Small businesses are the heartbeat of communities, and many have been especially challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic. Regions is proud to serve small-business owners across its footprint – and share their stories of resilience and strength.
Family.
Altruism.
Service.
Community.
These are just some of the values shared by the Good Companies featured over the past year. The series spotlights interesting small businesses doing amazing things in unexpected places.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of local economies, that’s why we want to see them thrive,” said Regions Chief Communications Officer Paula Drake. “Unfortunately, they face a lot of obstacles. Our Good Company series allows us to spotlight entrepreneurs and the important work they do every day – while, perhaps, motivating the next-breakthrough business.”
The series kicked off with Papa Vince, a family-owned business based out of Gulf Shores, Alabama, that sells extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) harvested and produced in Sicily on a farm owned by the family of CEO Vitina Feo.
“It wasn’t about money; it was about keeping our family tradition. We really wanted to keep alive this olive oil because we felt it important,” Feo shared.
While Papa Vince was grown out of the family’s love for EVOO and the passion to help others enjoy its health benefits, Feo said the drive to make it succeed, all began with a bike, referencing a bike she received as a child that was much taller than her. But after getting a few bruises acclimating to it, the challenge was well worth it. Much like being an entrepreneur.
“My advice: Don’t let the size of the bike intimidate you. Believe me, the ride is fantastic, and it belongs to anyone who refuses to be afraid of bruises,” Feo said.
Since her business was featured, Feo says Papa Vince has continued to stay busy, introducing new products and growing its customer base.
“I feature the Good Company video on my homepage,” Feo said. “I get lots of feedback from visitors who become customers after watching the video.”
Small businesses are the lifeblood of local economies, that’s why we want to see them thrive.
Paula Drake, Regions Chief Communications Officer
Since that first story, Good Company has highlighted a consulting firm outside of Atlanta that helps other small businesses grow; a biological dentistry practice in Katy, Texas, putting smiles back on patients’ faces; a group home for adults with disabilities in Tallahassee, Florida, offering residents so much more than just a roof over their heads; and many other impactful small businesses, including KMS, a program management and consulting firm that also has family at its core.
Twelve companies have so far been featured in Regions’ Good Company, which features small-business success stories from across the bank’s footprint.
“Since our last connection, KMS has landed two new assignments. We are now providing project management support for two large banks, and we are also in conversations with another, and we should close this deal by early summer 2022,” said Mike Kemp, CEO of KMS. “All this work is a direct contribution to our relationship with Regions Bank. Brett Couch (head of Corporate Real Estate and Procurement at Regions) has been a tremendous supporter of our efforts and has played a significant role in us landing these new accounts.”
Kemp says his company continues to grow, adding several new project managers, as well. He acknowledges being featured as a Good Company was, in fact, good for his company.
“We did receive a lot of feedback from our key stakeholders,” Kemp said. “The story provided a level of validation for our firm and that was recognized by our key stakeholders.”
Good Company has shared the stories of businesses from across the Southeast over the past year, and it will continue to shine a light on the businesses that share many of the same values as Regions.
“The Good Company profile is really a great tool for recognizing small businesses. It provides the small business the opportunity to be shown in a positive light,” Kemp said. “The small business can then utilize that PR for marketing and business development. It’s always good to be listed in a write-up of this nature for any business, but much more so for a small business.”
Which small-business success stories will be featured next? Stay tuned.
See more Good Company small-business success stories and videos.