Inaugural UAB Excellence in Business Top 25 awards presented

UAB’s National Alumni Society, in partnership with the Birmingham Business Journal, has presented the inaugural UAB Excellence in Business Top 25 awards to firms owned or operated by university alumni.

UAB President Ray Watts was keynote speaker for the Friday, March 8, awards luncheon held at the UAB Alumni House to identify, recognize and celebrate the success of these graduates of the university. Andy Wallace of the Alumni Affairs staff emceed the event, and National Alumni Society President Brandy Lee (1996 master of accounting) welcomed and congratulated all of the recipients before introducing Watts. 

“The truest testament to a university’s success is the success of its graduates, and you all do UAB very proud,” Watts told the group. “You are exemplars of that entrepreneurial spirit that’s in the very DNA of this institution – and that we continue to foster campus wide.”

Watts told the business executives receiving the awards that they are an inspiration to current UAB students who are looking to translate their education, no matter the field, into rewarding business careers. He also praised the contributions they make to UAB, the Greater Birmingham community and beyond.

“Your success is helping spur economic growth for our community, state and nation,” Watts said. “You are helping to generate revenues and jobs amid uncertainty, and helping Alabama and the United States remain competitive in an increasingly global, knowledge-based marketplace.”

The top three fastest-growing businesses among the honorees also were recognized. Each company was required to submit certified annual revenues that could be calculated to determine the cumulative annual growth rate over a three-year period, and each was presented with a crystal star signifying its achievements.

TriNovus, a banking technology provider run by CEO David Brasfield, was the fastest growing UAB business. Second was Appsolute Genius, a mobile software development company; Brian Cauble is the CEO. And third on the list was The Royster Group, an executive search firm focusing on pharmaceuticals and biotech industries managed by President and CEO Ken Taunton.

Celebrating the successes of UAB alumni

All of the honorees and their companies had to meet three criteria to be considered for the UAB Excellence in Business Top 25 award, including:

• Business must have been in operation for a minimum of 36 months prior to December 31, 2012.
• Business must have had verifiable revenues of at least $150,000 for the most recent 12-month period. 
• Business must be owned or operated by a UAB graduate who meets one of the following criteria:
• A UAB graduate or group of UAB graduates must have owned 50 percent or more of the company, served as the company’s chief executive or must have founded the company and been active as a member of the most senior management team during the eligible period.

Recipient profiles

Cauble is CEO of Appsolute Genius, a mobile software development company founded in 2009. He received his bachelor’s degree in engineering in 2000, and then graduated with a master’s degree in information and engineering management in 2008. Cauble is a graduate of the Birmingham Venture Club’s Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program, where the participants are considered the top 12 most likely to succeed entrepreneurs in the community. He founded Birmingham Entrepreneur, which is an organization designed to serve entrepreneurs in Birmingham, and was named as a Birmingham Business Journal “Top 40 Under 40” in 2010.

Bhateis CEO and founder of BHATE Geosciences Corporation, offering comprehensive services in the field of geotechnical engineering. He earned a master of business administration from UAB in 1977. He founded the firm in 1975 as a “one man” organization, and has grown the company to a staff of more than 100 employees and has served as principal on more than 10,000 projects. Bhatehas served on the UAB President’s Leadership Council and School of Engineering Advisory Board, and he has received the UAB School of Business Outstanding Alumni Award, Birmingham Business Journal Best in Business Award and Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the year award, to name a few.

Bidez is president/CEO of BioEchoes, Inc., a biomedical engineering service and consultancy firm specializing in the fields of system safety, technology transfer and adult education and training. She earned a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering, as well as a master’s and doctorate in biomedical engineering from UAB. In 1996, Bidez founded BioHorizons, a dental implant company that became a worldwide leader in the dental implant industry and sold in 2006. Bidez was an inaugural inductee into the Alabama Women Business Owners Hall of Fame in 2003, and in 2011 she was named by the American Society of Safety Engineers as one of 100 Women who have made the greatest contributions to global safety. She also appeared on ABC’s 20/20 program to address the issues of child auto safety.

Brannon is general manager of Brannon Honda, one of the largest Honda dealerships in Alabama. He received his master of business administration in 2010. He has held the position of general manager since 2007; he functions as both the COO and the CFO of the dealership. He has received several awards from the American Honda Motor Company. In 2011 the automobile industry’s supply chain was significantly affected by the tsunami in Japan. Despite these events, Brannon led Brannon Honda through a difficult time and was able to maintain profits in all departments of the dealership with an increase in sales.

Miller is the vice president of Burton Advertising. He received his master of business administration from UAB in 2003. The 2009 UAB National Alumni Society’s Outstanding Young Alumni Recipient, Miller often can be heard during football season as the UAB Blazer sideline commentator. Burton Advertising is a small advertising business that has grown steadily since its founding in 2009; its client list includes companies large and small, established institutions and new businesses striving for growth in the community. Whether it is crafting the perfect message or finding the perfect moment for that message to take root, Burton Advertising is driven by the belief that it is much more important to show than tell.

Cork is a co-managing Partner of Cork, Hill and Company, a CPA firm located in Birmingham and founded in 1995. He received his bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1993. Cork, Hill and Company specializes in providing accounting, auditing and tax services to small- and medium-sized businesses. Cork not only provides accounting services, but also assists with complex forensic accounting matters. When Cork became a CPA, he followed in his father’s footsteps, and he credits his father, his UAB professors and mentors for guiding him to success.

Lilley is the president and CEO of Computer Technology Solutions, Inc., a regional IT professional services firm with six offices around the Southeast. He received his master of business administration from UAB in 1996. CTS, as a company, is actually a graduate of the legacy Office for the Advancement of Developing Industries program. CTS is recognized for its unique human resources initiatives, and for two years in a row has been recognized as the No. 1 company to work for in Alabama. They were also recently recognized as one of the best places to work in Atlanta, The Georgia Bulldog 100, and the Atlanta Business Chronicle. CTS is also a committed corporate citizen making a lasting impact on the community – its employees contribute their time, resources and talent to more than 50 organizations and total more than 5,000 service hours each year.

Jackson is the president of Dudley C. Jackson Inc., an award-winning, multi-million dollar industrial distributor of pumping and paint spraying equipment, lubrication systems and inkjet marking systems. He received both his bachelor’s degree and MBA from UAB. The company has received numerous accolades, including the 1997 Best in Business Award, being named one of three “Best Distributors” to work for in the United States and Canada in 2000, as well as one of Birmingham’s Best Companies for Working Parents from 1998 thru 2006. Personally, Jackson was named the UAB National Alumni Society’s Distinguished Alumni recipient in 1996, the Executive of the Year in 2001 by the Birmingham Business Journal, Outstanding Alumni in 2002 by the UAB School of Business, and has served as an elected delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business. Jackson has also continuously dedicated his time and resources to the community.

Kukoyi is the president of Dynamic Civil Solutions, Inc., a civil engineering and land surveying company. He has received multiple degrees from UAB: a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 2002, a bachelor’s in mathematics in 2003 and a master in mathematics in 2008. Kukoyi possesses extensive experience on many roadway design, civil site and transportation projects. He is involved in all aspects of civil engineering design. Kukoyi has successfully managed multi-million dollar programs with portfolios in excess of $70 million. Exceeding clients’ expectations is the company’s top priority and hence they establish relationships that go beyond the realm of the project at hand, their involvement in the community, and the variety of services provided.

Al and Jennifer Ellison are owners of Ellison & Ellison, a CPA Firm. Al graduated from UAB in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Jennifer has two degrees from UAB: a bachelor’s in marketing in 1991 and a bachelor’s in accounting in 1994. Ellison & Ellison has been providing outstanding CPA services for local corporations, LLCs, partnerships, trusts, estates, and individual since 1996. One client described the group as “accountant masterminds.” A unique aspect of this “business” relationship is actually personal. Al writes, “UAB provided something far more valuable and meaningful than my degree; I met my wife and business partner, Jennifer, in business law.”

Cummings is the co-owner and managing partner of Frost Cummings Tidwell Group, LLC, which is an accounting, tax and business-consulting firm. Cummings received her bachelor’s degree in accounting from UAB in 1975. This highly successful business has consistently been listed among the Top Accounting Firms by the Birmingham Business Journal and Alabama Business. It has also been named a G400 firm by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, an honor reserved for the top 400 locally owned accounting firms in the United States. Personally, Cummings was named the 2001 recipient of the UAB National Alumni Society’s Distinguished Alumni Award. Additionally, she is the author of How to Develop a Business Plan Guide a manual distributed by many Chambers of Commerce and used by hundreds of companies in Alabama.

DePiano is founder, president and CEO of Hoffman Media. She graduated in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. In 1983, DePiano started her own publishing company, which is now known as Hoffman Media, The group employs 90 individuals and publishes several popular magazine titles, including TeaTime, Southern Lady, Taste of the South, Louisiana Cookin’, Cooking with Paula Deen, Victoria, Phyllis Hoffman Celebrate and The Cottage Journal. Boasting a total paid circulation of more than 2 million readers, Hoffman also publishes numerous book titles, and has a growing ecommerce sector. DePiano has been recognized with several awards including the Alabama Jaycees’ Congress of Outstanding Young Alabamians, Coats and Clark Lifetime Achievement Award, the UAB National Alumni Society Distinguished Alumna Award and many others.

Sanderson is the owner of James L. Sanderson, Jr. DMD, LLC, Microscope Enhanced Laser Assisted Comprehensive Dentistry. Sanderson was awarded a degree from the School of Dentistry in 1984. He and his dedicated staff offer a wide range of dental services including diagnostic, laser, preventive, and reconstructive dentistry. Sanderson is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of Microscope Enhanced Dentistry, Academy of Laser Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association and many other dental organizations. He also lectures throughout the community on topics such as aesthetic dentistry, dentistry in athletics and many other topics.

Jovanovich is president and COO of Lifeguard Transportation Services, Inc., a healthcare-medical Transportation company. Jovanovich holds two degrees from UAB; a 2004 bachelor’s in management and a 2010 master’s in healthcare administration. Lifeguard Transportation is an international and domestic provider of ground and air ambulance service throughout the Southeastern United States and Central America. The business retains 150 employees in the Birmingham area and more than 800 company-wide. The staff’s mission is to provide only the highest quality patient care and comfort available in the industry today. Lifeguard recently received accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services. This prestigious recognition is considered the “gold standard” of the EMS industry.

Huey is president of Magic City Title Company. He earned his bachelor’s degree from UAB in Business in 1972. He co-founded Magic City Title, which has been in business for more than 20 years and continues to be recognized as a leader in the title insurance industry in Birmingham. It is a member of the Birmingham Association of Realtors, Greater Birmingham Association of Homebuilders, Women’s Council of Realtor, and various Chambers of Commerce in the local areas. The company goal is to have the most knowledgeable and courteous staff providing the best customer service possible at a competitive price.

McFadden is the president and CEO of Methodist Hospitals in Gary, Ind. He earned his master of hospital and health administration in 1984. Methodist Hospitals has seen a significant turnaround since McFadden took the helm in 2008. After experiencing a steep decline from being one of Northwest Indiana’s premier hospitals, in just one year on the job, McFadden was able to produce a $76 million turnaround showing an operating surplus of $3.4 million. Improvements in both quality outcomes and patient satisfaction have earned Methodist Hospitals both the Press-Ganey and Studer Awards. Additionally, McFadden has made Methodist Hospitals one of the most cutting-edge hospitals by implementing the first fully electronic medical records system hospital wide in Northwest Indiana.

Craft is partner and senior vice president of Nowlin and Associates. He earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing from UAB in 1997. Nowlin and Associates is a financial planning firm, which works as a team with each client’s professional advisors. Craft’s goals are focused on helping clients to maximize returns with minimum risk, reduce taxes, protect assets from illnesses, educate his clients through critical financial decisions and maintain overall safety of assets. He has given more than 150 public educational workshops to increase understanding and sense of urgency investors have regarding the safety of their financial nest eggs.

Hartman founded the Skin Wellness Center of Alabama in 2009. He completed his medical residency in dermatology at UAB in 2006. Hartman oversees two locations of his practice, participates as a member of Leadership UAB, serves as president of the Mineral District Medical Society, serves as medical director for the Spa at Ross Bridge and is an active participant in numerous additional community associations.

Elgin is the principal and director of The Clarus Consulting Group, a management consulting company in Birmingham. Elgin is a two-time graduate of UAB, having earned both a master of public administration in 1991 and a master of science in health administration in 1993. At Clarus, Elgin serves clients located across the country from multiple sectors and industries. She works with clients to identify opportunities to optimize their effectiveness through strategic planning, change management, team development, strategic communication, and leadership development by designing and facilitating processes that strengthen each organization while aiding it in achieving desired objectives.

Taunton is president and CEO of The Royster Group, an Atlanta-based executive search firm focusing on pharmaceuticals and the biotech industries. He earned a bachelor’s in marketing from UAB in 1989. Taunton established the Royster Group 10 years ago, and throughout their 10 years of business the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council has selected the Royster Group as the Georgia Minority Supplier of the Year. The U.S. Small Business Administration also honored Taunton in its Emerging 200 Initiative, which identifies 200 inner-city businesses across the nation that demonstrate a high potential for growth.

Caltagirone is the CEO of The Stewart Organization, an office equipment sales and service company in Birmingham. He earned both a marketing and industrial distribution degree from UAB in 1992. Caltagirone and The Stewart Organization are in the top 1 percent of the most respected companies in the industry. They hold this position because of their unwavering attention to excellence in business practices, but more importantly, their relationships. This is done first by their high ethical standards and then by their mutual respect of their customers, vendors and business associates.

Foster is the president and CEO of TherapySouth, a medical and physical therapy company located in Birmingham. He is a 1980 physical therapy graduate of UAB. Foster’s leadership has guided the TherapySouth practice from a one clinic company to multiple clinics. More important than the growth of the practice, however, is the way in which Foster has led the company. He has insisted on doing things the “right way.” This includes providing quality care to patients, maintaining a clearly defined relationship with referral sources and giving back to the communities in which TherapySouth is involved.

Brasfield is the CEO of TriNovus, a banking technology provider, located in Birmingham. He graduated from UAB in 1984 with a degree in computer science. Brasfield’s reputation in the financial services technology industry is one that has been built the past three decades and has always been associated with innovation, determination and success for its shareholders, clients and employees. His company, TriNovus, has grown to be an exemplary 21st century business that is a credit to the Birmingham metropolitan area and to the state of Alabama. Brasfield’s education and business acumen have helped TriNovus become successful in a very competitive field and tough economy.

Oakes is a managing partner at White & Oakes, a law firm in Decatur Alabama. He is a 1992 communication studies graduate of UAB. Along with his law partner, Oakes founded White and Oakes in October 1998. The firm is a general litigation firm representing clients in both non-jury and jury trials throughout Alabama. They have enjoyed a thriving legal practice with emphasis in civil and criminal litigation, family law, and labor and employment law. White & Oakes provides an invaluable service to the community in that not only do they provide sound legal advice but serve with compassion and care. In addition to being an instructor and the director of paralegal studies at Calhoun Community College, Oakes also teaches at UAB in the Department of Communication Studies.