Forty companies from across Alabama were honored Tuesday at Business Alabama’s Best Companies to Work for in Alabama luncheon at the McWane Science Center in Birmingham.
The companies were selected based on extensive surveys conducted by the Best Companies Group.
ABC 33/40 “Good Morning Alabama” personalities Sarah Snyder and Stoney Sharp emceed the awards ceremony.
The winners included 22 in the small-to-medium category and 18 in the large company category (300 employees or more).
68 VENTURES TAKES TOP SPOT AMONG SMALL TO MEDIUM COMPANIES
Real estate development company 68 Venture took top honors in the small-medium employer category as No. 1 among the Best Companies to Work for in Alabama in 2025. Since 2016, the Daphne-based firm has been developing real estate projects across Baldwin County and the Gulf Coast, determined to make the Alabama Gulf Coast a place that more people will want to call home.
After completing more than 150 real estate development projects and building more than 3,600 homes, 68 Ventures is meeting its goals. And not only is the firm building a stronger, more attractive region, but it’s also building a business that people enjoy working for, according to employee responses to the Best Companies to Work for in Alabama survey.
Employees of 68 Ventures largely appreciate the opportunity to play a role in building a brighter future for the Gulf Coast region. Through land development, construction and related activities of 68 Ventures’ portfolio companies, every employee at the company works to contribute to the firm’s overall goal of creating a region to which their children will want to come back and raise their own families. In addition to helping move the Gulf Coast forward, 68 Ventures employees also enjoy the company’s deep commitment to philanthropy. For example, the company has made $40 million in land donations to schools and municipalities in the region, created a Fallen Heroes Memorial at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park and given millions of dollars and countless volunteer hours to various local charities. The company also hosts the annual Ballin’ on Belrose run-walk event for charity. Working at 68 Ventures is, for many employees, more than just a job — it’s an opportunity to become their best selves and to give back to the world around them.
Company leaders strive to create a culture that rewards trying new things, pushing limits and learning from mistakes. Chairman and founder Nathan Cox shares regular emails focused on personal development, leadership and faith, aimed at providing encouragement and boosting growth. Cox and company leaders understand that to successfully and consistently perform against big goals and initiatives, they need a talented, dedicated team that is continually learning, growing and pushing limits. To do that, they have focused on building a company that will attract and retain workers who are committed to those big goals and providing the environment and the rewards they want.
For employees of 68 Ventures, the company offers more than just a competitive compensation and benefits package. It also provides an opportunity to do meaningful work that makes a difference in their community and gives back to the region where they live. Responding to the Best Companies survey, 68 Ventures employees rated their employee positively in a wide range of areas including leadership, communications, corporate culture, training and development opportunities, compensation and personal relationships with supervisors and teams.
NO. 2, SMALL TO MEDIUM CATEGORY: ROBERTS BROTHERS
For the second year in a row, Mobile real estate company Roberts Brothers Inc. earned second place honors among small/medium employers competing for the Best Companies to Work for in Alabama. With 36 employees, Roberts Brothers has built a culture focused on making work both productive and enjoyable.
“Our team frequently participates in fun, engaging activities, and we stay ahead of the curve by continually embracing new real estate trends and technology, ensuring we remain leaders in the industry,” says Sara Roberts, director of marketing.
Roberts Brothers employees appreciate the company’s training and career development programs that equip them for success, as well as the focus on “supporting rather than competing,” Roberts says.
NO. 3, SMALL TO MEDIUM CATEGORY: JBS SOLUTIONS
Under the leadership of CEO Sherrie Nash, JBS Solutions serves the defense and aerospace industries. With its foundation of “people first” servant-leadership, the company trumpets a corporate culture that puts people before profits. It challenges its 36 employees to grow personally and professionally, saying they are valued for who they are.
Nash became CEO in 2014, with a commitment to treat customers as they would expect to be treated.
JBS Solutions began with three employees. The expanding company’s coverage includes Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Maryland, Virginia and Colorado. The engineering firm is constantly seeking opportunities to grow. According to its website, JBS Solutions has its sights “on the ends of the earth.”
BMSS FAMILY OF COMPANIES TAKES TOP SPOT AMONG LARGE COMPANIES
Employee favorite BMSS, a business advisory and accounting firm, was established in Birmingham in 1991 by Keith Barfield, Don Murphy and John Shank. Their goal was to create a CPA firm that would provide peace of mind for clients while sustaining a healthy, happy culture for employees. The BMSS Family of Companies seems to have accomplished the goals of its founders, as the firm moved up to No. 1 from the No. 2 spot last year, taking top honors among large employers for the Best Companies to Work for in Alabama in 2025.
Today, with seven offices in four cities throughout Alabama and one in Mississippi, the BMSS Family of Companies has 37 partners and more than 350 employees. The firm has grown beyond its original foundation as a CPA firm and now includes a family of firms focused on IT consulting, payroll and benefits management, and wealth solutions. In the Best Companies survey, those employees widely rated their employer positively in areas ranging from leadership and communications to corporate culture, training and development, compensation and their relationships with their supervisors and teams.
“At the BMSS Family of Companies, our employees truly enjoy being part of a culture that values the whole person, not just their professional contributions,” says Bethany Allen, HR team administrator. “We place a strong emphasis on life/work balance, intentionally putting family first and giving our people the flexibility to manage their schedules in a way that allows them to be present for what matters most.”
The BMSS leadership team has worked to create an environment that promotes both personal enrichment and professional development in an effort to ensure that every employee feels supported throughout each season of life. Also, the team is committed to innovation and is leveraging AI, data analytics and automation to remove repetitive tasks and increase engagement and productivity.
“This balance of trust, flexibility and forward-thinking technology allows our employees to do meaningful work while maintaining a healthy and fulfilling life outside the office,” Allen says.
In addition to offering the standard package of interesting work, competitive salaries and robust benefits, BMSS is committed to developing people personally, professionally and as future leaders. Each division of the company has a clearly defined training and development path, and the company offers mentorship programs to ensure that each employee has the guidance they need to grow and succeed. The firm’s signature BMSS NextGen Program offers a four-year leadership development experience that equips emerging professionals with the skills and confidence to become well-rounded leaders.
Accounting professionals who are pursuing their CPA certification get extra support through the BMSS 150 Program, which provides financial assistance and encouragement. Beyond professional growth, the firm offers a connected, caring culture, highlighted by perks like company-paid mental health benefits for employees and their families and small traditions that make work enjoyable, like “Ice Cream Madness” month and more than 500 company-provided meals each year.
“At BMSS, we’ve created a workplace where people feel valued, supported and inspired to bring their best selves to work every day,” Allen says.
NO. 2, LARGE COMPANY CATEGORY: WARREN AVERETT
Warren Averett, a Birmingham-based accounting and advisory firm, has built a reputation for being a caring, flexible and engaging workplace. After ranking in the top spot last year, Warren Averett took the No. 2 spot for Best Companies to Work for in Alabama in 2025.
“Warren Averett stands out for how intentionally we build flexibility, care and purpose into everyday work life,” says Trista Cooper, communications supervisor at Warren Averett.
For example, the Warren Averett Foundation, funded by both the firm and its team members, provides financial assistance to employees facing personal hardship. In the past year, 17 employees received support totaling more than $17,000.
Also, most employees can choose to work remotely, in-office or in a hybrid setup, schedules are adaptable to support family needs and personal priorities. The firm’s employees appreciate the opportunity to do meaningful work while blending high performance with genuine care, Cooper says.
NO. 3, LARGE COMPANY CATEGORY: EDWARD JONES
Edward Jones launched his namesake company in Missouri in 1922, based on a philosophy of treating associates as partners and treating clients fairly, by offering appropriate, quality investments serving individuals that may often be overlooked by larger firms.
Today, Edward Jones in Alabama has become a favorite with a unique approach to its growth, opening branches in small and medium-sized cities. Including Alabama, the firm has more than 20,000 advisors nationwide. It is not a franchise; each branch is wholly owned by the company, and advisors operate independently while receiving support from the larger firm.
The firm primarily caters to individual investors and local business owners, focusing on middle- to upper-income earners or people with moderate-to-high net worths. Edward Jones offers three main service levels: Select Accounts, Guided Solutions and Advisory Solutions, with varying minimum investment requirements and levels of service.
SMALL TO MEDIUM COMPANIES, ADDITIONAL WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
Adah International LLC
Adah International is an industrial contractor and consultant, serving international manufacturing, construction and logistics sectors with project management, training and engineering services. According to Adah CEO Jens Reichmann, the company’s strength is its team. “They are the reason we started this company and remain the heart behind everything we do,” he said. “Our recent merger with pmX Group has only strengthened that foundation, bringing together shared values of teamwork, innovation and excellence.” He added, “Together, we help organizations grow by connecting people, data and technology and we never forget that it all starts with our people.”
The American Equity Underwriters Inc.
Mobile-based The American Equity Underwriters are the largest providers of United States Longshore and Harbor Workers (USL&H) coverage. The company also provides Continental Shelf Lands Act and Defense Base Act coverage. The company provides coverage for waterfront employers of all sizes, covering shipbuilders, ship repairers, marine terminal operators, stevedores, marine contractors and other waterfront employers. The company is the number one provider of USL&H coverage by member count and has provided this coverage for nearly three decades. According to its website, The American Equity Underwriters provides administrative services for the American Longshore Mutual Association (ALMA), including claims handling, loss control and underwriting. As ALMA grew, American Equity expanded its offerings to include longshore consulting and leadership training.
Bailey-Harris Construction
Founded in 1979 in Auburn, Bailey-Harris is committed to the values of Continuous Improvement, People First, Stewardship, Uncommon Excellence and Accountability — from the company’s first project with a $214,000 price tag to a $100 million project. The company places an emphasis on sound business practices, innovative technology and creating a culture where employees are valued. “The most important thing we build is our name in the community,” said Allen Harris, the company’s founder and CEO.
Fintegrate
Fintegrate is a leader in operations and process solutions for automating and simplifying collections, recoveries and transaction disputes for financial institutions. Through proprietary software solutions, Fintegrate helps improve operational efficiency, reduces costs and mitigates risk. The company’s collections and recovery solution, FusionCRS, manages more than $30 billion in delinquent loans daily.
First Metro Bank
Founded in Muscle Shoals in 1988, First Metro has branches throughout northwest Alabama. The community financial institution “values innovative thinkers and doers who passionately work to do what’s best for our community and our neighbors.” The bank has 146 employees and even operates student-led branches at some of the area’s high schools. The bank offers a full array of personal and business banking solutions. First Metro was honored in 2023 as one of American Bankers Best Banks to Work For and by S&P Global as Best Performing Community Bank in North Alabama. First Metro also has had an impact in its community outreach efforts. It was named a Community Corporate Champion by the Alabama Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for its fundraising efforts in the Steve Littrell Memorial Swingin’ for a Cure Golf Tournament.
Fite Building Co.
With 49 years of experience in construction, Fite Building Company notes $2.1 billion in completed projects. The full-service general contracting and construction firm serves customers in Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas. The company’s “Fite Plus One” initiative encourages employees to grow, succeed and live Fite’s purpose 1% better every day. The Fite Plus One Award is presented annually to employees best demonstrating company core values.
Guardian Credit Union
In 1958, Guardian Credit Union organized to serve Alabama National Guard members and their families’ financial needs. In 67 years, the company grew, expanded its membership base and became a full-service financial institution. Today, Guardian serves 16 Alabama counties. Employees value Guardian’s benefit packages. In addition to paid vacation, sick time and volunteer time, Guardian offers tuition reimbursement, shadowing opportunities, career tracking and development, and more.
Heritage South Credit Union
With roots dating back to 1937, Heritage South Credit Union has grown to more than $177 million in assets and more than 15,000 members. Employees are as loyal as its customers, credit union officials say. “One of the biggest reasons our people stay here is our benefits,” says Marketing Director Kevin Whitman. “We still have a fully funded pension by the Credit Union, which is rare these days.”
Kassouf & Co. Inc.
With its headquarters in Birmingham, Kassouf & Co. Inc. has been named one of Best Companies Group’s top companies to work for women in 2025. The firm provides accounting and financial services. It also has been selected as one of Public Accounting’s Top 300 firms for 2025. Along with the Birmingham office, Kassouf has Alabama locations in Auburn, Huntsville and Orange Beach, and in Louisiana’s capital, Baton Rouge. Grounded in the belief that “we succeed when our people succeed,” Kassouf was named an Inclusive Workplace by the Best Companies Group. Kassouf also promotes community activity, with employees volunteering in organizations like the Community Foodbank of Central Alabama, Community Kitchens of Birmingham, United Ability (formerly United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham) and United Way, among others. Jonathan Kassouf is the company’s managing director.
McShane Construction Co. LLC
McShane Construction’s mission is “to lead the construction industry through consistent and ethical practices that empower passionate employees to achieve excellence.” With its Alabama office located in Auburn, the company’s culture is “defined by our people and they have fostered a collaborative environment that makes McShane a fun, supportive place to be,” according to its website. The company’s core values are integrity, family, professionalism, listening, relationships, proactivity and empowerment. Molly McShane is the Illinois company’s CEO, with Dave Meadows as the Southeast Regional vice president and general manager in Auburn. The company contributes to a number of nonprofits, including Toys for Tots and Concern Worldwide.
Nequette Architecture & Design
Birmingham-based Nequette creates and builds mixed-use town centers throughout the U.S. The company’s strengths with employees include stable leadership. “Many of our principal architects have been here 15 to 20 years,” notes Jared Calhoun, principal architect. Nequette has embraced a “shared fate” model of employee profit-sharing. All employees share the firm’s success. “It is just another way we invest in our people,” notes Calhoun.
Petra Risk Management Services
Petra is a full-service risk management and insurance firm that is geared toward tailoring coverage to meet the client’s specific needs. The company offers comprehensive insurance solutions in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and Florida. According to the company website, Petra is “an independent agency offering a comprehensive suite of risk management solutions to protect [clients] from the unexpected.” The company also helps its clients craft an employee benefits program that makes sense for the company and its employees. These benefit options include group health insurance, group voluntary benefits, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, long-term care, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and HR services.
Rogers & Willard Inc.
Based in Mobile, with construction, management and consultation projects throughout the U.S., Rogers & Willard’s motto is “We Build.” The slogan applies to their services and employees. “We want people that want more than a job,” notes Company President Michael C. Rogers. “We want those who want to be part of something bigger.” Rogers adds, “Everyone in this company, no matter what their job position is, has a path for growth.” Every employee is given a chance to lead in some function of the company. In addition, R&W benefit packages include a robust profit-sharing plan, 401K and company contributions to employee retirement plans.
Russell Construction of Alabama Inc.
With locations in Montgomery and Auburn, Russell Construction began in 1983 with founder Steve Russell and a single truck, along with outstanding employees. What started with residential construction and remodeling grew to also include commercial and industrial building. Russell has performed projects for a variety of concerns, including Auburn University, Faulkner University, Wal-Mart and Community Health Services, as well as some 50 churches and hundreds of developers and project owners. Josie Russell Young was named president of the company in 2022. Her community involvement includes Habitat for Humanity, River Region United Way and other organizations.
SPOC Automation
SPOC manufactures advanced power conversion systems. The company’s leadership stability is explained by the numbers. Of the seven leaders who joined CEO and founder Bobby Mason’s team 25 years ago, five are still here, one died and the other went into business for himself and is a SPOC customer. SPOC offers generous benefit packages and more. The ‘more’ includes a unique company policy, “Lift Up.” “‘Lift up’ is our culture,” says Mason. “If we help lift you through education and job opportunities, you can lift up others and the company. Our people are important or they would not be here. We lift them up.”
SS&L Architects
This award-winning architecture firm has its headquarters in Montgomery, with other locations in Dothan, Auburn, Huntsville and Pensacola, Florida. The firm was founded by James Seay Sr. and Jimmy Seay Jr., who were later joined by Frank Litchfield III. SS&L employs the largest number of registered architects under a single roof in central Alabama, according to the firm’s website. The company is committed to integrity, excellence and service, built on a foundation as old as the Scriptures: “Love God and love your fellow man.” Among its many awards, SS&L was named one of the Best Places to Work in Architecture in the United States.
StoneRiver Co.
StoneRiver Co. is an investment firm originally founded to acquire, develop and manage real estate in the Southeast. Those investments included a range of real property, including offices, retail, timber and multifamily residential. However, the company’s focus is now on the multifamily residential market. Since its inception, the firm has acquired and developed $1 billion in multifamily residential holdings. The company is committed to integrity and developing top-tier talent and on giving back to the community.
White-Spunner Construction
Based in Mobile, with projects from the Deep South and beyond, WSC celebrates 44 years in the construction business. President and COO Jeff Carrico credits the company’s strict adherence to its mission statement, PLAN – People first, Lead with integrity, Action oriented and Never stop growing. The company is transparent – literally. “My office walls are glass just like everybody else’s on this floor,” notes Carrico. “Employees should be able to see each other. Nobody should feel isolated.”
Wilkins Miller
Wilkins Miller is an accounting firm with offices in Mobile and Fairhope. An 11-time honoree by Business Alabama as one of the state’s best places to work, Wilkins Miller has an expert staff of certified accountants, business analysts, consultants and advisers, who serve clients with a multi-disciplinary approach. The firm also is committed to community involvement, including the Alabama School of Math and Science, the American Heart Association, Mobile Baykeeper, Little Sisters of the Poor, Junior Achievement and other churches, charities and service organizations.
LARGE COMPANIES, ADDITIONAL WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
Alabama Credit Union
Alabama Credit Union is more than just a financial institution; it’s a member-owned community rooted in rich historical values. Its central focus is empowering members, driving the company to positively impact the community through financial success. Alabama Credit Union is committed to fostering growth and development for its employees. Personal and professional advancement is encouraged through a range of internal initiatives. Team members are offered the chance to make a meaningful impact in their communities by providing paid community involvement hours. The “One Team” mentality ensures that every employee feels valued, supported and part of a caring environment, according to Sarah Kate Sheridan, HR coordinator.
Avadian Credit Union
Avadian Credit Union began as Alabama Telco Credit Union in 1934, originally serving telephone company employees and their families. The name changed in 2015, and though this credit union has grown, its founding principles are the same as they were in 1934. Avadian will always be member-owned and member-focused, officials say. Today, Avadian is one of the state’s largest credit unions, serving more than 85,000 members at branches throughout Alabama. Nationwide access is available through CO-OP branches and ATMs as well as online, mobile and telephone banking services. Avadian employees work to help members meet their financial goals and needs, officials say, just as they have for the past nine decades.
Bank Independent
This family-operated fourth generation bank has a long tenure for most employees, says Chris King, vice president and director of marketing, and the things that make it a best place to work are the things that keep employees here long term. It is the intention of the bank’s leaders, King says. Whether it’s great benefits, learning opportunities or learning to grow, people tend to stay at this bank that is primarily in North Alabama, from the Shoals over to Huntsville and down to Hartselle. The vision is to be the bank of choice in the communities it serves, King adds. “Our values reflect our commitment to build and preserve the solid reputation of Bank Independent.”
Gulf Distributing
Gulf Distributing Co. is a beverage distributor in Alabama, covering Huntsville, Birmingham and Tuscaloosa metro areas along with 29 counties in the northern portion of Alabama. It also operates two new warehouses in McCalla and Tanner. Among its employee accolades, Gulf Distributing is noted for career advancement opportunities and stable leadership. “We invest in professional growth through initiatives such as our Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), ongoing leadership training and a strong culture of internal promotion,” notes company Chairman and CEO Elliot Maisel. “Many of our leaders began their careers in entry-level roles.” He adds, “Gulf’s foundation is built on consistency and long-term leadership. Our executive team has an average tenure of nearly 30 years, providing the stability and experience that drive our company forward.”
Hargrove Engineers & Constructors
Hargrove Engineers & Constructors’ environmental, health and safety culture protects and promotes the well-being of every person that works there and every person touched by that work, company officials say. Team members work all parts of the country through Hargrove. Teammates stay with Hargrove because the company invests in their success, officials say. Hargrove’s culture is one that supports individuals as they embark on and thrive in their careers while maintaining an ethical, sustainable workplace. Hargrove engages in long-term service relationships with customers to gain insight into their capital improvement plans and to position personnel for a quicker, more client-focused response. Hargrove’s “3 Years for 30 More Strategy” is designed to heighten its focus on a sustainable future in anticipation of the 30th year of operations and beyond.
Higginbotham
Whether you’re searching for customized insurance, HR or financial solutions to protect your home, car, health, business or employees, Higginbotham insurance specialists are ready to serve. For this full-service insurance company, Alabama leader Gabe Clement says being named a winner among Best Companies makes him incredibly proud, especially of the company’s people. “What makes this a great place to work is our values-driven culture,” Clement says. “Our four core values — being family to employees, accountable to clients, teammates to carriers and generous to communities — guide every decision. We hire intentionally, applying what we call the ‘Thanksgiving test’ — would we want to share a Thanksgiving meal with this person? That’s how we’ve built not just a team, but a Higginbotham family,” Clement says.
Mauldin & Jenkins
Mauldin & Jenkins CPAs & Advisors celebrates more than 100 years of providing assurance, tax and advisory services to its clients. From humble beginnings in 1918 to the current firm of more than 500 professionals, 14 offices located in six states and more than 325,000 hours provided to clients throughout the country, Mauldin & Jenkins remains focused on the core values that got them there. The company’s three key objectives of “Providing Quality Work to Our Clients,” “Building a Firm that will Stand the Test of Time” and “Providing Opportunities for Our People,” according to company officials, remain at the center of why they do what they do every day.
MAX Credit Union
MAX Credit Union is a credit union serving central and east Alabama. It has clients covered for any financial need, officials say, from saving for a rainy day to borrowing for a new home and everything in between, with tools to make money management easy. MAX is committed to making the communities it serves even better places to live, work and play, officials say, noting that the heart of MAX is community — that the people it serves are not just customers but also families, friends and neighbors. Community investment comes in many shapes and sizes. From corporate donations to volunteer service, officials say, MAX seeks to make a lasting impact and support causes that matter.
PCH Hotels and Resorts
Headquartered in Mobile, PCH manages a portfolio of hotels, resorts and other entertainment venues, including the Performing Arts Center in Montgomery and the Shops of Grand River in Leeds, Alabama. The company has approximately 2,000 workers and stresses promotions from within. In 2025, 50% of PCH job openings were filled from its internal talent pool. “We have people who have been here 20 years or more,” says Krista Reiss, vice president of human resources. “People find their way to PCH for whatever reason, and they stay.”
Persons Services Corp.
Started in 1978, Persons Services Corp. performs in four main groups: construction, infrastructure, industrial and disaster recovery. While continuing to serve Alabama’s Gulf Coast, it also has a presence across five states and internationally. Persons Services Corp. emphasizes three core principles: safety, quality and performance.
Phelps Dunbar
Phelps Dunbar is a full-service law firm serving clients throughout Alabama. With a policy of putting its clients and its people first, officials say the firm’s success is due to the amazing people in its Birmingham and Mobile offices. “We offer competitive benefits, continuing education and events that promote a collaborative and fun working environment,” says Birmingham Managing Partner George Morris. “Whether through office-wide recognitions or individual achievements, we celebrate our employees’ hard work to make the workweek enjoyable and provide high-quality service to clients. We support and encourage employees to give back, and we are deeply rooted in Alabama’s communities and committed to their development, and we’re honored to be considered a ‘best company to work for,’” says Mobile Managing Partner Brie Zarzour.
Quincy Compressor LLC
With more than 100 years in operation, Quincy Compressor manufacturers industrial compressors for domestic and international customers. Industries served include agriculture/farm, amusement parks, automotive, energy exploration, food and beverage, mining, natural gas, pharmaceutical, plastics, textiles, woodworking and more.
Sentar
At Sentar, serving customers in the defense, intelligence and health care sectors across the country, the company combines its Alabama heritage with a national reach that allows for meaningful impact, wherever the mission leads, says Bridget McCaleb, catalyst/CEO for Sentar. “I think what really makes us one of the ‘Best Companies to Work for in Alabama’ is how much the company, now employee-owned, truly values its people,” McCaleb adds. “We’ve built a culture around innovation, teamwork and where everyone’s ideas matter. One thing that’s especially exciting this year is that Sentar became an employee-owned company. This transition gives each of us a meaningful stake in the company’s success and deepens our sense of pride in the work we do every day.”
The Ōnin Group
The Ōnin Group is an employee-owned workforce solutions company based in Birmingham. Through its staffing divisions — including Ōnin Staffing, Ōnin Technology, Ōnin Aerospace, Excelsior Staffing and A3 Solutions — the company provides staffing, recruiting and workforce management services across manufacturing, logistics and administrative environments. Ōnin is built to support high-turnover, high-pressure operations with workforce strategies that prioritize stability, retention and operational alignment. As an employee-owned company, Ōnin emphasizes long-term partnership, local execution and real-time responsiveness. “When a company is employee-owned, every outcome gets personal. This award reflects more than our culture,” says Rosalyn Dawson, vice president of people and culture. “It reflects the discipline of ownership. Our people don’t just do the work. They take pride in doing it right.”
United Bank
Since United Bank started in 1904, it has worked to make communities better for everyone. Leadership has provided high-quality, affordable and convenient financial services backed by hometown service, while also supporting agriculture and small businesses. United Bank strives to bring in investment and growth to the local economies, officials say, noting that United Bank is not just a bank but a community bank. In the beginning there was one location in Atmore. After expanding the main office a few times and adding several branches, expansion led to today’s 19 locations from Foley and Frisco City in Alabama to several in Florida.
This story appeared in the December 2025 issue of Business Alabama magazine. Company profiles written by Emmett Burnett, Carol Evans, Nancy Mann Jackson and Paul South.
