In this episode of the Keeping the Dream Alive podcast, we talk with Cindy Williamson, Executive Director of New Hope Children's Clinic, and Jennifer Bentley, State Director for Breakthrough T1D. They discuss the missions of their organizations: providing accessible healthcare for children in New Hope and advancing support and research for individuals affected by type 1 diabetes across Alabama. They share insights into the challenges of funding, and both leaders highlight the critical role of volunteers and partnerships in achieving their goals, inviting listeners to get involved.


Breakthrough T1D: https://www.breakthrought1d.org/

New Hope Children's Clinic: https://newhopechildrensclinic.org/

Torch Technologies
https://torchtechnologies.com/

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In this episode of Keeping the Dream Alive, we sit down with Brad Walker, President of Torch Technologies, to reflect on 2024 and discuss plans for 2025. Brad shares insights into Torch's growth, driven by strategic planning, employee ownership, and a focus on customer satisfaction. He highlights the company’s six focus areas, including maintaining stability, diversifying its customer base, fostering leadership development, and giving back to local communities.

Brad also discusses infrastructure upgrades, leadership training programs, and Torch’s status as a public benefit corporation. Looking ahead, he outlines plans for implementing new enterprise systems, achieving CMMC Level 2 certification, and strengthening internal communications. This episode offers a compelling look at how Torch continues to thrive as an employee-owned, mission-driven organization.

https://torchtechnologies.com/

In this episode we sit down with Lee Holland and Brenda Conville to discuss Freedom Real Estate's evolution from a property management and leasing subsidiary of Torch Technologies to a full-service real estate firm. Now offering
brokerage, construction, and development services, Freedom Real Estate has expanded its operations with a focus on sales and leasing. Lee and Brenda highlight two major projects: an industrial park near Toyota Motor Manufacturing, offering flexible building sizes for various industries, and a class A office building
at Hayes Farm—the first of its kind in South Huntsville in 20 years, part of a master-planned community. They also share plans for further growth, including potential projects in downtown Huntsville and beyond Alabama.

In this episode we sit down with Bill Roark, CEO of Freedom Real Estate, to discuss the company's origins and its impact on Huntsville's growth. Initially created as a subsidiary of Torch to generate better returns than the company's cash reserves, Freedom Real Estate faced initial resistance from the board. However, after an article in the Wall Street Journal validated the concept, the board approved the formation of the company. Since then, Freedom Real Estate has expanded from managing its own buildings to taking on construction projects and offering advisory services. Bill shares how the company has played a key role in revitalizing South Huntsville and outlines plans for further expansion and partnerships in the future.

Corey Chandler discusses the Technology Integration and Prototyping Center (TIPC) at Torch Technologies. TIPC is a unique capability that supports rapid prototyping and solutions development for the government. It was opened in 2019 and provides dedicated lab space for various disciplines, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, optics, and fabrication. Torch has been able to find engineers for TIPC through a combination of internal promotions and external hires. TIPC has been able to provide substantial value to customers by expanding their requirements and offering progressive engagement. The future of TIPSI involves developing more complex systems and becoming a one-stop shop for customers.

In this podcast episode, Cathy McDonald and John Watson discuss Torch Technologies' Adoption Assistance Program, introduced during its shift to a public benefit corporation. They outline the program's straightforward structure and substantial reimbursement policies, noting its favorable reception from the board and employees alike. The discussion highlights Torch's dedication to employee support, leadership development, and community innovation. Their conversation aims to distinguish Torch from other companies and encourage positive workplace practices.

Bill Roark, co-founder of Torch Technologies, delves into his recent book, Built with Purpose. This work chronicles the formative years and history of Torch Technologies, a company with a two-decade legacy. Roark shares insights into the book's creation, detailing his collaboration with a ghostwriter and the extensive interviews conducted with current and former employees. Rather than serving as a how-to guide, the book is a compilation of pivotal stories and events that have shaped the company. Roark underscores the significance of employee ownership and highlights the company's commitment to its employees and community.

https://www.amazon.com/Built-Purpose-Employee-Owned-Business-Changed/dp/1632998025/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2P6GMYG3R4BVC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.O99oQMhPVaV5Dr1YkuhQuA.D9CL_3C7aJht2Tw89BN2E5npmvcpp0dp5q5MsKyQKjE&dib_tag=se&keywords=built+with+purpose+bill+roark&qid=1717593716&sprefix=built+with+%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-1


https://torchtechnologies.com/