HBJ May 2024 Issue

Huntsville’s Century BMW Among National Winners of BMW Center of Excellence Award

BMW of North America, a major player in the United State’s automotive industry since 1975, announced the recipients of its annual Center of Excellence (COE) awards.

By Gus Wintzell -

AUTOMOTIVE DEVELOPMENT

Page 2

Essex Capital Breaks Ground on $220M Front Row Projects

Huntsville’s latest development, Front Row, will total around 900,000 square feet with 545 rental apartments, 47,000 feet of curated retail food and beverage space, and 6,000 feet of new downtown office space.

By Noah Logan -

Page 8

ADDITIONAL STORIES

• Madison County Tourism Surges, Sets Record with $2.4 Billion in Revenue

By Laurae Boehringer

• Page 3

• Huntsville Area Association of Realtors’ March Report Shows Dip in Homes Sold By

Marie Johnson

• Page 6

• Lockheed Martin’s Missile System Integration Lab in Huntsville Set to Stage Newest $17 Billion Contract

By Gus Wintzell

• Page 9

Huntsville’s Century BMW Among National Winners of BMW Center of Excellence Award

BMW of North America, a major player in the United State’s automotive industry since 1975, announced the recipients of its annual Center of Excellence (COE) awards.

Among the list of 40 BMW dealers across the nation recognized for their achievements in sales, service, and customer experience, Huntsville’s very own Century BMW made the list.

The COE awards, the highest honor a BMW center can achieve, celebrate those dealerships that have consistently delivered exceptional results and upheld the brand’s values. Sebastian Mackensen, President and CEO of BMW of North America, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the winning centers.

“This accolade is a testament to their unparalleled commitment, exceptional service, and extraordinary

experience they provide for our customers,” said Sebastian Mackensen, President and CEO, BMW of North America. “Their efforts have played a pivotal role in strengthening the BMW community and enhancing our brand’s reputation for excellence.”

All 349 BMW centers in the U.S. were measured on five different sales

and aftersales Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) based on the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) Index. Winners outperformed their peers across these categories throughout 2023.

In an interview with the Huntsville Business Journal, Century BMW’s General Manager, Parker Jones, expressed deep appreciation for

By: Gus Wintzell / Photo by Steve Babin

the recognition, attributing its success to a pursuit of customer satisfaction and operational excellence.

“Celebrating this achievement is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our incredible team at Century BMW. Winning BMW’s 2024 Center of Excellence award underscores our relentless pursuit of excellence in every aspect of our operations, from sales, service, parts, collision and overall customer experience. This award is a reflection of our shared commitment to delivering exceptional results and exceeding customer expectations,” Parker said.

For more information about Century BMW, visit their showroom located in Huntsville or check out www.centurybmwhuntsville.com.

For a full list of COE award winners nationwide, please visit www.press. bmwgroup.com. w

Madison County Tourism Surges, Sets Record with $2.4 Billion in Revenue

The Alabama Tourism Department recently unveiled its 2023 Alabama Tourism Impact Report, painting a picture of growth and promising prospects for Madison County’s tourism sector.

The report highlights Madison County’s continued prominence among the leading counties in the state, boasting impressive growth across various metrics.

Key findings from the report include a 15% increase in travel-related expenditures within Madison County, surpassing $2.4 billion in revenue and setting a new record for the region. The county also welcomed an estimated 3,974,596 visitors in 2023, contributing significantly to the local economy.

One notable highlight is the substantial growth in the travel-related

employment sector, which saw a 5.7% increase compared to 2022, totaling 23,355 jobs. Additionally, Madison

County emerged as a frontrunner in overnight stays, with 2.8 million visitors opting for hotel accommoda-

By: Laura Boehringer / InfoGraphic courtesy of Huntsville/Madison County CVB

tions, marking a significant milestone for the region.

Maintaining its ranking as the second most visited county in Alabama, Madison County’s tourism appeal continues to attract visitors from near and far. The county’s allure is further underscored by its position on the list of “Most Visited Counties in Alabama,” securing second.

The significance of these numbers extends beyond statistics. Each household in Huntsville/Madison County benefited from over $1,300 in tax savings, attributable to travel expenditures.

These impressive figures not only highlight Madison County’s thriving tourism landscape, but also underscore the pivotal role of tourism in driving economic growth and prosperity in the region. w

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Todd Stephenson

Editor ………………………………………………………………

Writers ………………………………………………………

Contributing Writers

Gus Wintzell

Heather Alfonso

Laura Boehringer

Marie Johnson

Noah Logan

Heather Price

Sarah Zupko

Matt Curtis

Alexander Duck, II

Graphic Design ………………………………………………

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Director of Sales

Distribution

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Justina Simon

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Bank Independent Continues North Alabama Expansion with New West Madison Location

On Thursday, April 4, Bank Independent held a ribbon cutting for the grand opening of its West Madison branch.

Bank executives spoke to the large crowd gathered for the ceremony.

Macke Mauldin, Bank Independent’s President and CEO, recalled the groundbreaking nearly two years ago. He spoke about the bank’s long history of serving its employees, customers, and the community.

Since its beginnings as the Bank of Leighton, AL, Bank Independent’s “mission has been to make a positive difference in the lives of the people we serve,” said Mauldin.

The bank’s motto is “built to serve, not to sell”, Mauldin said. He stated that Bank Independent prides itself on personal, local service to its customers.

The bank’s team members and the community are important to them. According to Mauldin, they invest in their

team members who in turn invest in their community.

“Our level of community engagement is second to none,” said Mauldin.

Bank Independent has its roots in community service.

The bank was started by farmers and business people in Leighton, AL

after the bank serving their community moved away.

Bank Independent established a presence in the Huntsville area almost ten years ago.

“Through our Helping Hands program, our team has donated thousands of hours to hundreds of causes,” con-

By: Heather Alfonso / Photos courtesy of Bank Independent

tinued Mauldin. “We are fulfilling our mission to make a positive difference in people’s lives.”

Bank Independent employees get 8 hours of paid leave to volunteer their time for local causes.

Eastern Region President Tim Singleton also spoke at the ceremony.

“We’ve been recognized nationally by Newsweek magazine as one of the top 100 places to work for. American Banker has also recognized us along with Business Alabama,” said Singleton.

Madison Mayor Paul Finely credited Bank Independent’s support of local small businesses with helping to make the Madison community great.

“As you grow, you need sales tax to in turn help your community and help ensure things are happening. Banks like this are what help those businesses get in place to develop that sales tax,” stated Finley. w

Huntsville Area Association of Realtors’ March Report Shows Dip in Homes Sold REAL ESTATE

The Huntsville Area Association of Realtors (HAAR) has released its monthly report for March 2024.

The total number of homes sold in Huntsville/Madison County declined from the previous year, down to 536 from 651 in March 2023.

Madison County saw 1107 pending sales in March, which is up from 1049 the previous year. At the same time, houses spent an average of 46 days on the market, up from 35.

The inventory of homes continued to build, with 1814 in 2024, compared to 1393 in 2023. The average sales price increased slightly year-over-year, up to $374k, up from $368k the previous year.

Across all nine counties covered by the Valley MLS network, listings increased by 21.8%.

“March’s impressive numbers reflect a market that is primed for a busy Spring selling season,” said Kurtis Krueger, CEO of Huntsville Area Association of Realtors and ValleyMLS. “Home sales continue to keep Realtors busy, despite mortgage rates continuing to fluctuate. This is good news for both buyers and sellers - there are still plenty of chances to find the right home or make a good sale. We feel positive about where the market is headed.”

On the national stage, the National Association of Realtors reports that the share of homebuyers who paid cash for their home reached a ten-year high. Cash buyers accounted

By: Marie Johnson / InfoGraphics courtesy of HAAR

for 32% of all home purchases in January.

Real estate investors and vacation-home buyers made up the

majority of cash buyers during the past 6 months; among those consumers who paid cash for a home purchase last year, 26% were repeat

buyers, while just 6% were firsttime buyers.

Meanwhile, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell gave indication that the Fed may not begin lowering interest rates in the timeframe expected.

“We’ll need greater confidence that inflation is moving sustainably towards 2% before [it will be] appropriate to ease policy,” said Chairman Powell during a recent panel talk.

“The recent data has clearly not given us greater confidence and instead indicate that it’s likely to take longer than expected to achieve that confidence,” continued Powell.

With inflation remaining stubbornly high, the mortgage rates could well remain high as well, or even increase itself. This could have a stunting effect on the spring real estate season.

As always, the Huntsville Business Journal will continue to monitor developments in the real estate market, both here and on the national scale. w

Why is HSV So Attractive for Young People Moving Here?

One of the key drivers to Huntsville’s recent success in being named the best city to live in the US has been attracting young people to relocate to Huntsville. Huntsville has historically made the list of best places to raise a family, but to continue to grow as a city, it had to find ways to attract more young people, and so far it’s working.

Huntsville has always offered great job opportunities and high average salaries with its government jobs on Redstone Arsenal and supporting contractors. The city has also done a great job diversifying and attracting additional employers such as Hudson Alpha Biotech, Blue Origin, Mazda Toyota, and a Facebook data center.

The Tennessee Valley went from very few entertainment options to exploding with opportunities over a short period with the development of MidCity with its Orion Amphitheater, Town Madison, Campus 805 & Stovehouse, and the growth of the Providence area. We’ve also added the Rocket City Trash Pandas baseball team and Huntsville City Football Club to complement our Huntsville Havoc Hockey Team. There’s also been an abundance of new eating opportunities across these entertainment districts.

Our area has always been attractive to outdoor enthusiasts with access to boating and lakes with Lake Guntersville and Smith Lake. We also have high-quality hiking, camping, and mountain

RECOGNITION

Southern States Bank adds new Huntsville Market President

Southern States Bank, a subsidiary of Southern States Bancshares (NDAQ: SSBK), announced the addition of their new Huntsville Market President, Senior Vice-President Chris Allen. In this role, he will be responsible for leading the bank while growing and originating new deposit and commercial loan relationships in the Madison County market.

With over a decade of experience specializing in commercial banking, Allen joins Southern States Bank from Regions Bank where he served as a Senior Vice President in the Commercial Banking group. Prior to that, he served in a variety of roles with an emphasis on commercial banking.

“We are excited to have Chris join our team in Huntsville, and we cannot wait to see what he can accomplish in the rapidly growing Madison County area,” said Mark Chambers, CEO and President of Southern States Bank. “Chris’ banking experience, knowledge and commitment to the community make him a natural fit to lead our efforts in the Huntsville market.”

Allen earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Athens State University. He has served as an advisory board member of the Huntsville MS Society and has also served as a member of the Huntsville March of Dimes, past Board President of Friends Inc., and as a member of the Development Council for the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, among other organizations.

For more information about Southern States Bank, please visit www. southernstatesbank.net. To speak with Chris, please visit our Huntsville office, located at 415 Church St. N.W. Building H, #100, Huntsville, AL 35801 or reach him by phone at (256) 382-1490.

biking opportunities at Monte Sano State Park. Kayaking is also available in the local Flint River.

Affordability has been a huge driver in attracting young people to the city, as we’re much more affordable than other big cities. However, our affordability has taken a significant hit over the last few years as the affordability index has dropped from scores north of 170 to below 100 for the first time. This has been a product of inflation and also a natural result of increasing the quality of life in the Tennessee Valley.

To continue to attract young people to the area, we’ll need to focus on building additional affordable housing options. We’ve overbuilt expensive apartment complexes that are robbing the fu-

By: Matt Curtis

Matt Curtis of Matt Curtis Real Estate

ture savings of our young people to save towards home ownership and financial wealth. w

Essex Capital Breaks Ground on $220M Front Row Project

On Tuesday, April 16, downtown Huntsville played host to yet another groundbreaking.

Huntsville’s latest development, Front Row, will total around 900,000 square feet with 545 rental apartments, 47,000 feet of curated retail food and beverage space, and 6,000 feet of new downtown office space.

The overall cost of the project, according to Front Row developer Mitch Rutter, sits at around $220 million.

“This historic project will cement the core of downtown and will truly be Huntsville’s Front Row,” Rutter said. “We decided to mobilize what really is more than three city blocks all at once. That represents our commitment to Huntsville and our continued belief in the leadership and the vision and commitment to Mayor Tommy battle.”

Rutter is the founding partner and chief executive officer of Essex Capital Partners Ltd., a New York-based real estate investment and development company that has been heading up the Front Row project since 2018. Rutter was joined by his partner in the anticipated venture, Dan Shields, president of the commercial real estate private equity firm AscendAmerica LLC.

Shields addressed the crowd after Rutter and expressed his confidence in the city as a whole before interacting with key members of the Huntsville community.

“We are a couple of real estate developers from the Northeast who have been seeking out America’s next great city and believe we have found it here

in Huntsville,” exclaimed Shields.

“When we conduct research on emerging municipalities, we believe it’s important to be physically present in the city, meet as many people as possible and get to know the people that run its institutions, as well as the

people that walk on the streets. While our goal is to establish Front Row as the premier downtown community, we firmly believe that we must contribute beyond our borders.”

Backing up those words, Shields also presented a check for $250,000

By:

to Huntsville Housing Authority Executive Director Tony McGinnis to support HHA’s growth initiative.

In addition to Essex Capital and Ascend Property Group, Front Row is a collaborative effort between Silverstein Properties, Cantor Fitzgerald and Arctaris Impact Investors. Other partners include Crunkleton Associates who will serve as leasing broker for all retail space, Torti Gallas and Matheny Goldmon as architects, and ARCO / Murray as the general contractor. The VOREA Group is providing construction oversight.

Situated across from the Von Braun Center at the former sight of the Coca Cola plant, Front Row is set to be a significant addition to Huntsville, introducing a more modern design to the city’s evolving downtown core. Its construction aligns with the city’s major growth initiatives in the district, coinciding with other nearby projects like the recently announced Riverwalk and the upcoming pedestrian Skybridge connecting downtown with the Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment district.

Front Row will play a pivotal role in Huntsville’s modernization, connecting key areas such as Big Spring Park, Fountain Circle, University of Alabama Huntsville, Downtown Greenway, and more. Positioned as an interlink with the Von Braun Center development, it aims to create a dynamic urban center.

More information on the development can be found at frontrowhsv. com.

Noah Logan / Photos by Noah Logan

Lockheed Martin’s Missile System Integration Lab in Huntsville Set to Stage Newest $17 Billion Contract

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has chosen Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] to lead the development and deployment of the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI).

The multiyear contract is worth a reported $17 billion.

As the prime contractor for the NGI project, Lockheed Martin will deliver the the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system. The NGI, equipped with multiple-kill vehicle technology, aims to safeguard the homeland against long-range ballistic missile threats posed by rogue nations.

In an online interview, Sarah Hiza, Vice President and General Manager of Strategic and Missile Defense at Lockheed Martin, expressed the company’s commitment to national security.

“Lockheed Martin is proud to partner with the MDA on a revolutionary interceptor to advance our nation’s security. We are committed to delivering reliable interceptors that will seamlessly integrate with the GMD system and can rapidly evolve with the threat.”

By: Gus Wintzell /

The NGI program, under Lockheed Martin’s stewardship, is geared towards providing a capable, mature, reliable, and cost-effective interceptor solution. The project is progressing towards the Critical Design Review stage, which will be followed by integration with the broader weapon system and flight testing. Embracing digital tools and technologies, Lockheed Martin aims to meet production needs efficiently, both presently and in the future.

In alignment with national defense, Lockheed Martin is committed to delivering the first NGI ahead of the warfighter’s requirements.

A new $16.5 million Missile System Integration Lab in Huntsville

(MSIL) is where Lockheed Martin plans to conduct development, testing, and system integration for the nation’s next long range ballistic missile defense interceptor.

The MSIL will also house a digital engineering center and key infrastructure to create and maintain a digital thread throughout the integration process.

“Lockheed Martin is committed to North Alabama and this facility is further evidence of that,” Robert Lightfoot, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Space, said at the facility’s opening in November. “We are pleased to celebrate adding an advanced facility to our Huntsville campus today — the same year we mark 60 years in Rocket City supporting our customers.” w

Photo courtesy of Lockheed

How Can Huntsville Become a Leader in AI Technology?

In a bid to cement its status as a hub of technological innovation, Huntsville is strategically positioning itself to become a leader in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. With its rich history in aerospace, engineering, and defense, the city is primed to leverage its existing strengths to pioneer advancements in AI.

Huntsville’s journey towards AI leadership begins with a concerted effort to foster collaboration and innovation across various sectors. By harnessing the collective expertise of its workforce and partnering with academic institutions and industry leaders, the city aims to create a fertile ground for AI research and development.

By: ChatGPT

Huntsville’s Goal to Be an “AI City”

Key to Huntsville’s AI strategy is the cultivation of a skilled workforce equipped with the knowledge and expertise needed to drive innovation in AI technology. Through targeted educational initiatives, training programs, and partnerships with local universities and technical schools, the city is laying the foundation for a thriving AI ecosystem.

Moreover, Huntsville is actively fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, providing support and resources to startups and emerging companies working in the AI space. By nurturing a vibrant startup ecosystem, the city aims to attract top talent and investment, fueling further growth and innovation in AI technology.

Additionally, Huntsville is committed to fostering collaboration between government, industry, and academia to tackle complex challenges and drive AI innovation forward. Through initiatives such as the

Mayor’s AI Task Force and various working groups and committees, the city is facilitating dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders to identify opportunities and address critical issues in AI development.

Furthermore, Huntsville’s robust infrastructure and strategic location make it an ideal testbed for AI technologies, providing access to cutting-edge facilities, research institutions, and real-world applications. By capitalizing on these resources, the city can accelerate the development and deployment of AI solutions across a wide range of industries, from aerospace and defense to healthcare and manufacturing.

As Huntsville continues to make strides in AI technology, it is poised to not only enhance its own competitiveness but also contribute to the broader advancement of AI on a national and global scale. With its strong foundation in technology, a skilled workforce, and a collaborative ecosystem, Huntsville is well-positioned to lead the way in shaping the future of AI. w

For those of you who did not read my article last month, I’m a participant in the Mayor’s AI Task Force, a group of dozens of people across all professions that meet monthly to discuss our future in artificial intelligence.

After our recent AI Task Force meeting, we were all sent an email for further thought. “What does an AI City look like? What are the characteristics that will give us that distinction?” Rather than just respond to that email, I think I might as well knock out two tasks by giving my response via this article.

In the literal sense, an AI City would be one in which a part, if not the whole, of it is managed or governed by AI. I don’t think anyone wants that nor is AI capable of it. If by AI City you mean a place that directly benefits from AI development financially, that’s not ever going to be us. That’s Silicon Valley, and that’s not a cultural, capital, or workforce fit for Huntsville.

I think the question is really about, “How do we get people to perceive Huntsville as a place that embraces AI, just like we have embraced space and government contracting?” Spoiler alert! I’ve partly already answered the question.

Before I get to that, I think it’s important that you know that the Task Force has split up into committees that are now having their own individual meetings. The committees are Education, Workforce Development, STEM and Recruitment, Capital & Entrepreneurship, Community Engagement & Collaboration, and Legal & Ethics. Now divided into committees, we need more help! Contact me on LinkedIn if you believe you can contribute to one of these committees and I’ll forward your information to the appropriate people.

As you can see, THIS is our first step to being an AI City, but change needs to actually be reflected in our work in these committees. So where can that happen?

I referred to it when I said “embraced space and government contracting” a few paragraphs before. The money and talent to incorporate AI is in those organizations and several companies and organizations are beginning to work on projects. However, it is not near enough. I’ve met many sizable organizations in the contracting space that didn’t even know there was an

By: Carl Holden

Executive Order on AI.

For those of you familiar with SAM. gov, there are already 56 contracts open for bid that expressly say “artificial intelligence.” ChatGPT 3.5 is not even two years old yet! What happens to Huntsville if next year there are 100 to 200 contracts that express need for AI skills? Is our workforce ready?

A speaker from a major consulting firm illuminated this in our recent Task Force meeting. AI literacy, education and upskilling are paramount to our success in the near future. We have to catch people up. This is not the internet. We can’t “work our way into it” or “use it when it’s better.”

If we had treated the moon with that kind of attitude, there’d be a Russian flag on it.

Man landed on the moon 55 years ago. There’s only so long we can brag about that!

So how does Huntsville become an AI City? We choose it to be. You do your part in learning how to use it. You encourage your work colleagues to experiment or your boss to give time for it. If you have time and resources, you contribute to our committees. We build policies, programs, and workforce that can optimize AI opportunities in areas we already excel in: space, engineering, cybersecurity, and biotechnology.

What’s the alternative? We sit on our hands, and we let Alabama fall behind the curve. We hope we can catch up one day like we have had to struggle against other issues. That’s not what the mayor or our state leadership wants. However, they can’t really push the needle; we do. Funny enough, true human intelligence is required to recognize when opportunities are ready to be taken, not artificial intelligence. w

“AI Talks” is a series from the Huntsville Business Journal on Artificial Intelligence and its applicability to the world of business. Each month, HBJ plans on bringing you interesting topics led by our contributing expert writer, Carl Holden. This series also introduced another new “writer” to our journal: Artificial Intelligence itself. Using Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT), we plan on bringing our readers an “article” written directly by AI. While AI cannot currently write a

article with fully original sources, this series hopefully will introduce our readers to the nuances of Artificial Intelligence in the modern age of business.

Carl Holden, Creative Director of Zellus Marketing

As a Huntsville native and director of the WEDC Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering collegiate women in our community, I’m privileged to witness the remarkable growth unfolding before us. The evolving skyline and bustling streets serve as tangible evidence of the relentless progress within our city, a testament to the dedication of those who paved the way for Huntsville’s ascent.

In this edition, we celebrate individuals who are not only shaping the present but also leading us confidently into the future. These trailblazers, armed with a mix of innovation, ambition, and resilience, are part of the driving force behind Huntsville’s continued success.

Central to our city’s prosperity is the emphasis on education for all. Huntsville recognizes the transformative power of knowledge, whether it be through traditional academia, cutting-edge technology, or practical skill development. By investing in education, we empower individuals, especially women, to reach their full potential, cultivating future leaders who will drive positive change in the generations to come.

Our community thrives on its diversity, a rich tapestry woven from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. It is imperative that we not only embrace this diversity but actively support it, recognizing the strength that comes from unity in variety. Our local nonprofits play a pivotal role in fostering inclusivity and providing vital support to those in need, embodying the spirit of compassion that defines Huntsville.

I hope the stories of the individuals that follow will inspire you to join in our city’s journey of growth, transformation, and commitment to progress, inclusivity, and empowerment. Together, we will continue to write the story of Huntsville’s success—one innovation, one milestone, and one act of kindness at a time.

Jennifer Linton Executive Director WEDC Foundation

Aaron CARADONNA AL SMITH, JR.

EQ Concepts, Inc., Founder - General Counsel/VP at Summit Stanton Chase, Managing Partner

What is your favorite work day jam?

“Tishomingo”

by Zach Bryan

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

Honest Coffee and Moon Bakeshop

What is a fun fact about you?

While in law school, I represented a dozen or so professional baseball players including MLB draft picks of the Braves, Cardinals, Cubs, Pirates, and Tigers.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

Network! People are friendly and love to meet for coffee and introductions.

Alison Brown

Cabana Wax, Owner

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

Angel’s Island Coffee

What is a fun fact about you?

I was a lawyer before I opened Cabana Wax. My first job out of law school was ghostwriting decisions for federal judges in their cases. I graduated #3 in my law school class! What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

Huntsville is still small enough that I’m able to remember lots of our customers by name, but I also get to meet new people all the time. I love that my small business can be a positive part of someone’s introduction to Huntsville.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

Specific to opening a business in Huntsville, figure out what’s already available to consumers, and offer something that you’re passionate about that is different from what currently exists. In general, with starting a business, make paying off business debts, like loans, a first priority so that you can enjoy true financial freedom sooner.

What is your favorite work day jam?

Mostly current pop, and 2000s hip hop/R&B.

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

Stovehouse

What is a fun fact about you?

I played Football professionally in the Canadian Football League. So, I’ve gone from hitting people to helping people, and helping people is much easier on my bones. What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

The people of Huntsville are so connected and unified in seeing this city grow not only for themselves but for their families and local community. When you’re surrounded by people who share your common goals, it’s easy to find joy and fulfillment in your work.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City? Community is key. Learn from the people you admire. Keep your goals in front of you and let your decisions flow out of those. Always have a powerful and inspiring “Why”.

What is your favorite workday jam?

“Good Day” by Forrest Frank

ALLie tucker

Butler Snow, LLP, Partner

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

Big Spring Park

What is a fun fact about you?

I am a third generation foster parent. My parents and grandparents showed me how important and wonderful it is to provide safe and loving homes for kids who desperately need them.

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

It is both exciting and rewarding to be a part of a City on the Rise. I love reflecting on all that has changed in Huntsville and am inspired to grow the City in ways that will serve generations to come.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

Get involved in your community. If you put in the effort, you will find your niche in Huntsville. If you’re not sure where to start, one of the programs through Leadership Greater Huntsville is a great way to learn about our dynamic and diverse community and get to know people from all industries.

What is your favorite work day jam?

Florence + the Machine, Turnstile, Rival Sons, Dead Poet Society, and Jon Batiste

blake redmond

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

Pan E Vino Pizzeria

What is a fun fact about you?

I have hiked 800 miles of the Appalachian Trail

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

I am proud of my contributions to landmark organizations such as Huntsville Botanical Gardens, The Westin Huntsville, NASA, FBI, Lockheed Martin, and the University of Alabama Huntsville. The speed of Huntsville’s growth is amazing. It has been fun to be a part of our city’s growth.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

Get involved with the community and meet as many people as possible. Networking and relationships are important. Huntsville is a rapidly growing city yet still has a small town feel. I rely on relationships going all the way back to middle/high school.

What is your favorite work day jam?

Whiskey Myers

andrew tuggle

Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP, Attorney

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

South Huntsville Public Library

What is a fun fact about you?

I have 5 young children. Is that fun? My kids think so!

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

Huntsville is always on the cutting edge. I love learning about the brilliant work coming out of our local businesses.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

Show up and engage! Huntsville is a city of helpers. So help with planning, building, fundraising, connecting. That’s really the best way to connect with our unique community. What is your favorite work day jam?

Waylon Jennings or John Anderson!

brandon gower

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

Campus 805

What is a fun fact about you?

I played collegiate baseball for The University of Alabama in Huntsville, and I am certified by the University of Tennessee Beef and Forage Center in Artificial Insemination and the Tennessee Master Beef Producer Program.

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

Working in the LBM industry for the past eight years, it has been rewarding to be a part of the continued growth of Huntsville.

Huntsville has grown significantly surpassing Birmingham as the largest city in the state and it has been fun to be a part of that growth and development.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

The Rocket City offers a wide range of industries and opportunities for individuals looking to start a career here. I would encourage them to find what they are passionate about and then explore all the opportunities that Huntsville has to offer.

What is your favorite work day jam?

“I Wrote the Book” by Morgan Wallen

Redmond Construction Company, LLC, President

Wilson Lumber Company, Plant Manager

brittney shonk dr. caleb masterson

Merit Bank, Senior Vice President, Private Banking Manager

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

The Moon Bakeshop

What is a fun fact about you?

In recent years I’ve discovered a love for running, and I even placed third in my age bracket in the 2023 Liz Hurley Ribbon Run!

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

The best thing about working in Huntsville is, without a doubt, the people. This city’s citizens are incredibly supportive of the advancement of local professionals, passionate about contributing to the success of philanthropic organizations and initiatives, and unfailingly dedicated to ensuring that future growth and continual improvement in our community is ensured and profound.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

Anyone embarking on a new career in Huntsville should make it a point to surround themselves with individuals who will encourage them, challenge them when needed, and support their growth and vision for the future.

What is your favorite work day jam?

Justin Timberlake’s new album!

caleb shaw

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

Sam and Greg’s in Downtown Huntsville

What is a fun fact about you?

I’ve been playing soccer for 20 years, and I currently play in the Huntsville Adult Soccer League (HASL)

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

The best part about working in Huntsville is the blend of opportunity and diversity that comes with its rapid growth. As the city continues to expand, it attracts individuals from all walks of life and corners of the country, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to the table. I’m incredibly fortunate to interact with the Huntsville public on a daily basis, and have the opportunity to hear their stories.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

My best advice for launching a career here is to actively network and engage with the local community. Through my own experience, I’ve connected with numerous individuals and organizations that have provided invaluable support.

What is your favorite work day jam?

“Mona Lisa” by Dominic Fike

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

Most weeks you can find me somewhere on Church Street.

What is a fun fact about you?

I hold the Missouri State Record for the 800m Run.

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

The best part of working in Huntsville lies in its vibrant blend of professional opportunities and lifestyle amenities that cater to a wide array of interests and passions.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

The best piece of advice I can offer is to embrace versatility in your professional journey. This mindset can be applied across various industries in the Rocket City. Innovation, especially in a city known for its cutting-edge technology and aerospace achievements, is key.

What is your favorite work day jam?

“It’s a Great Day to Be Alive” by Travis Tritt

daniel owen delores baker

Drake State Community & Technical College, Director of Public Relations Baker’s Learning Kitchen, LLC, Owner/Tutor

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

Downtown Huntsville and Domain South

What is a fun fact about you?

I had the chance to drive Talladega Superspeedway in a NASCAR race car. Of the group of NASCAR Racing Experience participants in my session, I had the highest max speed, reaching 164 mph.

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

People in organizations across the city see the value of connection, partnerships, and collaboration. It gives you the sense that people work daily to make Huntsville an even better community.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

Ask your organizational leaders to support your participation in Leadership Greater Huntsville programs like Connect. Connect is a cheat code when it comes to connecting with people and finding ways to get involved by volunteering, joining a board, etc. If your organization attends events like the Chamber Open House, State of the City, or similar events, see if you can join or fill a seat at your company’s table.

What is your favorite work day jam?

“After Hours” by The Weeknd

emily l. santiago

Blue Ink Closing and Title, LLC, Owner/Attorney

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

Domaine South

What is a fun fact about you?

I spent 6 weeks in Australia during law school participating in the International Summer Program between the University of Alabama School of Law and Australian National University.

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

Compared to some other cities in Alabama, Huntsville has a diverse workforce in terms of culture, education, politics, and background. This allows for well-rounded companies that can operate globally, but still have a small town feel.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

Don’t be afraid to reach out and talk to people that are already in the industry you want to join. You’ll be surprised to find out that professionals in that industry will not only answer your questions, but might also be willing to serve as mentors to help you grow and succeed.

What is your favorite work day jam?

Golden Oldies from the 60’s

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

Reflections or Stovehouse

What is a fun fact about you?

I can play piano. I’m rusty, but I can get my church through a service when our musician is out.

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

I love that in Huntsville I can get pretty much anywhere within 20 minutes! I can run to the store, mall or a good lunch spot and decompress and get back to it pretty quickly! And when I need a change of scenery, Huntsville is filled with nice spots to plug in and focus! I love Huntsvegas!

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City? Do your best work no matter where you are! You never know when your interaction with one person will take you to the next level! Word of mouth is the best marketing tool! So, treat everyone right and have exceptional work ethic!

What is your favorite work day jam?

“Set it Off” by Torence Hatch, Jr.

friddy hoegener

SCOPE Recruiting, Co-Founder & President

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

The Flint River or an HCFC game

What is a fun fact about you?

I’ve played soccer for over 30 years, including playing in college, and semi-professionally in Germany.

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

The best part of working in Huntsville is the impressive growth and all of the companies coming here.

Huntsville is a hub of innovation across so many different industries.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

Tap into the community and build your network. There are so many entrepenuers and small business owners. Everyone is incredibly willing to help, provide resources, make introductions, and cheer on your successes.

What is your favorite work day jam?

“Toes in the Water” by the Zac Brown Band

ianni nicolaou heather juron

Flooring and Interiors, Builder Division President

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

A Huntsville Havoc and Trash Panda game

What is a fun fact about you?

I attended a conference in Dallas, Texas a few years ago, and the keynote speaker was former United States of America President George W. Bush. I had the privilege of sitting just a few rows back from him, and it was a surreal experience to be in such close proximity to a former United States President. What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

I am thrilled about the new employment opportunities emerging in Huntsville. Being a native and having grown up here, it is heartwarming to witness the city’s progress and the exciting developments that lie ahead. What is even more remarkable is that despite the big-city feel, Huntsville has managed to retain its small-town charm, which makes it welcoming to everyone.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

Make the most of every moment and meet new people as often as you can. Remember that failure can be counted as a success if you learn from it.

What is your favorite work day jam?

“Whoomp! (There It Is)” by Tag Team

jen lee

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

Commerce Kitchen

What is a fun fact about you?

I did a shark dive while living in Hawaii!

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

The growth! It is amazing to see Huntsville growing and evolving!

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

Network! Get to know everyone! Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.

What is your favorite work day jam?

“Work

B” by Britney Spears

Amanda Howard Sotheby’s International Realty, Managing Broker

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

Big Spring Park!

What is a fun fact about you?

In my spare time, I find cooking to be a stress reliever.

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

The people! I get to meet some of the most interesting individuals with the most interesting stories and backgrounds!

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

Know that the sky (and beyond) is the limit! With such a knowledgeable and diverse workforce in Huntsville, soak in the mentorship from some of the leading trailblazers in the world!

What is your favorite work day jam?

I usually find myself jamming to 95.1 The Rocket!

jenny brown

Kimley-Horn, Senior Civil Engineer

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

I’m currently in my toddler-mom era and love nothing more than relaxing and playing at home with our 1-year old twins and enjoying the quiet, beautiful scenery of our Green Mountain community

What is a fun fact about you?

I am an Ironman Triathlete, which means I completed a full 140.6-mile triathlon (2.4-mile swim + 112-mile bike + 26.2-mile run) all in one race!

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

As a Civil Engineer, I get the unique privilege of watching my projects come to life in the real world. It is very rewarding to see the designs I completed in the office being constructed in our local community, knowing that the infrastructure being built will make Huntsville a better place for all of us to live and work.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

The business community in Huntsville is such a wonderful network to be a part of so my recommendation is to get plugged in wherever you can! Huntsville is a tight-knit community, so the more you can grow your network, the more likely your chances of success in finding the right connection when you need it the most.

What is your favorite work day jam?

“Good Day” by Forrest Frank

Haley’s

Crestwood Medical Center, Practice Executive

john roberts

Freedom Real Estate & Capital, Real Estate & Development Manager

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

The greenways scattered throughout the area

What is a fun fact about you?

I didn’t miss a single day of school from kindergarten through 12th grade. And to top it off, I brought a PB&J sandwich for lunch every single day during that time too. What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

The best part about working in Huntsville is how dynamic our business community is. The defense and aerospace presence naturally provides a lot of unique opportunities in the market.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

Find someone to help mentor you in your career. One of the many great things about Huntsville is that the top professionals in your industry are accessible and typically willing to help.

What is your favorite work day jam?

There is always a politics or business podcast playing on my way to work.

josh gregory

Canvas, Project Manager

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

John Hunt Park

What is a fun fact about you?

I played collegiate football for two Division 1 programs: Auburn University and Middle Tennessee State University.

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

The best part about working in Huntsville is the parking availability. I’ve worked in other cities in which I would have to park at a garage or parking deck that would be a significant distance away from my actual office building and walk the remaining distance.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

The best advice for starting a career in Rocket City is to network. There are a lot of resources available to help propel your career so networking and meeting new people will aid that progression.

What is your favorite work day jam?

“Happy” by Pharrell

joshua philips josh tuttle

Aerobotix

Inc., Business Development Manager Brookside Properties, Inc., Regional Manager

What is your favorite work day jam?

T-Swift, old school emo, or EDM

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

Honest Coffee

What is a fun fact about you?

I am rare in the fact that I grew up here in the early 90’s, went to college and came back.

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

You get the big city benefits with the small city vibes.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

Don’t sleep on the small companies. There are tons of small businesses doing big things that you would never imagine.

justin holland

Carter Express, Inc., Director of Operations

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

The Hound and Harvest or Monte Sano Park

What is a fun fact about you?

I love to push the envelope in most areas in life including straight line skiing at 60 mph or use minimal breaking while downhill mountain biking.

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

For me, it’s family, friends, and fellowship. It’s not a coincidence that Huntsville was rated as the best city to live in (2022) as our southern hospitality mixed with diverse industry backgrounds gives our city a unique community experience. Working in Huntsville allows for a distinct opportunity to gain exposure in various professional fields and to make one-of-a-kind connections that can broaden knowledge for a well-rounded workforce.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City? Find your passion and be willing to invest in your community. Don’t be bashful to join or start a new professional networking group!

What is your favorite work day jam?

Kings of Leon

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

MidCity or Downtown Huntsville

What is a fun fact about you?

Even though I have a vision disability, I run a photography and video company and love to share the way I see the world with others!

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

The rocket-fueled innovation that propels our businesses and infrastructure to the next level.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

Be ready to be accepted. The amazing group of Huntsville professionals are like no other, welcoming all newcomers and transplants to the city with open arms.

What is your favorite work day jam?

“High Hopes” by Panic! At The Disco

kenita simmons justin mcDonald, sr.

COLSA, Director of Quality

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

Bridge Street Town Centre for the movies and Connor’s Steak & Seafood for the food

What is a fun fact about you?

I was very close to pursuing a career in coaching. Growing up I played sports at a high level.

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

The best part about working in Huntsville is the diversity, growth and opportunity.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

The best piece of advice I could give is follow your passion and never become content with your current state. Never let anyone pull you away from your dream.

What is your favorite work day jam?

90’s R&B and Hip Hop

BAE Systems, Product Area Director

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

Burritt on the Mountain

What is a fun fact about you?

I love to mix/blend music and DJ all of the family events with selfmade playlists.

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

I am surrounded by a community of colleagues in the Space and Missile Defense industry and can draw from the immense amount of local talent within that community.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

Get to know your local community and learn from it! From customers, suppliers, or partners, chances are you will have another opportunity to work with them in a different capacity sooner or later.

What is your favorite work day jam?

“Electric Boogie” by Marcia Griffiths

kobi bell

F45 Training, Owner

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

A Huntsville Havoc game

What is a fun fact about you?

I’ve won two business pitch competitions, one for my concept of a gym and one for a toothpaste dispenser concept. I’m in the fitness business now, but watch out toothpaste industry - I’m keeping this one in my back pocket!

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

Huntsville offers a unique pool of talent and experience. Everywhere you turn, you can learn something new or meet someone with a job you’ve never even heard of.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

Dive in wholeheartedly. Support local, go to events and make the most of all your opportunities. As with all things, what you put in is what you get out!

What is your favorite work day jam?

The New Heights podcast

laken laird

LSINC Corporation, Vice President of Business Affairs

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

Downtown Huntsville rooftops and patios

What is a fun fact about you?

I grew up in Opp, Alabama, the home of the Rattlesnake Rodeo!

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

One of my favorite things about working in Huntsville is that the diversity of industry here has created an eclectic workforce that collaborates on a daily basis to create things that change the status quo.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

Find a way to plug into the community and get to know people who share similar passions. You never know what connection might help you out along your path one day.

What is your favorite work day jam?

“Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen

mica gurley-rice

SAIC, Project Manager

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

Olde Towne Coffee in Five Points

What is a fun fact about you?

Although my family is from Huntsville, I was born in England. In 2023, my 75 year old father and I traveled back to celebrate King Charles’ coronation with our family.

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

One of my favorite things about working in Huntsville is that there is a lot of opportunity here that has produced a healthy industry full of great competition.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

Don’t be afraid if the entry level position doesn’t look like your dream job. A lot can happen over a few years of strong work ethic and meaningful relationships.

What is your favorite work day jam?

“Little Bird” by Annie Lennox

olivia christian

The Orion Amphitheater, Marketing Director

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

Downtown Huntsville

What is a fun fact about you?

I am an animal lover, and a member of a trap & release program. Through the program, I’ve ensured over a dozen cats have received medical attention, gotten their shots, and have been spayed or neutered.

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

I truly believe a rising tide raises all ships, and the growth Huntsville is experiencing has only strengthened the unified front of community leaders working to make the Rocket City an excellent place to live for residents, and a must-experience destination for visitors.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

I believe that if you identify your strengths, and constantly work on them, you’ll find that your passions will probably overlap with those strengths - meaning you’ll end up doing something you love. Across industries in the Rocket City you’ll find mentors who are willing to invest time and impart wisdom to interested, hard-working individuals - finding those leaders and starting a dialogue is an excellent step in the right direction.

What is your favorite work day jam?

“Crown on the Ground” by Sleigh Bells

michelle epling

Madison

Chamber of Commerce, President

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

Phil Sandovals in Madison or J. Alexanders, Saza and Prohibition in Town Madison

What is a fun fact about you?

Our family runs the largest pecan orchard in North Alabama called Newberry Pecans!

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

Our community in Madison and the Huntsville region is what makes working in Madison so wonderful. From our business owners, to our residents to our restaurants and city employees they all work together to make us all feel part of the North Alabama family!

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City? Network, Network, Network! This town is so wonderful in helping each other, building each other up and working together to be each other’s biggest cheerleaders but you can’t be part of this amazing network if you don’t show up to all the wonderful community networking events available everyday across Madison and Huntsville!

What is your favorite work day jam?

“It’s just another day in paradise” by Phil Collins

ryan blaylock

Warren Averett, Tax Manager

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

The Martin

What is a fun fact about you?

My favorite thing to do in my down time, if not coaching my boys in sports, is Legos. I have a vast collection of Star Wars, Harry Potter, Space, and assorted sets of Legos I enjoy building with my two boys.

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

The best part of working in Huntsville has to be the people. Also, working in downtown Huntsville is outright beautiful. Huntsville makes a serious effort to preserve green space wherever they can, and it’s absolutely beautiful working downtown.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

Watch all Star Trek and Star Wars Movies. Because the movies might seem sci-fi, but the science and technology in Huntsville is moving us that reality!

What is your favorite work day jam?

Phish, Widespread Panic, Shinedown, Aaron Lewis, and Metallica

sArah sharman, ph.d.

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Research Communication and Innovation Strategy Manager

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

Big Spring Park and Domain South

What is a fun fact about you?

I am the co-host and co-producer of a fun science podcast called Tiny Expeditions.

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

Being surrounded by such a rich history of science and technology is incredibly inspiring, especially in my line of work. Coupling that with the growing art scene makes Huntsville the perfect environment for a creative science communicator like me to learn and grow.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

Take advantage of the wealth of networking opportunities that the Rocket City offers through Huntsville Young Professionals, Chamber events, Cummings Research Park socials, and more.

What is your favorite work day jam?

Fleetwood Mac, The Killers, Eminem, and John Prine

dr. sha’rose erion

Rose Pelvic Physiotherapy, Owner/CEO

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

My neighborhood is blessed with the sounds of nature and visuals of squirrels, birds, rabbits and more.

What is a fun fact about you?

I am a World Record Holder. Contrary to belief it is not for eating the most slices of pizza in a night. Instead it is for “The Most Photos of Black Women With A Graduation Certificate Uploaded To Social Media in 24 Hours”.

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

The best part of working in Huntsville are the communities I’m connected to. While Huntsville is growing, it is small enough to make true and deep connections with other business owners and organizations.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

My best piece of advice is that if you stay open-minded, it is absolutely possible to do anything here. The growth the Rocket City is experiencing means there’s a lane or niche to be filled in anything. From the many state, federal, and local resources, your career has so much potential to be successful and thrive.

What is your favorite work day jam?

Absolutely anything Whitney Houston!

savannah rumage

Active8 Communications, Marketing Manager

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

Stovehouse

What is a fun fact about you?

I am a huge Jimmy Buffett fan, and I’m actually named after his daughter, Savannah Jayne!

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

Honestly, the people. Huntsville is full of so many great people who genuinely want to see you succeed and will help get you where you want to be. (It’s also nice having so many food options for lunch break!)

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

Go to all the networking events! Making connections is so important and can get you so far.

What is your favorite work day jam?

“What Goes Around…Comes Around” by Justin Timberlake.

shakeria hayes

Cortina Solutions, LLC, Vice President of Administration

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

Grille on Main at the Village of Providence

What is a fun fact about you?

I was born on Valentine’s Day.

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

The community in Huntsville is welcoming and the city is thriving, making it a great place to work and live.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

To kickstart a career in Rocket City, networking is key. When I began my career in government contracting, I joined the Women In Defense Tennessee Valley Chapter (WID-TVC) and the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) Huntsville Chapter. These professional organizations provided me with the opportunity to meet many great professionals in my field and expand my knowledge.

What is your favorite work day jam?

Beyoncé’s 4 Album

shawn guzman

Guzman Group Realty, Inc., Owner/Agent Savant

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

Downtown Huntsville

What is a fun fact about you?

In my spare time I enjoy continuously staying busy. I like to remodel homes and come up with different design ideas.

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

Growing up in the area, but able to see the entire city grow. I love the growth and the opportunities for the community. I love to meet new people and see where everyone is coming from and what their aspirations are.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

The best piece of advice I can give you for starting a career in the Rocket City is follow your own dreams. There are so many opportunities here with technology, military contracting, Outdoors opportunities, construction, shops, eateries and ownership the opportunities are endless. You will have so many resources just locally from the leaders in our community to continue to grow whatever you desire to do. What is your favorite work day jam?

To stay motivated I like to listen to podcasts or Audible books, specifically Eric Thomas.

stewart whitt

Wealth Management, Financial Advisor

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

Hays Nature Preserve

What is a fun fact about you?

I was on the golf team at The University of Alabama.

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

Even though Huntsville has grown significantly over the last several years, it still has a small town feel to it. You’re able to have a lot of the same opportunities of larger cities but can still make meaningful connections and have a close-knit network.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

Find a community organization you’re passionate about and get involved. It’s a great way to learn more about Huntsville as well as meet new people. Families are moving to the area from all over the country and everyone has a different reason as to how they ended up here. Usually once they get here, they realize how great it is and end up staying for a long time.

What is your favorite work day jam?

Paramore

tiffany crenshaw todd smitherman

Animal House Photography, Artist/Owner

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

Blevins Gap overlook for the sunset

What is a fun fact about you?

I spent a summer living in India with my husband when we were newlyweds!

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

I absolutely love all of the connections I’ve been able to make and the family stories I’ve been able to tell. Huntsville is a city full of people that love to be together and value building memories with their family.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

Take time to really think about your “why”. Why do you really desire to start your business here and now? And take that why and let it lead you to the people and the business model that will support it.

What is your favorite work day jam?

“Who Run the World” by Beyoncé

Victoria holland

Birch On Main and Amari Bridal, Owner

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

The Wine Cellar

What is a fun fact about you?

I love traveling the world, immersing myself in other cultures and making fun memories with my husband, family and friends. I have visited 18 countries so far and plan to visit every continent!

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

The community. I love being a part of such a supportive city who loves small businesses. Huntsville has a small town feel while still being in a fun city.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

I would say go all in, if your passion and love for what you do shows through your work and business people can see that and want to support and cheer you on. People want to know that you care about your work, so take pride in it and give it all you’ve got especially at the very beginning, it is not always easy but it is so worth it to watch your business grow and see how you are supporting your town.

What is your favorite work day jam?

“I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston

Robins & Morton, Project Manager

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

Big Spring Park

What is a fun fact about you?

I’ve been a drummer since I was 12 years old.

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

The best part about working in Huntsville is meeting so many smart and diverse people from all over the United States.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

Build a network and learn something everywhere you go.

What is your favorite work day jam?

Greta Van Fleet