I love visiting with creative people in the advertising business. Their minds work differently, and they are good at getting your attention. It’s what they do. I appreciate cleverness and was excited to sit down with Tim Dozier, CEO of Mobile, Ala.-based Hummingbird Ideas, a few weeks ago.

Leadership is important to any organization’s success. I felt like I hit the motherload when I sat down with Collier Merrill, Maria Goldberg, and David Bear at The Fish House Restaurant in Pensacola a few weeks ago. There is so much to learn about the Scenic 98 Coastal area from these movers and shakers. They are part of the equation that is changing and fortifying the Scenic 98 Coastal area, especially downtown Pensacola. 

The Happy Olive, located on De La Mare Avenue in Fairhope, is a fun shop with fun people working there. Sue Rusyniak is the new owner, who purchased the store three years ago from Richard and Vickie Bailey, who founded the shop 11 years ago. The staff works hard, but they love what they do. 

You have to get up pretty early in the morning to catch John Nodar, meteorologist for WKRG News 5. He’s the first one to tell you what you can expect from today’s weather. There’s a lot behind the person standing in front of that weather map. 

You may never meet a nicer, friendlier person than Cecil Christenberry. He and his wife, Linda, own and operate Old Tyme Feed & Garden Supply in Fairhope. If you live in the Fairhope area and enjoy working in your yard, you probably have already stopped by dozens of times throughout the year. I look forward to every trip, they are just that nice!

If you live in the Scenic 98 Coastal area, you are probably familiar with Rose Ann Haven, who anchors the WKRG Channel 5 News in the evenings. I recently sat down with Rose Ann at Provision in Fairhope to learn more about her “Off Air” personality. I found her delightful and very down-to-earth. She’d be a fun person to hang around with.

I first met Rich Sullivan when he was a student at the University of Alabama. Rich is one of the brightest people I’ve ever known, and we seem to hit it off. A native Mobilian, Rich entered his senior year of college with the intention of attending medical school after graduation. 

Five years ago, Jack and Bevelyn Wallace teamed up with Frank Trainor to create Frank & Company Jewelers in Orange Beach. They recently opened a second store at The Wharf. Their story is one of hard work, customer service, and a loyal following of clients from all over the Southeast.