MOBILE, Ala. – The winner of the Mobile Chamber Small Business of the Year award will be revealed during the Small Business of the Year Awards Luncheon, presented by Voyager Lending, on Friday, December 12 at the Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel.

The annual Small Business of the Year awards recognize the very best local businesses with 100 or fewer employees.

Applicants are evaluated by a committee and chosen based on five primary criteria: business operations, financial position, innovation and strategy, and community impact.

 

The 2025 Small Business of the Year Finalists include:

Barons’ Inc.

Barons’ Inc. is a third-generation, family-owned business, helping small businesses streamline operations through technology, automation and strategic solutions. Under the leadership of CEO Brandon Morris, Barons’ Inc. has grown into a national leader in accounting software, AI-driven automation, payment processing and franchise consulting. Based in Mobile, Barons’ supports clients nationwide and works with franchise owners and national brands to drive local economic growth. Read more.

 

  

Bay Gourmet Catering

Since starting as a modest catering business in a small kitchen, founder Sarah Clark has grown Bay Gourmet into one of Mobile’s premier catering companies. Building its reputation on fresh Gulf Coast ingredients, exceptional food and warm Southern hospitality, it now operates from a 30,000-square-foot venue, hosting events ranging from intimate dinners to major corporate gatherings. Read more.

 

 

Bay Landscaping

Founded in 2007 by John “Hank” Parker, Bay Landscaping has grown from a “one man, one mower” lawn care operation into one of the Gulf Coast’s leading landscape service providers. Offering full-service landscape maintenance, installation, irrigation and turf care, the company credits its success to dedicated employees, quality work and strong relationships.
Read more.

 

 

Bottles Up – Mobile

An on-call event bar service, Bottles Up Mobile is known for navigating Alabama’s complex alcohol laws and providing licensed bartenders for events of all sizes. Founded in 2014, the company has grown rapidly under owner Bratton McGregor, expanding from 200 events in 2020 to more than 800 events in 2024, including new markets in Montgomery and Auburn. Read more.

 

 

Hembree Heating and Air Conditioning

Founded in 1969 by Walter Donald Hembree Sr., this family-owned heating, ventilating and air conditioning business, is now led by third-generation owner Josh Hembree. The company maintains a “people first” culture that fosters strong customer relationships. Hembree offers full HVAC services, including installation, maintenance and indoor air quality solutions.
Read more.

 

 

Honest Air

Founded in 2015 by Nicholas Powe, Honest Air has grown from a single truck and technician into a thriving Gulf Coast HVAC business. The company is preparing for multi-state growth. Active in workforce development, the company trains entry-level technicians. Powe has been named a Mobile Bay Magazine 40 Under 40 honoree and the company is a 2023 Eagle Award winner. Read more.

 

 

Hummingbird Ideas

Named for the historic Hummingbird train—small, powerful and friendly, Hummingbird Ideas is a purpose-driven creative agency with more than 20 years of experience serving the regional market. The firm, run by Tim Dozier, delivers comprehensive marketing services including branding, digital strategy, web design, video, photography and media planning. Read more.

 

 

Personal Edge Fitness

Founded in 2000 by Garrett Williamson, Personal Edge Fitness delivers personalized, science-backed fitness training for clients ages 3 to 99. The company offers services for individuals and corporate wellness programs, focusing on strength and balance training, athlete development, senior fitness, medical rehabilitation and physician-supervised weight loss. With a focus on education, innovation and personal wellness, Personal Edge Fitness empowers individuals, strengthening the community. Read more.

 

Pro356 Consulting LLC

Pro356 Consulting LLC is a faith-driven leadership consulting firm, founded by Rick Miller, helping business leaders and teams develop their strengths and achieve long-term success. Pro356 offers executive coaching, team facilitation, small business programs, retreat planning and motivational speaking. Active in the community, Rick has supported startups, local mentorship programs and entrepreneurial training. Read more.

 

 

Smash My Trash

Smash My Trash is transforming waste management with its mobile dumpster compaction process. Their dumpsters hold more which lowers hauling costs; cuts truck trips, emissions and carbon footprint; and helps businesses save money. The company has completed more than 20,000 smashes, the equivalent to removing 2 million vehicle miles from the road. Led by Albie Whitaker, the company has expanded into Florida and continues to grow. Read more.

 

 

SVN Toomey Property Advisors

SVN Toomey Property Advisors is a full-service commercial real estate firm in Mobile offering multifamily sales, property management, tenant and landlord representation, investment sales, self-storage solutions and recovery initiatives. Founded by Justin Toomey in 2019, SVN Toomey Property Advisors’ property management division grew from 34 units in 2021 to more than 960 by 2024, serving clients regionally. In 2025 Toomey was recognized as one of Mobile Bay Magazine’s 40 Under 40. Read more.

 

 

The 2025 Small Business of the Year cash awards are generously funded by the Barkin Family Fund.

The 2025 Small Business of the Year Awards program is made possible by presenting sponsor Voyager Lending, Merrill P. Thomas Co., Inc., American WeatherStar, Bebo’s Express, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, River Bank & Trust, Cumulus Media and WKRG News 5. 

Applications for the 2026 Small Business of the Year will open soon. Businesses can apply at https://mobilechamber.com/small-business/small-business-awards/