June 2019

Keeping you informed and inspired.

VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 6

June 2019

FRANCHISING

Successful Business Family Brings Hand & Stone Massage to Huntsville

COVER STORY

Page 12 Just opened in the Shops at Merchant Square next door to Chuy’s Tex-Mex, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa offers a membership-based massage and facial experience that is affordable and convenient.

By Kimberly Ballard - Page 3

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Time to Celebrate: Urban Engine Turns 4

Known for hosting its weekly co-working nights, Urban Engine is more than a social platform, it is a springboard for ideas and a cultural movement that resonates with our growing community of innovators, founders, and leaders.

By Lori J. Connors - Page 19

ADDITIONAL STORIES • Team Owner Keith Jeffries Credits Golden Rule for Success of Huntsville Havoc

By Mike Easterling • Page 7

• Clift Farm: Breland Companies Bought the Farm That Jack Built

By Kimberly Ballard • Page 11

• $38.2M Luxury Apartment Development Planned for Balch Road

By Jonathon Stinson • Page 14

• Auto Supplier DaikyoNishikawa to Locate First U.S. Plant in Huntsville, Creating 380 Jobs

Online

By Bud McLaughlin • Page 20

Huntsvillebusinessjournal.com

Twitter

@HsvBizJournal

LinkedIn

www.linkedin.com/company/huntsville-business-journal/

Facebook

www.facebook.com/huntsvillebusinessjournal

HUNTSVILLE

BUSINESS JOURNAL Vol 2, Issue 6 June 2019 600 Boulevard South Suite 104 Huntsville, AL 35802

2

Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

What a 12 Months It Has Been for Business in Huntsville When the idea of the Huntsville Business Journal was conceived a year ago, it was to fill a void we believed was missing in our community.

Now, in this, our 12th issue, we can wrap up what has happened in the last 12 months.

Wow! The Huntsville-Madison County economic base has been evolving and took several major steps to become more diverse.

Needless to say, the biggest impact is the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant. With this facility, as well as the expansion at the Toyota engine plant in north Huntsville, and the suppliers that have and will be announced, we are becoming a mini-Motor City.

But, we’re not shedding our hightech skin by any stretch.

Facebook is building a data center while local companies Dynetics and Radiance Technologies announced major expansion plans.

We will still keep our “Federal

City of the South” moniker as well, thanks to the FBI and its plans to base some 4,000 agents at Redstone Arsenal.

Huntsville is still the Rocket City, too. GE Aviation and Blue Origin will open facilities here. In fact, Blue Origin will build rocket engines in Cummings Research Park.

BAE Systems, a long-time defense contractor in Research Park, is expanding its operations with a new facility there.

A pair of overpasses on South Memorial Parkway were completed, opening up that part of the city and leading to its official Main Street designation.

In that vein, the Hays family announced plans for a massive Hays Farm mixed-use development in the area of the old Haysland Shopping Center on South Parkway.

The mixed-use concept has exploded, to say the least.

With Town Madison stretching

from Wall-Triana Highway to Zierdt Road along I-565 and MidCity and its vast offerings at the site of the former Madison Square Mall on University Drive, not to mention Stovehouse on Governors Drive along with Times Plaza on the Parkway, mixed-use is the way of the future.

Adding to the retail industry are the likes of the Shoppes at Redstone Square and Merchants Square, both bringing businesses and concepts new to the area.

Then, there is downtown with its skyline of cranes and rising hotels to meet an increasing demand. Some 1,000 rooms will be added in the coming months to help attract conventions and the dollars they bring.

In closing, we at the Huntsville Business Journal thank you for taking this ride with us and we look forward to what is before us. u (Bud McLaughlin is editor of the Huntsville Business Journal. He joins Fred Holland every Wednesday at 6:30 a.m. on WTKI-FM 105.3 and AM-1450)

Subsidiary of EVENT Publishing

Publisher/President ……… Todd Stephenson Editor ………………………… Bud McLaughlin Writers………………………… Kimberly Ballard

Lori J. Connors

Mike Easterling

Jonathan Stinson Contributing Writers…………… Zack Childress

Jim Owens

Brent Saba Graphic Design ………………… Justina Simon Website……………………………… Jim Gharib Photographers…………………… Steve Babin

Kimberly Ballard

Marianne Higgins

Justina Simon

Jeff White Director of Sales ……… Carolyn Stephenson Distribution……………………… Glenda 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.

June 2019

3

FRANCHISING

Successful Business Family Brings Hand & Stone Massage to Huntsville

Ayesha Patel may be one of Huntsville’s youngest new business owners but, at 26, she comes from a long line of successful Huntsville franchise owners who have built multiple restaurant concepts that were new to Huntsville when they opened.

Now the owner of Alabama’s first Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa is introducing Huntsville to a new pampering and relaxation concept.

Just opened in the Shops at Merchant Square next door to Chuy’s Tex-Mex, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa offers a membership-based massage and facial experience that is affordable and convenient.

“For $60 a month, Ayesha and her Stone & Massage staff are going to pay a lot of attention to you for the hour you are there, for not a lot of money,” said Bob McQuillan, vice president of franchise development for the chain.

“A massage and facial are luxury items but, with us, not expensive ones.

When you think about it, you can’t get a plumber to come to your home for less than $90 an hour, so this is really a great value.”

“We were thinking about getting involved in a health and wellness concept and, when I saw this, I thought, everybody loves massages and facials and the two seem to really comple-

ment each other,” said Ayesha Patel. “I think Huntsville is ready for an experience like this.

We have our membership, which is unique and a great value, but we’ve also had so many calls already looking to book last minute appointments.”

“When you’re looking around the area for a massage, you typically have to book a week in advance. At Hand & Stone, you know you can call sameday and we can try to get you in right away.”

Ayesha’s father, Kumar Patel, started out with Huntsville’s first Subway shops but sold them several years ago to pursue other restaurant brands in Huntsville: Five Guys, Nothing But Noodles, and Schlotzsky’s Deli, all of which are among Huntsville favorites.

Ayesha’s uncle, Dr. Rajesh Patel, is in partnership with Kumar at the Nothing Bundt Cakes in Jones Valley where Ayesha has worked herself up to operating partner, overseeing a staff of 18 employees.

“I’ve grown up in business, working throughout both middle school and high school in our family businesses,” said Patel. “When I graduated from Birmingham Southern, I told myself I wasn’t going to pursue the family business, but then I came home and found myself working in the bakery. As an adult, I was allowed a more hands-on experience, and really enjoyed it.

“I did some research and found that Hand & Stone was growing like crazy with over 400 spas across the nation, but none in Alabama. I put in my information and waited to see how it would go.”

“Let’s put it this way,” said McQuillan. “If our company was looking for a football team, Ayesha and the team surrounding her including her father, aunt and uncle who have owned multiple businesses in the franchise world for years, made Ayesha a 5-star prospect for what we want to ac-

complish with our stores in Alabama.”

McQuillan said Hand & Stone has tried to set themselves apart in the marketplace and in the industry by offering complementary services across the board.

“Many of the concepts in our industry offer just massages, but we offer facials, hair removal, and two full skin care lines,” he said. “It isn’t just about the body, it’s about skin care, it’s about a regimen - a routine - to protect yourself from the sun and honestly, I think we have knocked the cover off the ball when it comes to the aesthetic side of the business.

“That new store in Huntsville is a rocket ship about to really take off!”

“We have a very spa-like atmosphere with 10-rooms, seven masseuses and we’re about to hire two more; and four estheticians for facials,” said Patel.

“We carry two brands of skin care and anti-aging products. One of them is Dermalogica and the other is Clarity Skin. Dermalogica is more widely

By Kimberly Ballard / Photography by Steve Babin

known but Clarity is an all-natural brand out of California. It is a little more expensive, but both are excellent choices.

“Furthermore, those are the only products we use in-house, so if you have a facial, you can follow up by purchasing the same products we used on you.”

Hand & Stone memberships cost $59.95 per month. That includes a 50-minute, hands-on massage or facial. If you don’t use it, it carries over to the next month. If you use it more than once a month, you still pay the discounted price of $59.95 for each additional massage or facial during the month, but you get an additional treatment with each such as a hot stone or Himalayan salt massage, or LED Skin Phototherapy or detox facial, etc., for free.

Membership is month to month so there are no contracts, but without the membership, the standalone price is $99.95. u

Advertorial

4

Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

DINING

A Food Hall of Kitchens, Breweries and Food Trucks Coming to Town Madison

MADISON — At his State of the City Address in March, Madison Mayor Paul Finley told the audience to buckle up for some big announcements coming out of the new Town Madison development this spring.

And, the Breland Companies delivered a big one!

By Kimberly Ballard / Photos Courtesy of Fuqua Development

restaurants about joining the unique dining lineup.

Designed by Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart, an international design firm based in Atlanta, the Food Hall will feature a large outdoor event space and covered stage area for a variety of events including a showcase for songwriters, concerts and big screen showings of various sporting events.

“Along with the (Rocket City) Trash Pandas stadium, the Food Hall and plaza area will become the place to be before a game or any time people want to meet with friends and share new experiences.”

The Food Hall joins the growing roster of tenants at Town Madison including the baseball stadium; several hotels including the Avid Hotel, Home2 Suites and Margaritaville

“Town Madison is taking another step toward our goal to provide a new experience in North Alabama living,” said Louis Breland. “We toured some of the finest food halls in the country looking for the right concept. A great food hall becomes a central gathering spot and brings unique energy to a community.

Resort Hotel; restaurants; national retailers such as Duluth Trading Co.; luxury apartments and residential communities.

Construction on the Food Hall begins this summer and tenants will be announced by the end of the year.

It is slated to open next spring - in time for the first pitch. u

The latest addition is a sprawling Food Hall of 18 kitchens curated by local and regional chefs, two breweries, and several stationary food trucks in an outdoor dining area. A central bar with indoor/outdoor seating will serve as an anchor, and developers are talking to several local and regional

June 2019

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Region Leads State in Capital Investment, Job Creation

By Kimberly Ballard

Limestone and Madison counties topped all other counties in Alabama for new capital investment (CAPEX), according to the 2018 New & Expanding Industry Report just released by the Alabama Department of Commerce. They also led in job creation.

Limestone County led the state with CAPEX of $1.7 billion, followed by Madison County with $1.1 billion in new capital investment.

The Limestone County figures are heavily driven by the $1.6 billion Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA plant under construction in Huntsville-Limestone County.

Furthermore, according to the report, Limestone County ranked first in job creation at 4,172 jobs.

Madison County ranked No. 3 at 1,043 jobs; however, Harrison Diamond, Business Relations Officer at the City of Huntsville said the report contains a caveat.

“The numbers for our area are even better when you realize that

Huntsville is now comprised of Madison, Limestone and Morgan counties,” said Diamond. “Limestone’s numbers included some investment not in Huntsville, but when you pull it all together, Huntsville’s CAPEX is $2.7 billion with 5,189 jobs created in 2018.”

Growth in automotive and aerospace remained strong in 2018, boding well for North Alabama, which has momentum for the rest of 2019.

The report outlines 357 economic development projects totaling a record-breaking $8.7 billion in CAPEX statewide with 17,062 jobs from new and expanding industries.

That is the highest increase since 2015 at $7.1 billion.

“This success solidifies my belief that we are building a more dynamic economy in Alabama and creating a pathway to greater prosperity for its citizens,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. u

COMPANY YEAR JOBS INVESTMENT BAE Systems Inc. 2018 200 $45,500,000 BWXT 2018 5 $0 Custom Assembly, Inc. 2018 75 $0 DC Blox 2018 5 $10,867,600 Dynetics 2018 130 $24,455,643 EOS 2018 100 $2,500,000 Facebook 2018 100 $750,000,000 Kohler 2018 149 $175,470,698 LG Electronics 2018 159 $28,100,000 Mitchell Plastics 2018 95 $18,315,000 Mynaric USA 2018 2 $0 Novocol Healthcare 2018 7 $1,000,000 Radiance Technologies, Inc. 2018 60 $18,990,000 Redline Steel 2018 50 $11,111,454 St. Gobain 2018 2 $13,000,000 Torch Technologies 2018 40 $6,325,000 Toyota/Mazda JV 2018 4000 $1,600,000,000 VT Miltope 2018 10 $0 TOTAL 5,189 $2,700,000,000

5

6

Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

SPORTS / RECREATION

Trash Pandas Tap into Baseball Legacy; Sales hit $1 Million His grandfather, Harry, gained legendary status announcing St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs games and is enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Josh’s father, Skip, was inducted into the Atlanta Braves Hall of Fame following a career that Pictured L to R: Trash Pandas CEO Ralph Nelson, spanned from 1976-2008.

John Lewis, Josh Caray His brother, Chip, is currently a Braves broadcaster.

MADISON — The radio voice for “I’ve done a little bit of everything,’’ the Rocket City Trash Pandas’ first miJosh Caray said during a press conference nor league season in 2020 won’t be a at the site where the Pandas will play familiar face. But his sound, and most once the stadium is completed. “I actucertainly his last name, are more easally started my career with the (Single-A) ily recognizable. Especially for longtime Rome Braves, then worked for the (Tribaseball fans. ple-A Braves affiliate) Gwinnett Stripers Josh Caray was announced as the and then worked in news in Atlanta. The Trash Pandas play-by-play man by team last four years I’ve been at Stoney Brook owner Ralph Nelson. He’s part of a University on Long Island.’’ broadcasting family that is practically Caray will call games for the Hudbaseball royalty.

son Valley Renegades, a Single-A club that plays in the New York-Penn League.

He’ll join join the Trash Pandas for their inaugural Double-A Southern League season next year.

“It was a culture shock,’’ he said of New York. “It took some time getting used to. You can’t take the South out of a southern boy. It’s good to be back.’’

Caray said he’s used to facing comparisons to his family members. He said he likely resembles his dad when calling games -- without the biting humor that was a trademark of the late Skip.

“Just listening to myself I think I remind me some of my dad having grown up listening to him,’’ Josh Caray said.

“People are going to compare. That’s only natural so I don’t really have a problem with it. That comes with the territory.

“You’ve got to be a little more careful these days with what you say. I’m not as biting as my dad was. I don’t want to do that and that’s not my personality.’’

The Pandas have a three-year con-

By Mike Easterling / Photography by Bud McLaughlin tract with Cumulus Media. All 140 road and home games will be carried on WUMP-FM 103.9 and 730 AM. “To have Josh Caray as our voice is yet another huge win for the amazing Trash Pandas fan base,’’ Nelson said.

“They’re going to be blown away by his big-league style.’’

Nelson also announced the team was nearing $1 million in sales, which have been brisk since items went on sale in November.

“That’s merchandise alone,’’ Nelson said. “That doesn’t count season ticket sales.’’

More than 900 season tickets have been sold. The team hopes to reach the 1,200 season-ticket mark, then begin selling different packages.

“I don’t think I expected the merchandise sales,’’ Nelson said. “I don’t think anybody expected the merchandise sales. This community has embraced us so well.’’ u

Bullet and Barrel Not Your Typical Gun Store

By Jonathan Stinson / Photography by Jonathon Stinson

The people behind the counters at Bullet and Barrel in Huntsville are trying to redefine what a shooting-range experience is supposed to be by creating an environment that takes into account aesthetics, services and a personal touch.

“It’s really designed to be welcoming to people from all walks of life,” Louis Southard, Bullet and Barrel’s general manager, said. “You know, people who aren’t necessarily gun people, people who never bought a gun before, they come in and they don’t get that typical gun store experience.

“They get something much more modernized, much more akin to walking into a Verizon store.”

When you walk into Bullet and Barrel, you don’t see the one thing you’d expect to see at a shooting range – guns.

Instead, there are displays of men’s and

women’s clothes and accessories, along emphasis is placed on customer service with a number of other items. They do sell such as when a first-time shooter visits the guns and offer gunsmithing services, but range. the guns are toward the back of the store.

“Let’s say you’re a new shooter and That’s because, according to Southyou decide to come in and shoot with us,” ard, new shooters make up one of the he said. “Ideally, you’ll let us know at the biggest segments of their customer base. range check-in and we’ll have a RSO there So, one of the goals was to ease people to help you out and kind of keep an eye on into the guns with what he called a “soft things like making sure the gun is pointed entrance”, which makes it less intimidatin a safe direction, making sure your fining for customers to come in and learn ger is off the trigger until you are ready to about shooting sports. shoot and making sure the gun is safe to Beyond the entrance, Bullet and Barshoot.” rel blends farmhouse-rustic aesthetics In addition to the attention the staff with technology. pays to its guests, Bullet and Barrel offers Touchpads are setup to log in new in-house classes and have partnered with shooters and each lane, designed to be Bishop 30 Solutions - a company that wider than normal, is equipped with a offers defense training courses for civilstate-of-art target carrier system that alians, businesses and churches - to expand lows shooters to set the distance of their learning opportunities for their customers targets. The 100-yard tunnels used for at the 30,000 square-foot facility. sighting rifles are decked out with high“That’s the kind of thing you don’t tech feedback, as well, making it quick see at most shooting ranges,” Southand easy to calibrate a ard said. “Most shooting Louis Southard, Owner scope. ranges, they do everything “Our goal is to get in-house, but Noell (Bishmore and more people op, founder of Bishop 30 into the shooting sports,” Solutions) has an impresSouthard said. sive background. People That’s why, accordlearn from him. They love ing to Southard, such an him, and they can take all

sorts of different classes from him.”

According to the range’s website, www.bulletandbarrel.com, there are about 20 different classes that can be taken at Bullet and Barrel.

For example, there is a concealed-carry training course by Bishop 30 Solutions, which is a four-hour class that covers everything from choosing a holster, the right ammunition, a review of basic skills and an overview of Alabama law relating to different scenarios.

Then there is a class on first aid for gunshot wounds, a ladies-only Handgun 101 class and a youth marksmanship class.

Bullet and Barrel offers membership packages and accepts walk-ins. There are also benefits such as a member’s only lounge, lane priority, free guest passes and a litany of other perks.

For nonmembers, fees run from $18 an hour for a lane rental to $18 for a half hour on the 100-yard range.

The range also offers more than 100 different firearms that can be rented starting at $10.

Bullet and Barrel, at 3252 Leeman Ferry Road in Huntsville, is owned by Melanie Hammer Murray and Bill Roberts. For information, call 256-384-4867 or visit www.bulletandbarrel.com. u

June 2019

7

SPORTS / RECREATION

By Mike Easterling / Team Owner Keith Jeffries Credits Photography by Mike Easterling Golden Rule for Success of Huntsville Havoc

The man behind the hottest ticket in town last month entered professional minor league sports with no experience in the field and no grand plans on how to make his venture a success.

But Keith Jeffries, owner of the back-to-back and three-time Southern Professional Hockey League champion Huntsville Havoc, also didn’t jump in with eyes closed and without a guiding light.

He leaned on a principle that can be found in the name of his former business — Golden Rule Printing.

“It goes back to when I went into business early in life, when I was in my early 20s,’’ Jeffries said. “My dad told me the key has always been good customer service. The name we had was Golden Rule and it came from the idea of how to treat people, whether they were customers or employees, to try to treat people the way you’d want to be treated as a customer or employee.

“We try to do the same thing here. We’re not perfect, but we’re getting better. If I was a fan or season ticket holder -- how would I want to be treated? Some things are out of our control, but we still do the best with what we have.’’

That best resulted in four straight seasons where the Havoc set SPHL

attendance records. Sellouts are common, and the team defeated the Birmingham Bulls at a packed, raucous VBC Propst Arena on April 27 to add to previous titles in 2010 and 2018.

Winning certainly helps drive attendance. So does cozy relations with the VBC’s Steve Maples and Mike Vojticek. Concession sales have soared at the renovated Propst Arena.

But a major part of the Havoc’s successful formula is Jeffries.

Ashley Balch, the team president, would know. He’s been with the franchise since its inception 15 years ago when the team played for one year as the Channel Cats. And he was there when the Havoc won 11 games in 2014-15, then set its first attendance record the following season. “(The key) is commitment from ownership, the commitment from Keith and Becky Jeffries,’’ Balch said.

“Keith doesn’t own any other business. They’re not doing this just for fun. This has become their life.

“They’ve made my family part of their family. The way they treat their employees makes you want to make them proud. You want to do a good job for them.’’

It certainly doesn’t hurt the Havoc’s bottom line that the city and area has transplants from hockey-

crazed regions and an ever-growing population. And the team returns the favor by giving the city yet another reason for the growth.

“Keith does a great show and it’s been a great year for the team,’’ said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle.

“It’s something most people don’t expect when they come here. The interesting thing is people come here and you’ve got to have something to draw people to downtown and keep people downtown.

“It’s just part of your draw for the VBC and the downtown area. It all blends together into something that makes a community.’’

Before the puck dropped on the inaugural 2004-05 season Jeffries did some homework. He talked to Ron Evans, the former VBC director, and others. He listened and heard what worked and what didn’t as minor league professional teams from hockey, basketball and, eventually, indoor football came and went.

“A lot of the business models of

the past were maybe -- flawed a little?’’

Jeffries said. “The thing that helped us from the very beginning and continues to help us is the partnership we have with the (VBC). How many owners and buildings have a love-hate relationship and compete? By co-promoting this (team) with the building, we both make money when we put people in the building.’’

Jeffries’ game plan for business success has evolved over 15 years. He said he “obviously’’ spends no money on newspaper advertising since there is no daily newspaper in Huntsville and spends “very little’’ on television and radio spots. The Havoc focus is on social media and reaching out to those who already know the team.

“We spend more time interacting with people who come to our games,’’ he said. “We know they like it and might bring somebody with them.’’

It should be noted that in the SPHL, unlike minor league baseball clubs affiliated with Major League teams, coaches and players are not paid by the big league club.

Jeffries said he doesn’t have a lot of money to open his pockets for charity, since the Havoc is a mom-and-pop operation, but is proud the franchise can give back to the community and charities in different ways because of its profile.

“It’s what keeps me going,’’ he said. u

Garry Linley of Priceville with his grandson Gavin Rives, 5, of Scottsboro

8

Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

SMALL BUSINESS

WOSB Event Prepares Businesses for a Changing Contracting Landscape For small businesses looking to secure a government contract, Huntsville-Madison County is the place to be.

Small businesses, especially women-owned, are seen as highly desirable business partners.

There are caveats, however.

The government contracting landscape is undergoing a major transformation and businesses need to anticipate and prepare for those changes.

The fifth annual Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship WomenOwned Small Business (WOSB) event – entitled “Preparing for the Future” - was designed to empower WomenOwned Small Businesses interested in doing business with the government.

Held at Aegis Technologies, the half-day event was packed with a roomful of enthusiastic participants. “We are so excited and honored to be the presenting sponsor,” said Paula Renfroe, Senior Vice President of Private Banking at ServisFirst Bank.

The event opened with the presentation of the 2019 Female Entrepreneur Award to Alana Parker, owner/CEO of Rocket City Drywall.

As she thanked the audience, Parker said, “I was 25 and had the least amount of experience. Never be too shy to ask for help, they are here to help you.”

The first panel discussion, “Leaders Embracing Change,” was moderated by Mary Griffith, CEO of Avista Strategies.

“When it came time to get serious about defining our business model,” said Sandra Cepeda, president/CEO of Cepeda Systems & Software Analysis.

“At the time, there were really just two or three of us managing the company.

“The hardest thing to do is to let go; to entrust and to empower your team.

It doesn’t have to be done the way you did it.”

Paula Steigerwald, president/CEO of Huntsville Botanical Garden, said, “At the Garden, we’re looking for folks who are adaptable, willing to grow, comfortable with feedback. The Garden belongs to the community and not any one person. You can have an idea but need to keep listening and be responsive to change.”

Meeting Challenges Another challenge facing women is

credibility and overcoming doubts they earned their positions.

“When I became the CEO, I had to earn credibility,” said Alice Lessmann, president/CEO of Cignalink. “It’s one thing to take over as CEO, but another thing to be the wife of the CEO moving into that position. It takes time for people to embrace change.”

For Kristina “KB” Barbee, senior associate at Booz Allen Hamilton, it’s about being out of your comfort zone.

“When you’re at the end of the line and all the good things have been taken,” said Barbee. “Being able to take success in one place and to replicated it in another area. You have to make yourself uncomfortable.”

Lynn Troy, President & CEO of Troy7, talked about bouncing back after a career setback. “I had been at Teledyne Brown since I was 18 years old, they used to joke that I was the longest running Co-op,” said Troy. “I worked for them for nearly 20 years. We lost a contract with MDA due to a ‘conflict of interest’, and just like that, I was let go. I was a very unlikely entrepreneur, building a company from my kitchen table.

There were a lot of things I didn’t know.

I learned not to be afraid, to stop holding myself back. You’ll come out on the other side OK.” In “Strategic Teaming for Government Contracts,” the four speakers discussed the changing government contracting landscape and how important it is to develop and manage strategic partnerships and Mentor-Protégé relationships. “It’s all about strengthening the protégé,” said Laura Anderson, project manager for Mentor Protégé Programs at Missile Defense Agency.

“They need to be properly trained so they can support a sub- or prime con-

tractor. Qualified, small businesses benefit the government by increasing the industrial base and improve components and products for the warfighter. We look for the ‘Win-Win-Win: Win for the protégé, win for the mentor, and win for the agency.’”

As part of “Changing Trends in Government Contracting,” Moderator Leigh Christian, Managing Member, Plans to Prosper Consulting, LLC strongly encouraged the audience to review the new SBA rules and changes, as well as 809 panel.

“Stay on top of government contracting events,” said Christian.

There was in-depth discussion regarding the “Best in Class” designation in contracts and Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs). “Research, google, everything you can,” said Carrie Mahanna, Senior Strategic Programs Specialist, Intuitive Research & Technology Corporation. “There’s a ton of information out there. Women-Owned Small Businesses are considered nontraditional. All small businesses are considered non-traditional. The government wants to work with these small businesses.”

The presentation “Evolution of Recruiting and Retention” was enlightening and engaging. Speaker Jamie N. Jones, SPHR, Talent Acquisition Manager/HR Strategist, Sentar, Inc. delivered her words of wisdom with enthusiasm.

“Listening is important to recruiting,” said Jones. “There is no substitute for good, old fashioned relationship management. Retaining is just as hard as recruiting. Keep them engaged. This starts immediately after they accept the position. Make the onboarding process

By Lori J. Connors / Photography by Katie Williams

as simple as possible.”

Managing Contracts “Managing Contracts from a Big Business Perspective” featured four panelists who discussed the importance of knowing what happens once the contract is signed. Compliance and key problem areas were discussed.

“Compliance is a big deal. Take the contract, break it down into segments, then break it down by work area,” said Elizabeth Phoumavong, subcontracts manager for Torch Technologies.

“Then, create a spreadsheet, page referenced for each section.”

Bruce Emerson, Senior Manager, Supply Chain Management, SAIC -NASA Programs said, “Invoicing is one of the most common mistakes that subcontractors make. Make sure your invoices are on time, accurate, correct, processed and paid. Slow reporting creates a ‘shadow’ with your customer.”

Relationship building with subcontractors were also addressed.

“Build a relationship with your prime, as well as your subcontractors,” said Phoumavong. “If they know you, people will want to do a little bit more for you, than if they don’t know you at all.”

Emerson added, “The customer has expectations and so do you, it’s important to manage your customer’s expectations.”

In the last presentation of the afternoon, “Polishing Your Pipeline,” the panel discussed the major transformation coming down the pike.

“There were 30 outdated solicitations, with a lot of duplication and overlap,” said Chanda Tallman, Industry Liaison, GSA Federal Acquisition Service. “By 1 October, 30 solicitations will be consolidating into one. it will level the playing field for small businesses.”

It was also reiterated that “relationship building and communication are key,” said Mary Birdsong.

“Know the details in your contracts, understand the importance of u compliance.”

June 2019

9

LIFESTYLE

New Salon Is Right in The Avenue’s Wheelhouse

The Rocket City and bustling downtown will soon get a hip, new business addition. The 21,000 square feet of ground floor retail space at the Avenue will be adding Wheelhouse Salon to its growing list of choice tenants.

“It’s a cool story and there’s a ‘methodology to our madness’, said co-owner Johnny Grimes II. “We always wanted to open multiple locations. The Huntsville location will be our fourth salon.”

Five-and-a half years ago, the Wheelhouse Salon opened in Homewood; with only two stylists and a front desk receptionist. The salon later expanded operations to downtown Birmingham to meet the needs of the medical district and other businesses.

“We now have three locations, 44 employees, and it’s grown pretty quickly,” said Grimes.

Their secret to success? “We have the administrative component and an incredibly talented staff, all the qualities that it takes to run a successful salon,” Grimes said. “Our business plan is based around people.”

This extends beyond their clients, it’s how they treat their staff, as

well. When one of their senior stylists moved to Austin, Texas, Wheelhouse took the geographic leap. It was an easy decision to make.

“We had the core components already in place, we already had one of our top stylists there, and Austin was an ideal market for our services,” said Grimes.

The Huntsville expansion came into play when senior stylist Jessica Wass and her husband relocated here.

“About a year ago, Jessica came to us and said that her husband was transferred to Huntsville,” said Grimes. “Jessica loved working with us and at the Wheelhouse and planned to make the commute to Birmingham three times a week.

I told her that she could do it, but it wouldn’t be

By Lori J. Connors / Photography by Johnny Grimes, II

sustainable over time. “(My wife and co-owner) Courtney and I started talking about opening a Huntsville location. Huntsville is an exciting, growing market. We have dear friends who live there, and we already had everything in place.”

The targeted opening date is in July.

“The lease has already been signed,” Grimes said. “So, it’s full steam ahead and we’re really excited.” u

10

Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

TECHNOLOGY

WeRockIT Conference Showcases Diversity in Technology Fiore Ensley and Angelina Uno-Antonison discussed the genesis of the event, which has been over a year in the making.

“In February 2018, we started talking about Presenter Pictured: Daynise Joseph it at Women The WeRockIT’s inaugural conWho Code meetings,” said Ensley. “It ference was organized by a group of was a total success. We had 115 attendpassionate women developers who ees and lots of volunteers. Adtran was are dedicated to enriching the tech amazing as our event sponsor. May community in Huntsville-Madison Chen at Adtran has been our chamCounty. pion since day 1.”

Lead event organizers Marcia Di“WeRockIT’s mission was to

By Lori J. Connors / Photography by Marcia DeFiore Ensley

showcase and grow diverse voices Schwartz, Pat Viofiore, Matt Brooks, in technology. We wanted to make and Joan Dempsey. something that reflected ‘us’,” said “I’m happy to say that the speed Uno-Antonison. “We were way more mentorship event was a success. One successful than I had expected. Of of the attendees was connected with a the speakers, 60 percent were women, local biotech startup and looking for 43 percent were people of color. The junior developers. It was so successful, conference participants represented 54 I ended up having to kick participants percent male and 46 percent female.” out at the end of the night because This year’s topics covered Cloud they wanted to stay and talk.”

Computing, Big Data, Web DeAlong with presentations, there velopment, CyberSecurity, and Embedded Systems. The Conference included a solid mix of keynote speakers, presentations, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops. It also hosted a speed mentorship event and knitting lesPresenter Pictured: Brian Contos sons. was a social lounge which hosted exKeynote speaker Dr. Chantel tended networking and even knitting Suggs, dubbed the Duchess of Cylessons. bersecurity, spoke on “Think Like a “This isn’t something you’d norHacker.” mally see at this type of conference,” Her presentation featured social said Uno-Antonison. media hacks, the hacker mentality, Ensley said she’s eager for next and their methods. Suggs also played a year’s event, especially after a complivideo demonstrating just how easy it is ment about this year. to hack a Twitter account.

Branden Schwartz, the event or“End user education is important,” ganizer for Scenic City Summit in she said. “Knowing how to react and Chattanooga and one of the WeRockIt knowing how to protect yourself is guest speakers, told Ensley, “The only key. If you can think like a hacker, it way I knew this was a first-year conferwill help determine the next steps and ence is because you told me.” u you can create proactive measures in the event of a maPresenter Pictured: Dr. Chanel Suggs licious attack.”

“The most last-minute thing that we added was the speed mentorship event,” said Ensley. “We had seven mentors and seven mentees.

Mentors included event speakers Katreena Mullican, Branden

June 2019

11

DEVELOPMENT

Clift Farm: Breland Companies Bought the Farm That Jack Built

In 1850, the population of rural Madison was less than 500 residents.

Alabama farmers were producing nearly 565,000 bales of cotton and nearly 29 million bushels of corn a year.

John Henry Clift bought a small piece of rural farmland in what was then called Madison Station.

Since then, six generations of the Clift family have farmed that land for cotton, corn, soybeans, fresh fruits, and vegetables, mostly for local consumption.

It was Jack Clift, known as Pawpaw to his many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who moved home from Atlanta after

World War II and took over the family farming business. Jack, who turned 100 years old in December, expanded the farm to more than 600 acres off U.S. 72 between Wall Triana Highway and Balch Road in Madison.

Several years ago, he sold off a sliver to developers who built the shopping plaza where Planet Fitness sits today.

Last fall, Jack officially sold the remaining 550 acres to The Breland Companies which, with his blessing, will develop it into a pedestrian-friendly residential community, park, and retail center.

The Breland development recently broke ground directly across from the Target Shopping Center and Madison Hospital, but according to Joey Ceci, president of The Breland Companies, the development will in every way, honor and represent the Clift legacy.

“Jack has always been a conservationist at heart,” said Ceci. “His original vision for the land was to keep it agricultural, but he realized later in life that it was going to be sold. He wanted to be an active participant in the process and after much discussion with his family, he entrusted the development

By Kimberly Ballard / Photography by Steve Babin

and preservation of his property to Louis Breland.”

“To understand this property, you need to understand the history of the Clift family and what faithful stewards Jack and Lillian Clift have been for this land,” said Breland. “I have ridden every inch of this property with Mr. Clift to understand its history and his vision for this wonderful piece of land.”

The goal is to create a community that will have a timeless feel, that will preserve many of the existing natural attributes, while providing retail, dining, residential, office space, multifamily homes, and medical opportunities.

“There is a lot of retail in that area already, but this one is different from those you are seeing at MidCity Huntsville and Town Madison, which will draw a regional audience,” said

to build roads and a utility infrastructure for the project.

“We have already done a little bit of groundbreaking, but we are currently building arterial roads and putting in that infrastructure,” said Ceci. “Breland is building a third lane into the property from (U.S.) 72 to alleviate the already heavy traffic in that area, and we have brought in traffic engineers to help us install a couple of red lights.”

The front part of the development along U.S. 72 will be retail and restaurants. The back will include three-story luxury apartments and townhomes with an overall pedestrian environment similar to Huntsville’s Village of Providence. Several out-parcels of land may be developed as medical office space, located conveniently across the street from Madison Hospital.

One of the most unique aspects of

Ceci. “This one will be mostly residential and will have a relatively small, town center retail and restaurant component that supports the Clift Farm community.”

He said it will have a very real element of green space: a passive park area planted with wildflowers and fruit trees as opposed to soccer fields; a man-made pond surrounded by greenways, and a lot of walking trails.

The residential component will consist of townhomes starting at $300,000 and homes ranging from $400,000 to $600,000.

In March, the Madison County Commission approved $8 million for Breland to spend on the development,

the project, according to Ceci, is that they carved out a modest plot of land on which Clift’s son and grandson will continue small-scale farming and they are building an enlarged farmer’s market where they will continue to sell fresh fruit and produce from the very land they continue to harvest.

“You have heard restaurants talk about farm-to-table ingredients? In this case, if you order a salad, you can almost sit there and watch the guys go pick it for you,” said Ceci.

Breland expects to begin selling residential lots possibly at the end of this year or early 2020. Some of the retail will likely open in April or May next year. u

12

Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

COVER

Hays Farm Multi-Use Developme

By Bud McLaughlin / Ph

to our family, generation after generation,” Enfinger said. “It has been a place where we’ve worked, played and grown as a family.”

The family has created communities around the county for decades and Enfinger said this is the “best and last” of the large communities they are planning.

“Our best and last large, masterplanned community…Hays Farm and its hundreds of acres of green space will now belong to our friends and neighbors in South Huntsville,” he told the Huntsville Business Journal during a tour of the project.

The project, which is currently under construction, will have about 110 acres of commercial development and 200 acres of residential, leaving about 540 acres for protected land.

The development is estimated to provide a $450 million boost to the area.

“The Hays Farm project has the potential to transform the face of South Huntsville and bring vitality and excitement to South Parkway,” said Huntsville City Councilwoman Jennie Robinson, whose district includes the development. “It will add hundreds of acres of green space to the city as well as miles of trails and recreational amenities while preserving the natural beauty of the area.

“We applaud the Hays family

The answer to the long-asked question “What is going to happen with Haysland Square?” is finally provided.

Hays Farm, an 850-acre development, will soon be raised in South Huntsville after the 55-year-old shopping center is razed.

Jim Hays, John Hays and Jeff Enfinger announced plans for the project which will include an entertainment district, nature preserve, homes, retail, restaurants, a dog park, sports fields and nearly 6 1/2 miles of walking trails.

“This land has meant so much

June 2019

13

STORY

ent Planned for South Huntsville

hotography by Steve Babin

Hays Farm will have three components, Enfinger said. There will be the community park, nature preserve and ballfields – a 20-acre recreation baseball/soccer complex operated by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.

Some 1,000 housing units will include single-family detached, townhouses and rental units. More than 500 single-family homes will range from $300,000 to $700,000.

There are plans for 150 townhouse

Enfinger said. “It goes through the series of lakes – wonderful scenery.”

Madison County Commissioner Phil Riddick, whose district includes south Huntsville, said Hays Farm is an exciting change and addition to the area.

“South Huntsville has not seen new development on this scale in decades. Not only is it substantial in size with greenways, new retail, restaurants and hundreds of new residences, but it will change the face of

units and 350 multifamily rentals.

Each neighborhood within Hays Farm will offer access to trails and an open space network that connects the community to all of Huntsville.

Haysland Road will also extend from South Memorial Parkway through the development to Hobbs Road, a couple hundred yards east of Redstone Arsenal’s Gate 3.

“The Haysland Road extension should be finished by September,”

the community,” he said. “This will be something new and exciting, and will add a lifestyle flavor that we have not seen before in South Huntsville.

It will foster further new development and will create a new demand for living in our area.

“We are so thrilled that the Hays Family has embarked on this development and are looking forward to it being completed.” u

for their vision and hope it will encourage others to reinvest in South Huntsville and improve the quality of life for the city as a whole.”

A centerpiece will be the 12-acre “city park” which will have a Town Center on Haysland Road featuring entertainment, restaurants and small shops. Enfinger said the park is similar in size to Big Spring Park in downtown Huntsville.

“It will be a Providence-type (development) between Hamilton Square and Grissom,” Enfinger said, referencing the west Huntsville development. “The park has a village green like Providence.”

14

Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

DEVELOPMENT

$38.2M Luxury Apartment Development Planned for Balch Road MADISON — Madison is about to see a $38.2 million, 258-unit luxury apartment development.

Florence-based Bobo Development Group plans to break ground in July on the project, which will be across Balch Road from the Huntsville Hospital Heart Center.

Construction is expected to take about 19 months and is being handled by Birmingham-based Capstone Building Corp., according to said James Bobo II, chief executive officer of Bobo Development Group.

According to Bobo, the median household income for this particular area is $115,000 and those families didn’t have a lot of options when it came to high-end apartments with tech-based, future-forward, upscale amenities.

“One of the things I noticed was there was a lot of class C and class B products, and some older products that didn’t have the amenities that, number one, this area can support and, number two, that this area is looking for,” Bobo said.

“That’s one of the gaps (the development) is going to be filling.”

The apartments will feature electric charging stations for cars and Dormakaba

By Jonathan Stinson

electronic entry systems for each unit, which will allow residents to enter their homes or gain access to the clubhouse by using their phone or a keycard.

“We are trying to get away from physical keys,” Bobo said.

For professionals on the go, the complex will also have a Parcel Pending electronic locker system at the clubhouse, which will also have cold-storage capabilities so they can have their groceries delivered and not have to worry about them spoiling under the unforgiving Alabama sun.

Residents will simply have a QR code sent to their phone when an item arrives and all they have to do is stop by the locker and scan the code to collect their item.

Inside the apartments, residents can expect to see granite countertops, tile backsplashes, high-end floors, and tile showers.

“Huntsville is what I call a STEM metro and I feel like they are not getting what they want, as far as some of these tech pieces at where they are living,” Bobo said. “So, I feel like some of the amenities that I mentioned earlier are going to fill a gap in what that particular type of demographic is looking for.” u

June 2019

15

PERSONAL FINANCE - Brad Cardwell

Are You the “Family Bank”?

Can You Say Yes - Or No? Almost every family has one: the person everyone calls when money is tight and they need a helping hand. The more financially responsible you are, the more likely you may be considered “the family bank,” according to a 2016 study conducted by Merrill Lynch in partnership with Age Wave.

The study, called “Finances in Retirement: New Challenges, New Solutions”, found that 62 percent of people over age 50 provide financial support to family members, with the overwhelming majority (80 percent) doing so because “it’s the right thing to do.”

Still, if you’re that person, you have probably wished sometimes that you could just say no. Maybe you have your own financial issues to deal with, or you doubt the money will be used wisely. Or you are convinced your kids will learn more by saving on their own for a house, a car, a vacation or another big purchase.

Naturally, you will want to be there for your family members when they really need you.

But there are times when it makes sense to politely say no, even to those closest to you. If you’re considered “the family bank,” here are four useful tips.

Four Rules of the Family Bank 1. Start talking about money with your children when they are young. “Set up regular family meetings to discuss the role that money plays in your family’s life and how your financial decisions reflect your family’s values,” said Stacy Allred, head of the Center for Family Wealth Dynamics and Governance at Merrill Lynch “From an early age, allow children to ask questions about your decisions so that they can begin to understand the reasoning behind them and develop sound money management habits of their own.”

With that grounding, they may have more realistic expectations if they find themselves in a financial bind and consider asking you for help.

2. Create a budget for giving. Even if you pass on your own sound money management habits, there are bound to be times when relatives will need your help. Yet the Finances in Retirement survey found that few respondents had budgeted to be able to help family members financially, despite giving an average of $6,500 annually to family.

“We create budgets for such things as travel or shopping, so why not for family giving?” said Bill Hunter, director of Retirement Client Experience, Strategies and Solutions for Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

Hunter advises that you determine how much you can commit to this purpose without disrupting your retirement planning and current living needs. When you have that figure, consider your other priorities. Are there any lifestyle changes you may need to make to keep giving to family members when times get tough? Most important, be sure you have an emergency fund to ensure that you will have a comfortable cushion in retirement.

3. Set firm guidelines for saying yes. Decide in advance under what circumstances you would feel comfortable giving or lending money.

“If you are going to make a gift of the money, think about using the occasion as a teaching moment,” Hunter said.

Without sounding preachy or judgmental, try to explain to your relative how you’ve put yourself in a position to provide this assistance. Have you kept your debt under control, for instance, or lived within your means or avoided high-interest credit cards?

“For young adults in the family, this could be a valuable lesson,” he said.

“If you expect to be paid back, create a loan document,”said Joseph C. Schmieder, principal consultant of the Family Business Consulting Group, Inc. This may include details on how frequently repayments will be made, and whether you will charge interest.

If a family member has asked you to invest in a business, request a business plan or other formal details on how the money will be used. “It is important for the recipient to understand your terms,” Hunter said.

4. When you must say no, avoid making it personal. Instead

of blaming family members for their financial troubles or questioning their plans, develop a core philosophy that applies to everyone. Explain that this philosophy helped your family build its wealth and that any loan or gift decisions will be made based on your core values, such as a strong work ethic or self-sufficiency. If you dread refusing a request, prepare your reasons beforehand so that you can explain them unemotionally.

If you cannot afford to give, outline the reasons for your decision.

When a family business is involved, Schmieder said, it’s possible that your relatives may not understand the company’s financial limits.

“Not everyone may be aware, for instance, that company owners have an obligation to reinvest profits into their businesses to maintain growth,” he said. Use this opportunity to explain that the company’s profits cannot be a ready source for gifts or loans.

As you consider each request, it’s always important to remember that gifts or loans to family members will have a direct impact on your retirement planning.

An unwritten fifth rule, Hunter said, might be: “Beware of being overly generous, or you could end up needing financial help yourself.”u

For more information, contact Merrill Lynch Senior Financial Advisor, Brad Cardwell in the Huntsville, AL office at 256-650-2432 or Brad_cardwell@ml.com.

16

Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

TRAVEL / LEISURE / ENTERTAINMENT

First Avid Hotel in Alabama Breaks Ground at Town Madison

All That Jazz: Nothing Blue About Rhapsody Jazz Café Opening

By Lori J. Connors

by Kimberly Ballard

Shovels in hand, the Breland Companies, Madison County Commission Chairman Dale Strong, and Madison Mayor Paul Finley joined the leadership team for Avid Hotels on Monday to break ground on their first hotel in Alabama.

Located at the western end of Town Madison off I-565 at Wall Triana Highway, the four-story, 87room midscale Avid Hotel is the first of its kind in the southeast. It is also the newest addition to the 563acre Town Madison development., which is home to the new Madison baseball stadium and dozens of retail stores, restaurants, residences, and Pro Player Park.

Situated next door to the also new Home2 Suites, Avid offers modern architecture, sound-reducing guest rooms, an outdoor swimming pool and open public areas that allow guests to relax, work, connect or eat.

“Town Madison has always been a regional destination location,” said Louis Breland, founder of Breland Companies who is building the hotel and working to bring more businesses to the multi-use venue.

“We are in negotiations with many retailers, many restaurants, and numerous other hotels about coming to Town Madison, so today’s groundbreaking will be the first of many businesses coming this spring

and summer.”

According to an Avid spokesperson, Avid Hotels is owned by Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) and opened their first location in Oklahoma City in 2017.

They have a second Alabama location under construction in Prattville, Alabama. with more than 200 national hotel openings in the pipeline.

“Another hotel here is desperately needed,” said Mayor Finley. “Minor league baseball (Rocket City Trash Pandas) will be here in less than a year, housed in our multi-use venue at Town Madison. The way we fund that multi-use venue is a deal with Ballcorps LLC who owns the Trash Pandas, to rent it from us, but also through lodging tax.

“So this is one more thing that makes a difference in our Master Plan of bringing something of quality to this area that helps the overall Tennessee Valley and makes a major difference in the City of Madison.”

He went on to explain that the 12 baseball fields that make up Pro Player Park, located between the Madison baseball stadium and the new Avid Hotel, is a huge draw for travel baseball.

“What do they need? They need places to stay,” said Finley. “So, they will be right here close by, and the restaurants will follow.” u

What a way to kick off the start of a business venture … having a Grammy-nominated artist headline the “pre-grand opening” of your dream.

For Dr. Deidra Willis, owning and opening - the Rhapsody Jazz Café is a dream come true.

Last month’s “Pre-Grand Opening for the Grand Opening” was held in the ballroom of the Westin Hotel at Bridge Street Town Centre. The headliner was Grammy-nominated saxophonist Boney James.

According to concert-goer Michael Jacobs, “The show was great! The ballroom seats 400. It was full, people were standing; some of them going between the ballroom and the bar.”

James, named in 2009 one of Billboard magazine’s top contemporary jazz artists of the decade, made the stop in Huntsville as part of his “Honestly Tour.”

For Omari Williams, Huntsville native and long-time drummer for James, it was a homecoming stop, as well.

As Huntsville moves toward expanding its cache of large, live music venues, a small, intimate jazz cafe such as the Rhapsody Jazz Cafe has solid potential of becoming the choice date night destination.

Dr. Willis and her daughter Bria have what it takes to make it all a reality.

For more than 40 years, owning a Jazz club has been a dream in the making for Dr. Willis, a retired educator.

And now, nestled near the Red

Robin, the Rhapsody Jazz Café is a reality.

Why Rhapsody?

The name was selected based on the word’s definition: a highly emotional or ecstatic expression of feeling, Dr. Willis said. For lovers of jazz, the genre does just that: inspires a high level of joy.

Along with featuring some of the finest performers the Jazz world has to offer, the food menu items are equally noteworthy. Combining the elements of soul food with fine dining, entrees include red velvet waffles and chicken, Southern fried fish, and sweet potato pie. Sunday brunch items include shrimp and grits and a broiled grapefruit brulee.

The minority, woman-owned small business plans to give back to the Huntsville community and to serve as an economic engine by promoting musical talent and drawing enthusiastic jazz lovers. One dollar of every ticket sale will go to Huntsville’s District 1 schools to help boost education initiatives.

On a monthly basis, there are plans to host free community dinners for local groups, spotlighting excelling students and small business entrepreneurs.

Upcoming shows include jazz trumpeter Tom Browne (May 17); Canadian electro-jazz ensemble Four80East (June 7) and jazz guitarist Chris Standring (Aug. 2).

For more information, visit https:// therhapsodyjazzcafe.com/contact. u

June 2019

17

WORKFORCE

Chamber Announces 2019 Best Places to Work Awards

Attendees at the Best Places to Work Luncheon

The Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of their annual Best Places to Work® Awards at a luncheon held at the VBC this week. Business-

es of all sizes are represented in five categories ranging from fewer than 25 up to large businesses with over 250 employees. The results are based on employee surveys and were kept

confidential until Tuesday’s ceremony. Three places, including gold, silver and bronze in each of the five categories were awarded.

In the Micro Business category of 10 to 24 employees, Crossflow Technologies, Inc. won the top gold spot; Summit Information Solutions, Inc. won the silver; and the bronze went to New Beginnings Family Law, P.C. In the Small Business category of 25 to 50 employees, Matt Curtis Real Estate, Inc. won first place followed

By Kimberly Ballard / Photography by Neville Simpson

by Invariant Corporation and Nesin Therapy Services, P.C. who took the silver and bronze respectively.

Brockwell Technologies, Inc., the National Children’s Advocacy Center, and Monte Sano Research Corporation won the gold, silver and bronze awards in the Medium Business category of 51 to 100 employees.

Companies with 101 to 250 employees make up the Large Business category and IERUS Technologies, Inc. won the gold, while Avion Solutions and IronMountain Solutions took the silver and bronze recognitions.

Intuitive Research Technology Corporation, Integration Innovation Inc. (i3), and Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) rounded out the X-large Business category of more than 251 employees. u

18

Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Leadercast Women to Feature Virtual Presentations, Panel Discussion

Looking for an inspiring leadership and networking opportunity?

Mark your calendars for June 12 when the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce

and Women’s Economic Development Council will present “Leadercast Women.”

“Leadercast Women” will combine a virtual presentation of

world-class leadership and local female entrepreneurs who will share their valuable experiences and insights. The program is from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at LogiCore, 345 Voyager Way in Cummings Research Park.

Virtual presenters include Ritu Bhasin, president of Bhasin Consulting; Barbara Bush, co-founder and board chair of Global Health Corps; Jenna Bush Hager, founding chair of UNICEF Next Generation; Molly Fletcher, keynote speaker; and Jess Ekstrom, CEO of Headbands of Hope.

Innovate Huntsville Trading Digital Space for Brick and Mortar

Pictured L to R: Kim Caudle Lewis, Larry Lewis, Katie Williams, Vicki Morris, Toni Eberhart, Matt Jones

Race car driver Mario Andretti’s career spanned decades. He was the only person named United States Driver of the Year in three separate decades with awards in 1967, 1978, and 1984.

Not only was Andretti exceptionally persistent, he was quoted as saying, “Desire is the key to motivation, but it’s determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to

excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek.”

Andretti firmly exemplified the “hustle” philosophy.

Just what is a “hustle” mindset?

Successful, small-business entrepreneurs demonstrate its determination and commitment to follow-through by standing tall and not giving up in the face of adversity or challenges. “Hustle” is also defined as the resourcefulness and creativity

in finding new methods to attain success.

As more and more people are taking the plunge into the cool entrepreneurial pool of opportunities and catching the “hustle” wave, enter in the small business incubators that are developed to meet the needs of the entrepreneurial mindset and culture.

Innovate Huntsville is one such entity.

Innovate Huntsville serves as the information hub for all things happening in the entire North Alabama business ecosystem.

Until recently, Innovate Huntsville mainly existed in the digital world, as a weeklong collaboration and celebration of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in North Alabama. This event serves to bring entrepreneurs and innovators together with local resources to build connections and opportunities around Huntsville’s small business economy.

In the coming weeks, Innovate

By Lori J. Connors

A panel discussion will be followed by a Q&A session featuring Emilie Dover, founder and president of Rocket City Digital; Melody Holt, CEO/owner of Holt & Holt Entrepreneurship; Janice Migliore, CEO/Chair of Palco; and Rachel Brown, CEO/owner of Rachel Brown Homes.

There will be group discussion after each session with networking between sessions.

The cost is $99 for Chamber members and $124 for nonmembers; there is a 10 percent discount for WEDC, WID and NASHRM members. A continental breakfast and lunch are included.

For more information, visit http://cm.hsvchamber.org/events/ details/2019-leadercast-women-8160. u

By Lori J. Connors / Photography by Jay Hixon

Huntsville will move its operations into a “brick and mortar” location in downtown Huntsville. Construction is nearly complete and a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be announced as it gets closer to the opening date.

“It will probably be July or August,” said Vicki Morris, Innovate Huntsville’s publicist.

The new home will be in the basement of the original Huntsville Times building. Here, Innovate Huntsville will provide a solid base for the entrepreneur and the business ecosystem.

By next year, plans include coworking spaces with offices, which will serve as a landing pad for local entrepreneurs.

The goal is to be completely up and running by February to celebrate its fifth anniversary and to be prepared for their annual weeklong event that begins with pitch competitions and panel discussions, then culminates with the annual Entrepreneurial of the Year Award ceremonies. u

June 2019

19

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Time to Celebrate: Urban Engine Turns 4

By Lori J. Connors / Photography by Steve Babin

Huntsville West, the former West Huntsville Elementary School and now home to many small start-up businesses, serves as the epicenter of the business incubator, Urban Engine.

Known for hosting its weekly co-working nights, Urban Engine is more than a social platform, it is a springboard for ideas and a cultural movement that resonates with our growing community of innovators, founders, and leaders. Urban Engine helps to develop high-growth potential businesses and generate the workforce needed to support these endeavors.

Urban Engine has a lot to celebrate: Four years of a solid upward growth trajectory.

And what better way to celebrate than to host a catered party in the “lunchroom” at Huntsville West and to invite hundreds of sponsors, startup success stories, the local community, and of course, the Mayor.

The fourth anniversary event highlighted Urban Engine’s success story.

Starting off small, Urban Engine began with programs and resources for those who are interested in technological innovation. Since then, there have been more 200 Co-Working Nights, 37 Founder Stories have been shared, more than 1,000 collaborative learning workshops have been presented, and nearly 100 new business ideas have been propelled forward.

Since 2016, more than 20 startups have been supported by Urban Engine and close to 10,000 people have benefited from its programming and services.

“It’s been great, celebrating

four years at Huntsville West,” said Urban Engine founder Brendon Malone.

“In 2015, I had a dream to give back to the city, to give businesses the best possible start, and to offer classes. We hit the ground running.

“There are now 175 people working in this building that are partners with Urban Engine, in support of the business ecosystem.”

When introducing Urban Engine Director Toni Eberhart, Demitrius Malone, Huntsville West’s community manager, said, “Always in the best possible mood, one of the most supportive and encouraging people, Toni is our dreamer, a cheerleader, and a good friend to many.”

As she took the stage, Eberhart laughed, “I didn’t know how great I was until Demetrius spoke.”

Eberhart saluted the sponsors of the not-for-profit organization, saying “it would not be possible without our partners.”

“Our sponsors are in front of the Urban Engine community saying that they believe in doing business with startups, that they invest in professional development and growth opportunities for our workplace to keep them on the edge of innovation and that they value the Urban Engine as a critical partner in cultivating a desirable culture and climate for startups to launch and grow. How it’s made an impact would not be possible without the support of sponsors, Intuitive Research Technology, Brandon Cruise, and the team.”

She said Huntsville’s environment is conducive to businesses flourishing.

“People ask me, ‘Why Huntsville?’ I believe it’s because anything is possible here,” Eberhart said. “The landscape is totally open to incredible things. Businesses can launch and grow and do things in our local mar-

ket that would be so difficult to break into on the coasts.

“Investment opportunities are possible. Educational opportunities are possible; career changes are possible, and everyone here is Ultra-supportive.

Urban Engine is a cheerleader for these possibilities, and it is how we propel ideas forward at the core.”

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle

delivered the keynote address to a packed audience.

“We have seen the vision, the driving force, making it a reality,” said Battle. “We need to make sure our city thinks outside the box. We are a city on the move, with 25,000 jobs added over the last year. 15,000 of those have been in high tech.

“The end result is that you’ve made this count. We’re more Pictured L to R: Ashley Ryals, Demetrius Malone, competitive, there’s more Mayor Tommy Battle, Toni Eberhart, Sameer Singhal jobs, thank you for the job you are doing. Huntsville is a place that’s made for the future. The job we do today sets us up for the next 10 years. What you’re doing today will be the technology of tomorrow.”

For more information, visit www.UrbanEngine.org u

20

Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

AUTOMOTIVE

As Business Grows, So Does Mitchell Plastics

By Mike Easterling / Photography by Mitchell Plastics

Mitchell Plastics is in the business of making the inside of your car not just functional but pleasing to the eye.

And business, as the old saying goes, is good.

Ontario-based Mitchell Plastics is expanding its plant at the corner of U.S. 72 and Moore’s Mill Road in Chase Industrial Park. The company describes itself as a “leading tier one

supplier of automotive interior mechanisms and decorative components.’’

“There’s a positive business climate and growth,’’ said Dan Plank, human resources manager at the Huntsville plant. “We’re growing.

It’s safe to say we’ve hired dozens of people this year here in Huntsville.’’

Mitchell Plastics has eight facilities in North America. The company

makes interiors for automobiles ranging from Ford to Toyota to Audi to Jeep.

“We have quite a variety of customers,’’ Plank said. “We have a diverse customer base.’’

The new facility addition will be 120,000 square feet.

“It’ll mean we’ll have the ability to service our existing and future customers,’’ Plank said.

While constant rain during the winter and spring caused some setbacks in construction, Plank said the lost time has been recovered and company officials expect the addition to be completed in October.

Over the last few years, Mitchell Plastics has expanded operations to support its OEM customers. In March 2014, Mitchell Plastics opened a manufacturing facility in Queretaro, Mexico.

In July 2015, the company opened

a sales and engineering office in Munich to support its German OEM customers and is currently exploring adding a manufacturing plant in Europe.

In 2018, the company opened a plant in Sterling Heights, Mich., and, in 2019, opened a plant in Saltillo, Mexico.

Mitchell Plastics products include floor consoles, center finish panel assemblies, air registers, glove box assemblies, overhead consoles and every type of painted and filmed decorative parts.

The Huntsville plant, which opened in 2005, doesn’t just serve the Tennessee Valley, either.

“The whole Southeast,’’ Plank said. “We serve a lot of manufacturers in the Southeast and in North Alabama as well.’’ u

June 2019

21

AUTOMOTIVE

Auto Supplier DaikyoNishikawa to Locate First U.S. Plant in Huntsville, Creating 380 Jobs Huntsville may soon become the Motor City of the South with the latest automotive company moving to the Rocket City.

Japan-based DaikyoNishikawa US said it plans to build a $110 million auto parts manufacturing facility in Huntsville/Limestone County.

“Huntsville welcomes DaikyoNishikawa to our growing regional network of automotive suppliers,” Mayor Tommy Battle said.

“They’re joining an outstanding partnership with Mazda Toyota Manufacturing U.S.A., and we’re collectively witnessing the birth of a major automotive hub for the U.S. and the world.”

The company will be on-site

at the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing U.S.A. assembly plant under construction. DNUS will create approximately 380 jobs and produce plastic automotive parts. Construction is expected to start in July and

production slated for 2021.

DNUS is the first on-site partner announced for Mazda Toyota Manufacturing U.S.A., a $1.6 billion joint-venture assembly plant being built on a 2,500-acre site in

By Bud McLaughlin

the Limestone County portion of Huntsville.

“With this being DaikyoNishikawa’s first U.S. manufacturing facility, we welcome them home to Limestone County and look forward to being a key partner in their future success,” said Limestone County Commission Chairman Collin Daly.

“This $110 million investment that will bring 380 new jobs is a testament to the strong workforce in our region that has earned global recognition.”

DNUS has established a temporary office in Huntsville and a human resources director to prepare for hiring. Jobs are listed at joblink. alabama.gov. u

22

Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL

BUSINESS BRIEFCASE

Team Dynetics Wins $130M Contract forArmy’s First 100kW-Class Laser Weapon System Dynetics, along with its partners Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce and MZA Associates, has been awarded a $130 million contract to build and test the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command’s High Energy Laser Tactical Vehicle Demonstrator program, a 100-kilowatt class laser weapon system.

“High energy laser weapons have been a system that the United States has wanted to add into their defense portfolio since the invention of the laser,” said Ronnie Chronister, Dynetics senior vice president of contracts.

“We are glad to be selected to build this new and safe weapon system that will provide a simple, yet cost-effective approach in theater.”

Team Dynetics is bringing together more than 70 years of directed energy experience. As the prime contractor, Dynetics will be responsible for final assembly and integration and testing of the system. Lockheed Martin, the laser weapon system integrator, will provide the laser weapon subsystem and Rolls-Royce LibertyWorks will design the integrated power and thermal management system.

The team will build and integrate the laser weapon system onto an Army medium tactical vehicle platform and conduct field testing at White Sands Missile Range. u

a brand-new, locally owned coffee shop will be serving up espresso, lattes, cold brew, matcha and much more at the mixed-use development off Governors Drive.

Charlie Foster’s, founded by Huntsville natives Austin Jenkins and Hollie Jenkins, will offer high-quality coffee drinks while providing employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The 1,850-square-foot space will be adjacent to the food garden and include a private 500-square-foot outdoor patio for patrons. Charlie Foster’s is slated to open this fall.

“My parents, Debra and Alan Jenkins, founded Merrimack Hall in 2006 to give people with special needs a venue to practice the performing arts,” said Austin. “I’ve been lucky enough to see the impact they have made first hand, and I want to do something similar with Charlie Foster’s. We believe more businesses can offer employment to people with intellectual and physical disabilities.

“Our goal is to create an environment of inclusion and encouragement for our special needs community. All the while, we will be serving outstanding coffee in a very hip, industrial space.”

Classifying itself as a “multi-roaster” coffee shop, Charlie Foster’s will serve a variety of beans from roasters around the country, so guests can experience an array of options and flavors. There will also be plenty of cold and hot teas and pastries to choose from.

Visit charliefosters.com u

Abaco Systems to move to 8800 Redstone Gateway

Stovehouse To Welcome Locally Owned Coffee Shop—Charlie Foster’s!

Crunkleton Commercial Real Estate and Stovehouse Properties are excited to share that

Abaco Systems, a manufacturer of rugged embedded computing solutions for military, defense, aerospace and industrial applications, has leased 37,400 square feet in 8800 Redstone Gateway.

“We’re delighted to have identified Redstone Gateway as the location of our new headquarters,” said Rich Sorelle, president/ CEO at Abaco Systems. “This new facility

will provide us with much- needed additional space and will be vital in ensuring that we can fulfill our commitments to our customers as our business continues to grow.”

Redstone Gateway is a mixed-use, classA office park being developed by Corporate Office Properties Trust and Jim Wilson & Associates. As a result of this transaction, the building is 100 percent pre-leased. Abaco intends to occupy its space late this year.

“Abaco Systems has had a strong presence in Huntsville for over 30 years,” said COPT’s Chief Operating Officer Paul Adkins. “We’re thrilled that they have decided to make Redstone Gateway their home to be closer to their U.S. government contracting customers, to have access to walkable amenities, and to use new facilities as a recruiting tool.

“Their lease, along with other recent leases, highlights the value proposition of Redstone Gateway.” u

CFD Research Awarded $50M SBIR Phase III Project CFD Research has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research Phase III contract from the U.S. Army Contracting Command, to develop environment analysis tools, models, and test capabilities to characterize weather environment effects on the performance of weapon systems and sensors.

The five-year contract has a ceiling value of $49.6 million.

Under this contract, the CFD Research team will evaluate environment and weather effects on weapon systems, sensors, and hypersonic vehicles. Huntsville-based companies Integration Innovation Inc. (i3) and IERUS Technologies join CFD Research as subcontractors for this award.

“CFD Research and our partners, through this contract, will expand the knowledge base of effects on flight vehicles and sensors and provide critical insight into the design and performance of next-generation weapon systems,” said Steve Cayson, CFD Research chief operating officer. u

June 2019

23

BUSINESS BRIEFCASE

McMullan Named Huntsville Market Executive SmartBank has named long-time banker John McMullan as market executive.

McMullan has more than 30 years of banking experience in the Huntsville area, most recently as executive vice president and market president for Southern States Bank.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Alabama-Huntsville and is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin’s BAI Graduate School of Banking. He is also a graduate of the Alabama School of Banking at the University of South Alabama.

An active member of the Huntsville community, he is a member of the Downtown Huntsville Rotary Club and the Huntsville Committee of 100. McMullan also serves on the City of Huntsville’s Planning Commission Board.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to join this team and excited to work together to provide SmartBank clients with a first-class banking experience,” said McMullan. “SmartBank has been a great addition to the Huntsville region with a team that is talented, efficient and committed to putting the client first.” u

Great Harvest Bread Co. Opening at Merchants Square RCP Companies, an Alabama-based real estate firm, announces the addition of another new-to-market restaurant at The Shops at Merchants Square. Great Harvest Bread Co.

is launching its second Alabama location at the newly built Ulta Beauty-anchored shopping center.

Great Harvest Bread Co. is a national franchise that credits their operations to the local business owners of their bakery cafés.

Each Great Harvest bakery and café creates its own menu which may include gourmet sandwiches (including vegetarian options), espresso and coffee bar, artisan bread and other locally sourced specialties.

Great Harvest uses wheat from farms in Montana and bakes its breads every day from scratch.

“With our locally curated menu, you know you’ll be getting real food that tastes great,” said Sangeetha Bathala, owner of Great Harvest Huntsville, “We plan to source coffee and produce from local farmers and vendor and make our food the right way, with wholesome ingredients and from scratch, so you can feel good about eating our treats.” u

Mercury Systems Dedicates Expanded Advanced Microelectronics Center A Massachusetts-based aerospace and defense company is increasing its operations in Alabama.

Mercury Systems expanded its Advanced Microelectronics Center in Huntsville with a 24,000-square-foot facility for RF and digital processing technology, including 5,000 square feet of lab space with secure production capabilities.

“Our AS9100D-certified Huntsville facility now has even more capability, enabling us to continue providing very advanced, leading mixed-signal processing solutions that support our prime customers in the development of the next-generation radar, electronic warfare and ELINT systems critical to maintaining dominance of the electromagnetic spectrum,” said Neil Austin, vice president and general manager of Mercury’s Embedded Sensor Processing group.

Mercury Systems provides secure sensor and safety-critical processing subsystems to a

wide variety of defense and intelligence programs. u

Adtran Platform Provides Disruption-free Ultra-BroadBand Wi-Fi Services Adtran has extended its SmartOS-enabled portfolio of broadband access solutions with a new residential and small business gateway.

Operators can now expedite the delivery of ultra-fast internet services — leveraging recent investments in building multi-Gigabit access networks so that customers can have the richest broadband experience independent of location, device or infrastructure.

Huntsville-based Adtran is the leading provider of next-generation open networking and subscriber experience solutions The new carrier-grade, SmartOS-enabled residential and small business gateway provides the ability to deliver highly competitive broadband—up to 700Mbps—without service or customer disruptions.

“The design philosophy with SmartOS is to give service providers a single, open source-based, secure software framework so that providers gain consistency and commonality to reduce testing or qualification cycles and increase speed to market for new and innovative services,” said Adtran Senior Vice President of Subscriber Solutions & Experience Jeff McInnis. “We can significantly reduce the cost and resources required to introduce new solutions into a network and help our customers bring better services to their subscribers through our feature-rich, SmartOS platform—enhancing the experience for everyone.” u

24

Huntsville BUSINESS JOURNAL