Michael's Men's Wear still anchors the square after more than half a century
A beloved anchor of The Courthouse Square in downtown Talladega, Michael’s Men’s Wear has been one of the city’s key businesses for 56 years.
Business
Explore my writing on business and leadership.
Katherine McRee: Leading Cahaba Heights To New... Heights - Over the Mountain Journal
Katherine McRee is a leader who doesn’t think of herself as one. At least that wasn’t on her radar screen when she and her sister, Susan Day, opened the Lili Pad, a popular children’s boutique in Cahaba Heights two decades ago. However, in recent years, McRee has emerged as one of the most significant and highly respected civic leaders in Vestavia Hills, sparking a renewed sense of community and creativity taking root throughout the city.
The Indiana Jones of Vintage Guitars
Like many young guys who grew up listening to classic rock, John Shults dreamed of becoming a guitar hero. There was only one problem—Rock star-level talent.
Despite the revelation that Shults wasn’t destined to be the next Jimmy Page, bursting eardrums and dropping jaws with his dexterity on the fretboard, it never dampened his love for the instrument that makes rock and roll possible - the electric guitar.
Despite the revelation that Shults wasn’t destined to be the next Jimmy Page, bursting eardrums and dropping jaws with his dexterity on the fretboard, it never dampened his love for the instrument that makes rock and roll possible - the electric guitar.
Birmingham Barbershop Renaissance
For close to a decade, Birmingham has been experiencing a barbershop renaissance. All over the city, new barber shops are popping up led by a creative group of young men and women who believe barbering is more than a job — it’s a calling.
Mortgage rates are on the rise. Now what? Local experts offer advice to potential home buyers
When the Federal Reserve raised interest rates in early February to combat inflation, one area of concern for many potential homebuyers was how the Fed’s actions would affect mortgage rates and their ability to afford a new home.
However, Clint Thompson, a mortgage officer with Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp. in Inverness, says the perception that mortgage rates automatically increase following a rise in interest rates is incorrect. “There is always misinformation out there when people hear
However, Clint Thompson, a mortgage officer with Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp. in Inverness, says the perception that mortgage rates automatically increase following a rise in interest rates is incorrect. “There is always misinformation out there when people hear
HYDMECH: 40-Plus Years of Sawing Innovation
For more than 40 years, HYDMECH has been a worldwide leader in metal band saw, cold saw technology, and metal sawing solutions. Established in 1978 in Woodstock, Ontario, by Stan Jasinski, a Polish immigrant, and engineer, HYDMECH was initially an engineering consulting firm specializing in hydraulic and forestry equipment.
Scotchman Industries Leading The Way From Rural South Dakota
Nearly 60 years ago, Arthur Kroetch, an industrious entrepreneur from the small town of Philip, South Dakota, launched what would eventually become the nation’s leading manufacturer of hydraulic ironworkers. Now under the leadership of Kroetch’s son, Jerry, Scotchman Industries continues to bring innovative products to market, currently producing 13 models of hydraulic ironworkers, ranging from 45 to 150 tons in capacity all manufactured in this small South Dakota town – population 779.
L&L Special Furnace has a solid reputation
After more than 40 years in business, L&L Special Furnace has developed a solid reputation for designing outstanding special industrial furnaces, ovens, kilns, quench tanks, and heat-treating systems. Based in Aston, Pennsylvania, L&L Special Furnaces specializes in batch production furnaces and ovens, with a special focus on applications requiring high uniformity and a controlled atmosphere.
Sky Hook Utilized by Spencer Corporation Solves Problems
Like many machine shops and job shops, Spencer Corporation was looking for a solution to safely lift and maneuver heavy equipment parts throughout its facility in Santa Clara, California. Working with parts weighing just under 500 pounds, the potential for accidents and injury was always a present danger.
Manufacturing Showcase: Hypneumat
For almost 80 years, Hypneumat, Inc. has been a leader and innovator in the drilling and tapping industry.
How To Video Conference Like A Pro
The COVID-19 era has forced businesses far and wide to get up to speed technologically, and in a hurry, specifically when it comes to mastering the art of the video conference. By this point, the video conference is a regular part of our day and the brand Zoom, for many of us, is now a verb. Whether you're chatting in a one-on-one job interview or part of a video meeting with multiple people, here are some helpful tips and points of etiquette to help you nail your next video conference like a pro.
Indiana: Strong Growth in Manufacturing, Logistics & Technology
By leveraging world-class universities and research partnerships, sound fiscal policy and a pro-business environment, Indiana has the resources and people needed for new opportunities for jobs and investment in the global marketplaceGovernor Eric J. Holcomb announced a record-breaking year for economic development in 2017. Businesses in Indiana and around the world have committed to creating up to 28,846 new Indiana jobs in the coming years.
The Leadership Of Joe Torre
Guest Post: What We As Leaders Can Learn From The Legendary New York Yankees Skipper.
Joe Torre, the legendary manager of the New York Yankees in the 1990s and early 2000s was a different kind of leader. For decades, the Bronx Bombers, under the iron grip of irascible owner George Steinbrenner, was led by a revolving door of hotheads, oddballs, also-rans, none of whom could get the Yanks back to their winning ways.
Joe Torre, the legendary manager of the New York Yankees in the 1990s and early 2000s was a different kind of leader. For decades, the Bronx Bombers, under the iron grip of irascible owner George Steinbrenner, was led by a revolving door of hotheads, oddballs, also-rans, none of whom could get the Yanks back to their winning ways.
Portico Magazine - Women In Medicine Special Issue
Special issue of Portico Magazine featuring the top women physicians from the Mountain Brook and Homewood communities of Birmingham, Alabama.
California: Sixth Largest Economy in the World
If California were a country, its $2.60 trillion economy would be the sixth largest in the world, and its economy represents 14 percent of the U.S. economy. Over the past three years, $78 billion in venture capital has been invested in California companies, which is more than five times the total of any other state.
According to the Inc. magazine 5000 fastest growing companies in America list, California holds the top spot for most companies on the list at 670. The state is home to many people
According to the Inc. magazine 5000 fastest growing companies in America list, California holds the top spot for most companies on the list at 670. The state is home to many people
Automation Personnel Services Open During Covid-19 Pandemic
Automation Personnel Services Dedicated To Providing Employment To Those Displaced From Jobs Due To Coronavirus Shutdowns
If you are looking for work due to a coronavirus-related shutdown, Automation Personnel Services can help you find a job. As many of the nation’s restaurants, bars, schools, and other businesses close in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, many Automation Personnel Clients in the warehouse, distribution, and logistics sectors - among others - are working around the clock to r
If you are looking for work due to a coronavirus-related shutdown, Automation Personnel Services can help you find a job. As many of the nation’s restaurants, bars, schools, and other businesses close in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, many Automation Personnel Clients in the warehouse, distribution, and logistics sectors - among others - are working around the clock to r
How To Video Conference Like A Pro
The COVID-19 era has forced businesses far and wide to get up to speed technologically, and in a hurry, specifically when it comes to mastering the art of the video conference. By this point, the video conference is a regular part of our day and the brand Zoom, for many of us, is now a verb. Whether you're chatting in a one-on-one job interview or part of a video meeting with multiple people, here are some helpful tips and points of etiquette to help you nail your next video conference like a pr
Talking Shop with: Mark Soucie — President & Owner, Ferroloy, Inc.
Q: What is the history of Ferroloy?
A: Ferroloy Foundry was started in 1950 and for the first 50 years of its operation was captive to a company called Easton Corporation. We moved to our current location in 1968. In 2001, The Easton Corporation shut down and Ferroloy Foundry, Inc. turned its focus toward becoming a supplier to the agricultural equipment industry.
A: Ferroloy Foundry was started in 1950 and for the first 50 years of its operation was captive to a company called Easton Corporation. We moved to our current location in 1968. In 2001, The Easton Corporation shut down and Ferroloy Foundry, Inc. turned its focus toward becoming a supplier to the agricultural equipment industry.
Don’t Fear The Robotics!
While many economists and cultural commentators continue to warn of doom and gloom for the American workforce over the coming industrial automation revolution, many experts in workforce and economic development see plenty to remain optimistic about, for the rank-and-file worker and upper decision makers alike. Throughout the nation, community colleges, economic development organizations and state-run organizations are on the cutting edge of identifying the new jobs necessary to compete, creating
Reshoring initiative achieves record high results in 2018
In 2018 the number of companies reporting new reshoring and foreign direct investment (FDI) was at the highest level in history, up 38% from 2017. The combined reshoring and related FDI announcements totaled over 145,000 jobs, the second highest annual rate in history. Including upward revisions of 36,000 jobs in prior years, the total number of manufacturing jobs brought to the United States from offshore is over 757,000 since the manufacturing employment low of 2010.
Allowing for a two-year l
Allowing for a two-year l
OKLAHOMA: Making Strides in Aerospace Development
Oklahoma is located in the heart of the U.S. with easy access to suppliers and customers. The state’s integrated infrastructure system is a large reason for the success the state’s economy has seen in recent years.
Texas: 10th Largest Economy in the World
The list of good things happening in the economy of Texas is long, and the environment for business and a skilled workforce keeps getting stronger. If Texas were a nation, it would rank as the 10th largest economy in the world based on GDP.
Texas continues to maintain its position as the nation’s top exporter, a title the state has held for 15 consecutive years. In 2016, Texas exported $232 billion in goods to destinations all over the world with Mexico, Canada, China, Brazil and Korea as its t
Texas continues to maintain its position as the nation’s top exporter, a title the state has held for 15 consecutive years. In 2016, Texas exported $232 billion in goods to destinations all over the world with Mexico, Canada, China, Brazil and Korea as its t
Top 4 Things We Learned Since The AAF Shutdown
The fallout from the Alliance of American Football’s decision to suspend operations on April 2 in the middle of its inaugural season has been vast, brutal, and ugly. Since canceling the remainder of the season following games on week eight, and the official announcement that the league had filed for bankruptcy on April 17, much has come to light about the league’s shaky situation. Here are the top 4 things we’ve learned since the AAF shutdown.
Texas: 10th Largest Economy in the World
The list of good things happening in the economy of Texas is long, and the environment for business and a skilled workforce keeps getting stronger. If Texas were a nation, it would rank as the 10th largest economy in the world based on GDP.
Texas continues to maintain its position as the nation’s top exporter, a title the state has held for 15 consecutive years. In 2016, Texas exported $232 billion in goods to destinations all over the world with Mexico, Canada, China, Brazil and Korea as its t
Texas continues to maintain its position as the nation’s top exporter, a title the state has held for 15 consecutive years. In 2016, Texas exported $232 billion in goods to destinations all over the world with Mexico, Canada, China, Brazil and Korea as its t
Load More
