Huntsville, AL

Core Values at Work 

If there’s a single word that describes the Huntsville, AL branch, it is longevity.   The branch has been part of ABC Supply for more than 20 years. Its manager, Curtis Neal, has been with that location for more than 25 years, and many of the 18 associates have been there for 10 years or more. 

This is a branch that is firmly rooted in the culture and values of ABC Supply, says District Manager – Alabama/Tennessee Jim Gann.  Jim and the branch’s associates credit Curtis with leading by example, managing in a manner that is consistent with the company’s core values, and creating and maintaining a service-oriented team.  

“Curtis is consistent – in his lifestyle, in his career, and in the associates he hires,” said Jim.  “We have developed a sense of family here,” Curtis said.  “People want to come to work where other people care about them and their kids and share their celebrations and sorrows.  Customers can buy shingles anywhere, but ABC is about relationships.  I push my people to make every customer interaction a positive experience.”     

Outside sales representative Thomas Knox has been with the branch for more than a dozen years and offered a personal perspective. . . “Curtis treats us with respect, and he appreciates what we do.  That’s why I’m thrilled to be here.” “We are a family, and we take care of each other,” said Christy Corum, outside sales and Curtis’ stepdaughter.  “Nobody likes to leave and, of course, our customers like seeing familiar faces.  This is a great company to work for, and I can’t see myself going anywhere else.”

That’s a situation any manager would envy, but it also comes with a challenge.  When associates are happy, there’s little turnover so the opportunities for promotion are limited.  The challenge becomes one of keeping associate motivation high.  Curtis’ approach to managing and motivating people has been shaped by his own work experience.

He described his first jobs after high school as not challenging and his attitude as complacent.  All of that changed when he went to work for Manufacturers’ Wholesale and its owner, Jim Gann.  “I started working in the warehouse, behind the counter, and driving a truck,” Curtis said.  “This is a fast-paced business with a lot of stress, but I stuck with it.  Working in several positions makes you understand what your associates go through every day and what they have to do in the course of a day’s work to be successful,” he said.

Cross-training is standard operating procedure at the branch.  “If I hear someone complain that someone is being difficult, I’ll say, ‘Hey, maybe you ought to do that job for a couple of days,’” he explained.  “It helps people understand what each job is and how it is important.  Also, when you see other options, it may give you some ideas about what else you would like to do and a new goal.”   

The branch supports the Huntsville community sponsoring sports teams and donating building materials for projects that aid the reconstruction of communities shattered by storms.  The leads for several of the branch’s charitable projects have come from customers and associates.  The team hopes one day to become involved in a hands-on project like Habitat for Humanity.

Stop in or contact the team at (256) 536-9307.  For store hours and other information, visit our store locator.

Front Row (Left-Right):  Eddy Pollard, Christy Corum, Bryan Carpenter, Curtis Neal.  Middle Row:  Kevin Kanupp, Jessie Aldridge, Ronnie Church, Mike Morris, Steve Cannon, Thomas Knox.  Back Row:  Lester Grimes, James Martin, Jonathan Stewart, Charles Gwathney, Joe Brown.  Not Shown- Brien McCay, Richard Johnson.