Here are the 2021 Best Companies to Work for in Alabama

What makes a great place to work? More than a job, it’s a combination of the benefits,
the camaraderie, the appreciation for a job done well that makes employees happy to come to work. Each year, companies around the state compete to prove that their company offers the best combination of those qualities. They provide a glimpse into the culture of their workplace, in hopes they’ll be named the best among the best companies to work for in Alabama.

Companies submit their information to The Best Companies Group, which evaluates the responses and interviews employees before picking the best of the best.

Business Alabama saluted the 2021 winners at an event earlier this week at Birmingham’s B&A Warehouse.

Premier sponsors of the 2021 Best Companies to Work For in Alabama were Bank Independent, Fite Building Co., Perdido Beach Resort, Roberts Brothers Inc., T-Mobile, The American Equity Underwriters Inc. and United Bank

Presenting sponsors were Alabama Credit Union, AlaComp, Rabren General Contractors and White-Spunner Construction.

- Sponsor -

Partner sponsors were Alabama Self-Insured Workers Compensation Fund, River Bank & Trust and SH Enterprises.

Here’s a closer look at all the winners.

QUICK LINKS
Top 3 Best Small-to-Medium Size Companies
Other Small-to-Medium Size Company Winners
Top 3 Best Large Companies
Other Large Company Winners

Byars|Wright employees on a sales retreat.

Best Small-to-Medium Size Companies

First place: Byars|Wright

Byars|Wright Inc., an insurance firm in Birmingham, provides its employees with not only the benefits and perks that go along with the job, but also the support and training needed for workers who want to switch career paths within the organization.

“One of the beauties of our firm is that we give opportunities for people to advance and to go into different areas if they so choose,” says Haig Wright II, the company’s president.

For example, the account manager with a knack for selling who wants to transition to the sales department or the operations team member who expresses a desire to become a producer receives training, resources and other support.

In addition, Byars|Wright hosts lunch-and-learn sessions to help employees get acclimated to new technologies and enhance their knowledge.

Byars|Wright managers also administer mid- and end-of-the-year reviews to give the staff the feedback needed to address performance issues early on and identify ways to improve.

Last year, however, Byars|Wright, like many businesses around the country, switched to remote work. This year, most of the team is back in the office, Wright says. But the company has allowed for some employees to continue working remotely.

“We still have team members who are, due to circumstances — whether it be small children at home or taking care of a parent — still working at home,” Wright says. “As long as they get the job done — and we have different ways of measuring performance — then I’m fine with them being able to work at home and still take care of their families.”

Throughout the year, employees who perform their job well are recognized by the firm’s leadership in an awards ceremony that occurs monthly.

“If somebody gets an email or a call that a fellow team member has gone above and beyond, then those emails and calls are collected, and at the end of the month, we give an award recognizing that team member for exceeding expectations and having a positive attitude,” Wright says.

And while the company offers a 401K match up to five percent and health and disability insurance, one benefit to working at Byars|Wright is that offices close at 3 p.m. on Fridays so employees can spend more time with their families, he says.

“My mantra for almost all my career has been to treat others the way I’d like to be treated,” says Wright. “When you do that, at the end of the day, everything works out.”

Byars|Wright Inc.
Haig Wright II
1701 28th Ave. S., Birmingham, AL 35209 // 205-221-3621

The Roberts Brothers team at the Duck Boat in Mobile.

Second place: Roberts Brothers Inc.

Marking 75 years in business, Roberts Brothers Inc. is a real estate company that sells residential and vacation properties throughout South Alabama with two offices in Mobile and three more in Fairhope, Daphne and Orange Beach.

Daniel Dennis is the company’s president.

The company offers its employees opportunities for leadership development through a job shadowing program.

In addition, Roberts Brothers runs its “Eight Weeks to Success” program that teaches new associates the strategies they need to advance their careers, Marketing Manager Sara Roberts says. “The program helps new teammates to learn the ropes and learn from the best of the best,” she says.

But Roberts Brothers offers employees time for fun, as well. Every year, for example, the staff goes on a cruise for its “Roberts Brothers Convention.” Last year, when COVID-19 restrictions forced them to cancel the cruise, Roberts says, the firm substituted a virtual conference with Ryan Serhant, real estate broker and star of the hit reality television show “Million Dollar Listing New York,” serving as host.

Roberts Brothers
Daniel Dennis, President
3601 Spring Hill Business Park, Ste. 101, Mobile, AL 36608 // 251-344-9220

The Wilkins Miller team wins the 2020 Mobile Chamber of Commerce and Junior League of Mobile Corporate Community Service Award. Photo by L.A. Fotographee for the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

Third place: Wilkins Miller LLC

Wilkins Miller, a full-service accounting firm headquartered in Mobile, is a workplace striving to support staffers’ well-being and career success.“People are our biggest asset,” Partner Stacy Cummings says. Professional development workshops help associates learn to handle more responsibility, she says.

Wilkins Miller also fosters work-life balance by shutting down the office at 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays so staffers can relax on the main office’s balcony and enjoy refreshments.

Moreover, the firm’s leadership has launched a campaign encouraging staffers to thank one another in writing for help.

But Wilkins Miller’s effort to create a good place to work was tested in 2020, not only
by the COVID-19 pandemic, but also by Hurricane Sally last September that ripped away the main office’s roofing, Managing Partner Allen Carroll says.

Despite the pandemic, Carroll says, they held their annual retreat last summer, via video conferencing.

“You have to have the right people” says Carroll, “and they have to be the right fit. Then the company helps them reach their potential.”

Wilkins Miller
Allen Carroll, Managing Partner
41 W. I-65 Service Rd. N., Ste. 400, Mobile, AL 36608 // 251-410-6700 

Other Winners (in alphabetical order)

AlaCOMP employees enjoy a visit from the Lulu’s Bakery and Market food truck.

AlaCOMP

“I feel we are doing a great job and think we are the best,” says Stephen Marino, president of AlaCOMP. “We have minimal employee turnover, and our customer retention rate is well above industry standards. We are able to promote within and still provide new employment opportunities. … Our goal is to equip the employee with the ability to do their job and make educated decisions in the company’s best interest. We are a small company, and we operate like a family.”

AlaCOMP is a Workers’ Compensation Self-Insurance Fund based in Montgomery since its inception in 1992. The company, with 32 employees, is unique in that it handles all aspects of the workers’ compensation business from one centralized location, where an AlaCOMP team member performs all operations.

“Our strength is aligning our underwriting, loss control and claims departments to provide a comprehensive service model that lowers costs and produces positive results for your company,” says Marino.

Marino says happy employees enjoy coming to work and give 100% on the job — and that translates into positive results. When departments meet their goals, the employees are rewarded. And the company offers an array of celebrations and events throughout the year.

AlaCOMP
Stephen Marino, President
101 Technacenter Dr., Montgomery, AL 36117 // 334-215-8234

Employees of The American Equity Underwriters gather for the annual Christmas party.

The American Equity Underwriters Inc.

The American Equity Underwriters Inc., based in Mobile, is working to keep its employee retention rate high, company CEO Adele Hapworth says.

“Employee retention is very important to us, and we try to reflect that importance to our employees through the benefits and perks we offer,” Hapworth says. “In 2020, our employee retention rate was 91%.”

She says that while the company offers a generous paid-time-off and benefits package, some of the more unique benefits they offer center around family and employee well-being, such as two weeks of parental leave, beyond maternity leave. The company also runs an assistance program specifically for employees seeking to adopt a child.

“These benefits reinforce the importance of family and how much we value our employees,” she says.

American Equity also gives its employees the opportunity to volunteer in the community through its annual Summer of Service event. Moreover, the company celebrates
employee milestone anniversaries with a service award luncheon.

Hapworth says, “Looking for ways to promote employee satisfaction and appreciation is paramount to our company’s success.”

The American Equity Underwriters Inc.
Adele Hapworth, CEO
11 N. Water St., 32nd Floor, Mobile, AL 36602 / /866-238-8754

Avadian staffers take time to relax and enjoy life.

Avadian Credit Union

Avadian Credit Union, based in Birmingham, is easily recognizable to many from its television commercials in which customers, sitting in a signature orange chair, tell their personal stories about how the credit union has gone the extra mile to make a difference in their lives. The credit union takes a similar personal approach with employees, offering flexible hours to give individuals optimum work-life balance.

In addition, Avadian offers a tuition-reimbursement program, matches 401K plans up to 5% and has a healthy insurance program, paying all but about 15% of the full cost. Add to that life insurance, 10 federal holidays and two personal days, and the benefits package is an important incentive.

“I believe that Avadian Credit Union is more than just a place to work. It is family,” says Linda Cencula, president and CEO of Avadian. “The work family is the basis upon which our culture is built. Our 200-plus staff shares a commitment to that work family as they work side by side to accomplish the Avadian ‘Why’ — our reason for being. That is, to provide unique experiences so people feel delight.”

The credit union engages with the many communities it serves through Chamber of Commerce sponsorships, pop-up events and community service.

Avadian Credit Union
Linda Cencula, President and CEO
1 Riverchase Parkway S., Hoover, AL 35244 // 888-282-3426

“Our employees are our greatest asset,” says President Jack Fite, and sometimes that means taking time to relax together.

Fite Building Co.

Decatur-based Fite Building Co., a full-service general contracting and construction management firm, was formed more than 45 years ago and serves industrial and commercial clients primarily in the Southeast. As the company has grown, it has focused on the importance of people, encouraging them to expand their knowledge base and skill level. Employees are aware that, when possible, the company wants to promote from within and rewards dedication to excellence in its team members.

“Our employees are our greatest asset,” says Jack Fite, president of the company. “My favorite thing to see is employees reach his or her goals and positively impact their areas of influence and communities. We are in the business of building projects. What we are really doing is building people.”

Part of that building is evident through Fite Plus One, an initiative started to encourage employees to live 1% better each day through its foundational values: teamwork, respect, uncompromising integrity, safety, transparency, excellence and developing exceptional people.

Through the initiative, Fite supports its communities by hosting United Way drives, building Habitat for Humanity Homes and giving back to organizations of employee’s choice. Fite also offers a full range of benefits.

Fite Building Co.
Jack Fite, President
3116 Sexton Rd., Ste. A, Decatur, AL 35603 // 256-353-5759

Working at the beach can be a fiesta.

Perdido Beach Resort

Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach emphasizes Southern hospitality, not only for the numerous guests who enjoy its beachside locale, but also for the employees, many of whom come and stay awhile.

“Our success is derived from an innate ability to successfully employ a combination of empathy and passion,” says General Manager Karl Groux.

“On average, our team members have been with the hotel greater than 10 years and we have a number of team members exceeding 30 years.

“We developed our own in-house hospitality training program and labeled it “Sparkle Training” after a number of our staff members (both management and line staff) attended a Disney workshop. This training program underscores how important it is for us all to share our sparkle with our guests.” 

Not only do they sparkle on-site, all employees are allowed paid time off if they are volunteering to support the local community, from Chamber of Commerce events to volunteering for local schools and churches. 

Perdido Beach Resort
Karl Groux, General Manager
27200 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, AL 36561 // 251-981-9811

Rabren’s Harmony Project Team at Top Golf in Birmingham.

Rabren General Contractors

From its headquarters in Auburn, Rabren General Contractors (RGC) has completed hundreds of construction projects since the company launched in 2000.

Matt Rabren, the company’s president and CEO, says that in the last year, the company launched a new program called Career Conversations. Through the program, all employees meet with their direct supervisor every quarter to review short- and long-term career goals and the steps needed to advance their careers.

“The strategy is clear,” he says. “At RGC we believe in the individual and strive to allow everyone to reach their maximum potential, and it must be discussed.”

But the staff at RGC also take time out for team-building fun. Each quarter, every project team and each office picks a leader to come up with a fun activity for the period. The activities have ranged from cooking lessons to baseball competitions.

“We know life can be hard, so we strive to create a work environment that is alive, growing, fun and rewarding,” says Rabren, “and we want to send a message every day that at RGC we work hard to create, build and embody a culture so everyone has opportunity to reach their maximum gifts.”

Rabren General Contractors
Matt Rabren, President and CEO
306 Persimmon Dr., Auburn, AL 36830 // 334-826-6143

River Bank & Trust team members and mascot, Rio, celebrate the bank’s 15th anniversary in April 2021.

River Bank & Trust

River Bank & Trust invests in the welfare of its employees with a host of job benefits and perks for workers to enjoy.

Benefits include tuition reimbursement as well as access to virtual and in-person instruction, so employees can earn professional certifications or take part in a management trainee program.

But Jimmy Stubbs, the bank’s CEO, says the most prized benefit is the employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), a component of the 401K program.

“ESOP allows our team members, both full-time and part-time, to own company stock, providing them with a sense of ownership and responsibility,” says Stubbs. “Combined, our ESOP participants have become the bank’s fifth-largest shareholder out of approximately 940.”

Stubbs says younger team members especially appreciate the bank’s flexibility in the work schedule, which allows for a greater work/life balance.

“If it makes sense for a team member to work from home and they want to, we support them,” says Stubbs. “If they want to attend a family or school event or take a last-minute vacation, we do our best to accommodate their schedule.”

“The majority of the employees who started with us in 2006 are still here,” he says. “And that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.”

River Bank & Trust
Jimmy Stubbs, CEO
2611 Legends Dr., Prattville, AL 36066 // 334-290-1012

Company leaders, from left: Les Williams, Sheila Hodges and Michelle Hodges.

SH Enterprises

SH Enterprises Inc., led by Sheila Hodges, chairman of the board; Michelle Hodges, co-owner and president; and Les Williams, co-owner and CEO, is composed of CENTURY 21 Meyer Real Estate, Meyer Vacation Rentals, Meyer Services and Starr Textile Services of Alabama and Louisiana.

According to Michelle Hodges, the key to the company’s success is in the dedicated employees. “Simply put, our team members make the SH Enterprises Inc. family of companies an outstanding place to work,” she explains. “Our team members know their contributions matter and that as individuals they are a meaningful part of our organization.”

“Our leadership team’s responsibility is to clear the path for each team member to accomplish his or her mission successfully day after day and exceed expectations.”

Hodges says they also celebrate successes, communicate honestly with one another and identify mistakes in order to correct them. To express their appreciation,
SH provides employee appreciation
lunches, individual employee recognitions, holiday events, wellness programs, comprehensive health insurance, a 401K plan and tuition reimbursement for full-time employees after one year of employment, among others.

S&H Enterprises
Michelle Hodges, Co-owner and President
1585 Gulf Shores Pkwy., Gulf Shores, AL 36542 // 866-382-9635

SPOC Automation team members gather for a corporate meeting.

SPOC Automation

Nearly 80 employees work at SPOC Automation, an engineering company located in Trussville, just outside of Birmingham.

The company’s president and CEO Robert Mason oversees the operation that specializes in building automation technologies for the oil and gas industries.

Mason says SPOC Automation’s Lift Up program provides its employees with training and learning opportunities to boost their skill sets and abilities to come up with novel solutions. “The goal of the company and Lift Up is that you lift up the individual by educating them and giving them opportunities to learn and to grow.”

Employees at SPOC lift each other up by nominating their colleagues for performance awards. At the end of every year, the company honors those nominees with cash prizes and awards.

Mason says developing a good place to work requires building a strong company culture, as well as a strong team.

“When you have a team of professionals that genuinely cares about the company, the customers and the industry …it’s just an unstoppable group.”

SPOC Automation
Robert Mason, President & CEO
7363 Gadsden Hwy., Trussville, AL 35173 // 205-661-3642

United Bank employees deliver books at Gilliard Elementary School in Mobile.

United Bank

United Bank in Atmore believes in covering all of the bases to assist customers and in following through on that commitment when it comes to employees. Founded as the Bank of Atmore more than 117 years ago, the institution grew its reach to serve South Alabama and Northwest Florida communities.

Robert Jones, CEO and president, leads by example, donating time to many community and professional groups.

Team members have a reputation for going beyond the call of duty to positively impact the communities they serve. They do so by participating in crop gleanings to assist farmers building a connection with a local food bank, coordinating sites and volunteers for VITA income tax preparation, hosting financial literacy events like Teach Children to Save, Get Smart About Credit and Wise Money Management programs and volunteering at an area FFA Blue Jacket Jamboree.

Benefits include 401K/KSOP; medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; telehealth; paid sick and vacation days; wellness programs; and tuition reimbursement.

United Bank
Robert Jones, President and CEO
200 E. Nashville Ave., Atmore, AL 36502 // 800-861-8752

White-Spunner’s team competes in Mobile’s Dragon Boat races.

White-Spunner Construction

White-Spunner Construction, a general contracting, design-build and construction management company based in Mobile since 1981, has become known not only as a great place to work but also a place for employees to call home in a culture that emphasizes faith and family.

“Our people are winners on the job and off,” says CEO John White-Spunner. “We encourage them to live our mission and values every day: building lasting relationships and better communities …and you will see White-Spunner Construction employees taking part in annual walks, chili festivals, art festivals, community service organization fund drives and much more throughout the year.”

While company social activities, events and community involvement opportunities are icing on the cake, the cake batter is rich with motivations to work for an employer with multiple incentives in place. White-Spunner offers company-paid healthcare insurance, dental and vision insurance, company-paid basic life insurance and short-term and long-term disability insurance, matching 401K, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, a corporate chaplain, wellness and education options and more.

White-Spunner Construction
John White-Spunner, CEO
2010 W. Interstate 65 Service Rd. S., Mobile, AL 36693 // 800-471-5189

Best Large Companies

First Place: Edward Jones

Edward Jones’ business and employee philosophies are almost the same. “Our job is to help individuals achieve financial objectives most important to them,” says Brenda Armstrong, financial advisor from the Huntsville office. Matching people with goals also applies to its employees.

The 99-year-old financial advisory business with locations throughout Alabama ranks high for job advancement opportunities. The potential for personal growth is described in one word: “Amazing,” says Armstrong. “I truly feel there is no glass ceiling here.”

Brenda Armstrong is financial advisor in Edward Jones’ Huntsville office.

Workers are free to pursue current career paths or select completely different goals. Growth and job opportunities are based on one’s desire to be in leadership or accept more responsibilities.

The company offers standard benefits, including 401K plans, profit sharing and profit opportunities for every employee depending on length of service and productivity. It also goes beyond.

“We are a partnership in our business structure,” Armstrong adds. “That is a huge reason why people want to work here. Helping each other and collaborating as team members brings out the best in everyone.”

There are other perks. Edward Jones has many ways, rewards and activities to show employee appreciation. Some are creative and pretty cool.

The company literally has a fun fund. “Money is set aside for activities employees find enjoyable,” the Huntsville advisor notes. During the COVID-19 quarantine, an Italian guide was hired to give employees via Zoom meeting a walking tour of the Roman Colosseum, live from Italy. In another internet gathering, staffers experimented with virtual cooking. A professional chef prepared recipes as employees watched and “duplicated” the dishes from their own kitchens.

“We spent a lot of time laughing at each other’s culinary creations,” recalls Armstrong, “but it was a wonderful memory.”

Edward Jones also places high value on community involvement and encourages employee participation. It is the only financial services firm to be a national sponsor of the Alzheimer’s Association and has invested heavily in finding a cure.

Financial partners are also involved with area Chamber of Commerce organizations, Little League teams, Rotary Clubs and other service organizations.

Armstrong continues, “Every Edward Jones advisor is expected to find ways to lead in the community, in their own way.”

Edward Jones Investments
1101 McMurtrie Dr. NW, Bldg. E1, Huntsville, AL 35806-2469 // 256-922-1349

One of the benefits at TQL is financial help for adopting a rescue pet.

2nd Place: Total Quality Logistics

Most companies claim a team concept approach. TQL lives it, practices it and senses it.  “It feels like a team here,” says Marketing Manager Corey Drushal. “We trust each other and give our best.”

In return, the company that moves more than 2 million loads annually gives its best back. A full health care package, a 401K with company match, tuition reimbursement of up to $5,000 annually per employee are part of the standard mix. However, TQL goes beyond standard.

Fitness and health programs, emergency financial assistance and time off to volunteer for charitable causes are but a few of the extra perks. For example, the company
compensates workers for adopting rescue pets, Drushal notes. “Our employees ap
preciate that because for many, pets are part of the family.”

Addressing job growth, before TQL reaches out, it reaches within. Approximately 90% of management has been promoted internally, through the ranks. 

As one of the largest freight brokerage firms in North America, news travels fast. Good communications from reliable sources are imperative. TQL starts with the top. Drushal says, “Our company CEO sends a daily newsletter email to all 5,000-plus employees with the latest company news, announcements, promotions and even baby announcements. We want transparency and getting the information out as soon as possible.”

Mackenzie Collins, Group Sales Manager
26000 Bass Pro Dr., Spanish Fort, AL 36527 // 513-831-2600 ext. 52080

Bank Independent operates its Tiger Branch at a local high school.

3rd Place: Bank Independent

Northwest Alabama’s financial center, Bank Independent recognizes its 600-plus team members in a mission statement objective: We will make a difference by valuing, respecting, and rewarding our team members. Bank Independent employee satisfaction is integral to the company’s vision.

“We have always wanted to be the bank of choice in our communities,” says CEO Rick Wardlaw. “We also want to be the employer of choice in our communities.” The Shoals-centered bank is recognized for offering employees attractive benefits, incentives, perks and chances to lend helping hands in the communities it serves.

Standard benefits include the usual — health and dental coverage, 401K with employer match, life insurance, long-term disability, paid holidays, vacations and sick leaves.

But Bank Independent banks on employees. “We’ve been here 74 years,” notes Wardlaw. “We (team leaders and current workforce) won’t be around another 74 years.” The bank recognizes advancement opportunities are vital for company success and continuity.

Ongoing professional growth and development, extensive training opportunities, and encouraging growth from within the ranks are encouraged.

The bank strongly advocates community outreach, especially through its Helping Hands Program, offering charitable outreach initiatives.

Wardlow summed employee philosophy perhaps for all the featured “Best to Work For” businesses. “You spend one-third of your life at work,” he says. “Most people want to find their significance in life. They want to find their connection to something bigger than them. Why not invest in them for that significance?

“If they wake up saying, ‘I get to go to work today rather than I have to go to work today,’ then we are on to something.”

Bank Independent
Rick Wardlaw, CEO
710 S. Montgomery Ave., Sheffield, AL 35660 // 256-386-5000

Other Winners (in alphabetical order)

ACU volunteers with Homeless Connect, an event that focuses on serving Tuscaloosa County’s homeless population.

Alabama Credit Union

Tuscaloosa-based ACU provides financial products and, as stated in the company’s goals, wants customers to “feel good about their money.”

“Our culture” is a primary reason for working here,” says Brandi McKinney, vice president for human resources and compliance. “There are no ivory towers. It is not uncommon for employees to reach out directly to executives just to talk about future possibilities and what they can do to advance career progression goals.”

ACU’s benefit package is also an employee favorite. In addition to standard health and long-term disability, the firm offers 401K accounts with a company match and generous paid leave programs. Additional benefits include tuition reimbursement, in-house training, group term life insurance, optional supplemental insurance policies and birthday leave.

Community service is championed by the company, including its signature charity, Secret Meals for Hungry Children.

ACU celebrates employees in numerous opportunities such as high-performance team closeout celebrations, annual all-staff day “StafFest,” events, and spontaneous celebrations to get to know one another, adds McKinney.

“While we maintain a less formal work environment in terms of dress and access to leadership, we are serious about performance and service to our members, to one another, and to our communities.”

Alabama Credit Union
Steve Swofford, CEO
220 Paul W. Bryant Dr. E., Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 // 205-469-5944

Team members gather at Martin in the Shoals.

Martin Inc.

Martin Inc. owes much of its 87 years to a powerful creed: We help companies operate better. “It’s a simple statement everybody regardless of job title understands,” says one of the company’s co-owners, Douglas Ruggles, about the industrial supply business. “It reminds us of why we are here every day and what we are here to do.”

Three equal partners share leadership of the company that has been around since 1934.

Along with Douglas are brothers David and Gordon Ruggles. Each hold leadership positions in the company operating lines: Martin Industrial Safety Supplies, Martin Integrated Solutions and Martin Fastening Solutions.

Opportunities for advancement abound. Douglas Ruggles adds, “We look internally first. If an employee shows up every day, does a consistently good job, he/she is rewarded for it, in advancement, promotions and compensation.”

Benefits include a three-point initiative — good and competitive wages, quality health care and a 401K plan. “We are constantly evaluating our benefits package to make sure it is competitive,” adds Ruggles.

Quality employee and customer care were among the factors used by industry trade publications, scoring Martin as one of the top industrial supply companies in North America.

Martin Inc.
Douglas Ruggles, CEO; David Ruggles, COO President, and Gordon Ruggles, CFO.
125 N. Court St., Florence, AL 35630 // 800-828-8116

MAX Credit Union employees pride themselves on supporting the community.

MAX Credit Union

In 1955, 15 Maxwell Air Force airmen pooled $125 in a shoebox for the benefit of all. From humble beginnings, they took it to the max — MAX Credit Union.

Today the Montgomery-headquartered entity is a full-service financial institution and a great place to work. “We stand out because of our stable leadership, opportunities for advancement, recognition of employees, awesome benefits and community involvement,” notes Natasha Parker, human resources coordinator. “Max is pro-employee.”

Its executive team has an average tenure of 23 years. “That shows how stable our leadership is,” Parker continues. “Many of our employees have risen through the ranks all the way to leadership positions.”

Regardless of the employee’s job or career path status, continuous education and training are provided.

MAX’s comprehensive benefits packages include tuition reimbursement, continuing education, training and a 401K with company match.

MAX invests in Alabama charities through money and hands-on projects. Last year the Montgomery financial entity donated more than $100,000 for COVID-
19 relief efforts. And the company’s MAX4Kids charity events raised more than $52,000 for local non-profit organizations.

MAX Credit Union
Martin Head, Interim CEO
P.O. Box 244040, Montgomery AL 36124 // 334-215-4976

T-Mobile employees get to work on a local community project.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile carries more people on 5G service than any other carrier in America. Yet the company refers to itself as “The Un-Carrier,” referencing a think-outside-the-box attitude appreciated by customers and employees.

“Our spirit makes us stand out as a good place to work,” says Dave Thompson, T-Mobile’s Alabama director of customer care. “We connect with the external — the buying public, but also reach the internal, our employees.”

Within six months of hiring, employees are eligible for their first promotion. “There is no timestamp for how long you stay in a job before growth,” adds Thompson. “If you have the talent and we have the need, the sky’s the limit.” Approximately 85% of all promotions are from within the organization.

In addition to health care coverage and standard benefits, T-Mobile’s incentives include three-and-a-half weeks’ vacation upon hiring, 10 holidays, $2,400 a year for childcare expenses and paid parental leave.

Employees are given shares of T-Mobile stock and have opportunities to purchase extra shares at a discount.

T-Mobile actively supports Alabama charities for the homeless, veterans, children, shelters and other causes.

T-Mobile
Dave Thompson, Director, Customer Care
820 Tom Martin Dr., Birmingham, AL 35211 // 205-290-6526

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