Erica Stone and Sarah Mathews
American Promo
Finding Balance
Finding work-life balance is a journey, not a destination. It can be tough, especially when you’re building something new. As a sister team, we’re constantly learning to prioritize and time block to ensure our clients are happy and our time with our family stays front-and-center.
At American Promo, we’re not just selling pens and mugs; we’re building relationships and investing in the future of Birmingham. We believe that by working together, we can make our city an even better place to live and work. We’re proud to be a part of this community, and we’re committed to continuing to support its growth with sustainable and innovative branded products. If you’re looking for a partner in promotion for your business or organization, reach out to us: sarah@americanpromo.net and erica@americanpromo.net.
Ashley Minor
McDonald’s
Finding Balance
All working moms probably feel the pull of the right balance.
I try to start my day early before my household wakes up. When my days are consistently starting first with reading my Bible and praying then giving to my family and work, I feel more balanced.
Most McDonald’s are locally owned and operated. We are always hoping to support our communities, and be a good place to work. Being involved in schools, in charities, and in other local businesses is important to us.
Jordan Hosey
HBH Realty Brokered by Real LLC
Finding Balance
Balance isn’t about splitting time perfectly—it’s about being fully present wherever you are. When I’m with my family, I’m intentional about unplugging and making that time count. When I’m working, I give it my all, knowing that efficiency and delegation allow me to show up where I’m needed most. I’ve also learned that building the right team is key—having a strong, aligned team at HBH Realty means I don’t have to do it all alone. I can trust that things are running smoothly while also making space for my own life outside of work. At the end of the day, balance comes from prioritizing what truly matters—family, health, and purpose-driven work. That’s what keeps me grounded and energized for both my career and my personal life.
At HBH Realty, our commitment to the community goes beyond just buying and selling homes—we’re focused on making the entire real estate experience seamless and stress-free. That’s why we built HBH Hub, launching in Spring 2025. This first-of-its-kind space brings together everything buyers and sellers need under one roof—real estate, mortgage services, painters, landscapers, and more—so they can optimize their time and eliminate the common gaps in the process. Our goal is to provide a concierge-level experience that not only simplifies real estate transactions but also supports local businesses and professionals, strengthening the community we serve.
Ashley Shook
Honeybee Fine Jewelry
Finding Balance
For me, the work and life go hand and hand. I love what I do so balancing work and life is pretty intertwined. My work happens mostly in my social life. Everybody loves to talk jewelry!
I opened my store, Honeybee Fine Jewelry, in Mountain Brook Village this past December. I am excited to be a part of the village retail community. As a fine jeweler, I look forward to offering customers unique, quality fine jewelry and exceptional customer service.
Jessica Kirk Drennan
Kirk Drennan, PC
Finding Balance
I calendar family and fun-time just like I do work commitments. I find that I keep those appointments much more frequently when on the calendar. It is a good reminder to work more efficiently or start earlier or skip lunch, to ensure that I have completed the necessary work before the time to leave for the calendared event.
At Kirk Drennan, PC Our goal is to support the people in our community with our unwavering support and expertise throughout the legal process. We may provide that support directly by providing consultations as well as active representation in litigation or mediation. We also provide support indirectly by offering referrals to qualified professionals such as counselors, financial advisors, accountants and appraisers.
Cathy Shaw and Katherine Whitson
LLH Healthcare
Finding Balance
Because we are passionate about what we do at LLH Healthcare and believe in our company’s mission of “Live Life Healthy”, our work is not something we need to es-cape from as it aligns with our values and purpose. Instead of viewing work and life as separate, we see them as complementary parts of a meaningful journey.
LLH Healthcare’s recent renovation of the historic Denechaud Building on 2nd Avenue in downtown Birmingham for our corporate headquarters solidifies our connection to the city our company was founded in. By sponsoring local charitable events such as Jazz Cat Ball, Heart Ball, Alabama Veteran’s Gala and Kid’s Play, we are committed to this incredible city and our clients here!
Dr. Marian Northington
Dermatologists of Birmingham
Finding Balance
Balancing work and life is all about time management and being present in the moment. When I’m with my patients, I give them my full attention, and when I’m with my family, they are my priority. By managing my time efficiently, I am able to balance work and family and give my best to both.
As a partner at Dermatologists of Birmingham, I am deeply committed to helping my patients achieve healthier skin and greater confidence. Whether treating medical concerns like skin cancer or providing advanced aesthetic treatments, my goal is to offer expert, personalized care tailored to each individual. I believe that skin health is more than just appearance—it’s about well-being and quality of life. Through education, innovation, and compassionate service, I strive to make a lasting impact on my patients and the community I serve.
Amberly Quick
Paperhaus
Finding Balance
As a wife, mother of four, business owner, and creative, balancing work and life is a fluid process. Learning to ride the waves of the highs and show myself grace during the lows is fundamental to staying both fully inspired and fully engaged. I strive to stay intentional in the art I create, in the business I run, in my client relationships, and most importantly, in time spent with my family. Staying rooted in faith, maintaining a steady beat of habits and structure, and creating pauses to recover and recharge are practices that allow me to wear many hats each day to create more equity in their assets.
Commitment to community has always been at the heart of my vision for Paperhaus. Each member of our team has unique talents and gifts, and investing in our local and artistic communities allows us to pay forward our array of skills and industry expertise. We offer time and creative resources to various local churches, philanthropic organizations, and nonprofits of all sizes, allowing them to build brand awareness, elevate their galas and events, and increase monies raised to directly help individuals in need. Additionally, we mentor budding artists to help them hone their crafts, gain experience in their fields, and ultimately, spread their wings to launch their own businesses and endeavors.
Michelle Sinclair
Talent Recruiting Professionals
Finding Balance
I’m incredibly fortunate to have a career I genuinely love, so finding balance isn’t terribly difficult for me. I may be checking emails or jumping on calls with clients and candidates at odd hours, but I also have the freedom to travel frequently and structure my days as I see fit. My one non-negotiable is my morning routine—despite not being a morning person by nature, I drag myself out of bed at 5am to work out, read, and enjoy my coffee before anyone else is in the office. I find this sets the tone for a successful day.
At Talent Recruiting Professionals, we go beyond traditional recruiting to serve as true partners and connectors in the Birmingham business community. Our success stems from a simple philosophy: we take the time to truly understand both our clients’ cultures and our candidates’ aspirations, ensuring every match drives mutual growth and success. We’re passionate about career matchmaking. It’s not just about making placements - it’s about making a difference through meaningful, lasting partnerships.
Beth Doyle (right)
The Collective
Finding Balance
As a single parent and business owner finding balance can be challenging. Building a strong leadership team has been invaluable. Having people I can rely on when I’m on mom duty is a relief.
The Collective Salon salons are often a conduit in a community. I say we were social media before social media. Celebrating Birmingham and supporting local organizations has been a part of our mission from the beginning.
Regina Bell, Holly Brunson, Kelly Van Kovering
Regina Bell
Vulcan Materials Company
Finding Balance
Balance is all about priorities and focus - I set clear boundaries and stay intentional about what truly matters in both work and life. Add in a little planning and a good sense of humor to the mix, and it all works!
Holly Brunson
Vulcan Materials Company
Finding Balance
With two elementary-aged kids, it takes a village! I’m blessed that my husband and our family help carry the load of juggling kids’ activities. I also believe that taking care of yourself is part of taking care of your family. I carve out a window of time for exercise and meditation daily…even if some days that’s only 15 minutes I find it helps me feel more balanced.
Kelly Van Kovering
Vulcan Materials Company
Finding Balance
Regular exercise and hobbies help me recharge, ensuring I’m focused and energetic at both work and home. Being organized, intentional and not taking myself too seriously are tools I use on a daily basis.
Vulcan Materials Company is the nation’s largest producer of construction aggregates—primarily crushed stone, sand and gravel—and a strategic producer of aggregates-based construction materials, including asphalt and ready-mixed concrete. While the nearly 12,000 men and women at Vulcan operate across 23 states and four countries, our roots run deep in Birmingham. For over a century, we have been headquartered in Birmingham, doing our part to be a force for good by supporting the local community, operating with safety, health, and environmental excellence, and producing material that builds and maintains our infrastructure. We operate The Vulcan Way—doing the right thing, the right way, at the right time—to support the growth and prosperity of Birmingham and every community where we operate.
Megan Randolph, CPA
Warren Averett
Finding Balance
Balancing work and life in public accounting requires effective time management and setting clear boundaries. I find success by prioritizing tasks, leveraging flexible work arrangements, and seeking support from colleagues, friends, and family. Additionally, maintaining a healthy work-life balance often involves making time for self-care and personal interests to recharge and stay motivated!
Warren Averett was founded in Birmingham, in 1972 as a small, local accounting firm. Since then, we have grown to be the largest accounting firm in Alabama, with national accolades and clients across the country. Many of our professionals have spent their entire careers providing accounting and advisory services to businesses in Birmingham, and our team is deeply invested in the Birmingham community through service and giving.
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