Keeping you informed and inspired. VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 6
December 2018
ENTERTAINMENT
COVER STORY
Local Filmmaker Finds Sanctuary in South Huntsville
When one thinks about south Huntsville, the term “sanctuary” doesn’t come immediately to mind. Lori J. Connors - Page 3
FINANCIAL
Bank Independent, Alabama’s Sixth-Largest Bank, Opens in Madison
After nearly a decade, the time proved right and Bank Independent celebrated the grand opening of its Madison branch Nov. 13 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house. Kimberly Ballard - Page 14
ADDITIONAL STORIES • Something Delicious is Cooking at Stovehouse by Kimberly Ballard • P5 • The Dessert Fork: A One-of-a-Kind Experience with One-of-a-Kind Creations by Wendy Reeves • P6 • For Adam Davidson There’s No Place Like Homebuilding by Lori J. Connors • P10 • Trash Panda-monium is Sweeping the World by Bud McLaughlin • P12
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HUNTSVILLE
Vol 1, Issue 5 November 2018
600 Boulevard South Suite 104 Huntsville, AL 35802
Huntsvillebusinessjournal.com @HsvBizJournal https://www.facebook.com/huntsvillebusinessjournal
BUSINESS JOURNAL
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Business… In the midst of decking halls and going “a wassailing,” we also pause to be thankful for our blessings. And, we here at the Huntsville Business Journal are thankful to you - our readers and advertisers. We began this journey a few months ago with the hopes of filling a gap and whetting the appetite for those who desire local business news. It is our hope that you have been informed and enlightened by our stories of your neighbors, co-workers, friends and family. The Huntsville-MadisonMadison County area is a vibrant community. A community that is proud of its growth. In fact, in just a few years, the Huntsville metro area will be the largest in the state. Not too bad for a cotton town of about 10,000 people just a couple generations ago.
Just a quick look around and you’ll see the signature red dirt being moved and dug to plant the seeds of growth; steel girders and walls springing up from the red dirt; ribbons being cut when the businesses are in full bloom. Granted, a lot of this growth is directly linked to the development and establishment of Redstone Arsenal and the Marshall Space Flight Center. But, then those entities helped spawn large locally-grown companies such as SCI, Adtran, Dynetics. And, in turn, we saw a plethora of small businesses emerge. Woman-owned; minority-owned; veteran-owned. Early on, these businesses were tech-based and relied on government contracts. However, they and others diversified and created their own niches and customers.
That is the beauty of our area. As a result, we see a renaissance of sorts with a variety of small businesses. Restaurants, retail, entertainment and sports businesses dot the landscape and help boost the development of shopping/retail/entertainment/ dining spots around us. We have MidCity; Bridge Street; the Shops at Merchants Square; Madison Town Center; Times Plaza; the Shops at Merchants Walk; Stovehouse. It’s a new generation of the shopping and dining and entertaining and a lot is driven by small businesses – the backbone of our economy. So, as you go wassailing and decking halls, don’t forget our small businesses. They are our blessing and we are thankful for them. (Bud McLaughlin is editor of the Huntsville Business Journal. Join him every 6:30 a.m. every Wednesday with host Fred Holland on WTKI AM-1450/FM 105.3 and wtkiradio.com.)
Subsidiary of EVENT Publishing
Publisher/President ……… Todd Stephenson Editor ………………………… Bud McLaughlin Writers………………………… Kimberly Ballard Lori J. Connors Wendy Reeves Graphic Design ………………… Justina Simon Website…………………………………Jim Gharib Photographers…………………… Steve Babin Kimberly Ballard Marianne Higgins Jeff White Director of Sales ……… Carolyn Stephenson Distribution………………………… Victor Mace Huntsville Business Journal is published monthly by EVENT Publishing, PO Box 14219, Huntsville, AL 35815. For advertising information call 256.533.8078, e-mail todd@eventhuntsville.com, or visit us on the web at www.huntsvillebusinessjournal.com. For editorial information contact editor@huntsvillebusinessjournal.com ALL CONTENTS ©2018. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION OR USE IN WHOLE OR IN PART OF THE CONTENTS WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER IS PROHIBITED. HUNTSVILLE BUSINESS JOURNAL IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF EVENT PUBLISHING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. UNSOLICITED PHOTOGRAPHS OR ARTICLES ARE SUBMITTED AT THE RISK OF THE PHOTOGRAPHER OR AUTHOR. EVENT PUBLISHING ASSUMES NO LIABILITY FOR THE RETURN OF ANY UNSOLICITED MATERIALS AND MAY USE THEM AT ITS DISCRETION.
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December 2018
3
ENTERTAINMENT
Local Filmmaker Finds Sanctuary in South Huntsville When one thinks about south Huntsville, the term “sanctuary” doesn’t come immediately to mind. Almost hidden amid the hustle and bustle of residential and commercial entities, a place like Byrd Spring Rod and Gun Club could easily go unnoticed. Over its past 80-plus years, the lush 645-acre private property is relatively unchanged. Its structures, the boat house and the dock, have succumbed to the usual weathering and wear, making them ideal for a film that demonstrates freedom and imagination used in overcoming solitude and isolation. This is not just any film. “Jetty” is 13 minutes long with seven pages of script and only four lines of dialog, which is in sign language. Directed by Logan Lanier and produced by Suze Myers, the two longtime friends and Randolph alums filmed “Jetty” over four days last April.
By Lori J. Connors
Growing up, the 24-year-old Lanier toggled between Telluride, Colo., and Huntsville. After high school, he went on to Vanderbilt, where he received his bachelor’s degree in Cinema and Media Arts. “I loved it. The balance was good for me,” he said of Vanderbilt. “It was less of a ‘trade’ school, more of a critical study, theory-based program, which was heavily focused on production.” During the summer, Lanier works as a camp counselor in Mentone. He resides in Telluride and divides his time, working as a ski instructor and with the annual Telluride Film Festival. “Each year, we build 11 theatres in odd nooks and crannies in buildings all over town in preparation for the event,” he said. “I handle storage, inventory, and supervise a crew of 25 folks; there’s a lot of heavy lifting.” In his spare time, Lanier writes scripts. Writing is routine and part of a daily habit. “Jetty” was de-
veloped while Lanier was recuperating from back surgery. The title “Jetty” was chosen in physical reference to the dock, as well as representing sanctuary or respite for the protagonist Alex, from her home and the disconnection she feels. “When making the film, I didn’t know what to expect,” Lanier said. “As a director, with crew and scope, I was wearing a lot of hats. My favorite takeaway was that I got to work with the actors.” “Jetty” was recently accepted at the International Sound and Film Festival in Pula, Croatia. Lanier will continue to submit “Jetty” to film festivals over the next year. His next endeavor, a Western-style project is currently in the works. “My strong personal goal is to write first feature screenplays and I always want to keep making films,” he said.
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
DINING
ChopChop Expands Fresh Seasonal Salad Cuisine Into South Huntsville
By Kimberly Ballard
A fresh look is in store for the soon-to-open Shops at Merchants Square. ChopChop Fresh Salads is expanding its Huntsville franchise and joining the tenant lineup at the retail/restaurant destination nestled between Parkway Place and the Whole Foods-anchored Shops at Merchants Walk. Focusing on fresh, seasonal salad bowls, ChopChop originally opened on University Drive at University Place in October 2016. After spending two years expanding the menu, perfecting the food preparation and utilizing more local partners for providing fresh ingredients, the 1,554 square-foot restaurant will offer more than double the seating of the University Drive location. ChopChop will also introduce a select menu of local beers, kombuchas and Piper & Leaf artisanal teas. Located between the upcoming Char Restaurant and locally owned Brass Tap craft beer bar, ChopChop at Merchants Square is scheduled to open in February. “Many people are asking for healthier options that support local producers and benefit the body,” said Yunus Hasan, co-owner of ChopChop. “Many of our customers asked us to open up a shop near South Huntsville. “We listened, and we will be bringing the same quality food and excellent customer service to Merchants Square that we are known for on University Drive.” The menu includes several signature salad bowls with various greens, warm grains and toppings. Guests can also create their own custom bowls with ingredients such as kale, chicken, quinoa and dressings, which are made in-house daily. Co-owner Jim Xue said the Merchants Square location will better serve professionals who are looking to have a quick, sit-down lunch on the south end of town. “Many of the shops at this location share our target demographic, and the site matches the atmosphere we were going for,” said Xue. “We’re also able to add beer and draft kombucha to our offerings, which is a big plus for customers who are fans of local brews.” The owners do not consider ChopChop a “health food” restaurant, but they do try to make customers aware of nutritional benefits, and they use organic products when they are readily available. Everything from its sleek interiors to the store music is carefully chosen to elicit a vibe that is compatible with tasty, garden-fresh fare. “ChopChop offers a very unique product for the North Alabama area,” said Crunkleton Commercial Real Estate Leasing Agent Anusha Alapati. “Merchants Square was the ideal spot for their second location because of the cotenants and great accessibility. “This new shop will help them serve more of Huntsville and share their vision for healthy, delicious food.”
December 2018
5
DINING
Something Delicious is Cooking at Stovehouse Mazzara Italian Kitchen
Kamada Ramen
Oh Crepe Kamada Ramen
In case you haven’t noticed, there is something moving around over at the century-old Martin Stove Factory, and we are sure it is not the ghosts of Charles and W.H. Martin, transitioning wood-burning stoves into electric ranges and cast-iron skillets. However, there is definitely something cooking in the old stove plant at 3414 Governors Drive in west Huntsville that promises to satisfy that itch you often get – you know, the one where you are craving something out of the ordinary to eat and a unique atmosphere in which to enjoy it? Danny and Patti Yancey purchased the old Martin Brother’s stove plant facility in 2016 to preserve its rich history. Danny is a Huntsville history buff and 30-year veteran of construction and finance. Together with Crunkleton Commercial Real Estate Group, they are developing the 200,000 square foot building situated on a 10-acre property into a thriving large-scale food, office, events, and entertainment complex surrounding a hub of eclectic cuisine that showcases the talents of local restaurateurs and chefs. “Stovehouse will blur the line between modern and historical, work and play, and small-town culture and hightech urban energy,” said Yancey. “The food garden is the heart of Stovehouse. It’s where the city can mingle, enjoy live music, play games, and experience
some of the best food Huntsville has to offer.” Several local restaurateurs and chefs will be opening unique dining concepts in the food garden, beginning with Kamado Ramen, Oh Crêpe, Pourhouse, and Mazzara’s Italian Kitchen. Kamado Ramen and Oh Crêpe are Japanese-inspired eateries, both members of Huntsville and Madison’s I Love Sushi restaurant team. Coincidentally, Kamado means “stove” in Japanese and they will feature several bowl options that include various noodles, sauces, vegetables and meats. All sauces will be made inhouse and patrons can enjoy dishes that showcase pork belly, chicken breast, kimchi, deep fried pork, and Japanese soft-boiled eggs. General manager Chao Fang said, “Kamado will be hyper-focused on creating the highest quality ramen dishes in the area. A lot goes into creating exceptional ramen and our goal is to be the place everyone immediately thinks of when someone mentions ramen in Huntsville.” Jim Xue, partner at Kamado Ramen and Oh Crêpe, said, “Huntsville is very progressive when it comes to accepting new and exciting restaurants to the area. When it came to selecting a site, Stovehouse fit our needs on every level. We are very excited to be a part of it.”
By Kimberly Ballard
Oh Crêpe will offer a fun spin on traditional crêpes using Japanese flavors and ingredients like banana, green tea ice cream and chocolate, or savory selections like lobster, chicken and spinach. The crêperie will also offer Taiwanese-style shaved ice cream along with several toppings. General manager Yituan Wang said, “You can completely change the look and taste of crêpes depending on what flour you use. Oh Crêpe will use Japanese rice flour, and pay special attention to the presentation. We can’t wait for people to see how beautiful our crêpes look and discover how wonderful they taste.” The creators of Church Street Wine Shoppe and Purveyor have committed to opening Pourhouse, an eclectic upscale bar; and Mazzara’s Italian Kitchen at the Stovehouse Food Garden next year as well. “We like to think that if Purveyor had a little sister, Pourhouse would be in her place,” said Stephanie KennedyMell, the pub’s co-owner and creator. “Pourhouse will be a bohemian, laidback, upscale and ‘comfortably swanky’ bar with unique touches not yet seen in Huntsville. Customers can grab a drink and enjoy the rooftop deck or one of our heated outdoor patios, complete with fireplace. It will be at the center of everything at Stovehouse.” Pourhouse will serve a wide selection of wines; domestic, international and local craft beers; spirits; and handcrafted cocktails. Although no food will be served at the bar, guests are welcome to bring food from the eateries over to the Pourhouse area and enjoy
their meal with their favorite Pourhouse selection. Serving fresh, made-in-house pasta, sauces, and other traditional Italian fare, Mazzara’s Italian Kitchen will feature primarily Mazzara family recipes. They have been passed down for generations to owner Stephanie Kennedy-Mell, from her great-grandparents, Stefano and Carmela Mazzara, who were Italian cooks from Sicily. “Mazzara is my family name and our menu may feature favorites like chicken parmigiana and lasagna as staples, but my great-grandmother’s eggplant rollatini will be something everyone will be watching for,” she said. “Service and quality are our trademarks at the Church Street Family and this will be fast, casual service with the high-quality food our customers have come to expect from us.” Managed by Chef Rene Boyzo of Purveyor, Mazzara’s will also feature Guistino’s Gelato, a made-from-scratch gelateria created by Huntsville local, Justin Rosoff. Rosoff took classes in Bologna, Italy, to craft artisanal hard and soft-serve gelato, pastries, and gelato pops. All gelato will be made in small batches on premise, so guests can watch Justin create the desserts in person. Patrons can also enjoy seasonal sorbets, biscotti, rainbow cookies, almond cookies and Italian coffee. Dairy- and gluten-free options will be available. All four eateries are scheduled to open in March 2019. “Stovehouse is the perfect backdrop for these new concepts from Matt and Stephanie,” said Crunkleton Commercial Real Estate Principal Wesley Crunkleton. “The Food Garden will allow guests to experience delicious authentic food from different destinations around the world, and the Church Street team has a proven track record of success when it comes to creating concepts that Huntsville embraces.” Artist’s rendition of Stovehouse
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
DINING
The Dessert Fork: A Oneof-a-Kind Experience with One-of-a-Kind Creations By Wendy Reeves Using cake as a canvas with frostings as her medium, Pauline McFarlin’s artistic creations are always sweet, inspired and one-of-a-kind. More people now have an opportunity to experience McFarlin’s made from scratch baked goods at her new shop which opened to a steady flow of traffic on Nov. 7. The Dessert Fork, 107 Brookridge Drive, located in the Medical Park Station shopping area off U.S. 72 in Madison. It’s between the Beef Jerky Outlet and Hollywood Feed. “People will come here for something to eat out of the case, ready made,” McFarlin said. That will include brownies, lemon bars, cookies, gourmet caramel dipped apples, and pies, to name a few. Then there will be off the menu seasonal or exotic items from time to time. “I may decide to do a bread pudding one day or I may wake up and want to poach some pears,” McFarlin said. “There will always be the possibility of a surprise in store when you come here.” She knows she has to have to have people’s favorites, but also offer some variety. “There are two types of people,” McFarlin said. “There are those who love what they love and they always get the same thing. Then, there are those who always want to try something new.”
Now that she has an established bakery, more people will get to know McFarlin’s specialty — artisan cakes. She will have a small staff to help with baking, but decorating cakes is McFarlin’s passion. “I like cakes that give me a challenge,” she said. Pauline McFarlin of The Dessert Fork “If you’re looking for simple and plain, I’m not your girl. I can do it, but I like to tell a story through the cake and make it really special.” Getting a custom cake from McFarlin is not as simple as filling out a piece of paper with cake and icing type. She likes to get to know the person or situation. For example, one of her most memorable cakes involved a photographer who was celebrating her 40th birthday. McFarlin said she had the client provide a picture of her camera and send her four of her all-time favorite photographs. The result was a square cake topped with a smaller cake, which was crafted into a replica of the camera. The four photos were place around the bottom layer, connected by a sugar string that resembled a darkroom string with each of the four photos hanging off it. There was a groom’s cake that looked like piano keys. A 21st birthday party cake that looked like a gift box and featured a martini glass filled with Jell-O. She’s made a Mine craft cake. And a baby shower cake that featured a map with pinpoints marking the baby’s geographic heritage, complete with a baby on an airplane over Alabama carrying a banner saying “Hello, World!” “I don’t like to do the same thing twice,” McFarlin said. “I’ve done it one time when someone saw a cake on my website that they really wanted but that doesn’t happen too often.” To McFarlin, each cake is as individual as the person. “I like to interact with them, I take a lot of time to get to know them and what they want,” she said. “A lot of times, after they receive the cake they are so happy they give me hugs and we have a relationship that was built with the common thing being cake. “This is what I do. Cake is my canvas.” Over the past 10 years, McFarlin went from baking cakes for church gatherings, which lead to church members asking her to bake a cake for their family’s different special occasions. It got to be a regular thing. Alabama’s Food Cottage Law came about in 2014, allowing her to get training and start a business out of her home. More training, business coaching, and guidance from other local bakers helped her step out and open The Dessert Fork. “Well, it’s the only fork you’re going to need,” McFarlin said with a chuckle as she explained why she chose the name. It represents her cakes but other treats she’ll offer as her business grows. McFarlin, 44, said her husband and three kids moved to the Huntsville area from Maryland in 2008. She says her family has been supportive as she left real estate to become an artisan cake designer. She wants The Dessert Fork to be a nostalgic place to create fond memories. “People used to bake a lot and enjoy eating something made from scratch,” she said. “Here, they can have a seat with a friend in a place with a happy atmosphere … a good, feel good place.” So out of all of the delicious treats coming from the oven, what is McFarlin’s favorite? Believe it or not, I’m a pie person,” McFarlin said. “Apple pie is my favorite.”
December 2018
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
COVER
Make Holiday Shoppi
By Wend GREENE STREET MARKET Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Just a short walk from the downtown square, on the same side of the street, you’ll find the Green Street Market at Nativity, a shop that offers limited produce and farm fresh eggs. You’ll also find a variety of gifts, mostly from local artists and crafters at a variety of prices. Marilyn Evans, the shop manager, says a sidewalk holiday market will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16 with locally grown produce, farm fresh foods, fresh baked goods, and offerings by local artisans.
Harrison Brothers Hardware in Downtown Huntsville Don’t dread holiday shopping this year. Make it an adventure by seeing what you can find from handcrafted to carefully curated designer merchandise at locally owned businesses. With gifts ranging in cost from 10 cents to more than $12,000, local shops have it all. Why not start out at the historic Harrison Brothers Hardware in downtown Huntsville? It’s the city’s oldest operating business, since 1897. If you’ve never been there, this time of year the brightly colored holiday decorations in the storefront windows will draw you inside just to look around. And if it’s been a while since you’ve visited the store, take the time to go. Why? A trip to Harrison Brothers is about more than just shopping. It’s an experience. The store is also a museum, capturing an important piece of history. You won’t find any self-service
kiosk here. They still use a 1907 National Cash Register to ring up sales if you find something you want. If you buy something, it will be made in the USA with many products handcrafted by Huntsville area or North Alabama residents. The most popular item sold in the store are 10cent marbles. “People buy them by the hundreds,” says Fran McFall, who has volunteered and worked at the store for eight years. She also points out larger, hand blown marbles, which sell for $3.75 a piece. The first table you come to upon entering is filled with “Gifts Made Locally.” There and throughout the store you’ll find old-fashioned candy and treats like Hammond’s chocolate bars, including a popular Pigs N’ Taters chocolate bar with bacon flavored bits and potato chips. There are angel ornaments made
of cotton, specialty soy candles, paintings by local artists and pottery, greeting cards, and books by local authors, classic toys – even an astronaut suit. There’s jewelry, knitting gift sets, dog food bowls, novelty socks, lotions and soaps, a large selection of gourmet foods and so much more. The nonprofit Historic Huntsville Foundation keeps the store open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Sales support the store’s operation, with employees and volunteers, as well as other community events. After you’ve perused Harrison Brothers, you’re bound to be ready to seek out what else local shop owners have to offer for holiday gift giving. Here’s a small sampling of what’s available in the area.
SHOE FLY 974 Airport Road, Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 8213 U.S. 72, Madison, Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. What started 11 years ago primarily as an overstock shoe store has transitioned into two area trendy clothing boutiques for teens to women in their 70s. “Many think we’re just for high school and college age and while we do sell a lot to that age group, we have customers of all ages,” says owner Amy Word. “Our idea is to have trendy clothes at a reasonable price so 90 percent of what we offer is $49 or less.” The stores get new shipments every week so the inventory is always fresh. “We carry a lot of unique pieces, and sometimes you’ll find the same looks here that you’ll find in larger department stores, at lower pricing,” Word says. “I know people are spending more time shopping online but there is something to be said about the experience of going into a store and trying something on, whether it’s a mother and daughter or friends.”
December 2018
9
STORY
ing a Local Adventure
dy Reeves LEWTER’S HARDWARE 222 Washington Street, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 7:30 a.m. to noon. Another downtown fixture for 90 years, Lewter’s is a true hardware store with hand and power tools and any manner of home building or repair supplies. This time of year, you will find a variety of Flexible Flyer red wagons and other vintage toys like cap guns, model airplanes and whirly gigs. Other gift ideas for this time of year include the collection of Lodge cast iron skillets.
RAILROAD STATION ANTIQUES, GIFTS & MORE 315 N. Jefferson St., MondaySaturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 1 to 5 p.m. A few blocks away from Clinton Row you’ll find another treasure trove. From $1 to $12,000, Railroad Station has an eclectic mix of old, vintage and new. “We have everything from fashion accessories to fine antique furniture,” says Suzanne Conway. “It’s really an emporium, unlike any other shop in our area. Our historic building and diverse merchandise make us a destination shop unlike any other.” You’ll find gifts for everyone from kids to seniors. Vintage toys, fabulous jewelry, furs, candles, a book shop, and even local honey and cheese straws from the Shoals. “With 24,000 square feet and a limited word count, I can only touch the surface of what we have!”
CLINTON ROW Jefferson Street and Clinton Avenue, hours vary From the historic to the new and trendy, a few streets away one of the area’s most unique shopping areas awaits at Clinton Row. This is the place where ground level storage units have been turned into a downtown shopping destination. Dee Dee Crawford, manager of the Downtown Storage Huntsville, says you can spend anywhere between $10 and $500 or more at one of the featured shops like The Little Green Store, Clinton Row Gifts, Maxwell Music, the Carole Foray Art studio, In Bloom gift shop, SassyFrazz Boutique, Clachic Boutique and 81 Home Gifts and Glam. At the shops you’ll find photographs, frames, candles, personalized monogramming, old and new music, unique and trendy clothes, jewelry, handbags, cotton towels with fun sayings and much more. “There are many nice and fun gifts to be found here,” Crawford says.
MINT JULEP MARKET 7540 S. Memorial Parkway (next to Rosie’s Cantina), Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you have a person on your gift list who has everything or is hard to buy for, then Hillary Dunham says she’ll help you find the perfect present at Mint Julep Market. “We have become the place to go to for something different. We have everything from paint supplies and classes, local artists who create pieces special for our shop, custommade pottery from local and Alabama potters, clothing, luggage, custom embroidery, candles, jewelry, just all kinds of things,” Dunham says. “And if you find something we have in pink and you need it in another color, we’ll find it for you.”
Dunham says keeping collections easy to browse and a wide variety keeps customers coming back.
TOPIARY TREE 1801 University Drive, Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2:30p.m. through Dec. 22. This little shop is packed with gift ideas. Their best selling item this sea-
son is the PJ Harlow Pajamas. There are more than 15 styles in eight colors. The shop is known for its embossed graphics stationary, raised ink and embossed stationary, which is made in house. You’ll also find everyday and holiday collections of handmade pottery from Etta, Miss. With many serving pieces to choose from, they are dishwasher, microwave and oven safe. The store also features Earthborn pottery from Birmingham, jewelry at every price point, fur capes and jackets, leather goods for men and luxurious lotions and soaps for women.
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
SMALL BUSINESS
For Adam Davidson, There’s No Place Like Homebuilding By Lori J. Connors Adam Davidson of Davidson Homes
Adam Davidson was destined to run his own business, developing it from the ground up. Before graduating with a degree in business management and entrepreneurship from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Davidson realized he would need to focus on a specific industry. After being inspired by an uncle who built homes, Davidson said he “started researching the home building industry and really embraced it.” “I applied to a bunch of different places in the Southeast and got my big shot with one of
“I truly believe in hard work and surrounding myself with good people both inside and outside of my company,”
the public builders in Gulfport, Miss., as a superintendent.” Davidson spent two years working with the company then decided to go into business for himself. In 2009, he moved to Huntsville and incorporated Davidson Homes. At an age when most newly minted college graduates are starting off in entry-level jobs, the 24-year-old Davison was founder, president and chief executive officer of his own homebuilding business. Aside from the usual challenges common to small business ownership, Davidson took an even greater risk by starting his company in the middle of the housing crisis. Over the past nine years, it is evident that the gamble has paid off. Starting with the Priceville market, Davidson built and sold his first home. He then purchased lots from developers and, by 2011, his Priceville community was a reality. By the end of 2012, the company had closed on 39 homes, allowing Davidson to hire a superintendent and sales agent. The company has since
expanded to a team of 36. Over the past six years, Davidson Homes has grown an average of 38 percent per year and is on track for 100 percent growth in 2018 and again in 2019 as it adds the Nashville and Raleigh markets. Davidson Homes currently has 12 communities with 12 more on the way. “We expect to be building in 24 communities by the end of the year,” Davidson said. “We look for markets with strong job growth and areas with strategic partnership opportunities with capital firms or land bankers.” Plans for the company include getting its Raleigh communities off the ground and to continue expanding its offerings in the Huntsville and Nashville markets. Over the next five years, Davidson anticipates being in seven new markets by adding one new market each year. “I truly believe in hard work and surrounding myself with good people both inside and outside of my company,” he said. “The desire to grow, recognize who we are, and strive for more is contagious.”
“We look for markets with strong job growth and areas with strategic partnership opportunities with capital firms or land bankers.”
December 2018
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SMALL BUSINESS
What’s Happening at the CATALYST CENTER FOR BUSINESS AND ENTREPEURSHIP By Lori J. Connors RETIRING: JOANNE RANDOLPH After an exceptional career of leadership and service, Joanne Randolph, CEO of The Catalyst Center, will be retiring in July 2019. As one of the founding members of the then-Women’s Business Center of North Alabama, Randolph served as the first board chair, then was hired full time in October 2006. Under her leadership, WBCNA/The Catalyst experienced remarkable growth, which can be largely attributed to Randolph’s entrepreneurial mindset and the development of revenue-generating programming. Randolph has also been successful in securing numerous grants from a variety of organizations. During her tenure, she has secured over $3.5 million in grants and contracts. Under her leadership, the Catalyst has been recognized by the Chamber as the “Nonprofit of the Year;” by SBA as the “Women’s Business Center of Excellence” for the state of Alabama and the southern region; and by the BBB as the “Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.” Although her career has taken her all over the world, Randolph said one-toone coaching with small businesses is really where her heart lies. “Passing the baton just after the completion of a new strategic plan, with a strong board in place and new projects underway makes this the ideal time,” she said. “I am deeply grateful to have worked with such a great organization for 18 years and expect big things for The Catalyst going forward.” EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IN LEADERSHIP Dec. 4, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Understanding your team is key to unlocking their full potential. This workshop can help leaders get better acquainted with their team, making use of their unique personality traits and skill sets. Led by Miriam Ezell, owner of CORE Business Strategies and Coach at Eagle Center for Leadership, this program will show you how to better understand the people in your life, improve company culture, and instill effective leadership and communication with your team. For businesses who want to send a team of five or more employees, contact Katie Williams at 256-428-8190 for group discount information.
startup, this program is for you. With ENGAGE, entrepreneurs can gain insight on how to think through the basic components of starting and/or growing a business. It can also help you determine areas of focus, develop communication and networking skills, and craft a solid roadmap for success. ENTREPRENEUR BOOT CAMP OFFERED TWICE A YEAR This 8-week program is designed to introduce you to the key elements of successful entrepreneurship. UNDERSTANDING FINANCIALS OFFERED TWICE A YEAR No matter what stage of business, knowing what financials to review, how to evaluate them, and what the numbers mean is the key to business success. For more information, contact info@catalystcenter.org. To register for programming, visit http://www.catalystcenter.org/upcoming-programs.
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MONTHLY LOAN CLINIC First Tuesday of Every Month , 8:30-9:30 a.m. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, this program is for you. In this Loan Clinic, learn to navigate the preparation and application process. Learn about the 5 C’s of Credit, Credit Scores, Credit Reports, Loan structures, and B.A.M. – the new Business Assistance Microloan program, funded in partnership with Redstone Federal Credit Union, The Catalyst Center, and the North Alabama Revolving Loan Fund. Microloans from $5,000 to $25,000 to help small businesses at any stage get the funding they need to move forward. In addition, the Catalyst offers loan support services – from application to acceptance – and ongoing, post-loan services, such as coaching and financial reviews. ENGAGE IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP Fridays, Twice Monthly, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Have a business or a business idea? Here’s an opportunity to meet with experts who’ve been there, done that, and have succeeded at it. From inception to
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12
Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
SPORTS / RECREATION
Trash Panda-monium is Sweeping the World
By Bud McLaughlin
The Rocket City Trash Pandas have become the new “in” thing. And, that’s not hyperbole. The new minor league baseball team – which doesn’t have any players or even a ballpark, yet – has gained a popularity of epic proportion. Yes. We said “Epic.” Trash Panda-monium is a worldwide phenomenon. “We continue to be overwhelmed and thankful for the unprecedented interest in our ballclub,” said Trash Pandas’ Managing Partner/CEO Ralph Nelson. “We have had merchandise orders from all 50 states and more than 35 foreign countries in two weeks. “When more than 6,000 people showed up to Dublin Park (in Madison in November) for our logo reveal, we knew that we had something special.” The team has a store at Bridge Street Town
Centre which will be open until Dec. 30. Then, all orders will be online at trashpandas.milb.com. The team’s popularity is unprecedented in Minor League Baseball. The Trash Pandas staff reached out to MiLB officials for help in how to handle the demand – especially from overseas.
EMERGENCY CARE WITH
LESS WAITING
“Other teams don’t have this problem,” said Jenny Askins, the team’s vice president for corporate and community partnerships. Community Relations Director Emo Furfori said the requests from so many countries – not to mention every state - is a first for Minor League Baseball. And that’s according to none other than executives with MiLB. “We asked them ‘how do you ship to foreign countries’,” Furfori said. “They said ‘We don’t know.’ “’We never had to do that before.’” So, the team is sailing through uncharted waters for merchandise sales and there are still about 16 months before the first pitch is thrown at the stillunder construction facility. But it is a problem they don’t mind having. “During our ‘soft opening’ (Nov. 12), we generated 50 percent of the merchandising revenue that we had generated at the Dublin Park event,” Nelson said. “The extraordinary support from the people of North Alabama has been nothing short of amazing.” Amazing, to say the least. “We knew people would want it,” Askins said. “But didn’t know it would be everyone all at once.”
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One Hospital Drive • Huntsville 256-429-4000 • CrestwoodMedCenter.com *E.R. wait time, which is defined as the time it takes from check-in at the E.R. desk until a patient is initially seen by a provider, can change quickly. This time is dependent on the severity of the illness and other patients also in the E.R.
December 2018
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
BANKING / FINANCIAL
Bank Independent, Alabama’s SixthLargest Bank, Opens in Madison Written By Kimberly Ballard
l
Photography by Steve Babin
MADISON – After nearly a decade, the time proved right and Bank Independent celebrated the grand opening of its Madison branch Nov. 13 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house. Area President Tim Singleton said they are excited about becoming part of the Madison community. “We have owned the Madison property for 10 years and have been waiting for the right time and circumstance to open there,” he said. “This year, we are celebrating 70 years in the banking business and this will be our 29th location in North Alabama.” The branch is at the corner of Nance Road and U.S. 72. The bank’s management team and branch staff joined Angelina Pettway, vice president and sales officer, in welcoming visitors and showing them around the newlycompleted facility.
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“The new Madison branch provides state-of-the-art digital banking services while holding firm to Bank Independent’s philosophy of delivering unsurpassed personal service,” said Pettway. “We are looking forward to a long relationship with the people of Madison.” Headquartered in Sheffield, Bank Independent is the sixth largest bank in Alabama with $1.6 billion in assets. There is also a branch at 132 Holmes Avenue in downtown Huntsville. Macke Mauldin, President and CEO of BancIndependent Inc., spoke about the bank’s commitment to the communities it serves. “We are thrilled to be a part of the innovative and thriving community of Madison,” Mauldin said. “Our mission is to make a positive difference in people’s lives, so we are excited not just to provide banking services to this community, but to be an active participant in making it an even better place to live and work.” Customers will recognize Bank Independent’s signature Williamsburg architecture, which is consistent with their other locations. However, hoping to attract clientele from Research Park and the technology companies there, they will be offering a more contemporary atmosphere for doing business. Upon entering the bank, customers will find modern amenities such as a Tech Bar with secure iPads for customer use, and a refreshment center with coffee, water, and snacks. In addition, each team member is prepared to provide assistance with any banking need. Without leaving their vehicles, customers can take advantage of the branch’s drive-thru hours of 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday. “For over 70 years, Bank Independent has focused on providing the latest conveniences to our customers while maintaining an exceptional level of personal service,” said CEO Rick Wardlaw. “We believe technology is an enabler of great personal service, not a substitute for it. We are excited to be able to bring a combination of the latest banking technology and our genuine passion for customer service to Madison.”
December 2018
15
Business Briefcase HudsonAlpha’s Brewer Named IAAP Foundation Board Chair
Turner Celebrates Topping Out at Aerojet Rocketdyne Plant
Google Fiber Pledges $10,000 to HudsonAlpha STEM Programs
Sentar Awarded $12.1 Billion Army Contract
Stacey Brewer, executive coordinator for Dr. Neil Lamb at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, was recently appointed as board chair for the International Association of Administrative Professionals Foundation. Brewer will serve a two-year term. “Successful organizations depend on top-tier administrative professionals like Stacey Brewer,” said Lamb. “Admins are arguably the critical ‘connective tissue’ that keep a group informed and on track. Stacey is key to our educational outreach program’s success and I’m appreciative that IAAP has equipped him with relevant and timely professional development tools. “We’re proud of his work with the Foundation and excited about his appointment as board chair.”
Turner Construction recently celebrated the topping-out for Aerojet Rocketdyne’s Advanced Manufacturing Facility in Huntsville. The facility began construction in March. The 136,000-square-foot industrial facility, sitting on 18.25 acres at the corner of Pulaski Pike and Prosperity Drive, will be used to produce subcomponents of the AR1 rocket engines, composite cases for rocket motors and 3D-printed rocket engine components. The plant will also bring approximately 180 jobs. Project executives and site leaders at the event included James Ramseier, senior manager at Aerojet Rocketdyne; Chip Cherry, CEO of Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce; Medora Gaddes, assistant project manager at Hoar Program Management; Justin Lanfair, Turner Construction project manager; and Denny Lulfs, Turner Construction superintendent.
Google Fiber’s Huntsville team pledged $10,000 to science education programs at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. Lynette Barksdale, Google Fiber’s Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion visited the institute to speaks on the challenges that the tech industry faces when it comes to diversity, and the importance of addressing those issues. “We’ve found there are three ways to build a truly inclusive culture,” Barksdale said. “Being respectful, increasing emotional intelligence, and checking biases often. Ethnic and gender stereotypes and bias are a very real thing — whether intentional or unintentional.” The Google Fiber team toured the HudsonAlpha Educational Outreach space and learned about the educational programs developed specifically for underserved students. “HudsonAlpha’s existing STEM outreach and education programs have a phenomenal impact on the community,” Barksdale said. “We’re proud to be able to support them in their work.”
Sentar, a Woman-Owned Small Business, was recently awarded a potential, nine-year, $12.1 billion contract from the Army. The Huntsville-based company specializes in advanced cybersecurity and intelligence services and technology. The award is an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract for Information Technology Enterprise Solutions-3 services, known as ITES-3S. The program is expected to be the Army’s primary source of IT-related services worldwide. The contract ceiling value is $25 billion. “Sentar is excited to be recognized as a leading small business that can provide the innovation and agility required in today’s cybersecurity-intensive IT environment,” said Bridget Abashian, CEO and president of Sentar. “We look forward to strengthening our relationship with our Army customers and delivering services essential to the soundness of our nation’s most critical programs for years to come.”
Star Lab Moves Office to Stovehouse A Washington, D.C.-based cyber security company has moved its Huntsville office to the city’s Westside. Star Lab, an embedded security company which provides solutions to defense and commercial customers, recently moved to a 4,626 square-foot space at the historic mixed-use Stovehouse development on Governors Drive. Founded in 2014, Star Lab works to ensure that critical systems operating in hostile situations can withstand cyber attacks, reverse engineering and other activities. The company safeguards the integrity and security of multibilliondollar assets and provides solutions that severely limit potential attacks.
Laird Named LSINC Director of Operations Laken Laird has been named director of operations for LSINC Corp. Laird will support the chief operations officer in monitoring day-to-day operational systems and processes; plan, monitor, and analyze key metrics to ensure efficient and timely completion of tasks; and collaborate with executive leadership on budget and planning, as well as developing long term operational strategies. Laird has served as a strategic business analyst for LSINC for the 3 1/2 years.
Spur Moving Headquarters to Stovehouse Spur, one of the nation’s largest technology staffing companies, is moving its headquarters to Stovehouse, according to Stovehouse properties and Crunkleton Commercial Real Estate. Having outgrown its current Huntsville location, Spur plans to expand its workforce with its move to a 9,853-square foot space in Stovehouse, the large-scale office/food/events complex in on Governors Drive in Westside Huntsville. Spur, founded in 2017, provides businesses an easier and less expensive way to meet their staffing needs. Workers can access job opportunities tailored to their preferences and gain access to 24/7 training and professional development tools. “Smart phone proliferation and technology tools that are available to the workforce mean the old way of staffing is changing,” said company CEO/founder Danny Clayton, who also founded Appleton Talent. “We created Spur to empower the worker, help them find jobs they are interested in, and give them more control over their schedules.” Spur has more than 70 full-time corporate employees and has plans of adding more than 30 within the next six months.
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Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL
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256-327-1104 | redfcu.org At least one owner of the business must be, or become, a member of RFCU , or be in our field of membership in order to obtain a business loan. Must be eligible for membership and open a share savings account to join RFCU. A $5 minimum deposit is required to open a share savings account and must be maintained in a share savings account at all times. In addition, a business share account must be opened in the business name in order to obtain a loan. All loans subject to credit approval. RFCU is an Equal Credit Opportunity Lender. Other restrictions may apply. Limited time offer for Visa Business cards only. Offer valid on qualifying net purchases posted to the account from November 1, 2018, through December 31, 2018. Qualifying net purchases defined as purchases, less merchandise returned for credits. One-time bonus points will be applied to your MyChoice Rewards within 45 days after the promotion expires. To be eligible for the bonus points, the credit card account must remain open. Other restrictions may apply. See credit card agreement for additional information for terms and conditions about your credit card account. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Services Association. ®
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10/22/2018 3:04:58 PM
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