstone Arsenal, AL $6.8 million

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

10

Hubbard & Drake Chris Howard

$28.4 million $18.8 million

160 160

WWT Improvement North Alabama $4.8 million

Confidential Huntsville $3.2 million

Industrial Mechanical AL, TN, MS

11

Associated Mechanical Contractors Inc. Zachary Adams, Andrew Duncan

$18.5 million $28.5 million

107 107

C.T. Perry WTP Improvements Montgomery, AL $10.3 million

ACLC/Campus Dining Auburn University, AL $13.4 million

HVAC, Plumbing AL

12

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

$14.9 million $21.3 million

85 85

Auburn University College of Education - New Facility Auburn, AL $10.8 million

Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center Auburn, AL $12.4 million

Electrical AL, GA, MS

13

Quality Architectural Metal & Roofing Inc. Gail Braswell, R. Chris Braswell

$11.9 million $16.7 million

34 34

Huntsville Logistics Huntsville, AL $4.8 million

HudsonAlpha Huntsville, AL $1.0 million

Roofing AL, LA, GA, MS

3414 9th Ave. SW Huntsville, AL 35805 256-533-7730 jessestuttsinc.com 1002 5th Ave. SE Decatur, AL 35602 256-353-9244 hubbarddrake.com

248 S. Lewis St. P.O. Box 70455 Montgomery, AL 36107 334-264-2263 amcoinc.com 440 Summerhill Rd. Auburn, AL 36830 334-821-7360 aecci.com

3107 2nd Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 205-320-7663 qualityarch.com

For more listings, visit BusinessAlabama.com

28 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

Source: Business Alabama surveys

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 29

CO N S T R U C T I O N A N D D E S I G N

EXEMPLARY DESIGN

T

he International Interior Design Association – Alabama Chapter in May named winners of its IDIE Awards, showcasing exemplary work of the chapter’s members and celebrating excellence in interior design. The winners, including three student winners, were located across the state and for projects that sometimes were in other states. Here’s a look at the 2023 professional winners, the location of each project and the firm that created it.

HEALTHCARE AND BEST IN SHOW ____________________ Total on 1st Birmingham CCR Architecture & Interiors

ASSEMBLY SPACE

CORPORATE – LARGE ____________________ Bradley/Birmingham Birmingham KPS Group

30 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

____________________ St. Francis of Assisi University Parish Chapel of Holy Wisdom Tuscaloosa Ellis Architects

CO N S T R U C T I O N A N D D E S I G N

HIGHER EDUCATION ____________________ Highlands College Renovations and Addition Birmingham TurnerBatson Architects

CORPORATE – SMALL

____________________ Growth Capital Partners Birmingham Williams Blackstock Architects

DESIGN DETAIL

____________________ Bailey-Harris Construction Birmingham Williams Blackstock Architects

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 31

CO N S T R U C T I O N A N D D E S I G N

EDUCATION: K-12

____________________ Magic City Acceptance Academy Homewood CCR Architecture & Interiors

STUDENT AWARDS Not Pictured STUDENT - CORPORATE/OFFICE ____________________

Audrey Scott, Samford University

STUDENT - HOSPITALITY/RESTAURANT ____________________

Lindsey Lovvorn, Auburn University

STUDENT - STUDENT CHOICE ____________________

Kayli Leonard, Samford University

HOSPITALITY / RETAIL

____________________ Intercontinental – New Orleans New Orleans Element526

RESIDENTIAL / MULTI-FAMILY

____________________ Armour & Co. Birmingham Christopher Architecture & Interiors

32 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

CO N S T R U C T I O N A N D D E S I G N

FURNITURE INSTALLATION: SMALL

____________________ Luckie Birmingham Business Interiors

FURNITURE INSTALLATION: LARGE

____________________ Highlands College Birmingham Ai Corporate Interiors

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 33

CO N S T R U C T I O N

Alabama’s Largest Engineering Firms

$602.7 million Did Not Disclose

2,400

1

Dewberry Dan Blackman

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

2

Hargrove Engineers + Constructors Ralph Hargrove

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

$413.4 million $246.4 million

3

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

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

$232.0 million $125.6 million

4

Barge Design Services Inc. Bob Higgins

3535 Grandview Pkwy.

Ste. 500 Birmingham, AL 35243 205-298-6074 bargedesign.com

$124.9 million $74.1 million

5

TTL Inc. Dean McClure Jason Walker

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

6

Thompson Engineering John Baker III

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

7

Building & Earth Sciences Inc. Deepa Bhate Jeffrey Cowen

5545 Derby Dr. Birmingham, AL 35210 205-836-6300 buildingandearth.com

8

Tarracon Consultants Inc. Terrell Rippstein

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

$31.8 million $12 million

9

LBYD Federal LLC Kevin Brown

880 Montclair Rd., Ste. 600 Birmingham, AL 35213 205-251-4500 lbydfederal.com

$19.6 million $11.9 million

10

LBYD Inc. Brad Christopher

880 Montclair Rd., Ste. 600 Birmingham, AL 35213 205-251-4500 lbyd.com

$17.8 million $7.9 million

For more engineering firms, visit BusinessAlabama.com 34 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

$55.9 million $35.1 million

$49.7 million $33.9 million

$32.9 million $16.5 million

76

685

2,700

249

1,260

62

573

175 440

187 381

104 255

79

6,500

27

165

90 94

CLASSIFICATION

ALA. EMPLOYEES TOTAL EMPLOYEES

COMPANY MANAGING PRINCIPALS

ADDRESS PHONE WEBSITE

Compiled by ERICA JOINER WEST TOTAL DESIGN FEES IN 2022 TOTAL DESIGN FEES AS OF JULY 1, 2023

RANK

Ranked by Total Design Fees in 2022.

LARGEST PROJECT UNDER CONSTRUCTION

LARGEST PROJECT COMPLETED IN 2022

Confidential Project Birmingham, AL

Confidential Project Nashville, TN

Engineering, architecture, consruction firm

Renewable Diesel Hydrotreater Revamp Saraland Refinery Saraland, AL $100 million

Biodegradable Plastics - Greenfield PHA Plant Georgia

Engineering

Mobile River Bridge Mobile/Baldwin County, AL $2.1 billion

I-4 Ultimate Orlando, FL $2.7 billion

Engineering design

Flint Development Huntsville, AL $200 million

City Walk BHAM Birmingham, AL $35 million

Engineering, architecture, planning, survey, design, consulting

Google SPC4 Data Center Clarksville, TN $125 million

Angstrom to Grissom 345 KV Transmission Line West Texas $60 million

Engineering

Alabama Department of Environmental Management Coastal Office and Laboratory Mobile, AL $774,000

Marsh Island Marsh Creation and Ecosystem Restoration Mobile County, AL $4.8 million

Engineering, architecture

Thimble Shoals Parallel Tunnel Chesapeake Bay, VA $756 million

Office Complex Huntsville, AL $75 million

Construction materials testing & inspection, geotechnical engineering

1 Kerr-McGee Rd. (Sea Point Industrial Terminal - Management & Support) Savannah, GA $36.1 million

Plainfield Supply Chain Laydown Area Construction Plainfield, IN $4.7 million

Engineering

Confidential Government Building Huntsville, AL $425 million

Confidential Government Building Huntsville, AL $238 million

Engineering

College of Eastern Idaho Idaho Falls, ID $42 million

Channelside Tampa, FL $90 million

Engineering

Source: Business Alabama Survey

INSURANCE

INSURANCE IN THE

DIGITAL AGE Navigating insurance issues in a technological world

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 35

INSUR ANCE

CAREFULLY CRAFTED COVERAGE Businesses benefit from the expertise of working with an insurance agent

By DEBORAH STOREY

C

ustomers can buy car insurance without even seeing an Whether it’s a property walk-through or pre-renewal meeting, agent these days. Business insurance, though, is a com“we’d like to meet in person so that we can shake their hand, sit plex product better purchased with one-on-one advice. down and treat people the way we’d want to be treated,” he says.

That’s the opinion of several Alabama commercial inLike Drumwright, Clement calls insurance “a people business.” surance experts. They agree that the digital age has changed how Andy Lott, Birmingham regional president of the Insurance business owners buy coverage, but as for now only in small ways.

Office of America, says “one could argue that we never stopped To better assess complicated selling in person. products like technology error or “We’ve just added new technologies cyber coverage, they believe company and multichannel options to the mix managers really need to sit down with to meet the customer whenever and a broker or agent instead of trying to wherever they need to secure help and do it all online. coverage,” says Lott.

IN THE Kyle Drumwright, president of Clement says that digital improveStarke Agency in Montgomery, sees ments to his company’s website years technological advancements in the ago allowed customers to find insursale of insurance products as “a huge ance cards, policy information and advantage in our business for an begin a claim. enhanced customer experience.”

“We work with various insurance Insurance, though, “is still very carriers to find the best quality covermuch a people business when you get age at competitive prices, so we do not to the bottom of it. offer instant quotes,” he says.

“Clients still want to know they “One of the reasons we prefer have a knowledgeable agent on the speaking with our customers in person other end of the transaction,” he says. is that we believe they each have a Grantland Rice IV, chief adminunique story that is better understood istrative officer of Cobbs Allen in on a personal level,” says Clement.

Birmingham, says the digital age “Especially with commercial clients, hasn’t brought about “as much change their stories matter. How they’ve as you would expect. grown the organization, why they do “In-person interactions are still the what they do, and what they want to best way to win new business,” Rice achieve in the future are key pieces to says, and they make up the majority the puzzle that allow us to build comof his broker business. prehensive insurance programs and “A lot of us like our expertise to risk management strategies.” shine,” he adds, emphasizing the value of meeting face-to-face.

Rice says that even insurance sites that claim to offer instant Gabe Clement, president of Byars|Wright in Birmingham, quotes will “spit you out” if someone needs special coverage. If a agrees. “We still sell in person, now with added digital benefits,” business is in a coastal area, for example, “right away you’re not Clement says. “Relationships are the heart of what we do. We going to be able to get a quote online” due to hurricane exposure. believe it’s the best way to get to know our clients and carriers on Selling insurance exclusively online really pertains mostly to a deeper level.” smaller lines or personal and program business, says Brian Tan-

INSURANCE

DIGITAL AGE

36 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

INSUR ANCE

ner, managing principal of Epic Brokers in Birmingham. (Program coverage is for a specific type of business.)

“When you get into the middle markets and larger, I just don’t think that at this point in time you can really replace human interaction,” he says.

For example, a business owner filling out an application might not know how to answer the questions, “taking yourself down the wrong path of coverage.”

“A lot of the digital interfaces can only decipher so much,” says Tanner.

“It is going to be very difficult for someone who is not an insurance expert to walk through this and get the absolute best coverage.”

The majority of commercial customers still want face-to-face meetings, Lott says, even if those faces are on a screen via Microsoft Teams.

“Most prefer to discuss information on complex risks in a more visual setting and receive written confirmation afterward,” Lott says.

Gabe Clement, president of Byars|Wright.

Brian Tanner, managing principal of Epic Brokers.

In addition to online information, “we have SimplyIOA, which is an online insurance quote, compare and buy platform for home and auto insurance.

It is the first fully integrated quote comparison and buy platform in the United States,” Lott says.

Insurance agents should have a seat at the table with business owners and other decision-makers like lawyers or financial advisors, he says.

“When a business owner meets with an agent, there are discoveries from their conversation that often unearth key exposures that may be missed otherwise,” Lott says. “These inquiries produce a deeper understanding of the business’ makeup and allow for discussion on risk appetite, culture and other key factors to help decide the best program for the business.”

“All insurance is not equal, I promise,” says Tanner. “Most people make the mistake of buying based on price.

They should buy insurance based on the

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 37

INSUR ANCE

quality of coverage and the price should be secondary.

“You’ve got to have a qualified advisor sitting there walking through everything you need, making sure the policy you’re buying and procuring is indeed the policy you need should a bad event occur.”

A cheaper policy might sound better but might not cover “stuff on the fringes,” says Tanner, who is an independent insurance broker.

To seek new business in a digital age, the successful strategies evidently are the old-fashioned ones.

Tried-and-true cold calling is still the best way to acquire new business, Tanner believes.

“I’ve been doing this a long time and I’ve seen many people come into this business and fail because they had a better way of doing it and the reality is that cold calling outperforms any other type — from my perspective — of pursuit,” Tanner says. “If you get good at it, you

38 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

“We’ve just added new technologies and multichannel options to the mix to meet the customer whenever and wherever they need to secure help and coverage.”

— Andy Lott, Birmingham regional president of the Insurance Office of America

get more efficient at it and more proficient at it.

“What I still teach my people is that if you are cold calling you are actually pursuing business. You are actually chasing deals versus referrals where a lot of the time you’re waiting to play catcher.”

Even so, a pitch can fail if it sounds canned, he says.

Tanner always has a comeback for prospects who are happy with their current coverage.

“You have to be very honest. You have to be very witty. You have to be very factual,” he says.

Rice says his firm’s brokers do the expected cold-calling but also attend industry events where they have expertise.

“Being recognized as an expert, having an opportunity to speak, you end up getting some inbound calls,” he says.

Deborah Storey is a freelance contributor to Business Alabama. She is based in Huntsville.

INSUR ANCE

COVERAGE FOR A CYBER AGE The same interactions that make business flow more quickly can leave that business vulnerable to attack from half a world away

By DEBORAH STOREY — Photo by ART MERIPOL

E

very company needs insurance — nothing new there. limit than the guy whose balance sheet is weak,” he says. If a Liability and property coverage are just the costs of doing lawsuit goes over your insurance limit, someone with substantial business. assets has “a lot to lose.”

But what if you get a ransomware threat? Would insurAs for determining specifics, insurance brokers can help. ance pay out? Can you even insure against cyber risks? And do “We consider ourselves risk management consultants,” says you need something called E&O coverage?

Grantland Rice IV, chief administrative officer of Cobbs Allen “The traditional commercial insurof Birmingham. “In a lot of cases, we ance like property, general liability, may be telling a client you’re buying auto, umbrella and workers comp are too much insurance, or you need to still important,” says Kyle Drumrestructure your insurance.” wright, president of Starke Agency of All businesses need property and Montgomery. casualty/liability, he agrees. Cyber is IN THE But cyber coverage is becoming high on the list. Marine policies can critical in an era when the average cover goods in transit. ransom payment tops $600,000, “Sometimes you’re buying according to law firm BakerHostetler’s insurance the wrong way,” Rice says.

2023 Data Security Incident Response “That’s just not something you can Report. do online.”

First, the basics.

Cobbs Allen has teams in specific “Almost every business at least areas like construction, education, needs general liability coverage,” says real estate, natural resources, health Brian Tanner, managing principal at care, manufacturing and distribuEpic Brokers in Birmingham. And, tion. if they have employees, they need In incidents like workplace injuworker’s compensation. If they have ries or OSHA citations, Rice says, automobiles, they need liability and “We have some great consultants physical damage coverage. He recomthat can come in and navigate those mends extra limits, also called umthings.” brella policies, and something called Insurance professionals can help executive risk. That covers directors with general issues, too, like emand officers, employment practices ployee retention. and fiduciary coverage. Why? A com“In a lot of cases the business mon example is wrongful termination. owner has a problem we can help There are three ways to analyze with,” says Rice. A company might coverage needs, Tanner says — contractual requirements, the benefit from an improved safety manual or employee training. company balance sheet and “enough limits so you sleep good at “How you structure your benefit plan could be driving your night.” problem of keeping workers,” he suggests.

Two businesses may look very similar on paper, Tanner Once past these basics, brokers and agents agree the buzzexplains, but one is well managed with a strong balance sheet. word is cyber.

The other isn’t.

“The increase of crime and cyber policies have shown the “The guy whose balance sheet is strong needs to buy more demand and importance of protecting yourself as we are mov-

INSURANCE

DIGITAL AGE

40 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

INSUR ANCE

“

We consider ourselves risk management consultants. In a lot of cases, we may be telling a client you’re buying too much insurance, or you need to restructure your insurance.”

— Grantland Rice IV, chief administrative officer of Cobbs Allen

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 41

INSUR ANCE

ing our businesses more digitally,” says Drumwright. “Those types of threats are impacting all businesses regardless of their online presences.”

Costs vary widely and are driven by industry type, he adds.

“If you are in the health care, education or financial services sector you will be paying more for these products,” Drumwright says.

Companies with good internal risk controls have an advantage. “If you are a best practices company, from a cyber security standpoint you can expect to pay in this range — small: $3,500; medium: $7,500; large: $15,000 or more annually.”

Cyber liability insurance can cover costs incurred “to recover from and remediate data breaches, ransomware, computer attacks as well as lost revenue resulting from these incidents,” explains Andy Lott, Birmingham regional president of the Insurance Office of America.

“In addition, cyber insurance covers financial fraud such as funds transfer

fraud, and defense and liability related to claims alleging violations of privacy laws and statutes, the propagation of malware, infringement of intellectual property and regulatory proceedings,” he adds.

Cyber insurance is now “a fundamental requirement for businesses looking to protect themselves and their clients from financial losses and reputational damage,” Lott says.

“Nowadays all of my clients buy cyber insurance,” says Tanner. Ransomware is a big threat, even to smaller companies.

“They are easier targets,” he says.

“Their systems are less sophisticated.”

In phishing cases, bad guys can hack in a system and just watch for a while, Tanner explains. If they see when a manager is going out of town, they might send the CFO a fake email asking for $5,000 to go to a specified person.

“It’s never a big number. It’s a small number,” he says. “Wire $5,000 bucks here, $10,000 bucks there. It’s amazing how many people fall for that.”

42 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

As if basic cyber coverage weren’t enough to worry about, technology providers should consider something called Technology Errors and Omissions insurance, or Tech E&O, Lott adds. That protects against claims of negligence or failure to perform professional duties due to errors, omissions, negligence or product failures within a company’s licensed, sold, manufactured and developed technical products and services, he explains.

Software developers are especially vulnerable to claims arising from customers “that are cyberattack victims due to the exploitation of vulnerabilities embedded in the source code of their technology products,” Lott says.

The bright spot is that cyber liability rates are moderating, Lott says, as carriers get a handle on the true cost of risks.

Price increases for coverage seem to be slowing, he says, and better risk management may be reducing losses. But each business’ exposure is unique, so prices vary considerably.

INSUR ANCE

Claims can be from thousands to hundreds of millions of dollars. Often there is no correlation between the records exposed in an incident and the ultimate cost, he says.

“What we can know is that the financial implications of a major cyber incident can be extremely high, especially considering direct costs (incident response, legal costs, notification costs and regulatory fines) and indirect costs (reputational harm and loss of business).”

The impact can be “catastrophic,” Lott says.

Gabe Clement, branch manager of the Byars|Wright Birmingham office, says remote work can add another layer of risk.

“An organization enabling its employees to work remotely may have a significantly higher risk if there aren’t cybersecurity controls in place, especially controls on home networks that leave businesses exposed,” Clements says.

Tanner points out that with cyber coverage, “what you’re really buying is the

“The increase of crime and cyber policies have shown the demand and importance of protecting yourself as we are moving our businesses more digitally. Those types of threats are impacting all businesses regardless of their online presences.”

— Kyle Drumwright, president of Starke Agency

consultants who help you defend it when it occurs.”

One of his clients clicked on a bad link and was asked for $50,000. Because the right experts came in immediately and rebuilt the system, “they lost one day’s worth of work. That was it.”

“Not all cyber policies are created equal,” notes Rice. “Some don’t cover what people think they cover, which is another reason why people should talk to a person.” Some policies have “sublimits” for things like ransom attacks.

“Your social engineering limit could be significantly lower than your actual limit and people don’t realize it,” Rice says.

“You thought you had a million dollars’ worth of coverage and you only had $25,000.”

But, he adds, “Even insurance won’t cover the reputational harm of it.”

Deborah Storey and Art Meripol are freelance contributors to Business Alabama. She is based in Huntsville and he in Birmingham.

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 43

INSUR ANCE

AGENCY

TOP EXECUTIVE(S)

ADDRESS

Ranked by 2022 Policy Volume Written by Alabama Offices.

YEAR FOUNDED

RANK

Alabama’s Commercial Insurance Agencies & Providers Compiled by ERICA JOINER WEST PHONE

WEBSITE

2022 POLICY VOLUME

EMP. IN AL

TYPE OF BUSINESS

cobbsallen.com

$293.6 million

151

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

1893

$185.9 million

126

Commercial, personal, employee benefits solutions

2022

1

Cobbs Allen/ CAC Specialty

Michael Rice, CEO; Bruce Denson Jr., President

115 Office Park Dr. Birmingham, AL 35223

205-414-8100

2

WRM Group dba Byars|Wright Insurance, Pritchett-Moore Haig Wright II, CEO Insurance, Flowers Insurance

2120 16th Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35205

205-221-8670

3

Insurance Office of America (IOA)

Andy Lott, Regional President

3535 Grandview Pkwy.

Ste. 400 Birmingham, AL 35243

205-968-3440

ioausa.com

$165 million

70

Property & casualty, employee benefits, bonds

2005

4

Valent Group

Kurt Close, President

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

205-262-2700

valentgroup.com

$160 million

76

Property & casualty, employee benefits, personal lines

2001

5

Petra RMS - ISG

Steve Nesbitt, CEO

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

205-354-2700

petrarms.com

$130 million

60

Commercial, benefits, personal

2015

6

AssuredPartners of Alabama

Michael Gallops, Partner

5251 Hampstead High St. #200 Montgomery, AL 36116

334-270-6824

assuredpartners.com

$125 million

85

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

2011

7

Harmon Dennis Bradshaw Inc.

David Dennis, President

4131 Carmichael Rd. Montgomery, AL 36106

334-273-7277

hdbinsurance.com

$124.4 million

49

Commercial property & casualty, group employee benefits

1977

8

EPIC Insurance Brokers

Brian Tanner, Managing Principal

2720 3rd Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233

205-581-3334

epicbrokers.com

$113.6 million

39

Commercial property & casualty, executive benefits

2014

9

Randy Jones & Associates Inc.

Randy Jones, Vice President

8600 US Hwy. 431 Albertville, AL 35950

256-878-3271

rjainsurance.com

$87 million

64

Property, casualty, life, employee benefits

1978

Turner Insurance & 10 Bonding Co.

David Durden, CEO

2601 Bell Rd. Montgomery, AL 36117

334-260-2461

turnerfirst.com

$63.4 million

18

Commercial lines

1934

11 The Prewitt Group

John Prewitt III, President

2146 Highland Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35205

205-933-9207

prewitt.group

$60.5 million

40

Commercial, personal, employee benefits

1974

Alabama Self-Insured 12 Worker's Comp Fund

Freda Bacon, Fund Administrator

2204 Lakeshore Dr., Ste. 206 Birmingham, AL 35209

205-868-6900

asiwcf.org

$60 million

12

Insurance

1978

Lyon Fry Cadden, a 13 Higginbotham partner

McCrary Otts, Bill Goodloe, Erling Riis, Managing Directors

3212 Midtown Park S. Mobile, AL 36606

251-473-4600

lyonfrycadden.com, higginbotham.com

$56 million

40

Property & casualty insurance agency

1905

14 Hub International

Allen Chapman, Executive Vice President

1141 Montlimar Dr. Ste. 2500 Mobile, AL 36609

251-633-8556

hubinternational.com

$50 million

25

Commercial, personal lines, employee benefits

1972

15 JH Berry Risk Services

Chris Hartnett, President

2552 18th St. S., Ste. 200 Homewood, AL 35209

205-208-1238

jhberry.com

$42 million

14

Commercial property & casualty, employee beneftis, personal lines

1908

Morris Insurance 16 Agency

Kyle Morris, Principal

3032 Dauphin Square Connector Mobile, AL 36607

251-473-5119

morrisinsmobile.com

$25 million

20

Commercial, personal

1989

Greenhalgh Insurance 17 Agency Inc.

Adam Greenhalgh, President

3148 Cahaba Heights Rd. Birmingham, AL 35243

205-967-8800 greenhalghinsurance.com $16.7 million

15

Commercial, personal, bonds, life, health

1937

18 Cadence Insurance

Markham McKnight, CEO; Chris Boone, President

41

Commercial insurance, employee benefits, surety, consumer solutions brokerage services

2012

525 E. Capitol St. Jackson, MS 39201

601-366-3436

cadencebank.com/ insurance

Did Not Disclose

Source: Business Alabama surveys

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 45

BUSINESS OF SPORTS

UAB program aims to prepare coaches to help their players succeed in sport and scholarship

By ALEC HARVEY

46 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

BUSINESS OF SPORTS

“We’re trying to get individuals who are interested in coaching and ideally coaching at the collegiate level. But even coaches working with younger athletes, this is still going to be beneficial information for them.”

—Samuel Cauffman

ack when Samuel Cauffman was a graduate student, before he became an instructor in the kinesiology department of the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Education, he saw a need — a need to prepare coaches so they could help scholar-athletes succeed both in academics and athletics.

“A lot of times we have these great coaches,” Cauffman says, “but they’re oftentimes not given all the resources to help students be successful as both students and athletes.”

So Cauffman and some colleagues, including Lisa Kerr, set out to change that.

Beginning this fall, UAB will offer an online program leading to certification in coaching the intercollegiate scholar athlete.

The online program will include four courses plus a seminar and a coaching internship. It’s designed for current coaches and for those hoping to enter the coaching field.

Certification is needed, Cauffman says, because intercollegiate coaching has particular challenges.

“You’re not just coaching athletes,” he says. Instead, coaches work with college students “who have so much on their plate…. a lot of different things they have to do or complete or maintain to still be eligible to play and also be successful with their degrees and on the field or court.”

The certification program aims “to help coaches know how

to best help their players in all aspects of being an athlete and a student.”

To develop the program, Cauffman and his group looked at standards in coaching as outlined by SHAPE, the Society of Health and Physical Educators. They also worked with athletic departments and their academic advisors.

The curriculum covers a number of areas, Cauffman says.

“First of all, we’re looking at leadership competencies that build relationships and teamwork with the student-athletes as well as administrators, within the whole realm of being in college and trying to create an emotionally and physically safe and inclusive environment,” he says.

The athlete side of student-athlete is also a priority — particularly information about exercise and nutrition.

The program is just now beginning to see applicants — the deadline for the first class was in August — but Cauffman eventually expects coaches with a range of experience, though those with less experience are more likely to take the classes.

“Most likely, it will be a lot of newer coaches, people wanting to get into it, because a lot of the ones that have already been in the field have kind of had to learn all of this already on their own,” he says.

The certificate will be offered to undergraduate or graduate students majoring in exercise science or related fields (nutrition,

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 47

biomedical science, biology, community health and health education) or used as part of the Graduate School’s master of interdisciplinary graduate studies program.

In addition, participants can come from other institutions.

“They just have to have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution,” he says.

Current coaches are welcome in the program, as well, according to Cauffman.

“We’re trying to get individuals who are interested in coaching and ideally coaching at the collegiate level,” he says.

“But even coaches working with younger athletes, this is still going to be beneficial information for them.”

The program is designed for participants to take one or two classes a semester, with weekly online assignments to be completed, plus the seminar and internship.

“You can do the seminar and coaching internship together or separately,” Cauffman says. “The idea with the internship is to give them that actual real-world experience, and the seminar will fill in the gaps of areas that are not taught in the classes.”

Developing the program took about a year, with approval needed from the graduate school at UAB, the Alabama Commission on Higher Education and the University of Alabama board of trustees.

Though it’s just getting started, Cauffman already thinks the need for the program will see it grow.

“It’s really needed everywhere, just because with working with athletes that are in college as well, there’s so much of a demand on the coaches to know so much,” he says. “Here in Alabama, with our love of sports, our love of football, this would be something that would be really beneficial to the coaches and athletes.”

Alec Harvey is executive editor of Business Alabama and works from the Birmingham office.

48 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

SPECIAL

SEC TION

Alabama AGC Top 40 Under 40

2023

September September 2023 2023BusinessAlabama.com BusinessAlabama.com| 53 | 53

SPECIAL SECTION

AGC OF ALABAMA 40 UNDER 40

A

labama AGC is proud to welcome another remarkable class to its recognition program for young professionals, the 40 Under 40 in Construction. Through Alabama AGC’s Construction Leadership Council, the next generation of industry leaders engage 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 the Class of AGC 40 Under 40 — the very best of Alabama’s non-residential construction industry. As you learn about these interesting individuals who comprise the 2023 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.

These winners show there is more to the construction industry than designing and building great places for people to work, shop, drive on and play. These rising stars are making an impact in business, philanthropy and in their communities.

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

Recognizing excellence in construction

By BILLY NORRELL, CEO, Alabama Associated General Contractors

membership of Alabama AGC. Since Jan. 1, 1920, Alabama AGC staff and leadership have worked to improve the quality of construction and protect the public interest through a full range of 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 the organization acts as the leading advocate for Alabama’s construction industry.

We are pleased to honor the sixth group of young leaders in the construction industry. Join us in congratulating the 2023 class of Alabama AGC 40 Under 40!

These winners show there is more to the construction industry than designing and building great places for people to work, shop, drive on and play. These rising stars are making an impact in business, philanthropy and in their communities.

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 55

ER UND I N

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

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS PREMIER SPONSORS

PRESENTER SPONSORS

PARTNER SPONSORS

56 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 57

AGC OF ALABAMA 40 UNDER 40

SPECIAL SECTION

UND

ER

MEET THE 2023 AGC 40 UNDER 40 HONOREES

by ERICA JOINER WEST

he has worked on road and

his wife and two children,

utility crews, before running

fishing and hunting.

crews on industrial sites.

During an unscheduled break in the field due to a shoulder injury and surgery, Antinarella took the initiative to get his OSHA 30, allowing him to work on

/// Joseph Antinarella, 39

industrial sites as a safety

Starting his career at Am-

supervisor. Currently, he is

mons & Blackmon Con-

handling the day-to-day op-

struction LLC in 2006 as

erations of a road widening

/// Eric Baker, 37

a skilled laborer, Joseph

project in Baldwin County.

A senior project manager

Antinarella has learned all

A graduate of Fairhope

with Rabren General Con-

aspects of civil road con-

High School, Antinarella and

tractors, Eric Baker brings

struction, working his way

his family currently live on

experience working on

up to his current role of

the Eastern Shore, where he

projects overseas to the

supervisor. Along the way,

enjoys spending time with

projects he is now head-

58 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

SPECIAL SECTION

AGC OF ALABAMA 40 UNDER 40

ing out of the company’s

various environments

Birmingham office. Cur-

including chemical plants,

rently, Baker is leading The

refineries, paper mills,

Helmsman student hous-

manufacturing facilities

ing complex in Savannah,

and more. Barker is a hus-

Georgia, as well as a build-

band and father.

out project in downtown Birmingham. He provides consistent support to the field teams. He also exhib-

/// Carlton “CJ” Barker, 34

its patience when dealing

CJ Barker entered the fire

with interns and co-op

protection industry af-

students, allowing them to

ter graduating from high

learn on the job and from

school in 2008. He joined

their mistakes. “There are

S&S Sprinkler in 2017 as

many people in our indus-

foreman and now is a

try who do a great job de-

sprinkler service superin-

/// Sarah-Ashley Boling, 35

livering results, but in my

tendent. During his career,

A graduate of Auburn

opinion, there are few that

he has actively sought

University where she

can also develop the next

more knowledge through

received the Auburn

generation of construction

a number of certifica-

Women of Distinction

workers, and Eric Baker

tions, including the NICET

Award, Sarah-Ashley

does a great job making

Level III certification in

Boling is project manager

this a priority in his profes-

inspection and testing

for Crucible Construction.

sional career,” said Jacob

of water-based systems

During her career, she has

Drescher of Rabren.

from the National Institute

managed several marquee

for Certification in Engi-

high-rise projects

neering Technologies. He

including working on

shares his knowledge with

higher education, research

others through being an

facilities, commercial,

NCCER Apprenticeship

multi-family and medical

Program instructor and

projects. She also is detail-

encouraging co-workers

oriented, working with

to pursue certifications.

clients, subcontractors,

Currently, he oversees,

vendors and her team to

directs and develops

bring projects to fruition.

the S&S service team in

Off the jobsite, Boling is September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 59

AGC OF ALABAMA 40 UNDER 40

SPECIAL SECTION

active in organizations,

the company acquired

pany. During this time,

such as Associated

Goodhope Contracting.

he earned his bachelor’s

General Contractors, the

In this role, he has over-

degree in marketing from

Construction Leadership

seen aggregate facilities

the University of South Al-

Committee’s steering

at Drummond, Blount

abama. A strategic thinker,

committee and the

Springs, Battleground and

Cochran has spearhead-

Auburn Industry Advisory

Ashville quarries. Bray has

ed innovative business

Council.

a civil engineering degree

initiatives and identified

from Auburn University.

new growth opportunities

When not on the job, Bray

for the company. He also

and his family are active

seeks out professional de-

in their church, and he is a

velopment opportunities,

supporter of multiple FO-

attending workshops and

CUS Missionaries through

conferences to stay up to

the fellowship of Catholic

date on the latest devel-

University students.

opments. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and the

/// Preston Bray, 30

occasional round of golf.

Preston Bray has worked in construction for 10 years, with the last seven at Wiregrass Construction Co. During his time with Wiregrass, he has held multiple positions including estimator and project

/// Thomas Cochran, 29

manager, where he bid

Thomas Cochran is busi-

and oversaw heavy civil

ness development manag-

Alabama Department of

er of Threaded Fasteners.

/// Will Crosby, 29

Transportation projects

He began his career with

An Auburn University

and commercial work. For

Threaded Fasteners fresh

graduate, Will Crosby

the last two years, Bray

out of high school and has

joined Corporate Office

has managed the aggre-

expanded his responsibil-

Properties Trust as a proj-

gates side of the com-

ities through a series of

ect manager in 2021 and

pany as aggregates area

promotions to his current

now serves as senior proj-

manager, especially after

position with the com-

ect manager. In his current

60 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 61

AGC OF ALABAMA 40 UNDER 40

SPECIAL SECTION

role, he is responsible for overseeing design and construction at Redstone Gateway, a 468-acre master planned, mixed-use project in Huntsville. He also has managed projects for Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Davidson Technologies

/// Devin Donnell, 38

/// Brandon Donoghue, 28

and the Army Corps of

Devin Donnell has been

Brandon Donoghue

Engineers. Prior to his role

working for Wiregrass

has been with C&H

with COPT, he worked

Construction Co. for

Construction Services

with BL Harbert in mar-

almost 16 years, begin-

LLC since graduating

kets across the Southeast.

ning his career as a co-op

from Spring Hill College

“His best asset is the way

student before coming

six years ago. As vice

he motivates people,” said

to work full time in 2009.

president of operations

Kerry Wilkerson, of COPT.

Starting as an assistant

at C&H, he manages

Crosby also holds several

to the construction oper-

and assists daily in

certifications including the

ations manager, Donnell

the operations on all

U.S. Army Corps of Engi-

has been promoted sever-

sides of the company’s

neers Construction Quality

al times to his current po-

portfolio. He works

Management certification

sition as superintendent,

with traffic control and

and the Construction

working out of the South-

guardrail managers daily,

Infection Control Training

east Alabama area. As a

guiding them from pre-

Institute certification.

superintendent, he has

construction to final

managed highway, airport,

execution of the project.

commercial and sitework

He also acts as the lead

projects. He also specializ-

estimator for the company,

es in asphalt work. When

providing pricing to

not at the jobsite, he

customers. Donoghue is

enjoys spending time with

also an active member of

his family.

the community, working with the Work Zone Safety Committee in Mobile, the Associated General Contractors and the

62 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

Construction Leadership Committee’s steering committee. When not working, he is a coach on the McGill-Toolen baseball staff.

/// Alexandra Dubose, 33 In her role as marketing coordinator for Express Employment Development, Alexandra “Allie” Dubose matches qualified candidates with the right role to fill various positions in the construction sector. Highly engaged about her work, she actively participates in industry events, seminars and workshops and keeps up with the latest trends.

She also is a problem solver, developing innovative marketing strategies to leverage the company’s reach. Dubose also is active in the community.

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 63

AGC OF ALABAMA 40 UNDER 40

SPECIAL SECTION

tions, as well as serving as

has encouraged his staff

a youth basketball coach.

in San Antonio to give back to the community by volunteering at the local food bank. Ellis also has mentored upcoming construction students at the local university.

/// Kevin Edmondson, 36 Kevin Edmondson is a project engineer and assistant branch manager

/// Drew Ellis, 31

for the Huntsville branch

Drew Ellis began his

of Building and Earth

career with Caddell

Sciences. Since joining

Construction in 2014

Building and Earth in 2015,

as an assistant project

he has worked his way up

engineer. Since then, he

from a field professional,

has continued to develop

/// Wilford “Junnie” Ellis, 36

logging soil samples and

his skills to his current

Junnie Ellis currently is

managing small testing

role of project manager.

project manager at McIn-

projects. A professional

He has worked on

nis Construction LLC. He

engineer with more than

several complex projects,

got his start at McInnis

13 years of experience,

including the renovation

when he was still earning

Edmondson regularly

of Bryant-Denny Stadium

his building science de-

manages large-scale ma-

in Tuscaloosa and several

gree from Auburn Uni-

terials testing and inspec-

government-oriented

versity as part of a co-op

tion projects and prepares

projects. He currently is

program. Once he gradu-

geotechnical engineering

leading a crew of 18 in

ated, he started full-time

proposals, evaluations and

San Antonio, where they

with McInnis, but left the

recommendations for the

are building a training

company in 2014 only to

Huntsville and Nashville

dormitory, dining facility,

return four years later. As

branches. A graduate of

central energy plant and

a project manager, Ellis

the University of Alabama

more at Lackland Air

often juggles multiple

in Huntsville, Edmondson

Force Base. However,

projects and manages all

also is active in several

his leadership doesn’t

aspects of project sched-

construction organiza-

stop at the jobsite. He

uling, resource manage-

64 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 65

AGC OF ALABAMA 40 UNDER 40

SPECIAL SECTION

ment, subcontractors, cost

family business since a

tributes to his job, and his

tracking and more. He

very young age. He en-

youth allows him to work

has successfully managed

joys operating all types of

seemingly endless hours.

many projects, but two

equipment and is even a

JJ Humphrey, an employ-

unique projects are the

certified crane operator.

ee, says of Garrett, “Al-

State Road 158 roadway

He also manages jobs in

most every employee that

extension overpass over

the field, as well as esti-

works for Garrett claims

a tributary of EB Seabury

mating projects. He also

that Josh is the best boss

creek in Mobile for the

oversees the C & D Land-

they’ve ever had.”

Alabama Department

fill. A husband and father

of Transportation and a

of four, he shares his pas-

bridge replacement on

sion for the construction

Dunlap Drive over Pinto

industry with his children.

Pass in Mobile, also for ALDOT. When not on a jobsite, Ellis has created a mentor program for developing future project managers.

/// Casey Gedgoudas, 38 Casey Gedgoudas is vice president and chief financial officer for Dunn

/// Josh Garrett, 25

Building Co. A graduate of

Garrett Contracting Pres-

the University of Alabama

ident Josh Garrett started

at Birmingham where

the company in 2019, spe-

he earned an account-

cializing in site prepara-

ing degree, Gedgoudas

tion for new construction.

entered the workforce in

/// David Esfeller, 38

He has grown the compa-

the private sector before

David Esfeller is the man-

ny from zero employees to

joining Pearce, Bevill,

ager of Esfeller Construc-

more than 15 workers and

Leesburg, Moore PC and

tion Co. Inc., a role he

is expected to hit $3.5 mil-

earning his CPA license.

serves with humor, happi-

lion in contracts this year.

In 2017, he joined Dunn

ness and humbleness. A

His work ethic, integrity

Companies, where he

hard-working individual,

and dedication are key at-

implemented accounting

Esfeller has worked in the 66 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

systems and software.

In 2018, he moved over to Dunn Building Co. as assistant controller, then was promoted to controller. During his tenure with Dunn Building, he has implemented more new systems and procedures that not only make the accounting and project management staffs more efficient, but also ensure trade partners get paid earlier. He was promoted to CFO, where he is focused on the finance and profitability of the company’s various operating units. Gedgoudas also is active in Construction Financial Management Association.

/// Daniel Haas, 29 A graduate of the University of Alabama, Daniel Haas is project manager of Rogers & Willard Inc. September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 67

AGC OF ALABAMA 40 UNDER 40

SPECIAL SECTION

Prior to joining Rogers &

more responsibility in

degree from the University

Willard, Haas worked for

each year on the job. With

of Southern Mississippi.

more than four years as a

a residential construction

Many of those years have

project manager for BLOX,

background, Halfmann

been spent in various

a modular building man-

learned to put the custom-

positions at Hargrove

ufacturer. Since joining

er first. In his current role,

Engineers + Constructors,

Rogers & Willard, Haas

he coordinates subcon-

where today he is onsite

leads multiple project

tractors on site, material

project controls specialist.

teams, overseeing timely

arrival, enforces safety

He also holds a master’s

buyout, submittal man-

protocols and keeps

degree in construction

agement, project budget-

communication flowing

engineering management

ing, schedule monitoring

between the company

from the University of

and overall project deliv-

and the project owners.

Alabama at Birmingham.

ery. He also is very active

When not on the job, he

No matter where Haring

in the Mobile chapter of

and his wife are active in

works, he has found ways

AGC. Outside of work,

raising their three children.

to improve processes —

Haas enjoys hunting, fish-

Halfmann currently vol-

from creating cost control

ing, playing golf, cooking

unteers as a coach for his

and reporting tools at

and time spent with family

children’s youth football

Hargrove to implementing

and friends.

league and will be league

an earned value manage-

president in next year’s

ment system at VT Halter

season.

Marine. When not on the jobsite, Haring has led Boy Scout Troops and became an Eagle Scout in 2009.

He has helped collect donations and clean up areas after hurricanes and tornados and assisted the elderly doing routine

/// Austin Halfmann, 28

household maintenance.

A site superintendent with Hurst Construction LLC,

/// Thomas Haring, 29

Austin Halfmann got his

Thomas Haring has

start with the company

worked in construction en-

as a carpenter, working

gineering since 2014, while

his way up the ranks with

still earning his bachelor’s

68 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 69

AGC OF ALABAMA 40 UNDER 40

SPECIAL SECTION

construction process are a

us grow existing business

shining example to every-

relationships, as well as

one in the company.”

build new ones,” said William Drennen, of T.E. Stevens Co.

/// Jacob Johnston, 25 Jacob Johnston is safety director and project manager at Martin & Cobey. Since taking over

/// Matt Kirkland, 35

the safety program, he

With experience in the

has improved communi-

Birmingham civil market,

/// Jeff Krogsgard, 39

cation between the office

Matt Kirkland brings an

As vice president and

and field personnel and

understanding of un-

controller for Brasfield

ensured that all employ-

derground utility cost,

& Gorrie, Jeff Krogsgard

ees, no matter their job

management and instal-

oversees the company’s

position, have earned

lation to his current role

corporate accounting

OSHA 30-hour certifica-

as project manager with

department. His respon-

tion. He also manages the

T.E. Stevens Co. Inc. He

sibilities, which include

owned equipment fleet

joined T.E. Stevens in

financial reporting, budget

and makes sure that re-

2022, and in that short

and forecasting, audit and

pairs and maintenance are

time he has played a key

payroll, are also expected

carried out when needed

role in solving problems

to increase as his role with

with minimal impact on

and overcoming obsta-

the company expands.

the jobsite. “In two short

cles in the installation

Before joining Brasfield,

years at Martin & Cobey,

of underground utilities.

Krogsgard worked as

Jacob has already left his

He currently manages

an auditor with Ernst &

mark on the company,”

approximately 25% of

Young for 11 years, includ-

said Brian Nelson of Mar-

the company’s projects.

ing working with private

tin & Cobey. “His positive

“His positive attitude and

and public clients. A mem-

attitude, strong work

determination to provide

ber of both the American

ethic and willingness to

clients with the best fin-

Institute of Certified Public

help with any part of the

ished product has helped

Accountants and the

70 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 71

AGC OF ALABAMA 40 UNDER 40

SPECIAL SECTION

Alabama Society of CPAs,

projects, including Auburn

Lamont worked in public

he also continuously seeks

University Montgomery’s

accounting for five years

improvement, currently

Wellness Center and Ser-

before moving into his

serving as president of

visFirst headquarters in

current position. A native

the Alabama chapter of

Homewood. Most recently,

of Mobile, Lamont and his

Construction Financial

he has helped the compa-

wife have two children.

Management Associa-

ny procure 10 contracts

In his spare time, Lamont

tion and the University

of more than $800 million

enjoys boating, fishing

of Alabama Accounting

at Tyndall Air Force Base,

and coaching CYO boys

Advisory Board. He and

including a five-story

basketball.

his wife have three chil-

lodging facility and a WEG

dren, and he serves on

subscale drone facility.

the junior boards of Sight

Due to his success, Kyzar

Savers America and Sozo

recently was promoted to

Children.

operations manager. Kyzar is also a husband and father of two daughters.

/// Chase Malone, 29 Chase Malone is an account representative for Davison Fuels & Oil LLC, which serves construction

/// Clay Kyzar, 34

firms with their fuel and

Clay Kyzar began his

lubricant needs. A grad-

career with BL Harbert

/// Blake Lamont, 29

uate of the University of

International as an intern

Blake Lamont is the finan-

South Alabama, Malone

while in college, where

cial controller for John G.

works with companies

he earned experience in

Walton Construction Co.

ranging from construction

estimating, scheduling

Inc. In this role, he over-

and trucking to agriculture

and project management.

sees all financial aspects

and industrial applications,

Since coming on board

of the company and the

serving Alabama and

as an employee, he has

day-to-day financial oper-

the areas along the Gulf

managed more than $428

ations. A graduate of the

Coast. An 8-year employ-

million in construction

University of Alabama,

ee of Davison, Malone has

72 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

SPECIAL SECTION

AGC OF ALABAMA 40 UNDER 40

been active in Associat-

serves as branch manager

ed General Contractors,

and vice president. Since

attending meetings, golf

then, he has built one the

tournaments and conven-

company’s fastest grow-

tions. He also is a member

ing engineering consult-

of the Alabama Trucking

ing firms, recruiting and

Association and the Trans-

retaining talent to better

portation and Logistics

serve the company’s cli-

Club.

ents and the community.

/// David Marsh, 40

A graduate of North Caro-

David Marsh moved back

lina State where he earned

to Birmingham from

his master’s degree in

Asheville, North Carolina,

geotechnical engineering,

six years ago to open the

Marsh is a dedicated team

Birmingham office of ECS

builder, helping his em-

Southeast LLP, where he

ployees realize and attain

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 73

AGC OF ALABAMA 40 UNDER 40

SPECIAL SECTION

their career goals while

Limestone Chamber of

solving complicated engi-

Commerce for her lead-

neering, development and

ership in the community.

construction problems. He

She is a member of a

and his wife, Sara, have

number of construction

three children.

associations, as well as Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau. She also is a

/// Jacob Odom, 33

mother of four children.

A graduate of the University of Montevallo, Jacob Odom joined Doster Construction Co. in 2017 and has recently been promoted to project

/// Lauren Marsh, 37

director in the company’s

Lauren Marsh is presi-

health care division. He

dent and co-founder of

currently is overseeing

Ridgeline Construction, a

a $30 million expansion

roofing and exterior con-

and a four-story new

tractor she co-owns with

/// Drew McKibben, 35

her husband, Terry Marsh.

Drew McKibben is an Au-

Regional Medical Center.

Since it was founded in

burn University graduate

In his role as project

North Alabama in 2012,

with a bachelor’s degree

manager, he oversees

the company has grown to

in building science. He

multiple project teams,

four locations in Alabama

currently is project man-

reviewing submittals,

and Florida. In addition to

ager at McCord Contract

projecting project

being a licensed Alabama

Floors Inc. Jake McCord,

cashflow, monitoring the

general contractor, Marsh

of McCord Contract

schedule and project

is also a licensed Alabama

Floors, says, “Drew is able

delivery, among other

homebuilder with NASC-

to bring an understanding

tasks. He also acts as a

LA certification. She was

of the overall construction

mentor to other project

recently recognized with

process far beyond that of

management staff, while

the Executive Leadership

most others in the flooring

actively growing the

award from the Athens

sector.”

company’s health care

patient tower for Cullman

division by pursing new 74 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 75

AGC OF ALABAMA 40 UNDER 40

SPECIAL SECTION

opportunities and clients

with the company, as he

is currently managing a

for Doster.

has traveled extensively

41,000-square-foot Mack

overseeing projects for

Truck Service Center and

Brasfield. Patterson and

a 15,000-square-foot

his wife have four chil-

classroom building at Gulf

dren, and he spends his

Shores Elementary School.

free time coaching youth sports teams.

/// Chad Patterson, 39 A collaborator by nature, Chad Patterson began his career with Brasfield & Gorrie when he was still in

/// Joshua Price, 32

college, completing three

Joshua Price is an as-

co-op sessions and work-

/// Andrew Peter, 35

sistant vice president of

ing during the summers.

Attention to detail, organi-

surety at Turner Insurance

Upon graduating from

zation and communication

& Bonding, assisting in

the University of Alabama

are skills that have made

managing the firm’s surety

with his bachelor’s de-

Andrew Peter stand out

operations. A graduate of

gree in civil engineering,

among Ben M. Radcliff

Troy University, he began

Patterson was offered an

Contractor Inc. employees.

his career at Travelers

assistant project manager

Currently a project man-

Insurance Co., where he

position. Now, 16 years

ager with Radcliff, Peter

spent six years training in

later, he is an operations

has managed some of the

construction surety before

manager and has overseen

company’s notable proj-

transitioning to Turner in

more than 36 projects

ects, including the Spring

2021. Price is active in a

totaling more than $700

Hill Fire Station, Gulf

number of organizations

million in value. One of the

Shores Elementary STEM

including currently serving

things he likes best about

Lab and UMS-Wright’s

as president of the Ala-

his new role in operations

new dining hall. A gradu-

bama Surety Association,

is mentoring younger

ate of Southern Miss with

an associate board mem-

employees, especially

a bachelor’s in construc-

ber of the Montgomery

those who are on the road

tion management, Peter

Chapter of the AGC and a

76 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

member of the NASBP’s 5-15 Committee. Outside the office, he is an avid golfer and enjoys traveling.

/// Rivers Price, 38 Rivers Price started his career with Brasfield & Gorrie as an assistant project manager, but he quickly established himself as an asset to the company. After a brief stint in preconstruction, he was elevated to project manager and then promoted in 2021 to senior project manager. He has managed more than a dozen projects totaling almost $450 million in value. As a leader, he encourages relationships and collaboration on the jobsites. Price has two bachelor’s degrees — a marketing degree from Auburn University and a civil engineering degree September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 77

AGC OF ALABAMA 40 UNDER 40

SPECIAL SECTION

from the University of

before moving to the

clients protect their rights

Alabama at Birmingham.

Mobile location in 2016 as

and interests, recording

He also was selected to

territory manager. His suc-

liens to secure collateral

participate in the Project

cess in growing business

for contractors that have

Corporate Leadership pro-

year over year enabled

gone unpaid, and assisting

gram, an organization that

him to be promoted to key

clients with tight dead-

works on service projects

account manager in 2022.

lines to file complaints or

in Birmingham. He also

Roberson has participat-

address project issues. In

has completed the OSHA

ed in several community

addition to his work with

30-hour course. Price has

service projects, as well

contractors, he has been

been active in the commu-

as in events sponsored by

active in attending AGC

nity, including as a found-

Associated General Con-

meetings, as well as writ-

ing member of the junior

tractors and Construction

ing articles for AGC Build-

board for the Birmingham

Leadership Committee.

South and speaking at

Chapter of Start the Ad-

He and his wife, Brandi,

construction conferences.

venture in Reading, and

have two children and are

with United Way, Habitat

active in their church.

for Humanity, the American Cancer Society and March of Dimes.

/// Tyler Schnell, 34 Tyler Schnell started with

/// Mason Rollins, 28

Doster Construction Co.

An attorney for Bradley

in 2015 as an assistant

Arant Boult Cummings

project manager. A grad-

/// Devin Roberson, 33

LLP, Mason Rollins works

uate of Auburn University,

Devin Roberson began his

with construction clients

Schnell is now a senior

career at United Rentals

across the firm’s many

project manager, working

in 2013 after graduating

locations. Among some

on several high profile and

from Auburn University.

of his most recent work

complex projects. In his

He began his career with

accomplishments has been

role as a senior project

the company in Dothan

drafting contracts to help

manager, he mentors as-

78 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 79

AGC OF ALABAMA 40 UNDER 40

SPECIAL SECTION

sistant project managers

than 10 years of experi-

the Ross Circle widening

and project engineers. He

ence, he successfully man-

project, where he is man-

also develops relationships

ages multi-million-dollar

aging both the day-to-day

with clients and has been

projects and is well versed

activities and the long-

instrumental in securing

in contract negotiations,

term strategic planning of

repeat business, grow-

project estimating, budget

the $42 million endeavor.

ing Doster’s multi-family

management, safety and

When not on the jobsite,

division. Schnell also is

more. Outside of work, he

Smith lends his exper-

involved in the community

is active in the community

tise as a member of the

and a committed husband

and enjoys spending time

Wiregrass area American

and father.

with his family.

Society of Civil Engineers.

/// Tyler Smith, 32

/// W. Andrew Smith, 38

/// Samuel Southard, 35

Tyler Smith’s positive

Following his graduation

Samuel Southard

energy flows throughout

from Auburn University

began his career as a

the jobsite, helping to

with his bachelor’s degree

superintendent at Rolin

shape his relationships

in civil engineering, An-

Construction in 2013. Over

with superintendents,

drew Smith went to work

the course of his 10-year

subcontractors, owners

with MidSouth Paving.

tenure, the company has

and employees. As project

Since then, he has gained

experienced significant

manager for Whaley Con-

16 years of experience

growth, with Southard

struction Co. Inc., he has

managing an extensive

playing a key role in

developed even more ex-

number of paving proj-

driving the company’s

perience on a wide variety

ects in the Wiregrass area.

success. He has been

of projects including edu-

As a project manager, he

assigned as the lead

cational, industrial, com-

handles special projects

superintendent on a

mercial and manufacturing

like the current project

number of multi-million

construction. With more

he is on — phase three of

projects, showcasing

80 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 81

AGC OF ALABAMA 40 UNDER 40

SPECIAL SECTION

his dedication and

University. Starting as an

skill set. “Sammy’s

assistant project manag-

reputation precedes him,

er, Taylor has showed his

as project owners and

work ethic, most often

subcontractors often

working abroad with local

specifically request his

project teams where he

involvement on buildings,

shares his knowledge

which is a testament to

through training to im-

the value he brings to

prove their skillsets.

both the company and its

/// Jamison Taylor, 36

He currently is a senior

projects,” said Stephanie

Jamison Taylor joined

project manager, handling

Rolin, president of Rolin

Caddell Construction in

two international projects

Construction.

2010, fresh out of Auburn

— the $168 million U.S. Embassy project in Nairobi, Kenya, which is in its final stages, and the new U.S. Embassy project in Juba, South Sudan, which has a contract value of more than $500 million.

His attention to detail is critical on the jobsite. “He thoroughly understands all the requirements and complexities of working abroad and leading international teams,” said Rodney Ceasar, senior vice president, international, of Caddell.

82 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

MANUFACTURING

Live

Wire Cerrowire expansion brings jobs, opportunities for North Alabama community

By JENNIFER WILLIAMS Photos by DAVID HIGGINBOTHAM

Fakeisha Harris checks out a giant wire spool at Cerrowire in Hartselle.

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 83

M A N U FAC T U R I N G

A

fter almost 50 years making wire in the small North Alabama community of Hartselle, Cerrowire expanded its footprint in Morgan County this year with a new facility and purpose.

The company’s new multi-milliondollar, 270,000-square-foot Metal Clad (MC) Cable plant opened in mid-April, less than a year after breaking ground in the Morgan Center Business Park just off I-65. The facility expands the offerings from the company and has brought more than 100 new jobs to the area with plans for more growth.

“To go from dirt to this in 11 months is pretty astonishing,” says Phil Schmidt, Cerrowire’s brand manager.

And Cerrowire President Stewart Smallwood says that this is only the beginning. “The completion of this plant in North Alabama has already created 100 advanced manufacturing jobs and we know with the demand for [our] MC Cable, that number will grow…and this is just phase one of three.”

The new facility currently operates at partial capacity, says Susan Labadie, Cerrowire’s vice president of marketing and strategy. “But with demand being what it is, we will grow with that and expect to fill out the plant within the next two years,” she says. “And as demand continues to increase as we predict it will, we plan to add additional product lines and have the potential for even more greenfield factories in North Alabama.”

Cerrowire President Stewart Smallwood speaks at the plant opening. Photo courtesy of Cerrowire.

LOCATION, LOCATION

With the company’s headquarters and an existing manufacturing plant just down the road in Hartselle, officials say they looked at other locations and states to build their newest facility but decided to expand in Morgan County for several reasons.

“We found that Alabama was the most collaborative,” says Labadie. “Plus,

Instead of the traditional ribbon cutting, employees cut a length of Metal Clad cable to celebrate the new facility. Photo courtesy of Cerrowire.

84 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

Stuart has a great relationship with the [Hartselle] mayor and local economic development board.” Smallwood also served as the chairman of the Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce until earlier this year.

In what Labadie calls a “great opportunity for the community,” Cerrowire is the first major industry to locate in the Morgan Center Business Park. Local leaders are hopeful the move will open the door for other companies to locate in the area.

“We are proud to have Cerrowire’s new plant in Hartselle and best of all, have a local company to be the first to call the Morgan Center Business Park home,” says Hartselle Mayor Randy Garrison.

“Cerrowire has been a longtime Hartselle manufacturing facility as well as a great community supporter. When a current company chooses to locate a new business in their current locale, I believe it speaks well for the community.”

Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce President Missy Evans matched the mayor’s excitement. “Cerrowire’s pioneering decision to bring their new plant to the Morgan Center brings confidence to future investors to choose Hartselle,”

M A N U FAC T U R I N G

Plant Manager Darrell Wright and Vice President Susan Labadie with Cerrowire Metal Clad Cable.

she says. “This will bring growth to our schools, strengthen our workforce, and provide new leadership to initiate community action. We look forward to seeing the rippling, positive, economic impact on our whole community their investment will make.”

The biggest challenge for businesses locating in the area is housing, says Schmidt. “There’s so much growth here in North Alabama…we need places for our workers to live.”

Garrison says he is “thankful” for the new jobs being created by the plant, but recognizes the need for his community’s continued commitment to improve its infrastructure and housing choices. “Hartselle is experiencing a growth in housing development,” he adds, “which I know is important for new companies locating in our area.”

And while Hartselle has been home to Cerrowire for nearly 50 years, the company celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2020. Smallwood says he’s proud of the growth and longevity of the company, sharing that only 0.5% of American companies are still in business after 100 years.

“Cerrowire is part of that rare group September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 85

M A N U FAC T U R I N G

that has been producing and selling quality products for a century or more,” he says. “It’s one thing to say you’re still in business after a hundred years. It’s amazing to say that we’ve had a growth spurt of employees and business…contributing to a record year when we’re [more than] a hundred years old!”

Smallwood says he hopes “to continue

to build on the successes of the past century and inspire each other and the next generation to make a difference at work and in the community.”

UP AND UP AND UP

Cerrowire is a copper wire manufacturing company with plants in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana and Utah. The company

supplies building wire and cable throughout North America for commercial, industrial and residential use. Products, including the company’s new MC Cable, are available through electrical distributors, wholesalers and retailers including Home Depot and Menards.

The new MC cables being produced in Hartselle feature a unique, patented exterior coding system to help easily identify what’s inside the armor. Users like the system, says Labadie, which allows for easier identification and faster installation.

Bold, color-coded markings indicating the gauge, conductors inside, sequential footage and the easiest direction to pull the wires, speeds up processes as well, she adds.

Plant Manager Darrell Wright moved from a competitor in Georgia to manage the new MC Cable plant. He says the plant should start producing the wires contained within the metal clad casing by September and that the entire production line should be fully operational under one roof by the end of this year — with room to grow.

“Right now, we are getting the wires from our plant just down the road and cladding it here,” he says. “But having it all here on-site will make things a whole lot easier. Right now, we produce and ship about 450,000 pounds a month.

This time next year, I expect we will be shipping about 1.6 million pounds per month.”

By the end of 2024, Wright predicts phase two will be complete, adding more production lines that will kick up output to about 3 million pounds per month.

And Cerrowire’s success has boosted other area businesses, says Schmidt. “We get all of our cable reels from Sonoco just up the road here in Hartselle,” he says.

“When our business was hopping during COVID, Sonoco was hopping, too, to keep up with us.”

“Metal-clad cable has quickly become the product of choice for many applications — everything needs power…houses, businesses, even vehicles these days,” says Schmidt. “We just see things going up and up and up.”

Jennifer Williams and David Higginbotham are freelance contributors to Business Alabama. She is based in Hartselle and he in Decatur.

86 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

SPOTLIGHT

TUSCALOOSA COUNTY

Tuscaloosa County

by KATHERINE MacGILVRAY

Live at the Plaza.

Bryant-Denny Stadium, home to the University of Alabama Crimson Tide.

A

s students continue to flock to the University of Alabama (UA), which saw record high enrollment numbers again last fall, a group of Tuscaloosa officials is working on strategies to entice them to stay after graduation.

The Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority (TCEDA) in partnership with Innovate Alabama, a local coalition made up of the TCEDA, Visit Tuscaloosa, the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, and the cities of Tuscaloosa and Northport, is developing the strategies — showing off the county’s economy and lifestyle to interns and others.

So, what does Tuscaloosa County have to offer?

For starters, the TCEDA’s commitment is to attract and grow emerging industries by showcasing the area’s steady economic growth, major existing industry, skilled talent pipeline, low cost of living and excellent quality of life.

Leading the advanced manufacturing sector is Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI), which has invested more than $7 billion in Alabama since 1997, including a recent $1 billion investment to open a battery systems factory in neighboring Bibb County — in support of the auto manufacturer’s commitment to go all-electric — as well as logistics centers and upgrades to the production line to make electric vehicles. The Tuscaloosa plant employs around 4,500 people and secures an estimated 11,000 jobs with suppliers and service providers in the region.

MBUSI’s pivot to EVs is just one example of Tuscaloosa County keeping its eye on sustainability. The university is also home to the Alabama Transportation Institute, which researches sustainable transportation issues.

Midtown Village offers a shopping option.

Water issues are the focus of both the new Alabama Water Institute at UA and a U.S.G.S. Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility.

Tuscaloosa County’s higher education institutions are also leading the way in information technology. The University of Alabama Cyber Institute focuses extensively on AI and machine learning, critical infrastructure protection, cybercrime, cyber infrastructure and cybersecurity. Earlier this year, the U.S. Economic Development Administration awarded Stillman College $2.7 million to develop a cybersecurity and information technology training center to support its cybersecurity degree program and serve as a community hub for IT certificate programs in cybersecurity, IT, cloud computing and other areas. And Shelton State Community College offers a wide variety of practical and theoretical training opportunities in the computer technology industry.

The presence of these institutions and a growing research and development sector have made Tuscaloosa County a hub for innovation, and facilities like the EDGE Incubator and Accelerator, a partnership among the University of Alabama, the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce and the City of Tuscaloosa, that supports entrepreneurial collaboration, continue to make it an appealing option.

When it comes to recreation, Tuscaloosa County has a lot to offer, and the tourism industry, which accounted for more than 9,854 jobs in 2022, is expected to continue growing.

Attractions like the Tuscaloosa Civil Rights Trail, the Moundville Archaeological Park, the Alabama Museum of History and a number of art galleries and theaters celebrate the area’s rich history and culture, and several new destinations are under development.

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 87

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

The Saban Center, located across the street from the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, will be an innovative hub that unites STEM programs with theater, literature, outdoor recreation and interactive learning. It will also house two of Tuscaloosa’s most storied institutions — Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre and the Children’s Hands-On Museum — which will be renamed IGNITE. Next door in Northport, three major recreational projects are in the works: an 11-acre water park, an outdoor adventure park and the Kentuck Sports Complex.

Tuscaloosa’s popular Riverwalk is expanding. The Randall Family Park and Trailhead at the Northern Riverwalk opened last

summer, and in May the city broke ground on a Western Riverwalk extension that will provide additional access to the waterfront and recreational amenities. A pedestrian bridge will connect River District Park to the future Saban Center.

The county also boasts 177 miles of shoreline for hiking, fishing, boating, kayaking, swimming, waterskiing, birding and camping.

And, of course, there’s football.

M E D I A N H O U S E H O L D I N CO M E

P O P U L AT I O N Total Alabama Population: 5,074,296

Katherine MacGilvray is a freelance contributor to Business Alabama. She is based in Huntsville.

State of Alabama $54,943 Source: U.S. Census Bureau

88 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

In Focus

An inviting view along Tuscaloosa’s Riverwalk, which borders the Black Warrior River. Photo by Lance Holloway.

Down by the Riverside Tuscaloosa’s Riverwalk has helped transform the city

T

wo decades ago in Tuscaloosa, “People would say there were two places you didn’t go,” Brendan Moore, chief operations officer for the City of Tuscaloosa, recalls. “That was downtown and the riverfront. But both have been revitalized in the last 15 years or so.”

2023 is an anniversary year, of sorts, for the Riverwalk. 2003 is the year the master plan for the area came out, with an updated plan coming out in 2018. Those plans have come to life, so far, in the form of

By ALEC HARVEY

nearly six miles of paved trails, recreation, restaurants, live music and millions of dollars of nearby economic development.

“It’s a super busy place,” says Katy Beth Jackson, the city’s director of operations.

And that’s exactly what those behind Riverwalk, including Mayor Walt Maddox, had in mind. Early phases through 2017 included 4.5 miles of walkways, along with construction of an amphitheater in 2011 and the River Market in 2012.

Another half-mile was added last year with the Randall Family Park and Trail-

90 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

head at the Northern Riverwalk, and the Western Riverwalk, which is under construction now and will soon add about another three-quarters of a mile.

“It’s a vibrant area, with a tremendous amount of private investment, recreation and connectivity to campus,” Moore says.

“From a demographic standpoint, it gets actively utilized by everyone. People who live here love it, and visitors use it, too.”

And economic development? It’s a huge driver in that area, too.

“There is private investment, public in-

S P O T L I G H T: I N F O C U S

Along the Riverwalk. Photo Alabama Tourism Department by Chris Granger.

vestment and some collaborations where they can play off of each other,” Moore says. “You can go down there and have a meal and a lovely stroll at sunset with your family, or if you’re an active jogger, you can go the full length multiple ways and get some good exercise out of that.”

The Riverwalk itself features paved pathways along the Black Warrior River marked for walkers and bikers. A variety of dog-friendly parks are located throughout the trail, and there are benches and gazebos throughout the area, too. There’s a playground near the public library and a splash pad at the Bama Belle dock.

Hotels and restaurants surround the Riverwalk, as well as attractions including the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, which brings top-tier music acts to the city; the River

Market, an event space and farmers’ market; and the new Saban Center, a STEAM campus that celebrates science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

The Riverwalk’s location is a draw for these and other groups, Moore says.

“It’s a key location, recognizing its proximity to both downtown and campus,” he says.

And there’s more to come. The 2018 update to the master plan includes plans for 21 miles of pathways.

“The return on investment is high from the standpoint of community synergy, private-sector investments and quality of life,” Moore says. “That’s why it has had so much success and continues to expand, because people in all parts of the community want more of it and want

it to be longer and better and have more components to it.”

Moore says he’s visiting the Riverwalk every week to visit a park or go to the farmers’ market. Jackson walks with a friend most Saturdays on the Riverwalk.

And they’re far from the only visitors.

“People say it a lot, but this truly is something for everybody,” Moore says. “It doesn’t matter if you want to just go sit and enjoy a view, go for a jog, get a cup of coffee, get ice cream, go to the farmers’ market, listen to live music,” he says. “Really and truly, depending on what you’re interested in, there’s something for you to do along the Riverwalk.”

Alec Harvey is executive editor of Business Alabama, based in Birmingham.

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 91

Economic Engines

The Quad and Denny Chimes on the University of Alabama campus. Photo Alabama Tourism Department by Chris Granger.

Mercedes EQS. UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA/ HIGHER EDUCATION

With 6,175 employees, the University of Alabama (UA), the flagship institution of the University of Alabama System, is

B U S I N E S S MAY 2023: Alabama Southern Railroad announces a second rail yard in Tuscaloosa to provide additional capacity. The company plans to invest around $9.8 million in constructing the new facility, which should be operational in 2024.

MAY 2023: The City of Tuscaloosa breaks

the top employer in Tuscaloosa County and a driving force in the area’s economy.

UA had an economic impact of more than $2 billion in the three-county Tuscaloosa metro area during the 2019-2020 academic year and was responsible for an estimated $42.7 million in local sales taxes, according to the most recent report conducted by the Center for Business and Economic Research in the UA Culverhouse College of Business.

The school’s economic impact comes from three main areas: direct spending by UA, which had a total impact of $978 million; student spending, which had an impact of $904 million; and visitors coming to Tuscaloosa, which had an estimated $200 million impact in the area (each of the seven home games in the fall of 2019 generated an average $19.8 million).

The report also projects that the graduating class of 2020 will pay more than $1 billion in additional state income and sales tax compared to what they would without a degree, and Alabama will realize a nearly 12% annual rate of return on its investment in those graduates.

Shelton State Community College, one of the largest two-year colleges in Alabama, and Stillman College, a private historically Black liberal arts college, also have significant economic impact in the county and are known for forging progressive partnerships with local industry and community leaders to support their students’ academic and professional growth.

B R I E F S

ground on the Western Riverwalk extension.

APRIL 2023: The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama selects Kyle South as president and CEO following the resignation of Jim Page earlier this year.

MARCH 2023: Canadianbased Epsilon Industries announces Tuscaloosa as

the first U.S. location for the off-site construction system manufacturer. The project, near Tuscaloosa National Airport, is a $3 million investment bringing 180 new jobs.

JANUARY 2023: Hanna Steel Corp. announces expansion plans for its steel tubing production facility in the Airport Industrial Park. Hanna will

invest $20 million and expects new production to start in 2025.

DECEMBER 2022: The City of Tuscaloosa accepts 6.65 acres of land valued at more than $1.9 million from the Randall family to expand the Northern Riverwalk.

OCTOBER 2022: The Tuscaloosa City Council

approves a $7 million construction contract for the Tuscaloosa National Airport to expand the runway to accommodate larger planes. The project is part of a plan to bring commercial passenger air service back to Tuscaloosa.

SEPTEMBER 2022: Buffalo Rock Co. announces the relocation

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 93

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

TAXES PROPERTY TAX TUSCALOOSA COUNTY 10.5 mills

STATE OF ALABAMA: 6.5 mills

SALES TAX TUSCALOOSA COUNTY Tuscaloosa County: 5% Cities within the county: Tuscaloosa: 3%

Brookwood: 3%

AC Hotel.

Coaling: 3% Coker: 2%

MERCEDES-BENZ US INTERNATIONAL INC. / AUTOMOTIVE

The Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, founded in 1995, was the company’s first major passenger car production facility outside of Germany, and the facility is the home of SUV production for the GLE, GLE coupe and GLS model series.

The plant also serves as a key production location for Mercedes-EQ luxury electric SUVs: the EQS SUV and EQE SUVE, which went into production last year. Their rollout was a key step in the company’s global initiative to produce eight all-electric vehicles at seven sites on three continents.

Since the 1990s, Mercedes-Benz has invested more than $7 billion in Alabama,

B U S I N E S S

including $1 billion to support a new factory in nearby Bibb County that produces the battery systems for the EQS SUV, logistics centers and to upgrade the production line to make EVs. MBUSI employs approximately 4,500 people and secures an estimated 11,000 additional jobs with suppliers and service providers in the region.

Around 4 million vehicles have left the Tuscaloosa plant since 1997, and roughly two-thirds of the plant’s annual production is exported, making MBUSI one of the largest automobile exporters in the country.

Other drivers in Tuscaloosa County’s automotive industry include SMP Automotive, Brose Tuscaloosa, ARD

Lake View: 2% Northport: 3% Vance: 3%

STATE OF ALABAMA: 4% Source: Alabama Department of Revenue

Logistics, ZF Chassis Systems Tuscaloosa and Lear Corp.

Tire maker Michelin/BF Goodrich is also among the top 10 employers in the county, with 1,400 workers. It conducts two main activities: manufacturing passenger car and light truck tires and producing semi-finished materials, such as uncured rubber and associated materials for tire construction.

B R I E F S

of its Tuscaloosa bottling facility to a 14-acre greenfield site in the Airport Industrial Park.

The company will invest $3.88 million in new construction and relocation.

Tuscaloosa County plant.

The company has made a $1 billion investment in electric vehicle production that includes logistics centers and a Bibb County battery assembly plant.

AUGUST 2022: The first all-electric Mercedes built in the United States, the EQS SUV, rolls off the assembly line at the

JULY 2022: Fit Foodz announces it is investing more than $15 million in a new poultry processing facility in Tuscaloosa that

94 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

is expected to create 180 jobs. Headquartered in Atlanta, Fit Foodz is a woman- and minorityowned business.

MARCH 2022: JNJ Production announces an expansion of its existing operations in Northport to increase production capacity and locate all corporate services together. JNJ

will invest $5.12 million to support the expansion and anticipates creating 34 jobs. Construction is expected to be complete in 2024.

SEPTEMBER 2021: Li-Cycle announces a new lithium-ion battery recycling facility in Tuscaloosa, which came online about a year later.

The facility is able to

process up to 5,000 tons of manufacturing scrap and end-of-life batteries per year. Li-Cycle activities provide support to the growing EV market. The $18.7 million project is expected to generate 78 jobs.

HEALTH CARE

Health care accounts for 8.7% of total jobs in Tuscaloosa County, according to the county’s Economic Development Authority, thanks to the presence of several high-quality service providers and the college programs that support students who are pursuing careers in health care.

The DCH Health System, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, includes the DCH Regional Medical Center and Northport Hospital, both in Tuscaloosa. The system is one of the county’s top employers with 3,752 employees. DCH cares for more than 300,000 residents of West Alabama.

Tuscaloosa Veterans Administration Medical Center is the ninth largest overall employer in the county with 1,225 employees, and Noland Hospital Tuscaloosa is the largest provider of longterm acute care hospital services in the state and the only such provider in West Alabama.

Tuscaloosa County is also home to three facilities that are owned and operated by the Alabama Department of Mental Health: Bryce Hospital, Mary Starke Harper Geriatric Psychiatry Center and Taylor Hardin Secure Medical Facility.

TOURISM

While Tuscaloosa is legendary for its sports scene, the tourism industry continues to grow in other areas, too.

When fans aren’t filling the stadiums, they are visiting attractions like the Tuscaloosa Civil Rights Trail, the Moundville Archaeological Park and new establishments like The Venue. And in Northport, three big recreational projects are under development — a water park, an outdoor adventure park and the Kentuck Sports Complex.

In 2022, Tuscaloosa hotel revenue reached $104 million, a new high that resulted in more than $11 million in lodging tax collections for the city.

Overall, travelers to Tuscaloosa County spent $895 million on hotels, restaurants, shopping and transportation.

The tourism industry was responsible for more than 9,854 jobs in 2022 and September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 95

is expected to continue growing. The hotel market includes 4,400 hotel rooms across the county, more than 90% within Tuscaloosa city limits. Officials estimate that nearly 2 million visitors stayed in hotels in the area in 2022.

METALS

A subsidiary of Nucor Corp., the largest steel producer in the county, Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa specializes in hot rolled steel coils and cut-to-length plate.

Headquartered in Tuscaloosa, Phifer Inc. is the world’s largest producer of aluminum and fiberglass insect screening and conducts business in all 50 states and 125 countries. The facility produces more than 60% of the world’s fiberglass insect screening.

Largest Industrial Employers MERCEDES-BENZ US INTERNATIONAL All Activity Vehicles • 4,500 employees

SMP AUTOMOTIVE

Automotive Components 1,917 employees

MICHELIN/BF GOODRICH TIRE MANUFACTURING

Aftermarket Tires • 1,439 employees

PHIFER INC.

Aluminum/Fiberglass Screening 1,129 employees

WARRIOR MET COAL MINING LLC Metallurgical Coal • 875 employees

BROSE TUSCALOOSA

Automotive Components • 766 employees

KYKENKEE INC.

Wood Products • 749 employees

ARD LOGISTICS-ALABAMA LLC

Automotive Components • 685 employees

MCABEE CONSTRUCTION INC.

Construction Materials • 633 employees

LEAR CORP.

Automotive Seating Systems 589 employees Source: Local economic development officials

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Health Care

DCH Regional Medical Center has 583 beds and a variety of specialty units.

DCH HEALTH SYSTEM

The DCH Health System, which is celebrating 100 years of providing health care in West Alabama this year, operates three public not-for-profit facilities — DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, Northport Medical Center in Northport and Fayette Medical Center in Fayette County.

The flagship facility, the 583-bed Regional Medical Center, offers a variety of specialty units and advanced services, including cardiology and robotic and minimally invasive surgery. It also is the region’s advanced trauma center.

The Regional Medical Center campus also is home to the Lewis and Faye Manderson Cancer Center, which provides a full range of cancer treatment services.

The 204-bed Northport Medical Center is a community hospital that offers a full range of inpatient and outpatient services. The center also operates the DCH Rehabilitation Pavilion, the only hospital-based inpatient physical rehabilitation program in West Alabama, and the North Harbor Pavilion, a psychiatric treatment facility.

Last year, Katrina Keefer stepped in as the new CEO for DCH, following the retirement of longtime CEO Bryan Kindred, who had been at DCH since 1996. Keefer previously served as Augusta University Health CEO. She also served as vice president of health affairs at Augusta University.

Northport Medical Center.

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Mallary Myers also joined DCH last year as senior vice president and chief operating officer. She, too, had previously served at Augusta University Health as vice president of ancillary operations and chief innovation officer.

Early this year, construction began on the south parking deck at DCH Regional Medical Center, which will be upgraded to a new four-story structure.

The south entrance of the hospital also is being completely renovated.

NOLAND HOSPITAL TUSCALOOSA

Operated by Noland Health Services, Noland Hospital Tuscaloosa is a 27-bed long-term acute care hospital located on the fourth floor of DCH Regional Medical Center. The facility offers diagnostic and medical treatment or rehabilitation for patients with chronic diseases or medical conditions that require a hospital stay of more than 25 days.

Noland Health Services is the largest provider of such services in Alabama.

TUSCALOOSA VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER

The Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center provides a full range of care — primary, long-term, rehabilitative, mental health and specialty — for eligible veterans in west-central Alabama. The facility, located on a 125-acre multi-building campus, operates 295 inpatient beds, including a 134-bed community living center, 42 psychiatry beds, 52 homeless domiciliary beds, 77 psycho-social residential rehabilitation treatment beds and 12 compensated work therapy beds.

The center also offers hospice beds in its long-term care units.

The VA medical center is closely affiliated with the University of Alabama at Birmingham along with other nursing and allied health affiliations.

MENTAL HEALTH FACILITIES

Three mental health facilities operate out of Tuscaloosa — Bryce Hospital, Mary Starke Harper Geriatric Psychi-

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atry Center and Taylor Hardin Secure Medical Facility. All three are owned and operated by the Alabama Department of Mental Health.

Bryce Hospital has continuously operated in Tuscaloosa since 1861. It provides treatment for adults experiencing both acute and chronic symptoms of mental illness.

Established in 1996, the Mary Starke Harper Geriatric Psychiatry Center is an acute care psychiatric hospital that provides inpatient psychiatric services for patients aged 65 and older.

Taylor Hardin Secure Medical Facility is a 140-bed psychiatric hospital that provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and treatment to criminally committed patients. It also provides forensic evaluations for the state’s criminal courts and is the only maximum-security forensic facility operated by the Alabama Department of Mental Health.

Movers & Shapers DAN BLAKLEY is associate vice

president for economic and business engagement at the University of Alabama. He previously served as chairman of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama and as president of the Black Warrior Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and he currently serves on the advisory board for Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, the Tuscaloosa National Airport, the DCH Foundation and as ex-officio member of the Chamber board.

Blakley is a graduate of Southern Illinois University and served four years as a chemical officer in the U.S. Army.

DR. STUART BELL is the 29th

president of the University of Alabama, a position he has held since 2015. Bell founded and directed UA’s Center for Advanced Vehicle Technologies and was an Engineering Department Fellow in the department of mechanical engineering.

He is the recipient of the Society of Automotive Engineers’ Ralph Teetor Award for Outstanding Contributions to Research and Teaching and the T. Morris Hackney Faculty Leadership Award for the College of Engineering. Bell earned undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees from Texas A&M University.

MICHELLE COLEY is an Allstate

agent and owns real estate agencies in Tuscaloosa and Hoover. A Stillman College graduate, Coley is chair of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, serves on the Elevate Tuscaloosa Advisory Council, is a member of the University of Alabama College of Continuing Studies board of visitors and was recently appointed to the City of Tuscaloosa Zoning Board of Adjustments.

BRIAN DAVIS is executive director

and CEO of the Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority (PARA).

Earlier, Davis served as director of engineering and public works for Vestavia Hills. Davis served in the U.S. Army Reserves as an administrative specialist from 1992 to 2004. In 2003, he received the Joint Commendation Award for service in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as part of the 10th Mountain Infantry Division in Afghanistan. Davis is a University of Alabama graduate with a master’s from the University of West Florida.

JOE EATMON is dean of community

relations at Shelton State Community College, a position he took on last year after serving as head men’s basketball coach since 2016.

Eatmon is a graduate of Bevill State Community College with a master’s degree from the University of West Alabama.

CHIP FUQUA is chief of staff at

Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, where he has worked for almost 23 years. Fuqua is also vice chair of education and workforce development at the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. He is a graduate of Mississippi State University.

JHEOVANNY GOMEZ is the co-owner

of Jalapeños Mexican Grill, which has three locations in Tuscaloosa and Northport. A native of Colombia, Gomez moved to Tuscaloosa

to study at the English Language Institute at the University of Alabama. He also earned an associate degree at Shelton State Community College. Gomez is chair-elect of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama and served as the 2022 United Way of West Alabama campaign chair. He also serves on the board of the Alabama Retail Association and the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority.

DONNY JONES is executive vice

president and chief workforce officer for the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. Jones is on the board of the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama and is an appointed member of the Alabama Workforce Board. He also serves on the boards of the Tuscaloosa Education Foundation, Tuscaloosa Character Council, Region 3 Workforce Board and Heritage Healthcare board.

Jones graduated from the University of Alabama and he is also a graduate of Leadership Tuscaloosa.

KATRINA KEEFER is the CEO of

the DCH Health System. Prior to coming to DCH, Keefer served as CEO for Augusta University Health and executive vice president of health affairs at Augusta University in Georgia. She also worked in the UAB Health System for 17 years, serving as treasurer and director of financial operations and later becoming senior vice president and chief financial officer for Baptist Health in Montgomery.

The Georgia native was raised in South Alabama and earned a bachelor’s degree from Huntingdon College and a master’s from New York University.

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WALT MADDOX was sworn in for his

fifth term as mayor of Tuscaloosa in 2021. He also serves as a senior fellow with the Program on Crisis Leadership at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Maddox is a Tuscaloosa native and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

JAY MCPHILLIPS is executive director

of Yea Alabama and has more than 17 years of experience in sales and fundraising, a majority in college athletics and at the University of Alabama. He serves on the board of The Arc of Tuscaloosa County.

The Cullman native earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama Culverhouse College of Business.

MICHAEL OATRIDGE is executive

director of the Alabama Mobility and Power Center (AMP) at the University of Alabama. In 2021, Oatridge retired as senior vice president of Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, after working for the Honda Motor Co. for more than 30 years. Most recently, he was owner and president of Strategic Workforce Solution, a company he founded in Birmingham.

He has served as executive board member of the Alabama Workforce Committee, Economic Development Partnership of Alabama and the Birmingham Business Alliance, and has chaired the board for the Japanese American Society of Alabama and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

DR. YOLANDA PAGE is president of

Stillman College. She has more than 30 years of experience in higher education, most recently as provost and vice president

for academic affairs at Savannah State University.

She is a recipient of the Council of Independent Colleges Chief Academic Officer Award (2020) and was recognized by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education as one of 25 outstanding women in higher education (2017). Page earned bachelor’s degrees from Dillard University and a master’s and Ph.D. from Louisiana State University.

DAVID PASS is a partner and investor

in the Sealy Companies. He is a graduate of Oglethorpe University and holds a certificate in nonprofit management from Harvard Business School. He serves on the board of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama and on the Elevate Tuscaloosa Advisory Council and is an ex-officio board member for the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority.

Pass is also a member of the Tuscaloosa National Airport Advisory Committee and has been a champion for attracting commercial air service back to the airport.

JORDAN PLASTER is a private

wealth adviser and managing director for Plaster, Scarvey & Shumaker, a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services in Tuscaloosa. He has been named to Forbes’ Best-in-State Wealth Advisors and Barron’s Top 1200 Financial Advisors in America. He chairs Tuscaloosa Rotary Honor Flight and is a past chair of United Way and the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. A graduate of Leadership Alabama, he serves on the board for IDA, Business Council of Alabama, Community Corrections, Salvation Army and Black Warrior

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Council/BSA. The UA graduate is on the board of visitors for Culverhouse College of Business.

CHIPPER RABBIT is chief financial

officer of Parker Towing Co. Inc., where he has worked more than 25 years. A CPA, he is responsible for all finance, accounting and risk management functions at Parker.

Earlier, he worked in public accounting for more than 10 years and served as a corporate controller and chief financial officer for various manufacturing industries. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Louisiana Tech University. He is a former board member of UCP of West Alabama.

ROB ROBERTSON is probate judge of

Tuscaloosa County.

He also chairs the Tuscaloosa County Commission, the Tuscaloosa County Emergency Communication District, the West Alabama Regional Commission and the Tuscaloosa County Special Tax Board. He is an ex-officio board member for the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority and a member of the Exchange Club of Tuscaloosa, Kiwanis of Greater Tuscaloosa, the Marine Corps League, the Alabama Marine Foundation, the Association of County Commissions of Alabama and the Alabama Probate Judges Association. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Alabama.

KELSEY RUSH is president and CEO

of Visit Tuscaloosa and serves on the executive committee for the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama board. She also

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

has a long history of volunteerism, with organizations including Junior Achievement, the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association, Tuscaloosa’s One Place, Theatre Tuscaloosa and United Way. Rush earned a master’s degree from the University of Alabama in 2022 and also holds a travel marketing professional certification.

JUSTICE SMYTH is executive director

of the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority. Earlier, he was interim director of the Alabama Mobility and Power Center and director of strategic partnerships for the Alabama Transportation Institute at the University of Alabama. He serves on the boards of The Arc of Tuscaloosa County and Family Counseling Services of West Alabama, as well as several UA-affiliated boards.

Smyth earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at UA with additional economic development credentials from the University of Oklahoma.

KYLE SOUTH recently was named the

president and CEO for the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama.

South had served in the State House of Representatives since 2014, representing District 16, but resigned his seat to start his new role at the chamber. In the House, South served on the Financial Services Committee and Insurance Committee, served as vice chairman of the Ways and Means General Fund Committee and served on the Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure Committee. The Fayette native is a graduate of the University of Alabama.

CADE WARNER is chief operating

officer at The Westervelt Co. and will assume the role of president and CEO at the beginning of 2024.

He also was recently appointed to the company’s board of directors. The Tuscaloosa native earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Alabama and a master’s at the University of Georgia and has completed additional courses through Harvard Extension School. Warner is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst, Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst and Financial and Modeling Valuation Analyst professional designations.

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GLENDA WEBB is city administrator

for Northport.

Earlier, she served as an assistant district attorney for the 6th Judicial Circuit from 1999 to 2001 and then as attorney for the City of Tuscaloosa from 2001 until she was named city attorney in 2013.

She chairs the Tuscaloosa County Road Improvement Commission and is a graduate of the University of Montevallo and the University of Alabama School of Law. CRAIG WILLIAMS is the owner and

operator of Avenue Pub and The Wine Market and has been heavily involved in re-launching the Tuscaloosa Downtown

Merchants Association. Williams serves on the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama board and is a member of the board of the West Alabama Food Bank. He earned his bachelor’s from the University of Alabama and is a graduate of Leadership Tuscaloosa.

JACQUAN WINTERS is the founder

and executive director of the Kristen Amerson Youth Foundation, an organization that provides suicide prevention and awareness, empowerment coaching, educational outreach and advocacy services to children, young people and their families. Winters started the nonprofit in memory of his sister, Kristen Amerson.

Winters earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of West Alabama with additional credentials related to his work.

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SANDRA WOLFE is the executive

director for the Arts and Humanities Council of Tuscaloosa. Wolfe earned a bachelor’s degree at Capital University, a master’s at the University of Southwestern Louisiana and did post graduate studies at the University of Alabama. She serves on the boards of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama and the Edge Entrepreneurship Center and on the Elevate Tuscaloosa Advisory Council. She is also a member of the Arts Education Leadership Team for the Alabama Artistic Literacy Consortium and a flutist in the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra.

Community Development

Downtown Tuscaloosa. Photo by Lance Holloway.

O

ne of the biggest developments underway in Tuscaloosa County is Saban Center, part of the city’s Elevate Tuscaloosa Initiative to bring STEM programs together with theater, literature, outdoor recreation and interactive learning for children and families in Tuscaloosa and the surrounding area.

“The addition of the Saban Center to downtown Tuscaloosa will be a gamechanger for generations to come,” says Kyle South, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama.

“The Saban Center will offer STEAM learning opportunities to students, teachers and parents.”

The new facility will bring together two beloved Tuscaloosa institutions under one roof. The Children’s Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa will be reimagined as Ignite, an interactive platform for STEAM-based learning for people of all ages, and the Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre (TCT) will have more space for performances and workshops at its new location in the center.

In addition to community partnerships with TCT and Ignite, the first-of-its kind STEAM campus has entered into publicprivate educational partnerships across the state, including with the Alabama State Department of Education, Alabama Power Foundation, Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Mercedes-Benz, Parker Towing and the University of Alabama.

In October 2022, the City of Tuscaloosa cut the ribbon for River District Park. Located next to the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater along the Black Warrior River, the park includes green space, river-viewing areas, a plaza and an outdoor stage. It also will serve as an outdoor extension of the Saban Center.

Last summer, the Randall Family Park and Trailhead at the Northern Riverwalk in Tuscaloosa officially opened, with playground, recreational path, pavilion and parking.

And in May of this year, the City of Tuscaloosa broke ground on the Western Riverwalk project that will create a shared-use riverwalk stretching from the Oliver Lock and Dam more than 4,000 feet to the east and expand

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riverfront access west of the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater. The project is funded by Elevate Tuscaloosa in conjunction with a $15 million BUILD grant awarded to the city by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Eventually the Western Riverwalk will connect to the current Riverwalk, once the third phase of a project to improve Martin Luther King Boulevard and Jack Warner Parkway and ultimately connect West Tuscaloosa to downtown is complete. Phase two of the project began in May and includes a four-lane roadway divided by a landscaped median, six-foot sidewalks on the north side from Greensboro Avenue to 21st Avenue, decorative roadway and pedestrian lighting, landscaping and irrigation and underground utilities.

Last fall, the Tuscaloosa National Airport received approval from the city council for a $7 million construction contract to expand its runway to accommodate larger planes as part of an effort to bring commercial air service back to the airport. That development came on the heels of a $1 million U.S. Department

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

of Transportation grant for reconstruction and resurfacing projects on taxiways and aprons.

Reestablishing scheduled commercial service at the airport is a top priority for the Chamber and the business community, says South. “The need is much greater than just seven home football games per year. We are proud of the improvements that have taken place already and are excited about what the future holds for our airport.”

In May, Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa announced plans to partner with a local home builder to develop more than 30 new affordable homes in the city’s West End. The development is part of Operation Transformation, a broader plan to combat the affordable housing crisis, with 75 new homes through a $6 million investment.

In January, Hillhouse Condos announced the pre-sale of 34 luxury condos. The $54 million development offers one-, two- and three-bedroom floorplans, all with balconies that overlook Lake Tuscaloosa, and is expected to be completed by July 2024.

In September 2022, the Tuscaloosa City Council approved construction plans for a $34 million, six-story, mixed-use apartment complex on downtown Fourth Street that will include 14,000 square feet of commercial or office space on the first floor and 90 apartment units on the top five floors.

“Tuscaloosa is a city on the rise, where innovation and community spirit converge to create a vibrant and promising future,” says South.

Neighboring Northport is moving forward on three major recreational projects.

In March, the city offered a first glimpse at preliminary plans for an 11acre water park. Proposed features include waterslides, a spray park, a splash pad, a wave pool and a lazy river along with cabanas, a concession area and an area for food trucks.

In April, the Northport City Council approved a planned contract with Dirt Coaster to design mountain bike trails for a new outdoor adventure park. It’s the first part of the multi-phase project. Once complete, the park will include cabins,

Randall Family Park.

Downtown Northport.

a small lake, mountain bike and hiking paths, zip lines and a retreat center.

In February, the city bought some 40 acres of undeveloped land next to Kentuck Park to develop the Kentuck Sports Complex. It will include an outdoor amphitheater; softball and baseball fields; and tennis, pickleball, volleyball and basketball courts.

“Tuscaloosa and Northport have embraced the experience economy,” says South. “They are both investing in capital projects and amenities that will be utilized by our current residents and will be a draw for guests and future residents relocating from outside our community.”

The county has two public school systems, Tuscaloosa City Schools and Tuscaloosa County Schools. Together they have 58 schools and serve nearly 30,000 students.

This year the Tuscaloosa City School District was named a Model School District, and four of its schools — Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary, Eastwood Middle School, Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools Elementary and Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools Middle — were named

2023 Model Schools by the International Center for Leadership in Education.

Skyland Elementary and Oakdale Elementary received the “2023 State School of Character” designation from Character.org in recognition of their focus on character development. Tuscaloosa Magnet Elementary, Tuscaloosa Magnet Middle and Westlawn Middle received the designation in 2022. Three other district schools earned honorable mention in the 2023 competition.

Construction is set to begin this fall on a $3.2 million, 8,400-square-foot gym at The Alberta School of Fine Arts. The new facility will have full-size courts and a 200-seat capacity and is expected to be completed by July 2024.

Plans are underway to improve the courtyard at Central Elementary School to include a more landscaped appearance, shade structures and picnic tables. The project is part of the system’s five-year capital plan, a $157,900 project that will be funded through a combination of grants and federal ESSR funds.

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Higher Education

Foster Auditorium, on the campus of the University of Alabama.

UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA

UA set a new enrollment record in the fall of 2022 with 38,645 students. That number was significantly boosted by the largest freshman class in the school’s history — 8,037 students, including 2,987 from Alabama, making the 202223 school year the fourth consecutive year with an increase of state-resident freshmen. Fall enrollment numbers also saw a 2% increase in students from ethnic and racial minorities from the previous year.

The university also had a record number of 1,088 National Merit Scholars enrolled in 2022, including 322 freshmen.

For the sixth time in eight years, UA was named a Top Producing Institution for Fulbright U.S. Student Awards and had 15 students receive Fulbright Award offers in 2022-23. UA has produced a total of 16 Rhodes Scholars, 16 Truman

Scholars, 41 Hollings Scholars, 17 Boren Scholars and 62 Goldwater Scholars.

The UA School of Law ranks 15th among public universities on U.S. News & World Report’s list of 2023-2024 Best Law Schools, and the UA Manderson Graduate School MBA program ranked among the top in the country on the magazine’s 2023-2024 Best Graduate Schools list.

Sponsored awards that support research, economic development and outreach activities at the university have more than doubled over the past four years — 2022 was the ninth straight fiscal year that saw sponsored awards at an alltime high, up 23.6% to $211.4 million compared to FY21. A total of 840 sponsored awards were received, more than 62% of which came from the federal government, another record.

Two institutes at UA have seen significant growth in recent years.

In late 2021, the UA Board of

Trustees approved forming the Alabama Mobility and Power Center, a research and workforce development hub that is organized under the Alabama Transportation Institute at UA and supported by a partnership among UA, Alabama Power Co. and Mercedes-Benz U.S. International.

And in April 2022, UA announced that it would receive up to $360 million over five years from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to support water research that will improve the nation’s ability to predict waterrelated hazards and effectively manage water resources. The award, which will be administered by the Alabama Water Institute at UA, is the largest external award in UA’s history.

In January 2022, the University of Alabama announced it was partnering with the U.S. Geological Survey to build a 95,000-square-foot science and engineering facility to support the

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

agency’s Water Enterprise observing networks and research. The new Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility will expand on the Alabama Water Institute’s mission of furthering the study of water as a weather-related threat, a resource and for distribution.

UA’s Capstone College of Nursing is using more than $3.5 million in funding provided by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration’s Nursing Expansion Grant Program to address the need to grow and diversify the state’s nursing education workforce. The College of Nursing plans to use the funds to recruit nurses in Alabama to earn master’s degrees with a nursing education specialty.

This spring, the National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines program awarded a $1 million planning grant to support further development of a proposal UA is spearheading to strengthen the Deep South’s role in the production and support of electric vehicles. The funds will enable UA and its partner institutions, the University of Georgia and Mississippi State University, to compete alongside 44 other teams in the first-ever NSF Engines Development Awards for up to $160 million over 10 years.

Last fall, the Alabama Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities named UA its Large Business Employer of the Year. For two and a half years, UA’s University Enable Program, through a partnership with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, worked to drive disability inclusion by providing work-based learning experiences for individuals with disabilities within various university departments.

In June 2022, the National Science Foundation awarded UA $3 million to establish a unique hydrologic science research and training program for graduate students from a variety of water disciplines. The Water-R2O project, which will welcome its first class of students in the fall of 2023, provides a career path that meets the researchto-operations needs of hydrologic researchers, forecasters and decision makers in government, private and

academic sectors.

In February 2022, the family of ADTRAN cofounder Mark Smith committed $20 million toward the construction of a performing arts center that will house the university’s Department of Theatre and Dance and include four performance theaters. The Smith Family Center for the Performing Arts is scheduled to be completed in 2026.

STILLMAN COLLEGE

Located on a 105-acre campus in Tuscaloosa, Stillman College is a private historically Black liberal arts institution formally affiliated with the Presbyterian Church.

The college recently selected Dr. Yolanda W. Page to serve as its eighth president, following the retirement of Dr. Cynthia Warrick, who held the position since 2017. Page, who began her duties as president on July 1, previously served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Savannah State University.

In April, Stillman earned top honors and a $75,000 institutional grant at the 34th Honda Campus All-Star Challenge, a premier academic competition for students from HBCUs. The Stillman team qualified for the national tournament after a series of regional competitions and ultimately triumphed over teams from 64 HBCUs. This was Stillman’s first win.

In February, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration awarded Stillman a $2.7 million grant to upgrade its fiber optic infrastructure, which was installed in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and improve internet access, capacity and performance across the campus. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year.

That announcement came just four months after the U.S. Economic Development Administration awarded $2.7 million to the college to develop a cybersecurity and information technology training center in Geneva Hall. The center will support Stillman’s cybersecurity degree program and serve as a community hub for IT certificate programs in cybersecurity, IT, cloud computing and

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other areas.

In August 2022, in an effort to support Stillman’s commitment to fighting food insecurity and promoting sustainability, Metz Culinary Management, the college’s on-campus food service provider, provided $10,000 to help expand the Stillman Foundation Community Garden, which launched in the spring of 2022. The additional garden space will be used to grow collard greens for the on-campus cafeteria and to distribute to families in Tuscaloosa’s West End through a cooperative relationship with Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church.

In July 2022, Stillman received two $500,000 grants from the National Park Service (NPS) to support renovations of two of the campus’ historic buildings.

The first $500,000 is part of a History of Equal Rights grant and will be used to restore the exterior of Winsborough Hall, the oldest remaining building in Stillman’s Historic District. The former residence hall, now vacant, will be transformed into the Winsborough Hall Living & Learning Center, a residential center for active seniors that will serve a variety of campus and community needs.

The Winsborough project is expected to cost roughly $11 million.

The NPS also awarded Stillman $500,000 to upgrade technology and infrastructure at Sheppard Library, which will become a civil rights museum and digital learning center. Stillman was one of five HBCUs in Alabama to receive funding through the NPS Historic Preservation Fund.

In March 2022, Stillman signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Alabama that will allow Stillman students, under certain conditions, an opportunity to take graduate level courses at UA during their senior year, participate in early advising and immersion programs and eventually enroll in graduate school. The program is an expansion of a long-running concurrent enrollment agreement between Stillman and UA, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022.

SHELTON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Shelton State is one of the largest two-year colleges in the state, with

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

approximately 7,000 students enrolled in some form of coursework; roughly 3,000 of those are full-time. It is also one of six HBCUs in Alabama. The college offers more than 30 associate degree options in technical and health service programs.

According to its economic impact report for FY 2020-21, the college added $248.1 million in income to the service area economy (Tuscaloosa County and Bibb County), a value that is approximately equal to 2.2% of the region’s gross regional product. The activities of SSCC and its students also supported one out of every 33 jobs in the service area.

The college recently announced that it has been accepted, along with five other Alabama community colleges, into the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, a nationally recognized nonprofit membership organization that supports more than 50 HBCUs. They are the first two-year schools in the country to gain membership.

In June, SSCC launched Pathway to Robotics, Industrial Maintenance and Engineering (P.R.I.M.E.), a new dual enrollment program that will be available to high school students from the Tuscaloosa city and county schools systems. Through the program, students can earn up to 27 credit hours toward an Industrial Electronics (ILT) AAS degree at the college. Last fall, the college, the city and the city schools announced a new program offering nine free credit hours to these dual enrollment students after they graduate from high school.

In April 2022, Shelton State received a $40,000 donation from the Alabama Power Foundation to support health care programs housed in the college’s HBCU site, the C.A. Fredd Campus. The money will go toward scholarships for students from underrepresented minority groups.

Shelton State is a member of the Alabama Community College Conference and competes in the National Junior College Athletic Association. Last spring, SSCC announced the addition of men’s and women’s cross-country and men’s and women’s golf to its athletic program. Both began competing in the fall of 2022.

Shelton State Community College’s campus in the spring, when the pear trees are in bloom.

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 109

Culture & Recreation MUSE ON

The Alabama Museum of Natural History on the University of Alabama campus is the state’s oldest museum, celebrating the state’s natural history.

Moundville Archaeological Park, 13 miles south of Tuscaloosa along the banks of the Black Warrior River, is a 326-acre archaeological park featuring 29 huge flattopped earthen mounds constructed 800 years ago by the Mississippian people. The park also includes a museum, plus nature trail and picnic and camping facilities.

Or think football at the Paul W. Bryant Museum, tracing the storied history of Crimson Tide football.

Lake Tuscaloosa.

Alabama Museum of Natural History.

FIND YOUR MUSE

Art galleries and performance space are highlights at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center. Harrison Galleries displays 19th and 20th century works of art, including paintings, prints, drawings and sculpture, along with vintage and contemporary photography.

The renowned Kentuck Art Center in Northport is home to an annual Folk Arts Festival and offers workspace to artists and workshops for others. The Paul R. Jones Art Gallery, in downtown Tuscaloosa, presents exhibitions of works from the Paul R. Jones Collection of American Art at The University of Alabama, one of the largest collections of 20th-century African American art in the world. On the university campus, the Sarah Moody Gallery of Art features work of contemporary artists.

CATCH A SHOW

Venues abound from the concerts and special events at Tuscaloosa Amphitheater on 15 acres along the Black Warrior River to the Bama Theatre, now serving as Tuscaloosa’s performing arts center with shows and events almost every night of the year, and to Theatre Tuscaloosa, a partner of Shelton State Community College, one of the largest community theaters in the state.

MAKE SOMETHING

Druid City Arts Festival.

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Druid City Makerspace, dubbed “a gym for hobbies,” is a place to try something new without a major investment in supplies and equipment.

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

festivities and events: CELEBRATION ON THE RIVER — July 4 | Tuscaloosa Kids’ activities, Tuscaloosa

Symphony performance at fireworks — at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater.

MOUNDVILLE NATIVE AMERICAN FESTIVAL — October | Moundville

Artists, craftsmen and educators from around the country share their knowledge of Native American culture.

GET SOME FRESH

Tuscaloosa River Market, on the banks of the Black Warrior River, is a yearround Farmers Market each Saturday.

There’s event space, too.

TAKE THE KIDS

Art Garage offers structured and unstructured art exploration for children.

Children’s Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa offers dynamic learning experiences designed to foster curiosity, creativity and discovery. Mason’s Place is an all-inclusive playground located at Sokol Park in Northport.

PLAY A GAME

Skate, bowl, jump and more in an array of game venues. Black lights, arcade games, classic films and more add extra fun at Bowlero. Shindig features bowling, laser tag and arcade games. Super Skate offers a roller rink plus arcade games and more, or jump in at UpSurge Trampoline Park.

SPORTS TO WATCH

Bryant-Denny Stadium, home turf for the Crimson Tide, is one of the most iconic facilities on the UA campus and one of the largest on-campus football stadiums in the country. It is also one of the most visited destinations in the state.

SPORTS TO TRY

Crux Climbing offers climbers of all ages a place to challenge themselves. Ol’ Colony Golf Course offers 18 holes of golf on 25 acres, all designed by Jerry Pate. Tuscaloosa Tennis Center has indoor and outdoor courts with leagues, lessons and more.

Tuscaloosa Amphitheater.

WOOF!

Good Dog Tuscaloosa Is an off-leash dog park with shade, pools, tunnels and a bar for adults.

TAKE A WALK

Riverwalk traces the southern bank of the Black Warrior River on a 4.5-mile, well-lighted, paved trail. Highlights include dog-friendly areas, picnic areas, a playground and splash pad. Randall Family Park and Trailhead, which opened last year, has a path, playground and pavilion, plus the trailhead.

ENCOUNTER HISTORY

The Tuscaloosa Civil Rights History Trail tells the role Tuscaloosa played in the civil rights movement with 18 stops that tell the stories of segregated schools, churches, stores, restaurants and movie theaters. The downtown portion centers on the events of “Bloody Tuesday” in 1964.

Old Jail.

TREE TIME

lake with a swimming beach, fishing piers and kayak and canoe rentals. Also, kayak or hike along Hurricane Creek, just east of downtown Tuscaloosa.

The University of Alabama Arboretum features walking trails through a native woodland, a wildflower garden, an ornamental plant collection, an experimental garden and a children’s garden.

GET WET

TRY SOMETHING NEW

Lake Tuscaloosa offers waterskiing, tubing, swimming, fishing and more while Lake Lurleen State Park includes a

The Venue Tuscaloosa opened earlier this year and features an ice cream shop with a drive-thru, a full-service pub and five restaurants, as well as an outdoor space and stage for live music and event nights.

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 111

Career Notes

by ERICA JOINER WEST

AMANDA HUNT

RICHIE FORDHAM

TRACY MANN

KIRSTEN SOKOM

KAY REED

JENNIFER LOWE

MARY HARRELSON

AMANDA HICKS

SONDRA KOSKEY

HILLARY LOGAN

MARY MESSER

ANN COLLINS MOCKBEE

TAMMY PRATT

BRIAN ALEXANDER

CANDACE JENKINS

NEAL KELLY

BRANDEN AXTELL

JOHN KLOSKY

CHRIS CLOSSON

HOLLY SPRING

ALISON RAND

CHANDLER CREEL

JOHN KVACH

GARY PADGETT

JENNY STUBBS

AMBER TURNER

BLAKE WILLIAMS

RODNEY DILLARD II

CLARK WATSON Brian Alexander has joined Community Bank as vice president and Candace Jenkins has joined as assistant vice president/branch manager.

DR. JAMES HICKS

JONATHON MCCLELLAN

KYLE BASKIN

FORD FRY

ACCOUNTING

BMSS Advisors & CPAs has promoted the following employees: Melody Young to admin operations manager; Rachel Stanley to audience development coordinator; Rachel Butler to audience development manager; Amanda Hunt, Richie Fordham and Tracy Mann to senior manager; and Chance Cassidy, Dalton Hopper, Joanna Teter, Tami Soule and Whitney Roberson to manager.

Crow Shields Bailey has promoted Kirsten Sokom to audit principal and Kay Reed and Jennifer Lowe to client accounting and advisory service supervisor.

BANKING

Bank Independent has promoted Mary Harrelson to vice president of internal audit and compliance CRA; Amanda Hicks to vice president sales officer for downtown Huntsville office; Paris Johnston to risk officer; Sondra Koskey to internal communications officer; Hillary Logan to customer service

officer; Mary Messer to officer – sales leader at the Killen office; Ann Collins Mockbee to assistant general counsel and Tammy Pratt to treasury solutions – vice president sales officer.

Neal Kelly has been hired as the business/ commercial branch manager and Branden Axtell as marketing and public relations director for Southern States Bank.

SmartBank has added John Klosky and Chris Closson to its team of financial advisors. The bank also has promoted Holly Spring to mortgage operations manager.

Regions Financial Corp. has appointed Alison Rand to its board.

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CONSTRUCTION

HPM has hired Chandler Creel as senior project manager.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

John Kvach, executive director of the Singing River Trail; Gary Padgett, director

of the South Eastern Ecoliteracy Project; and Jenny Stubbs, owner of Yellow House Publishing LLC, have been named fellows of the Appalachian Leadership Institute.

Amber Turner, project manager, and Blake Williams, communication & research specialist, with Limestone County Economic Development Association, have completed Auburn University’s Government and Economic Development Institute program.

EDUCATION

Alabama State University President Quinton Ross Jr. has been named a member of the NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics.

LEGAL

The Alabama Defense Lawyers Association has installed Jonathan Hooks, of Weinberg Wheeler Hudgins Gunn & Dial LLC, as president; Megan McCarthy, of Ball, Ball, Matthews & Novak, as president-elect; Bains Fleming, of Norman Wood Kendrick & Turner, as secretary-treasurer; and Stephen Still

Jr., of Starnes Davis Florie LLP, as past president.

He succeeds D. Bruce Irwin, who died earlier this year.

Matt Clark, president of the Alabama Center for Law and Liberty, has resigned.

His wife, Laura Clark, will act as the ACLL’s interim president.

Dr. James Hicks, a spine surgeon, has joined the orthopedic specialist team at Baldwin Bone & Joint.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has been named Crime Stopper of the Year by the Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama.

Amanda Jones has been appointed director of the Full Tummy Project, a nonprofit committed to ending hunger and food insecurity in Athens.

Rodney Dillard II, an associate in Baker Donelson’s Birmingham and Atlanta offices, has been named a 2023 Rising Star by the Minority Corporate Counsel Association.

NONPROFIT

REAL ESTATE

Jonathon McClellan and Kyle Baskin have been promoted to executive managing director of Marcus & Millichap.

Clark Watson has rejoined Balch & Bingham’s Birmingham office.

RESTAURANTS

Keith Windle has rejoined Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP’s Birmingham office as partner in the real estate practice group.

Ford Fry, chef and CEO of Rocket Farms Restaurant, has been named the second annual chef in residence at 1856 – Culinary Residence.

MEDICAL

TOURISM

American Family Care has named Randy Johansen as its new chief executive officer.

Tina Morrison has been named executive director of Greater Gadsden Area Tourism.

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 113

RETROSPECT

The Business Gospel According to John J. Eagan As president of Birmingham’s American Cast Iron Pipe Co. (ACIPCO), Eagan applied the Biblical “Golden Rule” to industry

I

n our modern era, extending a seat at the table to workers perhaps seems commonplace. But a century ago, corporate decisions were made by a select and favored few, with often no regard for laborers. One of the business leaders who helped to change that was John J. Eagan, the forward-thinking president of Birmingham-based ACIPCO. Eagan was born in 1870 in Griffin, Georgia. After his father died, Eagan and his mother came under the care of her brother, William Russell, who ran an Atlanta tobacco business. When Russell died, he left the company and real estate holdings valued at $750,000 (akin to $27 million today) to Eagan. Before his 30th birthday, Eagan was a wealthy man.

114 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

By SCOTTY E. KIRKLAND

Despite its success, Eagan soon divested himself of the tobacco business he inherited. As a devout Christian, he believed there were better ways to make a living. In time, a new opportunity arose for Eagan to join an Alabama-based company working to bring clean water and sanitation services to American cities.

This new endeavor was the brainchild of pioneering businesswoman Charlotte Blair.

Above: John J. Eagan speaks at the 1912 dedication of the new ACIPCO bathhouse.

Photo courtesy of ACIPCO. At left: A statue of Eagan at the company headquarters. Photo from Alabama Department of Archives & History.

R E T RO S PE C T

She began her career as a stenogdone. In 1921, he returned as president rapher for Virginia pipe magnate and announced a series of new initiaJ. K. Dimmick. In 1900, when tives based upon the application of the Dimmick opened a facility in Alabiblical principle of the “Golden Rule” bama, he placed the capable Blair to industry: “So in everything, do to in charge of sales, which also made others what you would have them do her the first woman in Alabama to you.” to sit on a corporate board. A few There were doubters aplenty. But years later, the increasing demand Eagan was undeterred. “What a tremenfor cast-iron pipes convinced Blair dous responsibility it puts upon us,” he of the need for a new Birmingwrote to his wife in December 1921. ham-based company. She lined up He was no distant supervisor during five investors, including John J. these frenetic years. He spent his workEagan, and chartered the American weeks in Birmingham and took a train Cast Iron Pipe Co. (ACIPCO) in home to his family in Atlanta on Friday October 1905. Eagan served as afternoons. president.

In the spring of 1922, Eagan anThe first pipes were cast in nounced an employee profit-sharing mid-May 1906. In short order, program and a new management model, ACIPCO employed some 400 which placed worker representatives at workers and had a production the company’s decision-making table. capacity of 150 tons of pipe a day.

The move by Eagan made the front page Initial orders helped the company of the Birmingham News. The article weather the Panic of 1907. In time, included an image of the “board of ACIPCO would create innovative operatives” under the headline “Men in Workers at ACIPCO circa 1912. cement-lined pipes and other imWhom Pipe Works Places Future.” Four Photo courtesy of ACIPCO. portant technological advances. workmen, dressed in well-worn coverThe company’s success assured alls and denim sat at the table alongside Eagan’s personal wealth and status. “Never again do I expect company executives in fine, dark suits. It was a fitting depiction to entangle myself in active business,” he wrote to a friend in of ACIPCO’s new era. That year, employees responded to Ea1911. Confident in the management of ACIPCO, he pledged gan’s reorganization with record-breaking production numbers. to “devote all my time and income to the advancement of the Eagan then set into motion the final part of his plan. After Kingdom of God.” In 1915, Eagan stepped down as president years of assiduously collecting the nearly 1,100 shares of comand became chairman of ACIPCO’s board of directors. But mon stock in the company, he added a codicil to his will leaving his influence over the company remained strong, guided by his all of it to ACIPCO’s employees in perpetuity. faith and tenets of the Progressive Era’s “social gospel.” Eagan Hampered by declining health, Eagan died on March 3, came to see improving the working and living conditions of 1924. The Atlanta Journal eulogized him as “a good man, an the men who toiled in his company as a means of living out his able man, a rare man.” ACIPCO’s employee publication profaith. claimed that Eagan “shall be a silent adviser in our future counACIPCO’s workers soon saw manifestations of this comcils. His wishes…shall govern our acts. His ideals, his policies, mitment, through overtime and sick pay, affordable housing his principles are engraven on our hearts.” and with the construction of a modern bathhouse and medical A generation later, as ACIPCO prepared to mark its 50th facilities. In 1915, the company opened a savings bank for anniversary, its 2,100 employees raised funds to erect a bronze employees and offered generous interest payments. A pension statue of Eagan at the company’s Birmingham headquarters. On plan soon followed, open to employees who had given at least April 22, 1955, on what would have been Eagan’s 85th birth15 years of uninterrupted dedicated service. For more immediday, his grandchildren unveiled the monument while a choir ate needs, ACIPCO offered workers the opportunity to pay into sang “The Lord’s Prayer.” a mutual benefit association. Initial payments were 10¢ a week, Over the long century since Eagan’s death, ACIPCO has deducted from wages. Sick or injured employees temporarily grown in size and in the diversity of its products. Still, the out of work received a weekly $6.00 stipend. gospel of shared ownership, mutual uplift and the application of Eagan shirked the role of the beneficent overseer that more the “Golden Rule” to industry remain the company’s unchangpaternalistic industry leaders wore so easily. Rather, he viewed ing core. One has to imagine this fact would give John J. Eagan such improvements not as charity, but as a reflection of workers’ surpassing pride. rightful share in the company they helped build. This viewpoint helped make ACIPCO’s workforce rank among the industry’s Historian Scotty E. Kirkland is a freelance contributor to Business Alabama. most stable and contented. But Eagan felt more could still be He lives in Wetumpka.

September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 115

Company Kudos

by ERICA JOINER WEST

OCTOBER The Sky’s the Limit: Alabama Aerospace & Aviation Rising Stars of the Banking World Geographic Spotlight: Jefferson County

NOVEMBER Higher Education: What’s New on Campus Home for Business: Alabama’s Commercial Real Estate Market Geographic Spotlight: Jackson, Marshall, DeKalb & Cherokee Counties Check BusinessAlabama.com for daily business headlines and additional content

Follow us: Business Alabama @BusinessAlabama

HPM recently completed construction of the 142,000-square-foot Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center at Auburn University, earning the firm a 2023 Project Achievement Award from the South Atlantic Chapter of Construction Management Association of America. The project was one of 36 recognized across the Southeast.

Albertville City Schools has been recognized as a Woz ED Career Pathway District, which recognizes education initiatives that focus on hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

Bank Independent has been certified for a second consecutive year as a Most Loved Workplace, backed by Best Practice Institute.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP’s Montgomery office has received the 2023 Alabama State Bar Pro Bono Award in the Law Firm/Group category Manufacturing students from Calhoun Community College participated in season 3 of Clash of Trades, a national manufacturing competition hosted by Project MFG, in July. It was one of four teams to compete for the $100,000 prize.

Columbia Southern University has conferred more than 100,000 degrees. The university, based in Orange Beach, is also celebrating its 30th anniversary.

Foley Main Street has been designated an accredited Main Street America program.

The 2023 Honda Pilot, which is built in Lincoln at Honda Alabama, has earned

116 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

For a 12th year in a row, Mobile Infirmary has earned the American Heart Association’s GoldPlus Get with the Guidelines-Stroke quality achievement award. The hospital also earned Target Stroke Honor Roll and Target Type II Diabetes Honor Roll status.

The 230-acre Montgomery CNJ industrial site, located along U.S. Highway 31 and close to the state’s inland port, is the only site on CSX’s 23-state network designated as a Gold Level site.

Pamela Denham & Associates Marketing Public Relations Solutions is marking its 25th anniversary in business in Fairhope.

Wallace Jordan Ratliff & Brandt LLC has attained ISO 27001 certification for information security management systems ensuring client data.

Birmingham-based Wilbron has received the Silver Anvil award from the Public Relations Society of America for its work with Karat and Serena Williams to address the increasing number of Black software engineers.

Index 68 Ventures.......................................................7 Action Dedicated................................................8 Adamson + Co....................................................8 Adtran Holdings.............................................107 AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway Hospital......10 Ai Corporate Interiors.......................................30 AIDT...................................................................8 Airport Industrial Park......................................93 Alabama Artistic Literacy Consortium................99 Alabama Associated General Contractors...........55 Alabama Business Hall of Fame..........................9 Alabama Center for Law and Liberty................112 Alabama Commission on Higher Education.......46 Alabama Community College Conference........107 Alabama Cyber Institute...................................87 Alabama Defense Lawyers Association............112 Alabama Department of Commerce.....................7 Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.................................11 Alabama Department of Mental Health....... 93, 97 Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services..............................107 Alabama Department of Transportation.............58 Alabama Industrial Development Training..........8 Alabama Legislature.........................................99 Alabama Marine Foundation.............................99 Alabama Mobility and Power Center.................99 Alabama Museum of Natural History......... 87, 110 Alabama Power Co..........................................107 Alabama Power Foundation............................104 Alabama Probate Judges Association................99 Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association.................................99 Alabama Retail Association...............................99 Alabama Society of CPAs...................................58 Alabama Southern Railroad..............................93 Alabama State Bar..........................................116 Alabama State Department of Education.........104 Alabama State University................................112 Alabama Surety Association..............................58 Alabama Transportation Institute........ 87, 99, 107 Alabama Trucking Association...........................58 Alabama Water Institute........................... 87, 107 Alabama Workforce Board................................99 Albertville City Schools...................................116 Alexander, Brian........................................................ 112 Allstate Insurance............................................99 American Cancer Society...................................58 American Cast Iron Pipe Co.............................114 American Family Care.....................................112 American Heart Association............................116 American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.......................................58 American Peanut Growers Group LLC.................20 American Society of Civil Engineers...................58 Ameriprise Financial Services...........................99 Amerson, Kristen..........................................................99 Ammons & Blackmon Construction LLC..............58 Anglin Reichmann Armstrong.............................8 Antinarella, Joseph.......................................................58 Appalachian Leadership Institute....................112 Arc of Tuscaloosa County, The............................99 ARD Logistics Alabama LLC.......................... 93, 96 Armour & Co.....................................................30 Armstrong School, Tuskegee.............................11 Art Garage......................................................110 Arts and Humanities Council of Tuscaloosa........99 Association of County Commissioners of Alabama..................................................99 AT&T Inc...........................................................11 Athens Limestone Chamber of Commerce.........58 Atlanta Journal..............................................114 Auburn Industry Advisory Council.....................58 Auburn Technology Park West...........................10 Auburn University.....7, 9, 11, 20, 25, 30, 58, 112, 116 Auburn University at Montgomery................7, 58 Augusta University..................................... 97, 99 Automobile Alley, Mobile.................................11 Avenue Pub.....................................................99 Axtell, Branden.......................................................... 112 Bailey-Harris Construction................................30 Baker Donelson..............................................112 Baker, Eric.....................................................................58 BakerHostetler.................................................40 Balch & Bingham............................................112 Baldwin Bone & Joint.....................................112 Ball, Ball, Matthews & Novak..........................112 Bama Theatre.................................................110 Bank Independent................................. 112, 116 BankFirst Financial Services..............................11 Baptist Health System......................................99

A guide to businesses (bold) and individuals (light) mentioned in this month’s issue of Business Alabama.

Barber, James.................................................................8 Barker, Carlton “C.J.”....................................................58 Baskin, Kyle............................................................... 112 Bassmaster Classic...........................................11 BBB Industries...................................................8 Bell, Stuart....................................................................99 Ben M. Radcliff Contractor Inc...........................58 Best Practice Institute.....................................116 Better Business Bureau.....................................58 Bevill State Community College........................99 Birmingham Business Alliance.....................8, 99 Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.....................99 Birmingham News.........................................114 Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport......................................9 Birmingham, City of.........................................11 BL Harbert International...................................58 Blair, Charlotte........................................................... 114 Blakley, Dan..................................................................99 Blankenship, Chris.......................................................11 BMSS Advisors & CPAs....................................112 BMW GmbH.....................................................11 Boling, Sarah-Ashley....................................................58 Boren Scholars...............................................107 Bottega Restaurant.............................................9 Bottege Café......................................................9 Bowlero, Tuscaloosa.......................................110 Boy Scouts of America................................. 58, 99 Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP........................30, 58, 112, 116 Brasfield & Gorrie............................10, 12, 25, 58 Bray, Preston.................................................................58 Brookwood Ambulatory Care Center..................12 Brose Tuscaloosa........................................ 93, 96 Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church.............107 Bryant-Denny Stadium............................. 58, 110 Bryce Hospital............................................ 93, 97 Buffalo Bills.....................................................25 Buffalo Rock Co................................................93 Building and Earth Sciences..............................58 Bulls, Herman E..............................................................9 Business Council of Alabama............................99 Business Interiors............................................30 Butler, Rachel............................................................ 112 Byars|Wright.............................................. 35, 40 C&D Landfill.....................................................58 C&H Construction Services LLC..........................58 Caddell Construction........................................58 Calhoun Community College..........................116 Campbell, Adam.............................................................7 Campsite 3: The Garner Farm, Lowndes County.....11 Capital City Club................................................8 Capital University.............................................99 Carraway Methodist Medical Center..................12 Cassidy, Chance......................................................... 112 Catholic University...........................................58 Cauffman, Samuel........................................................46 CCR Architecture & Interiors..............................30 Ceasar, Rodney.............................................................58 Center for Business and Economic Research...7, 93 Cerrowire LLC...................................................83 Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama...........................87, 93, 99, 104 Chase Bank........................................................9 Chez Fonfon.......................................................9 Children’s Hands-On Museum........... 87, 104, 110 Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant Program.............................................11 Christopher Architecture & Interiors..................30 Clark, Laura................................................................ 112 Clark, Matt................................................................. 112 Clement, Gabe........................................................35, 40 Closson, Chris............................................................ 112 CM Biomass.......................................................7 CNJ Property....................................................10 Coastal Growers LLC..........................................20 Coastal Professional Insurance............................8 Cobbs Allen................................................ 35, 40 Coca-Cola Bottling Co. United.................... 10, 104 Cochran, Thomas..........................................................58 Coley, Michelle.............................................................99 Columbia Southern University........................116 Communication Workers of America.................11 Community Bank...........................................112 Construction Financial Management Association.................................................58 Construction Forms Inc.......................................8 Construction Management Association of America.................................................116 Construction Partners.........................................8 Cooper, Jim....................................................................7

Core Industries...................................................7 Corporate Office Properties Trust................. 10, 58 Council of Independent Colleges......................99 Creel, Chandler.......................................................... 112 Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama...................112 Crooked Oaks, Auburn........................................7 Crosby, Will...................................................................58 Crow Shields Bailey........................................112 Crucible Construction.......................................58 Crux Climbing................................................110 CSX Transportation Inc.............................. 10, 116 Cullman Regional Medical Center.....................58 Culverhouse College of Business..................9, 93 Cumberland School of Law.................................9 Davidson Technologies.....................................58 Davis, Brian...................................................................99 Davison Fuels & Oil LLC.....................................58 DCH Health System............................... 93, 97, 99 DCH Regional Medical Center...................... 93, 97 Development Counsellors International..............8 Dillard University.............................................99 Dillard, Rodney II....................................................... 112 Dimmick, J.K............................................................. 114 Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center...........110 Diverse Issues in Higher Education...................99 Dolan, Drew....................................................................7 Donnell, Devin..............................................................58 Donoghue, Brandon.....................................................58 Doster Construction Co............................... 12, 58 Drennen, William.........................................................58 Drescher, Jacob............................................................58 Druid City Makerspace....................................110 Drumwright, Kyle...................................................35, 40 Dubose, Alexandra.......................................................58 Dunn Building Co.............................................58 Dye, Pat...........................................................................7 Dye, Pat Jr.......................................................................7 Eagan, John J............................................................ 114 East End Memorial Hospital, Birmingham.........12 Eatmon, Joe..................................................................99 Economic Development Partnership of Alabama..... 99 ECS Southeast LLP.............................................58 Edge Incubator and Accelerator................... 87, 99 Edmondson, Kevin.......................................................58 Element526.....................................................30 Elevate Tuscaloosa.................................... 99, 104 Ellis Architects..................................................30 Ellis, Drew.....................................................................58 Ellis, Wilford “Junnie”...................................................58 Epic Brokers............................................... 35, 40 Epsilon Industries............................................93 Ernst & Young...............................................9, 58 Esfeller Construction Co. Inc..............................58 Esfeller, David...............................................................58 Etowah County NEAR Megasite...........................9 Evans, Missy.................................................................83 Exchange Club.................................................99 Express Employment Development...................58 Fairhope High School........................................58 Fairway Investments..........................................9 Family Counseling Services of West Alabama....99 Fauci, Anthony................................................................7 Fayette Medical Center.....................................97 Ferris, Ryan.....................................................................7 Fire Defense Services..........................................8 Fit Foods..........................................................93 Flanagan, Neal..............................................................20 Fleming, Bains........................................................... 112 Foley Main Street...........................................116 Forbes Magazine..............................................99 Fordham, Richie........................................................ 112 Fry, Ford..................................................................... 112 Fulbright Scholars..........................................107 Full Tummy Project.........................................112 Fuqua, Chip..................................................................99 Garrett Contracting...........................................58 Garrett, Josh.................................................................58 Garrison, Randy............................................................83 Gedgoudas, Casey........................................................58 General Motors Corp.........................................11 GEO Solutions....................................................8 Goldwater Scholars.........................................107 GoMESA Funds.................................................10 Gomez, Jheovanny.......................................................99 Good Dog Tuscaloosa......................................110 Goodhope Contracting......................................58 Google LLC.........................................................9 Great American Seafood Cook-Off......................11 Great Southern Wood Preserving........................9 Greater Gadsden Area Tourism........................112

Greycroft Coca-Cola System Sustainability Fund....10 Growth Capital Partners....................................30 Gulf Shores Elementary School.........................58 Gwynn Management Co......................................8 H.I.G. Capital......................................................8 Haas, Daniel.................................................................58 Habitat for Humanity................................ 58, 104 Halfman, Austin............................................................58 Hanna Steel Corp..............................................93 Hargrove Engineers + Constructors...................58 Haring, Thomas............................................................58 Harrelson, Mary......................................................... 112 Harris, Fakeisha............................................................83 Harrison Galleries..........................................110 Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce...............83 Hartselle, City of..............................................83 Harvard University...........................................99 Hauser, Ed....................................................................12 Hello Landing..................................................10 Heritage Healthcare.........................................99 Hicks, Amanda........................................................... 112 Hicks, James.............................................................. 112 Highlands Bar & Grill..........................................9 Highlands College............................................30 Hiller Companies...............................................8 Hillhouse Condos, Tuscaloosa.........................104 Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.........................20 Hoar Construction........................................8, 12 Hoar Program Management.................... 112, 116 Hollings Scholars...........................................107 Hollis & Spann Inc............................................20 Home Depot Inc., The........................................83 Honda Manufacturing of Alabama............ 99, 116 Honda Motor Co......................................... 11, 99 Hooks, Jonathan........................................................ 112 Hopper, Dalton.......................................................... 112 Hough, Tom....................................................................9 Humphrey, JJ...............................................................58 Hunt, Amanda........................................................... 112 Hunter, Darryl...............................................................10 Huntingdon College.........................................99 Huntsville City Schools.....................................11 Huntsville International Airport..........................9 Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce...................................................58 Hurst Construction LLC......................................58 Hydraulex..........................................................8 Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama..... 10, 11 Innovate Alabama............................................87 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety............116 Insurance Office of America......................... 35, 40 Intercontinental - New Orleans.........................30 Internal Revenue Service....................................7 International Interior Design Association..........30 Invited Clubs.....................................................8 Irwin, D. Bruce........................................................... 112 Ivey, Gov. Kay..................................................................9 Jackson, Katy Beth........................................................90 Jacksonville State University............................11 Jalapeños Mexican Grill....................................99 James Beard Award............................................9 Japanese American Society of Alabama.............99 Jefferson County..............................................10 Jenkins, Candace....................................................... 112 Jim Cooper Construction....................................7 JNJ Production.................................................93 Johansen, Randy....................................................... 112 John G. Walton Construction Co........................58 Johnston, Jacob...........................................................58 Johnston, Paris.......................................................... 112 Jones Lang LaSalle.............................................9 Jones, Alex...................................................................20 Jones, Amanda.......................................................... 112 Jones, Donny................................................................99 JPMorgan Chase................................................9 Junior Achievement.........................................99 Keefer, Katrina........................................................97, 99 Kelly, Neal.................................................................. 112 Kentuck Art Center.........................................110 Kentuck Sports Complex..................... 87, 93, 104 Kerr, Lisa.......................................................................46 Kia Georgia................................................ 10, 11 Kindred, Bryan..............................................................97 Kirkland, Matt...............................................................58 Kiwanis International.......................................99 Klosky, John.............................................................. 112 Koskey, Sondra.......................................................... 112 KPS Group........................................................30 Kristen Amerson Youth Foundation...................99 Krogsgard, Jeff.............................................................58

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INDEX

Kvach, John............................................................... 112 Kykenkee Inc....................................................96 Kyzar, Clay.....................................................................58 Labadie, Susan.............................................................83 Lackland Air Force Base.....................................58 Lake Lurleen State Park..................................110 Lake Tuscaloosa..............................................110 Lamont, Blake...............................................................58 Leadership Tuscaloosa......................................99 Lear Corp.................................................... 93, 96 Lee, Kwi Hyun...............................................................10 Leonard, Kayli...............................................................30 Li-Cycle Holdings Co.........................................93 Limestone County Econonic Development Association...........................112 Lockheed Martin..............................................58 Logan, Hillary............................................................ 112 Lott, Andy................................................................35, 40 Louisiana State University................................99 Louisiana Tech University.................................99 Lovvorn, Lindsey...........................................................30 Lowe, Jennifer........................................................... 112 Luckie & Co...................................................9, 30 M.J. Harris Construction Services......................12 Maddox, Walt.........................................................90, 99 Magic City Acceptance Academy........................30 Main Street America.......................................116 Malone, Chase..............................................................58 Mann, Tracy................................................................ 112 March of Dimes................................................58 Marcus & Millichap.........................................112 Marine Corps League........................................99 Marrazzo, Jeanne...........................................................7 Marriott International Inc.................................20 Marsh, David................................................................58 Marsh, Lauren...............................................................58 Marsh, Terry..................................................................58 Marshall Medical Center South, Boaz.................12 Marshall Space Flight Center.............................10 Marshall, Steve.......................................................... 112 Martin & Cobey................................................58 Mary Starke Harper Geriatric Psychiatry Center................................... 93, 97 Mason’s Place.................................................110 Mattox, Mark................................................................12 McAbee Construction Inc...................................96 McCarthy, Megan...................................................... 112 McClellan, Jonathon................................................. 112 McCord Contract Floors Inc................................58 McCord, Jake................................................................58 McDonald, Nancy...........................................................7 McInnis Construction LLC..................................58 McKibben, Drew...........................................................58 McPhillips, Jay..............................................................99 McWane Inc........................................................9 McWane, C. Phillip.........................................................9 Medical West Hospital......................................12 Menard Inc.......................................................83 Mercedes-Benz U.S. International......7, 11, 87, 93, 96, 99, 104, 107 Messer, Mary............................................................. 112 Miami Dolphins...............................................25 Michelin/BF Goodrich................................. 93, 96 Microsoft Corp..................................................35 MidSouth Paving..............................................58 Minority Corporate Counsel Association..........112 Mississippi State University...................... 99, 107 Mobile Infirmary............................................116 Mobile, City of....................................................8 Mockbee, Ann Collins................................................ 112 Modern Healthcare Magazine...........................12 Montgomery CNJ Industrial Site.....................116 Moore, Brendan...........................................................90 Moore, Owen................................................................12 Morgan Center Business Park...........................83 Morgan Metals...................................................7 Morrison, Tina............................................................ 112 Moundville Archaeological Park.......... 87, 93, 110 Myers, Mallary..............................................................97 National Collegiate Athletic Association...........112 National Football League..................................25 National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies........................58 National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease.........................................................7 National Junior College Athletic Association....107 National Merit Scholars..................................107 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration..........................................107 National Park Service......................................107 National Register of Historic Places...................10 National Science Foundation...........................107

National Telecommunications and Information Administration.......................107 Nelson, Brian................................................................58 New York Giants...............................................25 New York University.........................................99 Noland Health Services.....................................97 Noland Hospital Tuscaloosa........................ 93, 97 Noojin House, Gadsden....................................11 Norfolk Southern Corp........................................9 Norman Wood Kendrick & Turner....................112 Norrell, Billy..................................................................55 Norrell, Manny.............................................................12 North Carolina State University.........................58 Northport Hospital...........................................93 Northport Medical Center.................................97 Northport, City of............................... 87, 99, 104 Northrop Gruman.............................................58 Nucor Corp.......................................................93 Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa......................................93 Oatridge, Michael.........................................................99 Occupational Safety and Health Administration....58 Odom, Jacob................................................................58 Oglethorpe Univesity.......................................99 Ol’ Colony Golf Course....................................110 Olive, Brody..................................................................11 P&S Transportation.............................................8 Padgett, Gary............................................................. 112 Page, Jim......................................................................93 Page, Yolanda...................................................... 99, 107 Pamela Denham & Associates Marketing Public Relations Solutions..........................116 Parker Towing Co. Inc................................ 99, 104 Parker, Joe....................................................................20 Pass, David....................................................................99 Patterson, Chad............................................................58 Paul R. Jones Art Gallery.................................110 Paul W. Bryant Museum..................................110 Pearce, Bevill, Leesburg, Moore PC....................58 Pelfrey, Joseph.............................................................10 Peter, Andrew...............................................................58 PGA Championship.............................................9 Phifer Inc................................................... 93, 96 Plaster, Jordan..............................................................99 Plaster, Scarvey & Shumaker.............................99 Pratt, Tammy.............................................................. 112 Presbyterian Church U.S.A..............................107 Price, Joshua................................................................58 Price, Rivers..................................................................58 Project MFG....................................................116 PS Logistics........................................................8 Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama........99 Public Relations Society of America.................116 Pylon Building Group.......................................25 Rabbit, Chipper............................................................99 Rabren General Contractors..............................58 RaceTrac Petroleum Inc.......................................9 Rand, Alison............................................................... 112 Randall Family Park and Trailhead, Tuscaloosa......................... 104, 110 Rane, James W...............................................................9 Red Mountain Theatre......................................25 Redstone Arsenal.............................................10 Redstone Gateway...................................... 10, 58 Reed, Kay................................................................... 112 Regional East Alabama Logistics Park................10 Rehau Automotive.............................................7 Rhodes Scholars.............................................107 Rice, Grantland IV...................................................35, 40 Ridgeline Construction ....................................58 Rinaudo Enterprises...........................................8 River District Park, Tuscaloosa................... 87, 104 Roberson, Devin...........................................................58 Roberson, Whitney.................................................... 112 Robertson, Rob.............................................................99 Robins & Morton........................................ 10, 12 Rocket Farms Restaurant................................112 Rogers & Willard Inc.........................................58 Rolin Construction............................................58 Rolin, Stephanie...........................................................58 Rollins, Mason..............................................................58 Ross, Quinton Jr......................................................... 112 RSA Tower, Montgomery.....................................8 Rush, Kelsey,.................................................................99 Russell Medical Center, Alexander City..............12 Russell, William......................................................... 114 S&P Global Ratings...........................................10 S&S Sprinkler...................................................58 Saban Center, Tuscaloosa.................... 87, 90, 104 Samford University......................................9, 30 Sarah Moody Gallery of Art.............................110 Savannah State University........................ 99, 107

118 | BusinessAlabama.com September 2023

Schmidt, Phil................................................................83 Schnell, Tyler.................................................................58 Scott, Audrey.................................................................30 Sealy Companies..............................................99 Selma University..............................................11 Sentar Inc...........................................................8 Shelby Baptist Hospital....................................12 Shelby County....................................................7 Shelton State Community College............................. 87, 93, 99, 107, 110 Shindig, Tuscaloosa........................................110 Shinhwa Auto USA Corp....................................10 Sight Savers America........................................58 Silvestric, Luis...............................................................11 Singer, Jody..................................................................10 Singing River Trail..........................................112 SiO2 Materials Science........................................7 Smallwood, Stewart......................................................83 SmartAsset.com.................................................7 SmartFinancial Inc..........................................112 SmartWiz...........................................................9 Smith, Mark............................................................... 107 Smith, Tyler...................................................................58 Smith, W. Andrew.........................................................58 SMP Automotive........................................ 93, 96 Smyth, Justice..............................................................99 Society of Health and Physical Educators...........46 Sokom, Kirsten.......................................................... 112 Sonoco Products Co...........................................83 Soule, Tami................................................................ 112 South Eastern Ecoliteracy Project.....................112 South, Kyle.................................................... 93, 99, 104 Southard, Samuel.........................................................58 Southern Illinois University..............................99 Southern States Bank.....................................112 Sozo Children...................................................58 Spivey, Glenn................................................................20 Spring Hill College...........................................58 Spring Hill Fire Station.....................................58 Spring, Holly.............................................................. 112 St. Francis of Assisi University Parish Chapel of Holy Wisdom, Tuscaloosa..............30 St. Paul Baptist Church, Tuskegee......................11 Stanley, Rachel.......................................................... 112 Starke Agency............................................ 35, 40 Starnes Davis Florie LLP..................................112 Start the Adventure in Reading.........................58 Stellantis NV....................................................11 Still, Stephen Jr.......................................................... 112 Stillman College............................87, 93, 99, 107 Stimpson, Sandy.............................................................8 Stitt, Frank III..................................................................9 Strategic Workforce Solution.............................99 Stubbs, Jenny............................................................ 112 Super Skate Tuscaloosa...................................110 T.E. Stevens Co. Inc............................................58 Tanner, Brian...........................................................35, 40 TaxxWiz.............................................................9 Taylor Hardin Secure Medical Facility........... 93, 97 Taylor, Jamison.............................................................58 Tennessee Valley Authority.............................119 Teter, Joanna............................................................. 112 Texas A&M University.......................................99 Theatre Tuscaloosa.................................... 99, 110 Thompson Trailer Co...........................................9 Thompson, Michael D.....................................................9 Threaded Fasteners..........................................58 Thurgood Marshall College Fund....................107 Torbor, Reggie..............................................................25 Total on 1st, Birmingham.................................30 Toyota USA Foundation.....................................11 Travelers Insurance Co......................................58 Trendco USA.....................................................10 Tricon Wear Solutions.........................................8 Troy University.................................................58 Truman Scholars.............................................107 Turner Insurance & Bonding.............................58 Turner, Amber............................................................ 112 TurnerBatson Architects....................................30 Tuscaloosa Amphitheater.............87, 90, 104, 110 Tuscaloosa Character Council............................99 Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre................... 87, 104 Tuscaloosa City Schools...................................104 Tuscaloosa Civil Rights Trail................ 87, 93, 110 Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority................... 87, 93, 99 Tuscaloosa County Road Improvement Commission...........................99 Tuscaloosa County Schools..............................104 Tuscaloosa Downtown Merchants Association....99 Tuscaloosa Education Foundation......................99

Tuscaloosa National Airport................ 93, 99, 104 Tuscaloosa One Place........................................99 Tuscaloosa River Market........................... 90, 110 Tuscaloosa Riverwalk..................87, 90, 104, 110 Tuscaloosa Rotary Honor Flight.........................99 Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra.......................99 Tuscaloosa Tennis Center................................110 Tuscaloosa Veterans Administration Medical Center............................................93 Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Center........97 Tuscaloosa, City of ..........................87, 90, 93, 99 Tyndall Air Force Base.......................................58 U.S. Amateur Golf Championship........................9 U.S. Army.........................................................99 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers............................58 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.......................7, 25 U.S. Department of Labor................................107 U.S. Department of the Treasury........................20 U.S. Department of Transportation..................104 U.S. Economic Development Administration.................................... 87, 107 U.S. Geological Survey.............................. 87, 107 U.S. News & World Report...............................107 UAB Health System..................................... 12, 99 UAB Hospital......................................................9 UAB Hospital Highlands...................................12 UB Community Development...........................20 UMS-Wright.....................................................58 UNC Health Blue Ridge Valdese.........................10 Unifi Aviation.....................................................7 United Rentals.................................................58 United Way................................................ 58, 99 Universal Engineering Services Inc......................8 University of Alabama..... 9, 11, 58, 87, 93, 99, 104, 107, 110 University of Alabama Arboretum...................110 University of Alabama at Birmingham.7, 8, 11, 46, 58, 97, 99 University of Alabama in Huntsville..................58 University of Alabama System.................... 46, 93 University of Georgia................................ 99, 107 University of Montevallo............................ 58, 99 University of South Alabama.............................58 University of Southern Mississippi....................58 University of Southwestern Louisiana...............99 University of West Alabama..............................99 University of West Florida.................................99 UpSurge Trampolline Park..............................110 Valent Group......................................................8 Venue, The, Tuscaloosa............................. 93, 110 Vestavia Hills, City of........................................99 Visit Tuscaloosa ......................................... 87, 99 Voyagers at Perdido Beach Resort.....................11 VT Halter Marine..............................................58 Vulcan Materials..............................................11 Wallace Jordan Ratliff & Brandt LLC.................116 Warner, Cade................................................................99 Warrick, Cynthia........................................................ 107 Warrior Met Coal Mining LLC.............................96 Waterfront Technical Services..............................8 Watson, Clark............................................................ 112 Waverly Advisors...............................................8 Webb, Glenda...............................................................99 Weinberg Wheeler Hudgins Gunn & Dial LLC...112 West Alabama Food Bank..................................99 West Alabama Regional Commission................99 Westervelt Co., The...........................................99 Whaley Construction Co. Inc..............................58 Wilbron Inc....................................................116 Wilcox County....................................................7 Wilkerson, Kerry...........................................................58 Williams Blackstock Architects..........................30 Williams, Blake.......................................................... 112 Williams, Craig.............................................................99 Williams, Serena....................................................... 116 Wilson Dam...................................................119 Windle, Keith............................................................. 112 Wine Market, The.............................................99 Winters, Jacquan..........................................................99 Wiregrass Construction Co................................58 WKRG-TV............................................................8 Wolfe, Sandra...............................................................99 World Bank......................................................11 Wright, Darrell..............................................................83 Yea Alabama....................................................99 Yellow Corp........................................................7 Yellow House Publishing LLC..........................112 Young, Melody.......................................................... 112 ZF Chassis Systems Tuscaloosa..........................93

Historic Alabama Generating electricity…

As it celebrates its 90th birthday this year, the Tennessee Valley Authority is offering tours of its facilities, including Wilson Dam in North Alabama. The construction of Wilson Dam actually predates the TVA. Here, a 1921 photo shows construction of the dam on the Tennessee River. Information on the photo says it’s a “general view from lock site of coffer No. 1 with Jackson Island Section in background.”

Photo from Alabama Department of Archives & History.

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. If you feel pretty confident, send your answers via email to ewest@pmtpublishing.com or, beginning Sept. 20, work the quiz online and check your answers at businessalabama.com.

September 2023:

September 2022: (one year ago)

September 2013: (10 years ago)

Q: Alabama general contractors are ranked high for their work on health care projects with five among the nation’s top 20 in Modern Healthcare’s annual rankings. Which two are ranked number 1 and 2 this year?

A) Brasfield & Gorrie and Robins & Morton B) Hoar and Robins & Morton C) Doster and Brasfield & Gorrie D) Robins & Morton and M.J. Harris

Q: HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, based in Huntsville, opened a new branch with a focus on agriculture. Where is it?

A) Cullman B) Decatur C) Dothan D) Selma

Q: A new school opened in Dothan. What school?

A) Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine B) Alabama School of Cybersecurity C) Sports for Scholars D) University of Alabama at Dothan

September 2018: (five years ago)

August 2023 (one month ago):

Q: The national transportation research group TRIP ranked the most-needed highway projects in the state. What did they consider most important, even more so than an I-10 bridge across Mobile Bay? A) Add lanes to I-65 in Shelby County B) Expand capacity on I-59 in Jefferson County C) Widen U.S. 11 in Tuscaloosa County D) Widen U.S. 31 in Dothan

Q: In our focus on manufacturing, we featured a company that’s the direct descendant of Daniel Pratt’s Pratt Gin Co. What’s the name of the firm that lies along Autauga Creek in Prattville?

A) Alabama Cotton Co. B) Autauga Gin Co. C) Continental Eagle D) Pratt Posterity

Q: A Seattle-based firm announced plans for a $232 million industrial plant in Gadsden. What will the plant make?

A) Microchips B) Microreactors C) Tires D) Tractors

September 1998: (25 years ago)

Answers from August: C, A, A, B, A, D September 2023 BusinessAlabama.com | 119