In 2013, the UAB National Alumni Society (NAS) debuted the UAB Excellence in Business Top 25 awards. The program was designed to identify, recognize and celebrate the success of UAB alumni-owned and UAB alumni-managed businesses from across the globe. Aligned with UAB’s strategic plan, the Top 25 allows the University to recognize individuals who embody innovation and entrepreneurship.
Now entering its sixth year, the Top 25 program is a sought-after recognition for UAB alumni worldwide. To be considered, each company must meet certain eligibility requirements.
Each company must be owned, managed or founded by a UAB graduate or group of graduates who, during the eligible period:
- Own 50 percent or more of the company.
- Serve on the most senior leadership or regional/division leadership team.
- Founded the company and remain active on the senior leadership team.
In addition, companies must have been in operation for a minimum of three years with at least $150, 000 in revenue for its most recent 12-month reporting period.
On June 21, the NAS honored the newest class of recipients. Applicants were submitted from a variety of industries and embody a diverse group of business leaders. Top 25 business leaders have represented each of UAB’s 10 schools.
For more information on how you can take part in the UAB Excellence in Business Top 25 awards program, visit uab.edu/alumni or contact Greg Berry at gtberry@uab.edu.
Top 3 Companies Over $10 Million
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1. FULL MOON BAR B QUE
Full Moon BBQ has been in operation since 1986. The Maluff brothers, David and Joe, have grown the business while continuing a family-owned tradition. Full Moon BBQ makes sure to use the freshest ingredients in their homemade selections, all served with a healthy helping of true Southern hospitality. Dine in, get it to go, or take advantage of Full Moon’s catering and portable BBQ pits. Full Moon is the “Best Little Pork House in Alabama.”
“A proud 1994 graduate from UAB, I incorporate my psychology degree daily into communications with customers and employees. I’m a strong believer in the power of motivation and teamwork.“
Joe Maluff // Co-owner // fullmoonbbq.com
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2. MEDHELP
MedHelp was founded in 1982 as the first Urgent Care/Family Practice in Birmingham. For over 30 years, they’ve provided the best possible health care with the least amount of hassle and wasted time. MedHelp is open 7 days a week with convenient hours and no appointments needed for most visits.
UAB provided me with… “a great medical education.”
Dr. Michael S. Vaughn // Founder & Medical Director
Dr. Jordan F. Vaughn // CEO
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3. UBS
UBS Financial Services/Stonegate Wealth Management is a full-service, ultra-high net worth wealth management and advisory firm.
UAB provided me with… “the academic foundation to successfully build a business.”
Tony R. Smith // Managing Director // ubs.com/team/stonegate
Top 3 Companies Up to $10 Million
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1. AIRSHIP
Airship was founded in 2013 to change the status quo in outsourced software development services. Their 3 core services — Mappings, Journeys, and Voyages — take clients, large and small, from idea to execution to growth using proven problem-solving techniques and development practices.
UAB provided me with… “An opportunity to build a career, get an education, and gain a hard work ethic. I carry this work ethic and foundation with me today and it’s what helps fuel Airship. UAB also provided me with the opportunity to build a family in Birmingham and call the Magic City home.”
Adam Aldrich // President & Co-Founder // teamairship.com
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2. FAST SLOW MOTION
Fast Slow Motion is a company of business & Salesforce experts specializing in helping companies grow. They focus on implementing Salesforce as a platform to run businesses, so companies can focus on growth, not managing technology or worrying about operations.
UAB provided me with… “a great foundation. You cannot build anything sustainable without a solid foundation. UAB provided a well-rounded education so that I was prepared when I entered the business world. I was able to leverage that foundation and help build companies of value due to what I learned while at UAB.“
John Burdett // CEO // fastslowmotion.com
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3. CORTINA SOLUTIONS
Cortina specializes in technical solutions with integrity for federal and industry customers in the defense and aerospace sectors. Headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama, Cortina supports the Missile Defense Agency’s Ballistic Missile Defense System, the US Army’s Cruise Missile Defense Systems, the US Naval Health Research Center, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
“UAB’s engineering faculty taught me how to solve complex technical problems using analytical methods. These techniques have also been effective in solving numerous business and personal problems.”
Edwina Sherer Musante // CEO & President // cortinasolutions.com
ADVANCED DENTAL COSMETIC CENTER
The Advanced Dental Cosmetic Center provides state of the art dental services with current advanced technology. The ADCC is a State Certified externship facility that provides advanced training for dental assistants in all clinical applications. The facility also provides current and updated application of facial rejuvenation. The facility is constantly upgrading, training, and attending CE to improve delivery of services.
“UAB provided me with OPPORTUNITY. Opportunity to achieve a dream. Opportunity to meet world leaders in medicine and dentistry, to establish friendships that last a lifetime, and to be guided by the best educators in any institution anywhere in the world. Opportunity to have unselfish educators like Dr. Joe Volker, Dr. Scotty McCallum, Dr. Leonard Robinson, Dr. Bill Powell, and Dr. Charles Alling and many others as MY Mentors. Finally the opportunity to feel fulfilled in a life’s work.”
Dr. J. Terry Alford // Clinical Director // adcc.us
ASCENSION | ST. VINCENT’S HEALTH SYSTEM
Ascension’s St. Vincent’s Health System operates five hospitals (St. Vincent’s Birmingham, St. Vincent’s Blount, St. Vincent’s Chilton, St. Vincent’s East, and St. Vincent’s St. Clair) in addition to several healthcare facilities and employs more than 4, 800 associates. Serving Birmingham for more than 118 years, they are a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable.
Jason Alexander // Sr. Vice President // stvhs.com
Brenna Powell // VP/Chief Strategy Officer // stvhs.com
BRADER GREENE
Brader Greene is the perfect answer to the accounting and tax needs of small businesses. They offer the flexibility to create a package of accounting services, custom made to match the reporting requirements of your particular business. They can provide bookkeeping services, tax planning, new business advisory, and much more.
UAB provided me with… “an excellent education and the skills necessary to compete and succeed in my field.”
J. Todd Greene // Managing Member // bradergreene.com
BUILDING & EARTH SCIENCES
Building & Earth Sciences is a professional services firm specializing in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, construction materials testing and inspections. In the firm’s 19 years of existence it has grown from five original employees to over 200 current employees with 16 offices throughout the Southeast and Midwest. The firm services a diverse client base consisting of both local and national companies.
UAB provided me with… “the opportunity to earn my civil engineering degree in the evening while working full time.“
Jeffrey A. Cowen // President // buildingandearth.com
CARDIOLOGY ASSOCIATES
Cardiology Associates offers comprehensive and advanced treatment for cardiovascular disease in adults and children, employing over 40 board certified providers, including physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners and over 200 employees, servicing Mobile and Baldwin counties and four outreach areas within a 100-mile radius of Mobile. A leader in diagnostics, Cardiology Associates offers the area’s only dedicated Cardiac PET CT and was the first private practice in the nation to introduce Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (CT) using the GE Lightspeed 64 slice CT scanner.
“What makes me most proud of UAB is the continued growth and success of the UAB Graduate Program in Health Services Administration. The UAB Program is now ranked number two in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.”
Dr. Vance M. Chunn // CEO // cardassoc.com
Ryan P. Beale // COO // cardassoc.com
FRANKLIN PRIMARY HEALTH CENTER
Franklin Primary Health Center, Inc. is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides comprehensive primary care in 23 centers to approximately 40, 000 patients in 6 counties (Mobile, Baldwin, Choctaw, Monroe, Escambia, and Conecuh). Services provided include internal medicine, OB/Gyn, pediatrics, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, substance abuse, behavioral health, physical therapy, social services, laboratory, nutrition, HIV early intervention & education, health insurance enrollment and compassionate care programs, among many others.
What makes you proud: “It’s an awesome institution of learning. They didn’t give me my degree. I had to earn it. But graduating from there gave me a real sense of accomplishment.”
Charlie (Charles) White, Jr. // CEO // franklinprimary.org
Dr. Mary D. Lee // Chief Dental Officer // franklinprimary.org
GODSPEED
Godspeed Elite Sports Academy believes that an individual can only fully adapt their physical, mental, and spiritual state when they fully commit their heart, mind, strength, and soul. By cultivating these four attributes, Godspeed’s performance training progresses all athletes to achieve their greatest potential. Whether it is increasing their speed, improving their agility, or gaining power, Godspeed achieves results.
“UAB prepared me for my current career through the investment made by Dr. Gary Hunter and Dr. Jane Roy in the Department of Human Studies and Exercise Science by educating me on exercise science principles and their application to human athletic development.”
Lance Rhodes // Owner // godspeed.org
Blake Prime // Director of Active Life // godspeed.org
HOMETOWN BANK
People love banking here. The HomeTown Bank experience is special; a community-driven mindset is at the core of everything they do. They pride themselves on being a modern bank with old-fashioned values. Bank local, bank better.
UAB provided me with… “an opportunity to attain my graduate degree while working full time, having two children, and moving forward in my career.”
Danny Kelly // CEO // hometownbankal.com
KELLY & MULLIS WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Kelley & Mullis Wealth Management is an independent wealth management firm located in Birmingham, Alabama. Kelley & Mullis has been featured in Wealth Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and many others. In addition, the firm was awarded the Exemplary Office Award by Securities America Inc. and Michael Mullis, Managing Partner of Kelley & Mullis Wealth Management, has been recognized as one of Barron’s “America’s Top 1, 200 Financial Advisors” and “Top 10 Financial Advisors in Alabama.”
“UAB provided me with a strong knowledge of accounting while earning my Master’s Degree. UAB’s finance classes sparked my passion for the investment world and helped me set my goal of finding a way into that industry.”
Michael Mullis // Managing Director // kmwealthmanagement.com
Cindy Irwin // HR Director // kmwealthmanagement.com
LINSCOMB & WILLIAMS
Linscomb & Williams has been named a Forbes Top 100 Wealth Manager in the U.S. The firm’s experienced and professional staff includes attorneys, CPAs, CFP® Practitioners, CFA® charter holders, and other specialty designations. The client service offering is comprehensive and holistic; consisting of personalized investment management and wealth planning services that include retirement, education, risk management and estate planning.
As a student at UAB… “I received support, mentoring and education from an outstanding faculty. “
Sheri Eddings Robinson // Director & EVP // linscomb-williams.com
MAYER
Ranked among the nation’s largest and most rapidly expanding distributors of electrical supplies, Mayer currently reaches its markets through locations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia and continues to explore expansion opportunities throughout the U.S. Founded in 1930 and headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Mayer employs 1, 100+ people.
UAB provided me with… “the knowledge to be a critical thinker across the many aspects of business and the world.”
James W. (Wes) Smith // President // mayerelectric.com
METROPLEX
Metroplex Endodontics & Microsurgery is a family-owned and operated specialty dental office. They perform root canal treatment and surgeries associated with root canal treatment.
UAB provided me with… “the ability to think for myself and have faith in who I am as a person.”
Dr. Charles D. Bishop // Owner // metroplexendo.com
NATIONAL SOCIETY OF HEALTH COACHES
The National Society of Health Coaches (NSHC) is the health coaching division of Miller & Huffman Outcome Architects, LLC. In 2006, Co-Founder and UAB graduate Melinda Huffman began writing about the notion of partnering with patients to improve compliance with healthcare treatment plans of care, culminating in the development of the company’s Certification Program entitled Evidence-based Health Coaching for Healthcare Providers, now listed as the #1 most popular Health Coach Certification Program in the U.S.
UAB provided me with… “the best in clinical rotations in nursing education and offered leadership opportunities that prepared me well for graduate nursing education.”
Melinda Hatchett Huffman // Principal & Co-Founder
OPELOUSAS GENERAL HEALTH SYSTEM
Opelousas General Health System is a 225-bed full-service, smoke free, medical center as complete and as inclusive as any referral hospital in the state. The main campus, six-story facility is in St. Landry Parish, which boasts a population of 91, 528. TOGHS is the second largest employer in Opelousas with over 1, 100 employees.
What makes you proud: “First: The knowledge that I gained and continue to gain. And second, the quality of staff, professors, mission, and peers that I am now connected with.”
Dr. Kenneth Cochran // President & CEO // opelousageneral.com
SUCCESS UNLIMITED ACADEMY
Success Unlimited Academy is a private, Christian school in Montgomery, Alabama founded on the belief that all children can learn. SUA has become a premier K-12 institution that attracts students who need a one-on-one learning environment, while offering a diverse curriculum and flexible scheduling. Non-traditional learners succeed in this supportive environment while enjoying the arts, athletics, and the excellent academic opportunities that Success Unlimited Academy provides.
“UAB provided me with a superior educational program that has paved the way for me as an educator to be successful in the classroom and in business. The high standards and model of excellence this University stands for have continued to prepare young adults to become great educators. My daughter is currently attending UAB and studying education as well. She is in her third year of the program and I have learned through her studies that UAB is on the cutting edge of educational policy and research and continues to produce excellent teachers.“
Susan Alred // Founder & Headmaster // suacademy.com
TEMM & ASSOCIATES, INC.
Temm & Associates, Inc. is a national health care consulting firm that navigates the ever-changing landscape within the public and private sectors. Through extensive industry knowledge and experience, Temm provides their clients with high-quality products, services, and insightful support. Temm & Associates, Inc. has been serving a diverse group of clients for over 20 years.
UAB provided me with… “the analytical and strategic management skills that allow me to develop and implement innovative, evidence-based solutions with my clients.”
Dr. Mary F. Temm // President // temmandassociates.com
THE LEGACY CONNECTION
The Legacy Connection (TLC) is an award-wining, full-service telecommunication company partnering with clients to seamlessly integrate business solutions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They design communication strategies to meet each client’s need, while enhancing customer experiences with live, personal attention, rather than automated voicemail, as well as offering professional receptionist services at a fraction of the cost of in-house staff.
“UAB provided me with a sound education that related well with the work place. They applied theory to the real world.”
Robin L. Bailey // President // callerconnection.com
Jill Clark // CFO // callerconnection.com
THE ROYSTER GROUP
The Royster Group is a premier, executive recruitment and contract staffing firm with expertise in recruiting healthcare providers for the federal government and commercial sector clients across the continental U.S. and Hawaii. TRG provides healthcare staffing in a broad range of categories, including medical, behavioral health, clinical/bio-tech, pharmaceutical, allied health, and IT healthcare
“As a child of low-income, teenage parents, the odds for a good future were not on my side. UAB provided me with the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty. I received a quality education and acquired the skills, tools and knowledge that enabled my professional successes and ultimately allowed me to become a business owner.”
Ken R. Taunton // President & CEO // roystergroup.com
WEST ALABAMA THERAPY
West Alabama Therapy is a unique company that provides therapy services to infants, children and adults with various diagnoses and disabilities. The mission of West Alabama Therapy is to provide quality health care to all patients, families, and communities they serve. Their goal is to become a model for the delivery of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language therapy services to all populations.
Courtney Duff // CEO & President // uab.edu/alumni/courtney-duff-west-alabama-therapy
