Keeping The Dream Alive

In this episode of Keeping the Dream Alive, we sit down with Elizabeth Phoumavong of Torch Technologies to explore the work of the Employee Morale and Welfare Committee (EMWC). Elizabeth shares how the EMWC helps sustain Torch’s family-focused culture by organizing events ranging from company picnics and Christmas parties to ice cream socials, fall festivals, and community donation drives. She exp...

In this episode of Keeping the Dream Alive, we sit down with Andrea Beasinger of Torch Technologies to explore the role of the Employee-Ownership Culture Committee (EOCC). Andrea explains how the committee energizes, empowers, and educates employee-owners through programs like ESOP Basics, deep-dive sessions, and quarterly lunches with the president. She also shares how employees can get involved,...

In this episode of Keeping the Dream Alive, we sit down with Amanda Clark of Torch Technologies to break down what Enterprise Program Management (EPM) is and why it plays such a crucial role within the company. Amanda explains how EPM oversees major umbrella contract vehicles, supports proposal efforts, and works across business units to align the right teams for each opportunity. She also shares...

In this episode of Keeping the Dream Alive, we sit down with Joe Pierce of Starfish Holdings to break down what artificial intelligence really is and why it has become such a major part of everyday life. Joe explains the differences between AI, machine learning, and deep learning, along with common ways we all use AI without even realizing it. We also dig into the biggest concerns companies face t...

In this episode, Sam shares his journey from starting his career at Eglin Air Force Base  to joining Torch in 2016, where he helped launch and grow Torch’s first Armament contract.  We also dive into the future of the Air Force Weapons Group and the talented leadership team Sam has built to continue Torch’s mission of serving the warfighter. Torch Technologies https://torchtechnologies.com/ https:...

In this episode, we’re joined by Jennifer Bentley, Alabama Chapter Director for Breakthrough T1D, and Lee Holland, President of Freedom Real Estate & Capital, to spotlight the upcoming Huntsville Breakthrough T1D Walk. Jennifer shares the mission of Breakthrough T1D, the world’s leading organization funding Type 1 Diabetes research. From raising awareness to supporting families and driving pro...

On this episode of Keeping the Dream Alive, we’re joined by Tyce Hudson of Freedom Real Estate & Capital. With more than two decades of experience at Turner Construction and nearly four years at Freedom, Tyce shares his career journey and why he wishes he had made the move to Freedom sooner. We dive into Freedom’s advisory services—what they are, who they are for, and how they help owners succ...

In this episode of Keeping the Dream Alive, we welcome back Cindy Walz, CFO of Torch Technologies and Starfish Holdings, for a deeper dive into the financial side of employee ownership. Building on her previous conversation about vesting and diversification, Cindy explains key concepts around ESOP allocations, distributions, and share price. She breaks down how Torch’s ESOP works to build long-ter...

In this episode of The Keeping The Dream Alive Podcast, we sit down with Cindy Walz, CFO of Torch Technologies and Starfish Holdings, to dive into the intricacies of ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans), vesting, and diversification. Cindy shares valuable insights into how ESOPs work, the vesting schedule, and the importance of diversification for employees. She explains how Torch’s unique ESOP...

In this episode of The Keeping The Dream Alive Podcast, we sit down with Bill Roark, co-founder of Torch Technologies, for a deep dive into what valuation means in an employee-owned company. Bill explains the annual ESOP valuation process—why it matters, how it’s calculated, and how every employee plays a role in growing the value of the company. We explore the key differences between public and p...

In this episode of Keeping the Dream Alive , we’re joined by Virginia McCrary of Torch Technologies to dive into the STEPs program—Society of Torch Emerging Professionals. As one of the program’s founding organizers, Virginia shares how STEPS has evolved into a key part of preserving and growing Torch’s unique employee-owner culture. From trivia nights and paint parties to professional development...

In this episode, we’re joined once again by Clay Hagan of Torch Technologies to talk about a major milestone in the company’s journey—becoming a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) in early 2024. Clay breaks down what it means to be a PBC, why Torch pursued this rare designation, and how it aligns with their long-term commitment to employee ownership, community impact, and sustainable growth. We dive...

In this episode of Keeping The Dream Alive, we sit down with Aaron Thompson, Assistant Vice President for Advancement and Branding at Alabama A&M University, to explore the university’s 150-year legacy and its bold vision for the future. Aaron shares how Alabama A&M is evolving through record-breaking enrollment, transformative campus projects, and a $150 million fundraising campaign focus...

In this episode of Keeping The Dream Alive, we sit down with Bill Roark, co-founder of Torch Technologies, for a deep dive into the company's unique ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) culture. Bill shares how employee ownership isn't just a structure—it's a mindset that transforms how people show up to work, collaborate across departments, and invest in each other's success....

In this episode, we sit down with two leaders making a powerful impact in the Huntsville community—Darren Geiger, President & CEO of Family Services Center, and Shirley Schofield, CEO of the Food Bank of North Alabama. They share how their organizations are addressing core issues like food insecurity, homelessness, mental health, and family support through a wide range of services—from workfor...

In this episode of Keeping The Dream Alive, we're excited to welcome back Clay Hagan for an in-depth conversation about one of the foundational elements of Torch Technologies: the ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). Clay breaks down what an ESOP is, why it’s such a crucial part of Torch’s culture, and how employee ownership impacts career growth, company loyalty, and long-term value. We div...

In this episode of Keeping The Dream Alive , we dive into the cutting-edge partnership between SIMVANA and Huntsville Hospital, exploring how virtual reality training is transforming the way nurses are onboarded and trained. Our guests, Alexis Spalding, Director of Clinical Nursing Practice at Huntsville Hospital, and Nathan Faught, Program Manager at SIMVANA, share how this collaboration is addre...

In this episode, I sit down with Keith Overholt from the Downtown Rescue Mission and Alison Kling from Free 2 Teach—two nonprofit leaders making a powerful impact in Huntsville. Keith shares how the mission is expanding its efforts to support a growing population of young people experiencing homelessness, while Alison dives into how Free 2 Teach equips teachers across public schools with the suppl...

In this episode, we sit down with Abigail Mercer of the Alzheimer’s Association and Stephanie Cline of the Heart Association to discuss two major health challenges affecting our communities. Abigail sheds light on the widespread impact of Alzheimer’s, dispelling misconceptions and highlighting the staggering number of those affected, including young individuals. Stephanie emphasizes the importance...

In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Stidfole and Chris Finley of Torch Technologies to discuss how their Veterans Program is creating meaningful career transitions for service members through initiatives like DoD SkillBridge and Hiring Our Heroes. They share how Torch fosters a strong sense of community, provides mentorship, and supports veterans beyond hiring, making a lasting impact in Hun...

In this episode, we sit down with Charlie Crowe to discuss the process of defining and formalizing the core values at Torch— values that had long been ingrained in the company’s culture. Charlie shares how leadership recognized these principles through years of experience and simply put them into words. We also explore the mindset of ownership at Torch, where every team member takes responsibility...

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 Alabam...

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,...

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 maj...

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,...