4 small business owners with big plans in Birmingham

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When you own a small business, there are likely no “off” hours: You live, breathe and pour every ounce of your energy and spirit into making sure it thrives.

Birmingham is full of these go-getters, and—in true Birmingham fashion—they’re all about supporting one another, lifting each other up and sharing what has made them successful.

In honor of the upcoming Small Business Saturday (mark your calendars for Saturday, November 29), we spoke with four local small business owners about what keeps them motivated and why they love doing business in Birmingham.

Scooping up small business success in Birmingham

• Meet: Justin Tarr, owner of Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Birmingham + Vestavia Hills
• What keeps him going: The family environment we have created in the community. My wife (Leigh) and I own and operate the businesses, and my son (Logan) manages in his off time from Auburn University. We believe that our nearly 70 employees are an extension of our family. 
• Justin’s advice: Join local business organizations and network with established industry professionals for guidance and possible mentorships. We have gained an incredible amount of knowledge and insight from several local businesses (not just in the frozen dessert area) and we continue to do so.
• How you can support Justin’s business: Grab a scoop at one of his two locations or reserve the Bruster’s ice cream truck for your next gathering:
  • Valleydale area location: 5212 Caldwell Mill Rd | 205-408-8801 | Website
  • Vestavia Hills location: 1008 Vestavia Parkway | 205-978-2347 | Website

Keeping Birmingham moving + motivated

• Meet: Curtis Starks, founder of Train & Burn Fitness Studio
• What he does: We help busy adults—especially men and women in mid-life—rebuild their health, get stronger and feel decades younger through strength training, accountability and simple nutrition habits.
• How he feels supported: Birmingham embraced me from day one. From clients who believed in me back in 2006, to other business owners who locked arms with me as we grew, this city has always felt like family. We have a strong network of entrepreneurs, trainers, pastors, creatives and leaders who truly want to see each other win.
• Curtis’ advice: Start before you feel ready and trust the process. You don’t need perfection, you need purpose, consistency and people. There will be tough days, setbacks and moments where you doubt yourself, but if your “why” is strong, you’ll outlast the storm.
• How you can support Curtis’ business: In addition to training with Curtis, you can partner with him for wellness initiatives in churches, schools and workplaces. Find him here:
  • 312 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N in downtown Birmingham
  • Website

Building a better future in the Magic City

• Meet: L’Tryce Slade, owner of Slade Land Use, Environmental and Transportation Planning
• What she does: Founded in 2006, Slade is a multi-disciplined general contracting firm specializing in construction management for public and private clients nationwide.
• What’s surprised her: Originally, I created the business out of fear of my own failure. Now I am helping create jobs so that others can thrive and grow their dreams.
• L’Tryce’s advice: Research how you can use AI technology before you start a business. Businesses that are not using technology are going to be left behind.
• How you can support L’Tryce’s business: We are currently working on our legacy, which is our nonprofit Slade Foundation. Together, we are building a path toward greater access and equity through Slade Tech Labs, creating real-world opportunities for individuals who are often overlooked or excluded. Our mission is simple yet powerful, removing barriers so that brilliance can rise, especially within Birmingham’s marginalized communities. Find out more about Slade Land Use, Environmental and Transportation Planning by visiting their website or calling 866-925-5742.

Fueling folks in Birmingham

• Meet: Mike McElwain, owner (along with his wife, Aileen), of three Red Cat Coffee locations in Birmingham + Birmingham Breadworks.
• What’s been the most fulfilling part: Freedom of time, investing back into the business to improve operations and seeing the staff positively respond, as well as utilizing our creative capacity in fun ways that connect to the community. You can read more about those fun ways in our recent longer profile of Mike here!
• Mike’s advice for fellow small business owners: Be patient for the process, do your homework and plan to have more capital than you’d expect for 2 years.
• How you can support Mike’s businesses: Keep coming back and share the positive experiences you have with us online via social media. His locations include:
  • Red Cat Pepper Place: 2901 2nd Ave S | 205-616-8450
  • Red Cat Railroad Park: 1701 1st Ave S | 205-518-0779
  • Red Cat UAB Highlands Hospital: 1201 11th Ave S | 205-593-4974
  • Birmingham Breadworks: 2408 7th Ave S | 205-202-3207

Resources + support for small business owners

If you’re a current or aspiring small business owner, you can learn more about the resources and help that Regions Bank offers, as well as other groups in Birmingham, such as the Birmingham Business Alliance, Prosper and REV Birmingham—all which work to lift up business owners with a wide range of support, connection and tools for success.

What’s your favorite small business in Birmingham? Let us know @bhamnow, and be sure to throw some support their way during Small Business month—and beyond.