Celebrating the men in our community... and four years!
There’s something special about the men who quietly show up every single day — working hard, leading their families, building businesses and pouring into our community in ways that often go unseen.
This month, we’re proud to shine a light on a few of those men — the faces behind the businesses you know and trust. The early risers. The late-night thinkers. The ones who believe in doing things the right way, even when it’s not the easy way. These are the men who help shape Cullman into the place we all love to call home.
And this issue feels especially meaningful for another reason…Cullman City Lifestyle is officially four years old and this is our 48th issue!
Four years of telling your stories.
Four years of highlighting local businesses.
Four years of connecting a community that means so much to us.
To our readers — thank you for picking us up, flipping through the pages and inviting us into your homes each month.
To our business partners — thank you for trusting us to tell your stories and represent your brands. You are the heartbeat of this magazine.
What started as an idea has grown into something so much bigger — because of you.
As we celebrate this milestone, we’re reminded that behind every strong community are strong people. This month, we honor the men who lead with integrity, work with purpose and leave a lasting impact — both in business and at home.
Here’s to four years… and to many more stories still to come.
With gratitude,
MISSY GURLEY, PUBLISHER
June 2026
PUBLISHER
Missy Gurley | missy.gurley@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Wendy Sack | wendy.sack@citylifestyle.com
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Liz Nixon
QUALITY
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
1: Zac and Audra Yow, owners of Nomadic Threads 2: Jack’s Western & Outdoor Wear celebrated 50 years! Congratulations!!! 3: The Hawkins Medical team provided IVs to the artists performing at the Alabama Strawberry Festival. 4: Cullman Savings Bank had a great time at the Alabama Wildlife Federation Wild Game Cook-Off 5: Jacy and Miss Bennett Blair Hawkins at Harmony’s Southern Beauty 6: Melissa Betts, executive director of The Link, with CEDA Director Jamie Troutman at the festival 7: Congratulations! Miss Bennett Blair Hawkins was awarded Most Beautiful, First Alternate and People’s Choice!
JAY BETTS PHOTOGRAPHY
JACY HAWKINS - HAWKINS MEDICAL JAY BETTS PHOTOGRAPHY
CULLMAN SAVINGS BANK
CULLMAN CITY LIFESTYLE
JACY HAWKINS - HAWKINS MEDICAL
HAWKINS MEDICAL
1: Our sweet friend Silas Miller met Dustin Marlowe at the Alabama Strawberry Festival. 2: The Alabama Strawberry Festival had a stocked lineup of amazing artists. 3: We loved seeing this beautiful display at Jack’s Western & Outdoor Wear’s 50-year Celebration.
MADISON PRINCE
JAY BETTS PHOTOGRAPHY
CULLMAN CITY LIFESTYLE
AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST
Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short
Creative Director: Jen Birn
Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.
Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?
A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”
THE QUIET STANDARD:
MIKE JOHNSON
“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”
— Mike Johnson
Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?
A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”
Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?
A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”
This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
MIKE JOHNSON
Building a family legacy
‘I want my kids to be proud of what we’ve built’
ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY FAMILY
Left to right are CoraLee, Ryne, Heather and Major Ashley. Chocolate lab Nitro is in front.
On any given morning in Cullman, you might find Ryne Ashley at The Busy Bee, having breakfast while greeting the familiar faces that drift through the door. It’s a ritual that reminds him why he’s never wanted to live anywhere else. “It can be easy to take for granted what we have here,” he said, “but as the world gets crazier, it’s easy to see the greatness we get to live in every day.”
Ashley is a lifelong Cullman native and owner of Ashley Mercantile in the Cullman Warehouse District. He and his wife, Heather, opened the business, a sort of “modern-day general store,” in 2018 when their daughter, Cora-Lee, was 4 and their son, Major, was still toddling. Since then, the shop has grown into a beloved local staple, and the kids have grown as well. “It’s been fun watching them grow up and have their skills develop,” Ashley said.
“Cora-Lee was my first little helper at the register when she was 4. Now she can complete transactions all by herself.”
FAMILY FIRST, ALWAYS
Being a dad isn’t just part of Ashley’s life — it shapes the way he runs his business. He’s intentional about balance, about protecting time, about being present. “My kids are growing up faster than I want,” he admitted with a laugh. “If I’m lucky, I’ll have both of them under one roof for maybe eight more years. Time is precious.”
That urgency has changed the way he works. Some days he’s at the store before the kids wake up; other days he strolls in late after a slow morning at home. What matters is that he’s “where his feet are,” fully present wherever he is. And lately, there’s been an added motivation: Cora-Lee has started expressing interest in the family business.
“Hearing that will make you proud,” he said. “She sees what’s being done at Ashley Mercantile and thinks it’s good for her long term.”
THE HARDEST DAYS — AND THE PUSH TO KEEP GOING
Running a small business is never simple, but Ashley remembers one moment that tested him more than most: the first year Cullman’s
Christkindlmarkt expanded into a weeks-long event. Ashley Mercantile kept its storefront open while also operating a booth at the market — a grueling stretch of 10-12-hour days stacked back to back.
“I thought to myself, ‘What in the crap have we gotten ourselves into?’” he said, laughing at the memory. “Workload-wise, I had never been in a situation that demanding.” But he pushed through — with seasonal staff, grit and a lot of showing up. “Throughout those days it was fun and rewarding as ever. It was mainly at the end of the day when all those questions would start to show up.” Now, with experience under their belt, the team knows how to prepare.
A STORE WITH A SOUL — AND A NAME THAT MEANS SOMETHING
Cullman is a tight-knit place, and Ashley doesn’t take lightly the fact that his family name hangs above the door. “My last name is on that sign and on every hand-stamped bag that leaves the store,” he said. “People see it, and I want them to associate quality with that logo.”
Inside Ashley Mercantile, the pace slows. Glass-bottle Cokes, enamelware like your grandmother used and shelves of curated gifts create
CONTINUED >
Cora-Lee Ashley makes and sells her earrings at the store.
Left to right are Rayford Ashley, Major Ashley, Jeff Ashley and Ryne Ashley.
“…My hope is that people can find a little slower pace inside our place. I want my kids to be proud of what we’ve built.”
a sense of nostalgia — a reminder of simpler times. It’s intentional. “As the world becomes more fast-paced, my hope is that people can find a little slower pace inside our place,” he said. “I want my kids to be proud of what we’ve built.”
ADVICE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
If he could sit down with young men in Cullman who are trying to find their way, Ashley told us, his message would be simple: be patient, and choose your circle wisely. “Surround yourself with people who have experienced life — the good, the bad, the highs, the lows,” he said. “A business or job is part of who you are, but not your sole identity.”
He said he’s seen how easy it is to let priorities slip, to chase success at the expense of the people waiting at home. “When you come home at the end of the day, do you want it to be to a wife and kids who are elated to see you, or did your priorities get out of line and it’s just you?” he asked. “Keep the main thing the main thing — why and who you do it for.”
For Ashley, that “why” is clear: his family, his community and the legacy he’s building one customer, one conversation, one hand-stamped bag at a time.
A WORD ON THAT TRACTOR (PICTURED LEFT):
“My great-great grandfather Walker Ashley bought this tractor new in 1957. My grandfather ended up working for him and using the tractor on the farm. This was one of the first ones that came out. Before then, they were using a mule and plow. It has been in our family ever since, and my son Major is the sixth generation to drive the tractor. I’m very hopeful that Ashley Mercantile can continue for many more years to come – and the legacy continue to grow and be just as reliable as that tractor has been for our family.”
Ashley Mercantile | www.ashleymercantile. com | 256-747-5508
Cora-Lee Ashley, then 4, when her parents opened Ashley Mercantile in 2018
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SOMETHING THAT LASTS
ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATHAN HAYNES
In Cullman and the surrounding areas, where community ties run deep and a handshake still means something, it’s not unusual to find business owners who pour their whole hearts into what they do. But for Nathan Haynes, the man behind Haynes Auto Detail, running a growing business while raising a big family isn’t just a balancing act — it’s a calling.
How faith, family and hard work drive Haynes Auto Detail
Nathan Haynes and family: In front are Loften and Larsen; in back are Nathan (holding Locke), Mary, Layla and Laney.
“My family keeps me focused, and everything I’m building, both at home and through the business, is for them.”
“It’s busy; no way around that,” he laughed. Haynes said his days are full, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cullman is a small(ish), but rapidly growing city where most people know your name and notice how you carry yourself, and he’s found both accountability and support. At the center of it all is the foundation he returns to every single day: his faith in Jesus.
“I try to treat every customer the way He would — with honesty, patience and respect,” Haynes explained. “My family keeps me focused, and everything I’m building, both at home and through the business, is for them.”
That sense of purpose shows up in the way he talks about his work — not as a job, but as something he’s been entrusted with.
FATHERHOOD AS A BUSINESS BLUEPRINT
Becoming a dad didn’t just change Haynes’ schedule — it reshaped his entire approach to work. He said decisions aren’t just about today anymore; they’re about legacy.
“I’m not just running a detailing business. I’m building something my kids can be proud of, maybe even be part of one day.”
Owning his own business gives him something he doesn’t take for granted: the flexibility to show up. Field trips, school events, moments that matter — he’s there. That freedom fuels his drive to keep growing Haynes Auto Detail into something strong enough to support both his family and the life he wants for them.
And with kids watching, he explained, the standard is higher.
“When your kids are watching, you don’t cut corners. You show up, you stand behind your work and you build a reputation people can trust,” he said.
PUSHING THROUGH THE HARD SEASONS
Like any business owner, Haynes has had moments that tested him. He said one of the toughest came when business slowed down more than expected — a
Left to right are Loften, Mary, Layla, Larsen, Nathan and Locke Haynes. Not pictured: Laney Haynes
gut-check moment for anyone with a family depending on them.
“In that season, I really leaned into my faith,” he said. “It helped me stay grounded instead of reacting out of stress.”
Instead of panicking, he got proactive: reconnecting with customers, improving marketing and staying consistent even when things felt uncertain. That consistency, he said, is one of the biggest lessons he’s learned.
“Even in slow seasons, you keep showing up, serving people well and trusting that it will pay off.”
Haynes talks about those challenging months with a sense of gratitude now, saying they taught him resilience and reminded him why he started in the first place.
A BUSINESS THAT REFLECTS THE COMMUNITY
Cullman is one of those places where roots matter, and Haynes wants Haynes Auto Detail to contribute to the kind of community his kids will grow up in.
“I want us to represent quality, honesty and pride in what we do,” he explained. “I want my kids to see that you can build something right here in Cullman — you don’t have to leave to create opportunity.”
Haynes said success isn’t just about clean cars. It’s about trust, service and supporting other local businesses. It’s about doing things the right way and being part of what makes Cullman special.
ADVICE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
We asked Haynes, “If you could sit down with young men in town trying to figure out their path, what is the one thing you would tell them?
His message, he said, would be simple and direct: start now.
“Do not forget that success is not just about money. It is being a good man, taking care of your family and building something that lasts.”
“Start before you feel ready, and don’t be afraid to fail,” he said, explaining that he knows firsthand how valuable it was to start Haynes Auto Detail back in high school. It gave him a head start that has shaped everything that has come after.
He encouraged young men to use their early years wisely: work hard, take risks and learn from others.
“You don’t have to experience everything the hard way if you’re paying attention and willing to listen,” he advised.
And above all, he said, success isn’t measured only in money.
“It’s being a good man, taking care of your family and building something that lasts.”
FAITH. FAMILY. WORK. IN THAT ORDER.
For Haynes, these three things aren’t separate lanes — they’re completely interconnected. His business is an extension of his values, his family is his motivation and his faith is the compass guiding it all.
“I just try to do things the right way and take care of people,” he said.
Haynes Auto Detail | Facebook/Haynes Auto Detail LLC | tinyurl.com/HaynesADLLC | 256-595-1281
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CULLMAN CITY LIFESTYLE™ SCAN TO CONNECT
'What’s
the hardest lesson you’ve learned as a business owner, and how did it shape you?'
Finding strength in every challenge
We asked nine local businessmen to share the hardest lessons they’ve had to learn — and how those experiences changed the way they show up as leaders today.
ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK | PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED
Shawn Doss
The biggest hurdle for me to overcome was recognizing the value of employees. In the beginning, I was a one-man operation. It was not until we began hiring employees that we started seeing real growth. Currently, we have 10 employees across our three businesse (The Cigar Box - Cullman and Jasper, and GoTees Screen Printing - www.shopgotees.com). Our employees are what keep the "machine" running!
The Cigar Box | www.thecigarboxalabama.com
Josh Phillips
The hardest lessons are the ones that take the longest to learn. For me, it’s been surrendering control and trusting God with the outcome. I’ve learned that’s not only more peaceful, but more effective. The work is still the work, but results don’t dictate my attitude or effort when serving people. I choose faith over fear, trusting the right opportunities come in God’s timing.
Pin High Cullman | www.pinhighcullman.com Maven Mortgage | www.mavenmortgagegroup.com
Justin Self
The hardest lesson I learned as a business owner at the beginning was that I thought it was all about cash flow and paying the bills, but that is not what solves all your issues. People join a gym for the equipment and the "work," but they stay for the people. I quickly realized that without a loyal culture, you're just a commodity fighting a price war. We have focused on the community first and the business second. This shaped us into a gym that values connection over conversion, ensuring long-term loyalty and a brand that has a purpose.
CrossFit the Vault | www.crossfitthevault.com
Raymond Young
As a senior in high school, I entered the business world delivering Birmingham newspapers, driving 92 miles daily, seven days a week. This built my discipline and commitment. After college, I taught at St. Bernard while saving to buy a Mary Carter Paint Store franchise. For seven years, I balanced teaching and running the store before committing fully to the business for over 50 years. The greatest lesson I learned was how to be self-sufficient – providing for my family while ensuring the business remained financially stable. I developed many skills in my role as a business owner, ultimately passing this knowledge on to my sons, who now run the store.
Mary Carter Store | www.facebook.com/marycarterstore
Jeffrey Young
One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned in managing our second-generation family business is not getting lost in the small details. I work every day with my two brothers to carry on the legacy our father built, and focusing on the big picture serves our purpose much better. At first, I thought being involved in every little thing meant I was protecting the business. In reality, that often slowed us down and created more stress. I’ve learnt that delegating and empowering others is the better approach, but I’m still working on it. I continue to push myself to step back, share responsibility and grow into a better leader. Learning that perfection should never be the goal has been my most important lesson.
Mary Carter Store | www.facebook.com/marycarterstore
Rob Henshaw
The hardest lesson I’ve learned is this: you cannot outwork poor health. I tried. Long hours, low energy, scattered focus and diminishing returns. Getting healthy changed everything. I lost over 80 pounds, reversed serious health issues and gained the energy and clarity I was missing. Now I operate at a higher level across everything I do. Better decisions. Better consistency. Better results. It reshaped my purpose. I am passionate about helping other businessmen take back their health, especially those who feel stuck, because when your health improves, everything else starts to level up.
Henshaw’s Healthy Habits, LLC | coach.optavia.com/priscillaandrobhenshaw
Jeremy Mize
One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned as a business owner is that not every customer is the right fit, and that’s okay. Early on, it was tempting to take on any project, but I’ve come to realize that not everyone values the same things we do. Some customers are simply looking for something that works well enough, regardless of the level of craftsmanship or long-term quality. While there’s nothing wrong with that, it doesn’t align with how we approach our work. This experience has shaped me to be more intentional about who we work with. Our ideal customers are those who appreciate quality craftsmanship and want the job done right the first time. Focusing on those relationships has allowed us to maintain higher standards, take more pride in our work and ultimately deliver better results.
Mize Electric | www.mizeelectric.com
Chris Branham
With 26 years in business, I have learned to navigate the pressures of managing employees, serving customers, meeting deadlines and maintaining financial stability. I have come to enjoy these pressures because they help me stay focused and motivated. Balancing these demands with my personal life requires attention to my spiritual and physical well-being. I follow a simple principle: “WAYFO” — What Are You Focused On — believing that what you focus on will expand. I also believe that when we run toward challenges instead of away from them, they often lead to positive outcomes. My priorities remain: God, family, then business. Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Branham Tire & Auto | www.Branhamtire.com
Thomas Edison once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” That quote captures the hardest lesson I’ve learned in business. Some days feel like both wins and losses. It’s important to find ways to improve in the wins while keeping a positive perspective on the losses. Mindset is everything! As a business owner, you decide what defines a win or a loss. The success or failure of your business is directly tied to how you think, act and talk about it.
Nomadic Threads / Roam & Remember | www.nomadicthreadscullman.com
Zac Yow
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JUNE 4TH, 11TH, 18TH, 25TH Food Truck Roundup
Tucker Park | 4:00 PM
Grab your family, invite your friends and bring your appetite! Every Thursday night, from 4-8, at Tucker Pavilion (beside the Hanceville Fire Department). Skip the cooking and come out to support some amazing local vendors. Whether you’re craving tacos, BBQ, burgers or something sweet, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
JUNE 11TH-13TH
2026 Vintage Camper Rally - Rock the Tin Can
JG’s Campen Life RV Campground | 8:00 AM
We'll be opening to the public Saturday so you can show off your beautiful Tin Can.
Thursday 6/11: Get settled in; evening meet-and-greet
Friday 6/12: Donuts and coffee at the silo; spend the day relaxing at the campground; contest prizes; explore Cullman
Saturday 6/13: Open house - show off your camper, vendors, games, live music in the evening. www.jgscampenlife.com
JUNE 12TH
2nd
Fridays:
Rock Around the Block
Cullman Warehouse District and Depot Park | 5:30 PM
This 1950s-themed evening will bring downtown Cullman to life with rockin’ tunes, classic cars and a whole lot of vintage flair. Stroll through downtown as local vendors and food trucks line the streets, offering something for everyone! Enjoy live music, food and fun for the whole family. Come dressed in your best! 5:30-9 p.m.
JUNE 14TH
Sportsworld Skate Center Adult
Sportsworld Skate Center | 6:00 PM
Old School
Skate
18 and older! DJ Danny C. Come out for our monthly Adult Old School Skate, 6-9 p.m. Check www.facebook.com/CullmanSkating for details and more events.
JUNE 26TH
Young Professionals: Coffee + Connections
Karma's Coffee House | 7:30 AM
Meet like-minded individuals (ages 21-40), share ideas and make connections over a cup of coffee. This event is FREE - tell the barista you're with YP Cullman! Expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere, opportunities to connect with other young professionals and delicious coffee. Bring your business cards and your enthusiasm for a morning of coffee, connections and community.
JUNE 27TH
Run For Good 5K & Fun Run
Veterans Drive Southwest | 7:00 AM
Join us for the Run For Good 5K & Fun Run, a community-driven event benefiting the Good Samaritan Health Clinic in Cullman. This exciting morning brings together runners, walkers, families and supporters of all fitness levels for a meaningful cause — improving access to quality healthcare in our community. https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/Cullman/RunForGoodCullman
