Progress 2017 We Are Madison

WE ARE MADISON

Progress 2017

Our certification as a Baby-Friendly USA hospital shows we care about our infants and families. We are committed to teach and support safe feeding for both breast feeding and formula feeding moms, and support practices that promote mother-baby bonding.

Madison Hospital. Your hospital for life.

2 Progress (256) 2017 265-2012 | madisonALhospital.org

babyfriendlyusa.org

WE ARE MADISON

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2017

MANAGEMENT Randy Cox Publisher EDITORIAL Alison James Editor Gregg Parker Staff Writer Bob Labbe Staff Writer Jen Fouts-Detulleo Photographer

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CHELSEA AND AMMON MCKINNEY: THE FLIP SUCCESS

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MATT CURTIS REAL ESTATE FOCUSES ON HOME AND HEART

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JOHN ALLEN: HANDS-ON SERVICE TO COMMUNITY

MARKETING Ashley Davis Marketing Consultant

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AMARA ALEXANDER: COMMITTED TO EDUCATION

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CUSTOMER SERVICE Jessica Forshey Customer Service

THE GWINS BUILD FAMILY FRIENDS AND UNCLE MADDIO’S BRAND

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SHARATH HITS JEOPARDY! JACKPOT WITH KNOWLEDGE, STEEL-HARD NERVES

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BEBE OETJEN: A KEEN INSIGHT

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EXCELLANCE DESIGNS, BUILDS CUSTOMIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLES

PRODUCTION Michael Kurov Art Director Ludmila Dyomina Design Madison Publications, LLC P.O. Box 859, Madison, AL 35758 Advertising Inquires 256.772.6677

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Ammon and Chelsea McKinney own Black Door Designs.

CHELSEA AND AMMON MCKINNEY:

The Flip Success

We Are Madison 5

WRITTEN BY BOB LABBE ith hard work, passion for renewal and redesign and a little luck, Chelsea and Ammon McKinney have taken what was a hobby and flipped it to a business success in Madison. As owners of Black Door Designs, the McKinneys have balanced their own personal fulltime work schedules to accommodate their enthusiasm for flipping houses and assisting current home owners with renovation designs by securing masterful modification plans to turn awful to awesome.

“Some people have no clue to what they want for the finished product, so they trust me to give them what will be wonderful in the end. They let me do everything for them,” said Chelsea of her work as a designer and renovator of clients’ properties.

The main business objective for the McKinneys, who were born and raised in Madison and attended Bob Jones High School, where each played athletics, is to purchase “down-on-their-luck” homes and flip those structures to attractive dwellings for resale. There can be as much as a $40 per square-foot differential upon completion.

The McKinneys have flipped eight homes so far while giving assistance to numerous clients who just need an expert eye for design and budget.

“It surprises me how many homes that are on the selling market today that have no updates to them,” said Chelsea. “You get to update a home in a simple way to make them more appealing with the work we do. The smallest things can make a huge difference in a home.”

Chelsea, 28, not only works feverishly in the family business but also works as a senior accountant for a government contractor, Erica Lane Enterprises, and as a realtor for Keller Williams Realty based in Madison. Ammon, 34, is a fulltime bail bondsman for AAA Bail Bond Company and assists Chelsea in the endeavors of Black Door Designs. The two have been married for three years.

While attending college at the University of Alabama, Chelsea would race home upon close of classes each week and work on her

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The McKinneys are enthusiastic about “flipping” houses.

grandmother’s old home, which needed a facelift prior to a possible sale. She set up a budget and design and completed the project in three months. Her grandmother quickly sold the home for $50,000 more than the original asking price. “I got hooked. It all started from there. It was my hobby,” said Chelsea. “Ammon worked nights and helped me during the day.”

The McKinneys recently purchased some Many homeowners apartments in Decatur as more of a retirement today are demanding investment. Ammon acts as property manager the open concept in while Chelsea designs. Ammon speaks Spantheir home’s interior. ish from living in Honduras for two years, and he is loved by the current tenants.

The McKinney’s current home is a renovation project they took on a couple years ago.

They received an amazing deal on the house, began to fix up the interior and soon, by accident, came up with the name of their business.

With Chelsea’s direction and design, they painted each of the interior doors black with white trim. Those were noticed on a Facebook post and, thus, the Black Door Designs business name came into being.

“Like most of our projects, either a flip or a renovation, the starting point compated to the finished product is like night and day,” said Chelsea.

To contact the McKin­neys, e-mail blackdoordesigns@gmail.com or on Facebook at www.facebook/blackdoordesigns.

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Homeowners are most likely to “flip� or update the kitchen and the bathroom(s).

Chelsea McKinney poses for the photographer during a bathroom reno.

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Matt Curtis Real Estate Inc. has grown more than 700 percent in the past five years.

Matt Curtis Real Estate

focuses on home and heart

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WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO

During house constructions, Matt Curtis takes time to play with Nicaraguan children in the villages.

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ard work and determination have taken Matt Curtis Real Estate Inc. to the pinnacle of success. However, he stays grounded by helping Central American families live in decent housing.

“We’ve been blessed to grow over 700 percent in the last five years, including 71 percent in 2016 alone.

With this growth, we anticipate being included on ‘Inc.’ magazine’s ‘5,000 List of America’s FastestGrowing Companies,’” Curtis said.

In 2005 Curtis transferred to the Madison area as sales engineer with National Instruments of Austin, Texas. He started investing in real estate but couldn’t find an agent with whom he was comfortable.

“Being a typical engineer, I got my own real estate license. I transitioned from just selling to starting my own company, Matt Curtis Real Estate,” he said.

“I wanted to elevate client experience by ensuring everyone consistently received five-star service.”

Matt Curtis Real Estate “provides a higher level of service to our clients by providing specialized service during each phase of the buying/selling process.

Through teamwork, everyone achieves more for our clients,” Curtis said. “For example, when most real estate agents meet with a client, work stops for all other clients. Not with the Matt Curtis Real Estate Team.” When his listing agent meets with a seller, other team members activate, including the assistant closing coordinator, licensed closing coordinators, the “runner,” listing manager and buying agents.

In a town full of engineers, Curtis said clients appreciate the agency’s technology and analytical approach in buying/selling real estate. Zillow and Google rank Curtis’ company as Alabama’s No. 1 Reviewed Real Estate Team.

With this business success, Curtis was motivated to help individuals who cannot attain adequate housing. He works directly with Habitat for Humanity in Nicaragua.

“A home can still be built for $5,000 in Nicaragua,” Curtis said. “Every time we sell 100 homes, we build a home in Nicaragua. To date, we have built and donated funds for 35 homes since we started the program.’

Habitat oversees the project, with volunteers completing most actual labor. “I’m definitely handson. I’ve always believed in working hard at whatever I do,” he said.

Curtis enjoys carrying and laying concrete blocks, mixing concrete – and taking breaks to jump rope with village children. The locals nicknamed Curtis as “Hardest Worker.”

According to research, inadequate housing causes one in four children to die before they reach age 5.

Curtis takes a hands-on role in building houses in Nicaragua.

At a building site, Matt Curtis tries his skill at jump rope with the village’s children.

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Clients with Matt Curtis Real Estate Inc. appreciate the agency’s technological and analytical approach in buying/ selling real estate.

The Curtis family: Matt and Courtney with their children Calli, Macy and Bryce.

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“Statistically speaking, we’ll have saved approximately nine lives with the 35 homes we’ve built and are in the process of building,” Curtis said.

No words can describe the emotions that he experiences while there, Curtis said. “I do feel a clarity of purpose and closeness to God like none other. I’ve learned about contentment from the people of Nicaragua.” Curtis plans a return trip to Nicaragua in spring 2017.

Starting a business in Madison was an easy decision, because of Madison’s growth and award-winning schools.

Homeowners enjoy a high average income level. An average homeowner holds a science/engineering degree. Madison has a high-quality workforce and relatively low operating costs for businesses, Curtis said.

With Madison Chamber of Commerce’s “2016 Best in Business Awards,” Matt Curtis Real Estate was distinguished as the first business to ever win three awards for one year. “It was very humbling,” Curtis said. He had set expectations to win one award. “When we were called to the stage to win another award – and then another – we were blown away to say the least.” The Curtis agency won “Home & Living Business of the Year,” “Excellence in Leadership & Service” and the overall “Best Business of the Year.” “This made for one unforgettable night,” Curtis said.

In a marketing strategy, Curtis’ “Moving to Canada” billboards generated great response. “Several people said they would use us when they move,” he said. Also, Curtis appreciates the relationship with Lamar Billboard.

Financially speaking, “we’ve built the company from the ground up with no debt, starting as a solo agent to a team of 25-plus in approximately five years, and generated over $2 million in annual revenue. We’re projecting over $3.5 million in revenue in 2017,” he said. “We’re just getting started and look forward to continued high growth over the next decade. We aim to make Madison proud.”

He and wife Courtney have three children who attend Madison Academy: seventh-grader Calli, fourth-grader Bryce and kindergartner Macy.

Office address is 8097 Madison Blvd., Suite 103. Call 256.333.MOVE, email Matt@MattCurtisRealEstate.com or visit MattCurtisRealEstate.com or Facebook.

Matt Curtis says his agency is just getting started and will continue high growth in the next decade.

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John Allen is president and owner of Southern Construction & Design Inc.

John Allen: Hands-on service to community 12 Progress 2017

WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO

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ohn Allen quotes Luis Nizer to convey his business philosophy: “A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.”

John Allen and his father-in-law Bob Goff founded Southern Construction & Design Inc. in 1997. Allen is president and owner.

Typically, a SCD client is a “word-ofmouth” referral and interested in either renovation or new construction. “They’re looking for experience, knowledge and creativity in their builder, as well as solid business experience, longevity and stability,” Allen said.

Allen uses his engineering skills to find ways of bringing clients’ ideas to life. He focuses on a client’s needs for innovative, unique solutions.

SCD has numerous business partners, including Inline Electric, Bob Wallace Appliance, Richards Lighting, Park Supply, Cellpak, Ceramic Harmony, Huntsville Granite, TLC Painting and Drywall, All Star Plumbing and Wilson Lumber Company.

Even with demands of running a company, Allen said he prioritizes making time for civic volunteering. “I’ve always had an interest in local politics and local issues. You’re closest to the leaders at the local level and can see real change,” he said.

Allen said he views a political race and governing as two different tasks. “Those elected need consistent support, encouragement and expertise from the community to make wise and sound decisions for the city’s future. I’ve found with my time on many boards and committees that the volunteers that do this work all year sacrifice their time to make the community a better place,” he said. “Many opportunities exist for volunteer leadership. I encourage all to seek out a place they can make a difference.”

One of Allen’s most visible civic commitments was serving as chairman of Madison Governance Committee 2025.

“It was an honor to be asked to chair this important group by the Madison City Council in 2015. The issue of local gover-

nance in Madison has been discussed since the city was formed as a mayor/council government in 1988,” he said.

Governance committee members listened to former council members and three former mayors, along with numerous leaders of Alabama communities with a city manager. The committee traveled to

Mountain Brook, Pelham, Auburn and Vestavia Hills to investigate best practices. After its eight-week investigation, the committee submitted its opinion that Madison should transition to a city manager configuration: the mayor would serve on council, and mayor and council would hire the city manager.

At a Madison Board of Education meeting, John Allen discusses his volunteer work with a student group.

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Allen served as chairman of Madison Governance Committee 2025.

“The city manager is accountable to the mayor and council, while mayor and council are accountable to the electorate,” Allen said.

“A nationwide search for a professional city manager would bring a constant stability to the churn of elected leaders Madison has had in its 29-year mayor/council form of government.”

Allen’s determination also has helped Madison City Schools. His first opportunity was building a pavilion for Heritage Elementary School.

“Then, I started working with the Engineering Academy at Bob Jones High School and was fortunate to host six high school interns in various fields from finance, engineering and building science,” Allen said. “One intern built the marquee sign at Bob Jones’ entrance.”

His work with Madison Career Technical Com­ mittee since 2010 “has continued to show the need for hands-on, real-world learning for the students of tomorrow. I’ve always been a hands-on learner and appreciate the chance to provide that learning with future community leaders.”

He sits on Madison Utilities Board of Directors, chairs Madison Construction Board of Appeals and has served on the Planning Commission, Architectural Review Board John Allen with Southern Construction & Design Inc. built this home with its beautiful winding staircase.

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A past president of the organization, John Allen, at center, frequently works on community projects with Rotary Club of Madison.

and Sustainability Committee. Huntsville-Madison County Builders Association named Allen to its Housing Hall of Fame.

Allen is past president of Rotary Club of Madison. He has earned a catalog of awards for his business, ethics and community service.

In college, Allen was a co-op student at NASA. He then worked as an engineer with Amoco Chemical Company and became part-owner of Cornerstone Engineering Group.

A Huntsville native, Allen graduated from Lee High School and then earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at Auburn University. He and future wife Beth met in the AU Band. The Allens have one child.

For information, send mail to Southern Construction & Design, P.O. Box 770, Madison, AL 35758; call 256-652-6857; or email jallen@southern-construction.com.

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Amara Alexander: Committed to education

Amara Alexander received the $25,000 Milken Educator Award.

She works as a sixth-grade teacher at Horizon Elementary School.

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WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO

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nnovation and exploration in the classroom led Amara Alexander, sixth-grade teacher at Horizon Elementary School, to receive the $25,000 Milken Educator Award.

In its 30th year, Milken Educator Awards recognize educators in early- to mid-career for their achievements and potential. An initiative of the Milken Family Foundation, the awards inspire individuals across the United States to excel in the world of education with $25,000 unrestricted gifts.

In presenting the award at Horizon, State Superintendent of Education Michael Sentance said, “The Milken Educator Award is a direct reflection of Amara Alexander’s passion to generate excitement about science and interest in STEM-related careers among her students.”

“We’re so proud of Ms. Alexander for this wonderful recognition of excellence,” Horizon Assistant Principal Tammy Jones said.

“Her enthusiasm for science is evident and contagious when you walk into her classroom.”

Alexander is “keeping it in the family,” because her mother, Dr. Tammy Alexander, also received the Milken Award in 1998.

Tammy Alexander, an adjunct professor, works at Alabama A&M University’s Regional In-Service Center and develops professional learning workshops for North Alabama teachers.

“My mother played a major role in my years as a teacher,” Amara said. “To begin with, she served as my professor though the teacher program at A&M. I can honestly say, ‘She taught me everything I know.’” Amara earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education at Alabama A&M, where she was a Bulldog cheerleader.

Every year on April 22, Amara and Tammy teach an Earth Day lesson together. “We have a blast, and my students enjoy it as well,” Amara said. “To me, my mother is a teacher’s teacher.

She creates engaging lessons, and you are hooked from the beginning.”

After receiving the award, Amara said, “I became more motivated to better my expertise as a teacher. Naturally, I am a ‘go-getter’ and constantly enhancing my craft. No one wants a boring teacher.”

Amara said she embraces the importance of cross-curricular lessons. To evoke creativity, Amara’s students read “What to Do With a Box” by Jane Yolen. “In this STEM lesson, students were given a box to use their imagination and engineering skills to create something unique. It was amazing to watch students work together on their designs. Students wow’ed me with their final products,” Amara said.

During a unit on weather disasters, students learned real-life struggles by reading “Ninth Ward,” a young adult novel about Hurricane Katrina. While teaching about roller coasters, Amara uses the book, “Roller Coaster,” by Marla Franzee. “While reading, students can relate to their own experiences and recall their favorite rides. The book also allows students never exposed to a roller coaster to experience a roller coaster through books,” Amara said.

Amara supports Project Lead the Way, the Madison district’s initiative to enhance STEM education. She leads fifth- and sixth-graders to think critically, be creative and work collaboratively. “For example, students have to create a toy using certain constraints given to them. As a teacher, it is wonderful to watch students work together to achieve a common goal,” she said.

Amara Alexander supports Project Lead the Way, the initiative by Madison City Schools to enhance STEM education.

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A former member herself, Alexander volunteers as a program advisor for GEMS, or Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully.

As a program advisor for GEMS (Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully), Amara helps to inspire young ladies with the need to excel academically. “As a former member of GEMS, I saw how the women impacted my life, so I wanted to positively impact other young girls,” Amara said. GEMS members meet monthly with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. across the Huntsville/Madison area. “We discuss money management, health and wellness and college and career readiness,” she said. GEMS “creates compassionate, caring and community-minded young women by actively involving them 18 Progress 2017

in service learning and community service.”

Amara also volunteers as leader for Girl Scout Troop 1055, a Cadettes group, at First Missionary Baptist Church. She coordinates Horizon’s extended-day program.

Previously, she taught language arts at Sparkman Middle School and Mill Creek Elementary School. She grew up in the Buckhorn/New Market area.

“The Milken Educator Award changed my mindset for me to continue challenging myself as a professional and to seek out best practices for the classroom.”

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The Gwin family: Jeromy and Rosemary with daughters Ellis, Maggie and Catherine.

The Gwins

build family, friends and Uncle Maddio’s brand

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The franchisee families for Uncle Maddio’s are, from left Brian and Denise Brandt, Jeromy and Rosemary Gwin and John and Joy Howard.

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WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO AND CONTRIBUTED

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ADISON—Most people have moved to Madison to accept a new job.

Jeromy and Rosemary Gwin targeted Madison to create jobs.

The Gwins moved to Madison in December 2015 with plans to open Uncle Maddio’s. “What we knew about Madison was that it was growing, the schools were some of the best in the state and the business environment was very enticing,” Jeromy said.

Previously, he had worked as an owner/operator of a Chick-fil-A in Montgomery for more than ten years. “The decision to leave a wonderful company like Chick-fil-A was difficult, but we were ready for a new adventure,” Jeromy said. “One of my partners and I had been introduced to Uncle Maddio’s through a mutual friend and franchisee.”

After the Gwins made their decision to join the franchise, they immediately identified Madison as their first choice of location.

The franchisee families for Uncle Maddio’s are the Gwins, John and Joy Howard and Brian and Denise Brandt. All the families are actively involved with the business.

“We’re all local and love to spend time in the restaurant visiting with guests and assisting the team,” said Jeromy, who is operating partner. “We’ve been open six months with Uncle Maddio’s, and the reception has been wonderful. We’ve focused really hard on our community involvement, and that’s been a huge help in introducing our brand to Madison.”

For example, Uncle Maddio’s staff has hosted Spirit Night fundraisers for most area schools and has been involved with Madison Hospital, Hogan Family YMCA and American Cancer Society. The staff even participated in the Madison Christmas Parade.

“The biggest challenge for us thus far has been patience in building a brand,” Jeromy said. “We’re still somewhat of an unknown, and we’ve had to learn patience as the community learns who we are and what we offer.”

Uncle Maddio’s Pizza has brought the create-your-own pizza concept out of Atlanta to Madison.

“We feature made-from-scratch dough and completely fresh ingredients,” Jeromy said. “Our produce is sourced locally, and we don’t have a freezer in the unit, so no frozen/precooked products.”

Guests can choose among traditional, whole wheat or gluten-free dough, six sauces including herb pesto, seven cheeses, 13 meat choices and 22 vegetables.

One of Uncle Maddio’s choices is the Steak and Blue Pizza, which combines grilled Angus steak with blue cheese crumbles and mozzarella, Roma tomatoes, garlic, spinach, fresh basil, balsamic glaze and olive oil.

Having local ownership here in Madison has been a huge benefit to the business partners for Uncle Maddio’s and for the Gwins as a family. “We’re all committed to the community and tied in with multiple organizations,” Jeromy said. “Our children all attend Madison City Schools, and we live our lives in Madison.”

The Gwins have been married for 16 fantastic years, Jeromy said. “We have three girls: Catherine, 12, who attends Liberty Middle School; Maggie, 10, Mill Creek Elementary School; and Ellis, 5, Mill Creek.”

Rosemary is originally from Chattanooga, Tenn., while Jeromy grew up in Rome, Ga. They met at and both graduated from the University of Tennessee. “Rosemary holds a master’s degree in counseling, and my degree is in economics,” Jeromy said.

The Gwins attend Asbury United Methodist Church. Rosemary has joined Matt Curtis Real Estate as a Realtor.

“When we’re not running a restaurant or trying to sell a house, we enjoy spending time as a family in our wonderful neighborhood, Walden,” he said.

Uncle Maddio’s address is 8048 U.S. 72 W. at the intersection with Wall Triana. In early spring, the second location of Uncle Maddio’s will open in Huntsville at the Valley Bend Shopping Center in Jones Valley.

For information, call 256-430-2388, email madison@unclemaddios.com or visit unclemaddios.com, Facebook/Uncle Maddio’s or Instagram: Uncle Maddio’s of Madison.

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Catherine Gwin enjoys playing volleyball.

Ellis Gwin is a student at The Dance Company.

Ellis Gwin prepares to spin the wheel as her family plays The Game of Life.

We Are Madison 23

Sharath hits

Jeopardy!

jackpot with knowledge, steel-hard nerves 24 Progress 2017

WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO

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or Sharath Narayan, winning $100,000 as champion of the “Jeopardy!” Teen Tournament was exhilarating. Yet, his windfall held even greater meaning.

“Winning also showed me that some opportunities come only once in life, and you should take full advantage of those special circumstances,” he said.

Sharath, a sophomore at James Clemens High School, has watched “Jeopardy!” since he was very young. “Being on the show had been a dream of mine. My family and I watch “Jeopardy!” almost every day if we can,” he said.

Initially, he completed the “Jeopardy!” online test to appear on the show but was not called back for an audition. Undeterred, he applied again, passed the test and aced an audition; producers selected him for the show.

When Sharath received his confirmation call, “Jeopardy!” had just started at 6 p.m. (locally on WAAY), and he was watching it with his dad. “When we found out the news, we were all very excited and started jumping up and down.”

Usually filmed in California, “Jeopardy!” tapes its Teen Tournament in Washington D.C. at DAR Constitution Hall.

“We stayed at the Washington Hilton, and Jeopardy provided the rooms,” he said.

During four days in D.C., Sharath and his fellow contestants had a one-day tour of the city, followed by two days filming all tournament episodes. “Five episodes are taped each day, so all of the quarterfinals happened on the first day. The semifinals and finals happened on the next day,” he said.

Sharath’s competitors are both juniors – Alec Fischthal of North Woodmere, N.Y., and Michael Borecki of Darien, Conn. Entering “Final Jeopardy!,” Sharath led at $20,000, compared to $13,600 and $10,000 for his competitors.

The Narayan family cheered on Sharath at the “Jeopardy!” Teen Tournament taping in Washington D.C. at DAR Constitution Hall.

Students and friends at James Clemens High School cheered Narayan during a watch party of the “Jeopardy!” final held in the Jets cafeteria.

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Wearing his Alabama Crimson Tide slacks, James Clemens Principal Dr. Brian Clayton was a “fan” of Sharath during the watch night party.

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In the category “Famous Names,” the answer was “At a May 1989 ceremony in Cape Town, he received a bachelor of laws correspondence degree in absentia.”

Sharath answered correctly with “Who is Nelson Mandela?” to finish in the lead with $28,000, followed by the competitors’ $16,500 and $0.

On day 2 of the finals in “Final Jeopardy!,” Sharath had $10,800 but trailed Alec at $11,600. Michael had $7,200. In the category “Early America,” the answer was “William Bradford wrote that this document was partly inspired by the ‘mutinous speeches’ of some passengers.”

All three contestants answered correctly with “Mayflower Compact.” Michael doubled his money to $14,200 for his two-day total. Alec doubled his money to total $39,700.

In the breathtaking finale, Sharath strategically calculated the minimum he needed to win, bet $901 and won the tournament with $39,701 – only $1 ahead of Fischthal.

“I didn’t want to play in a way that was that risky,” Sharath said. “I was more focused on controlling the board. Almost every time I regained control of the board, I went back to lower-valued clues and proceeded down the category.

“Winning the $100,000 has definitely been amazing, but the opportunity to be on the show was just as exciting for me. Everyone at school was extremely enthusiastic about my appearance, and I have received tremendous support from everyone in my family and in the community,” he added.

What plans does Sharath have for his winnings? “I enjoy traveling, so I would like to put some of the money aside for either a vacation to Europe or a cruise. The Friends and fellow students at majority of the money, James Clemens cheered wildly however, will probably be when they watched the final saved for college or invested episode to see for further use.”

Sharath Narayan win the “Jeopardy!”

Being on “Jeopardy!” gave Teen Tournament. him “more self-confidence and taught me that if I really worked to achieve something, then I could do it,” he said.

Sharath’s father, Aditya Gurushankar, works as a software product manager at Siemens. His mother, Rama Aditya, works as a software support engineer at Intergraph Corporation.

Sharath’s sister, Avani Narayan, is 6 years old and a first-grader at Columbia Elementary School.

At James Clemens, Sharath is captain of Scholars Bowl team and a member of National Honor Society, Math Team and Interact Club and is a straight-A student.

Bebe Oetjen was elected as a Madison City Commissioner Oct. 13, 1983.

Bebe Oetjen: A keen insight

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WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO

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rying to find a more community-minded, well-informed and politically-active person than Betty J. “Bebe” Oetjen would be an impossible mission.

“I love Madison and am concerned where and how my tax dollars are spent,” Oetjen said. “Grassroots is where involvement begins. I hope I can continue for more years. Without citizen involvement, I have seen public officials go astray.”

Bebe and husband William H. “Bill” Oetjen III moved to Madison in 1963. “Bill was employed by Thiokol and worked with someone from Madison. We visited them in Nolan Hills, liked the area – and bought a house,” she said.

In the 1980s, Bebe Oetjen became politically active because she saw “too many actions by the mayor/commissioners without citizen input or knowledge,” like the appointment of a city administrator, rezoning, major increases in utility bills, bad water pressure because water/sewer lines were too small for increasing population and citizens’ unanswered questions.

A Concerned Citizens Group was formed, resulting in a recall election that led to a new mayor and two commissioners.

“Alabama law in 1983 allowed recall elections for certain municipalities. Our recall election was Sept. 27, 1983. We needed a petition with 3 percent of the city population. For the population of 4,000, we needed 125 names. We got 450,” Oetjen said.

The election needed one-half the number of voters (357 people voted) from the last election to recall the two commissioners. “We had 1,042 voters,” Oetjen said.

Oct. 13, 1983, Madison held an election for two commissioners. Sonny Wilbanks, a past mayor, was unopposed. In the runoff Oct.18, Oetjen won a commissioner seat.

“Wilbanks had previously served 12 years as mayor,” she said.

“He brought back a sense of confidence, which helped George Quinn and me quite a lot. We got along great.”

“Considering the state’s involvement in our mayor/council form of government, the transition was not too bad,” Oetjen said. Madison voted for a five-member council, but the state said seven. “So, Madison had seven brand new council members, along with a mayor, very new to Madison – none with previous city experience.

“Many citizens knew more about the city than the council or mayor,” she added. Madison Municipal Complex was built with the first $3-million bond that Wilbanks acquired.

“I am now, and was in 1983, concerned about future evolvement and development of Madison, Alabama,” Oetjen said.

Georgia natives, Bebe was born in LaGrange and Bill in Augusta. She graduated from Wesleyan College in Macon, Ga., and worked with the State of Georgia Department of Mines and Geology and then Savannah River Plant in Augusta, where she met Bill.

Bebe then entered University of North Carolina and subsequently worked at Lockheed Aircraft as a programmer. Bill was attending Georgia Tech and Georgia State universities. Bill and Bebe married April 4, 1959, when he graduated.

By 1962, Bill was working as a chemist for Thiokol in Huntsville. After briefly working for The Boeing Company, he returned to Thiokol as a senior chemist and retired in 1996.

Bebe worked as a programmer for General Electric. After her third child was born, she retired – “if women ever retire,” she said.

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With two children in college and one in high school, she worked a few years for Madison Recreation Department.

Oetjen sees definite milestones that shaped Madison’s future, like the election recall in the 1980s, which rallied citizen involvement in city government, as well as the transition to mayor/council form of government, division of city into seven districts, founding of Madison City Schools with an appointed (not elected) Board of Education and annexing into Limestone County, “bringing in more citizens but also problems with Limestone County government.”

In volunteering, Oetjen was involved with her children’s schools and sports, from PTA and dance team to coaching softball. She is involved with UDC, Madison Optimist Club and Republican Women’s Club. She is a member at Madison Senior Center, Madison United Methodist Church and her fitness center for 20-plus years. “I played bridge for years. Now, I get shut-in friends out to eat at Madison restaurants,” Oetjen said.

The Oetjen children, all married and college graduates, are David of West Chester, Ohio; Elizabeth Pendleton of Pendergrass, Ga.; and Ellen Gibbons of Houston, Texas.

Two grandsons, Kyle Pendleton and Nick Pendleton, are University of Alabama in Huntsville graduates. Their brother, Blake Pendleton, is attending Calhoun Community College.

Today, Bebe Oetjen attends all meetings of council and various committees and stays expertly informed about municipal business.

“I am just a concerned citizen. We need more,” she said. “My three children grew up in Madison; I hope they’re proud.”

Bebe Oetjen attends practically all City Council meetings, work sessions and various committee meetings.

At City Hall, Bebe Oetjen double-checks some report facts and figures with Roger Bellomy, director of finance for City of Madison.

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We Are Madison 29

Excellance

designs, builds customized emergency vehicles

Three generations of the Epps family with Excellance Inc. are, from left, founder George F. Epps, operations manager Ben Epps and president/CEO Charlie Epps.

30 Progress 2017

In 1975, George F. Epps (at right) founded Excellance Inc. with Dot Humphrey and Zeb Overstreet. Today, George’s son Charlie Epps (center) is president/CEO, and Charlie’s son Ben Epps is operations manager.

WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO

L

ocated in the heart of Madison, Excellance Inc. is one of the world’s foremost manufacturers of emergency vehicles.

Excellance employs 94 managers, craftsmen and technicians. This workforce places Excellance as the third major industrial employer in Madison, behind Tyonek and Intergraph Corporation.

“At Excellance, we build excellence from the ground up. Excellance has manufactured the finest, top-of-the-line modular ambulances since 1975,” President/CEO Charlie Epps said.

In 1975, George F. Epps, Dot Humphrey and Zeb Overstreet

founded Excellance Inc. Their mission was to design, develop and manufacture a high quality, all-aluminum modular ambulance in accordance with Federal Specifications KKK-A-1822.

“All vehicles are custom-built to our customer’s specifications,” Epps said. “Working closely with the customer to provide exactly what will meet their needs has been fundamental to the company’s success.”

Excellance has taken the EMS industry to new heights, changing the way the world uses ambulances and emergency vehicles while creating safer units for first responders.

“Excellance’s customer base includes those for whom money is no object, such as Camp David and the royal family of Saudi Arabia. In addition, Excellance has customers who can afford no more than one vehicle but want the best value for their limited budget, such as volunteer organizations,” Epps said.

Excellance employees restored this historic “Beep” or “Beefed-up Jeep,” which is on display in front of Excellance at 453 Lanier Road.

We Are Madison 31

In addition, Excellance has built a wide array of emergency vehicles, including Bomb Squad Units, compressed natural gas units and Mobile Stroke Units.

“Excellance employs a diverse team, since we build units from the ground up. We have the same positions you would find in most companies – production, accounting, sales, quality assurance, human resources and public relations,” Public Relations Manager Amanda Dyar said. “We also have a wide array of dedicated and talented individuals who help create the finished product from scratch, which involves welding, assembling, painting, electrical and detailing.”

A historic “Beep” or “Beefed-up Jeep” is on display in front of Excellance at 453 Lanier Road. Excellance employees restored the Beep during a three-year period with more than 700 man-hours of labor. Dodge built 22,857 Beeps (WC54) in 1942 as part of the overall contract for the U.S. Army Medical Corps.

“This Beep unit saw action in the European theatre and postwar, serving in France with the original engine later replaced by a

Ben Epps discusses the specs for an ambulance design with Excellance employees.

Charlie Epps purchased the historic 1942 “Beep” from Patrick Epps (pictured), son of Pat Epps.

The photograph shows the Beep before Excellance employees restored it.

French engine with more horsepower,” Epps said. “The unit made its way back to the United States and greeted guests at a restaurant owned by Mr. Pat Epps at Dekalb-Peachtree Airport in Atlanta.

“While at Excellance, the vehicle was made drivable and received a complete overhaul and comprehensive tune-up. The engine was unseized, carburetor cleaned and new fuel pump, water pump, muffler, brake master cylinder, wheel cylinders and rubber brake lines were added. The ambulance has been restored to its former glory and will remain on display in front of Excellance for anyone to see.”

Charlie Epps purchased the unit from Pat Epps and authorized the Beep’s restoration, including manpower and materials. Retired U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. Gerry McCowan, Excellance’s quality assurance manager, managed much of the restoration.

Ben Epps, son of Charlie and Rhonda Epps, works as operations manager at Excellance.

For more information, call 256-772-9321 or visit excellance.com.

PROUD TO PRINT THIS YEAR’S

PROGRESS 2017

32 Progress 2017

Madison Hospital grows with city

CONTRIBUTED BY MADISON HOSPITAL

M

adison Hospital President Mary Lynne Wright has a growing collection of letters and emails from grateful patients.

One of them is about a man with a high fever who came to the ER on Christmas morning and returned on Dec. 26. The compassion the ER staff showed while nursing him back to health left such an impression on the man’s daughter that she felt compelled to send a thank-you letter to Wright.

“You need to know that the ER folks represented Madison Hospital in a superb manner during the Christmas holidays,” she wrote.

“Nobody likes to be away from family during this time of the year, yet they provided some very much appreciated and needed positive help to my family.”

“Impressed – you bet!”

Feel-good stories like that are relatively new in Madison, which for years carried the unfortunate distinction of being the largest city in Alabama without a hospital.

That all changed on the morning of Feb. 28, 2012, when Madison Hospital opened in a former cotton field along U.S. 72 West.

The hospital recently celebrated its fifth anniversary.

Even while the hospital was under construction, Wright was confident of its success. It has 60 acute care beds, but the campus was designed to be easily expanded to 200 beds as patient volumes

grow.

And the patients are coming. Lots of them.

The Madison Hospital team is on track to deliver 1,000 babies and perform 3,600 surgeries in 2017. The ER is about to undergo its fourth expansion since 2012. In March, the state OK’d 30 new rooms for medical-surgical and intensive care patients. Construc-

From left to right, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Kristine Taff, Lead Coordinator of OB Services Renee Colquitt and pediatrician Stephanie Israel, MD.

We Are Madison 33

tion is expected to start this summer.

Madison Hospital also recently achieved Baby Friendly-USA status through the World Health Organization and United Nations Children’s Fund – just the fourth hospital in Alabama to do so. The Baby Friendly program recognizes hospitals and birthing centers with a strong emphasis on following research-based steps that support safe infant feeding and early mother/baby bonding.

“We’re honestly ahead of where I thought we would be after five years, and that’s a testament to this community,” said Wright. “They were very vocal about wanting a hospital of their own, and they have supported us from the beginning.”

Part of the not-for-profit Huntsville Hospital Health System, Madison Hospital has become an indispensable resource for thousands of families in Madison, Monrovia, Harvest and surrounding areas.

Madison Hospital in 2011 during construction.

Madison Hospital President Mary Lynne Wright and Director of Nursing Unit Gina Turner look over the blueprints for the space with two hospital plant operations employees.

Its presence has also influenced many of the area’s leading medical practices to open offices on or near the hospital campus. They include North Alabama Surgical Associates, OB/GYN Associates, The Heart Center, Clinic for Women, Huntsville Hospital Lung Center, North Alabama ENT, Huntsville Hospital Digestive Disease Center and North Alabama Hospitalists. The Orthopedic Center (TOC) opened its Madison location prior to the hospital being built.

Madison Hospital’s growth has mirrored that of Madison itself. The most recent Census estimate put the city’s population at 46,952, making it the 10th largest municipality in Alabama.

Despite all the growth, Madison Hospital has retained its friendly, community-hospital feel.

“From nurses to environmental services, we’re all about customer service,” said Wright. “We really try to treat patients and visitors like they are our own family.”

Madison Hospital during summer of 2016.

34 Progress 2017

We Are Madison 35

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36 Progress 2017

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