Keeping The Dream Alive: Recent Episodes
Torch Technologies
Welcome to The Keeping the Dream Alive Podcast brought to you by Torch Technologies. In this podcast, you will learn all about all things Torch from its history to its culture, employee ownership, commitment to the warfighter, our community involvement, and so much more.
In this episode, Sam shares his journey from starting his career at Eglin Air Force Base to joining Torch in 2016, where he helped launch and grow Torch’s first Armament contract. We also dive into the future of the Air Force Weapons Group and the talented leadership team Sam has built to continue Torch’s mission of serving the warfighter.
Torch Technologieshttps://torchtechnologies.com/
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In this episode, we’re joined by Jennifer Bentley, Alabama Chapter Director for Breakthrough T1D, and Lee Holland, President of Freedom Real Estate & Capital, to spotlight the upcoming Huntsville Breakthrough T1D Walk.
Jennifer shares the mission of Breakthrough T1D, the world’s leading organization funding Type 1 Diabetes research. From raising awareness to supporting families and driving progress toward a cure, the organization plays a vital role in the fight against T1D.
We also hear from Lee on why Freedom Real Estate partnered as the presenting sponsor for the walk, how this cause hits close to home, and why community involvement is a core part of their values. Together, they discuss the significance of hosting the event at Hays Farm, the importance of participation, and the many ways individuals, families, and businesses can get involved.
The walk takes place Sunday, October 26th at 2:00 PM at Hays Farm, offering the community an opportunity to support loved ones living with T1D, celebrate progress, and raise awareness.
https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/TR?fr_id=10360&pg=entry
Torch Technologieshttps://torchtechnologies.com/
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On this episode of Keeping the Dream Alive, we’re joined by Tyce Hudson of Freedom Real Estate & Capital. With more than two decades of experience at Turner Construction and nearly four years at Freedom, Tyce shares his career journey and why he wishes he had made the move to Freedom sooner.
We dive into Freedom’s advisory services—what they are, who they are for, and how they help owners successfully navigate the complexities of construction projects. From mitigating risks to saving clients hundreds of thousands of dollars through practical, real-world insights, Tyce explains why having Freedom on your team more than pays for itself.
Torch Technologieshttps://torchtechnologies.com/
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In this episode of Keeping the Dream Alive, we welcome back Cindy Walz, CFO of Torch Technologies and Starfish Holdings, for a deeper dive into the financial side of employee ownership. Building on her previous conversation about vesting and diversification, Cindy explains key concepts around ESOP allocations, distributions, and share price.
She breaks down how Torch’s ESOP works to build long-term wealth for employees, the role of company contributions, and how annual allocations are determined. Cindy also shares insights on what drives share price, how distributions are handled when employees retire or leave, and the long-term planning Torch does to ensure sustainability for generations of employee-owners.
Whether you’re new to Torch or a longtime employee, this episode offers valuable clarity on how our ESOP functions—and how it helps keep the dream of ownership and retirement security alive.
Torch Technologieshttps://torchtechnologies.com/
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In this episode of The Keeping The Dream Alive Podcast, we sit down with Cindy Walz, CFO of Torch Technologies and Starfish Holdings, to dive into the intricacies of ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans), vesting, and diversification.
Cindy shares valuable insights into how ESOPs work, the vesting schedule, and the importance of diversification for employees. She explains how Torch’s unique ESOP structure helps build long-term wealth for employees and discusses the company’s strategic approach to managing employee funds. As the company continues to grow and evolve, Cindy also touches on the exciting developments ahead for Torch in 2025 and beyond.
Torch Technologieshttps://torchtechnologies.com/
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In this episode of The Keeping The Dream Alive Podcast, we sit down with Bill Roark, co-founder of Torch Technologies, for a deep dive into what valuation means in an employee-owned company. Bill explains the annual ESOP valuation process—why it matters, how it’s calculated, and how every employee plays a role in growing the value of the company.
We explore the key differences between public and private company valuations, the impact of performance and forecasting, and how Torch, Freedom Real Estate, and Starfish Holdings fit together in the bigger picture. Bill also shares real-world examples of how small actions—like turning off the lights—can translate into real financial benefits for employee-owners.
Torch Technologieshttps://torchtechnologies.com/
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In this episode of Keeping the Dream Alive, we’re joined by Virginia McCrary of Torch Technologies to dive into the STEPs program—Society of Torch Emerging Professionals. As one of the program’s founding organizers, Virginia shares how STEPS has evolved into a key part of preserving and growing Torch’s unique employee-owner culture.
From trivia nights and paint parties to professional development and community outreach, STEPS creates opportunities for all employees—new and seasoned—to connect beyond their day-to-day work. Virginia discusses how the program adapts to meet the needs of a growing company, encourages intern participation, and fosters a strong sense of belonging across the team.
🎧 Tune in to hear how STEPS is keeping the Torch culture thriving—one event at a time.
Torch Technologieshttps://torchtechnologies.com/
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In this episode, we’re joined once again by Clay Hagan of Torch Technologies to talk about a major milestone in the company’s journey—becoming a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) in early 2024.
Clay breaks down what it means to be a PBC, why Torch pursued this rare designation, and how it aligns with their long-term commitment to employee ownership, community impact, and sustainable growth. We dive into the multi-year process of transforming Torch’s governing documents, the unique responsibilities of being 100% employee-owned, and the importance of embedding purpose and values into the company’s foundation.
From their ESOP structure to their four core commitments as a PBC, this episode unpacks the why behind the move—and what it means for the future of Torch, its employees, and the broader community they serve.
Whether you're interested in the ESOP model, corporate governance, or building mission-driven companies, this episode offers a unique look inside a company striving to lead with intention and integrity.
Torch Technologieshttps://torchtechnologies.com/
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In this episode of Keeping The Dream Alive, we sit down with Aaron Thompson, Assistant Vice President for Advancement and Branding at Alabama A&M University, to explore the university’s 150-year legacy and its bold vision for the future.
Aaron shares how Alabama A&M is evolving through record-breaking enrollment, transformative campus projects, and a $150 million fundraising campaign focused on campus improvements, STEM infrastructure, and student scholarships. He also discusses the university’s deep connection to Huntsville’s growth and why students from across the country are choosing A&M for more than just academics—they’re choosing community, opportunity, and impact.
https://www.aamu.edu/
Torch Technologieshttps://torchtechnologies.com/
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In this episode of Keeping The Dream Alive, we sit down with Bill Roark,
co-founder of Torch Technologies, for a deep dive into the company's
unique ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) culture. Bill shares how
employee ownership isn't just a structure—it's a mindset that transforms
how people show up to work, collaborate across departments, and invest
in each other's success.
We explore the responsibilities and rewards of being an employee-owner,
how Torch fosters a family-like atmosphere, and the importance of
community engagement through events like the Children’s Christmas
Party, tailgates, and Torch Helps initiatives. Bill also reflects on the
company’s growth, the challenge of maintaining culture at scale, and
why long-term strategic planning and community impact remain central
to Torch’s mission.
Torch Technologieshttps://torchtechnologies.com/
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In this episode, we sit down with two leaders making a powerful impact in the Huntsville community—Darren Geiger, President & CEO of Family Services Center, and Shirley Schofield, CEO of the Food Bank of North Alabama.
They share how their organizations are addressing core issues like food insecurity, homelessness, mental health, and family support through a wide range of services—from workforce development and grief counseling to food distribution and school partnerships. With Huntsville’s rapid growth, both organizations are navigating increased demand while emphasizing the importance of collaboration, data-driven impact, and diversified funding strategies.
We explore the realities their clients face, how their missions have evolved, and what their biggest needs are heading into 2025. Whether it’s providing shelter, serving 80,000+ people each month with food, or connecting families with vital resources, Darren and Shirley are on the front lines of building a stronger, more supportive community.
If you’re looking for ways to give back, get involved, or better understand the human needs in our region—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
https://fsc-hsv.org/
https://www.foodbanknorthal.org/
Torch Technologieshttps://torchtechnologies.com/
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In this episode of Keeping The Dream Alive, we're excited to welcome back Clay Hagan for an in-depth conversation about one of the foundational elements of Torch Technologies: the ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). Clay breaks down what an ESOP is, why it’s such a crucial part of Torch’s culture, and how employee ownership impacts career growth, company loyalty, and long-term value. We dive into the history of Torch’s ESOP journey—from its early days as a small spinout to becoming a 100% employee-owned company—and explore how Torch has built systems to ensure sustainability for both current and future employees.
Torch Technologieshttps://torchtechnologies.com/
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In this episode of Keeping The Dream Alive, we dive into the cutting-edge partnership between SIMVANA and Huntsville Hospital, exploring how virtual reality training is transforming the way nurses are onboarded and trained. Our guests, Alexis Spalding, Director of Clinical Nursing Practice at Huntsville Hospital, and Nathan Faught, Program Manager at SIMVANA, share how this collaboration is addressing key challenges in medical education—providing hands-on, immersive training without patient risk.
From VR-simulated medical equipment to AI-powered patient interactions, Sivan is revolutionizing nurse training, ensuring that both new and experienced professionals are prepared for real-world scenarios. We also discuss the future of VR in healthcare, its scalability across hospitals nationwide, and how AI-driven learning is shaping the next generation of medical professionals.
Tune in to learn how this game-changing technology is improving nurse education, patient care, and hospital efficiency.
Torch Technologieshttps://torchtechnologies.com/
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In this episode, I sit down with Keith Overholt from the Downtown Rescue Mission and Alison Kling from Free 2 Teach—two nonprofit leaders making a powerful impact in Huntsville. Keith shares how the mission is expanding its efforts to support a growing population of young people experiencing homelessness, while Alison dives into how Free 2 Teach equips teachers across public schools with the supplies they need to empower students. We explore the unique challenges both organizations face, the innovative ways they stretch every dollar, and how the community can get involved.
https://free2teach.org
https://www.downtownrescuemission.org
Torch Technologieshttps://torchtechnologies.com/
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In this episode, we sit down with Abigail Mercer of the Alzheimer’s Association and Stephanie Cline of the Heart Association to discuss two major health challenges affecting our communities. Abigail sheds light on the widespread impact of Alzheimer’s, dispelling misconceptions and highlighting the staggering number of those affected, including young individuals. Stephanie emphasizes the importance of knowing your number —blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar—to prevent heart disease and stroke. Tune in for an insightful conversation on awareness, prevention, and the steps we can all take toward better health.
https://www.alz.org
https://www.heart.org
Torch Technologieshttps://torchtechnologies.com/
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In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Stidfole and Chris Finley of Torch Technologies to discuss how their Veterans Program is creating meaningful career transitions for service members through initiatives like DoD SkillBridge and Hiring Our Heroes. They share how Torch fosters a strong sense of community, provides mentorship, and supports veterans beyond hiring, making a lasting impact in Huntsville and beyond.
Torch Technologieshttps://torchtechnologies.com/
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In this episode, we sit down with Charlie Crowe to discuss the process of defining and formalizing the core values at Torch— values that had long been ingrained in the company’s culture. Charlie shares how leadership recognized these principles
through years of experience and simply put them into words. We also explore the mindset of ownership at Torch, where every team member takes responsibility beyond their job description to ensure success. From stepping up in the workplace to giving back to the community, Charlie emphasizes the impact of a shared commitment to excellence and service.
Torch Technologieshttps://torchtechnologies.com/
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In this episode of the Keeping the Dream Alive podcast, we talk with Cindy Williamson, Executive Director of New Hope Children's Clinic, and Jennifer Bentley, State Director for Breakthrough T1D. They discuss the missions of their organizations: providing accessible healthcare for children in New Hope and advancing support and research for individuals affected by type 1 diabetes across Alabama. They share insights into the challenges of funding, and both leaders highlight the critical role of volunteers and partnerships in achieving their goals, inviting listeners to get involved.
Breakthrough T1D: https://www.breakthrought1d.org/
New Hope Children's Clinic: https://newhopechildrensclinic.org/
Torch Technologieshttps://torchtechnologies.com/
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In this episode of Keeping the Dream Alive, we sit down with Brad Walker, President of Torch Technologies, to reflect on 2024 and discuss plans for 2025. Brad shares insights into Torch's growth, driven by strategic planning, employee ownership, and a focus on customer satisfaction. He highlights the company’s six focus areas, including maintaining stability, diversifying its customer base, fostering leadership development, and giving back to local communities.
Brad also discusses infrastructure upgrades, leadership training programs, and Torch’s status as a public benefit corporation. Looking ahead, he outlines plans for implementing new enterprise systems, achieving CMMC Level 2 certification, and strengthening internal communications. This episode offers a compelling look at how Torch continues to thrive as an employee-owned, mission-driven organization.
https://torchtechnologies.com/
Torch Technologieshttps://torchtechnologies.com/
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In this episode we sit down with Lee Holland and Brenda Conville to discuss Freedom Real Estate's evolution from a property management and leasing subsidiary of Torch Technologies to a full-service real estate firm. Now offering
brokerage, construction, and development services, Freedom Real Estate has expanded its operations with a focus on sales and leasing. Lee and Brenda highlight two major projects: an industrial park near Toyota Motor Manufacturing, offering flexible building sizes for various industries, and a class A office building
at Hayes Farm—the first of its kind in South Huntsville in 20 years, part of a master-planned community. They also share plans for further growth, including potential projects in downtown Huntsville and beyond Alabama.
In this episode we sit down with Bill Roark, CEO of Freedom Real Estate, to discuss the company's origins and its impact on Huntsville's growth. Initially created as a subsidiary of Torch to generate better returns than the company's cash reserves, Freedom Real Estate faced initial resistance from the board. However, after an article in the Wall Street Journal validated the concept, the board approved the formation of the company. Since then, Freedom Real Estate has expanded from managing its own buildings to taking on construction projects and offering advisory services. Bill shares how the company has played a key role in revitalizing South Huntsville and outlines plans for further expansion and partnerships in the future.
Corey Chandler discusses the Technology Integration and Prototyping Center (TIPC) at Torch Technologies. TIPC is a unique capability that supports rapid prototyping and solutions development for the government. It was opened in 2019 and provides dedicated lab space for various disciplines, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, optics, and fabrication. Torch has been able to find engineers for TIPC through a combination of internal promotions and external hires. TIPC has been able to provide substantial value to customers by expanding their requirements and offering progressive engagement. The future of TIPSI involves developing more complex systems and becoming a one-stop shop for customers.
In this podcast episode, Cathy McDonald and John Watson discuss Torch Technologies' Adoption Assistance Program, introduced during its shift to a public benefit corporation. They outline the program's straightforward structure and substantial reimbursement policies, noting its favorable reception from the board and employees alike. The discussion highlights Torch's dedication to employee support, leadership development, and community innovation. Their conversation aims to distinguish Torch from other companies and encourage positive workplace practices.
Darrell Trousdale, the project manager of the Advanced VIZLAB at Torch Technology, discusses the journey of SIMVANA and its impact in various fields. SIMVANA, a part of the Advanced VIZLAB, was initially developed for virtual training capabilities in the defense industry. However, it has expanded to other areas such as anesthesiology and nursing onboarding. SIMVANA offers a training platform with virtual lessons and simulations that can be accessed globally. The software is continuously updated and has the potential for further growth and use cases. The podcast highlights the importance of Keeping the Dream Alive and passing it on to future generations.
https://simvana.com
https://torchtechnologies.com
In this episode, we interview Bruce Peters to talk about the company's Internal Research and Development (IRAD) program. Bruce shares his background and how he got involved in the program. He discusses the importance of linking innovative ideas with customer needs and the role of different disciplines in project management. Bruce
highlights the advantages of Torch's ESOP structure and how it allows for long-term investments in solving difficult problems. The episode concludes with a discussion of the relationship between the IRAD program and the summer intern program at Torch, emphasizing the importance of application and learning in internships.
In this episode, we sit down to talk with Bill Roark about his transition as Starfish Holdings CEO. We also discuss the role he will now play as Chairman of the Board, his upcoming book release in May, and future travel plans across the country.
In this episode, we talk with Don Holder Co-Founder of Torch. We discuss his educational background, the discussion with Bill Roark back in 2002 to join Torch, what it’s like now to see Torch continue to grow 20+ years later, and what advice he would give to new and current employee-owners of Torch Technologies.
In this episode, we sit down to talk with Mike O'Melia who has been at Torch Technologies for 19 years now, coming up on 20. We discussed his knowledge of ESOPs before joining Torch, the importance of the term employee-owner , and his challenge to the younger employees just beginning their career at Torch
In this episode, we talk with Bill Roark to discuss Torch’s newest distinction of becoming a Public Benefit Corporation. We discuss the differences between a Public Benefit Corp and a B Corp, how this distinction pairs with being an Evergreen Company, and the commitment Torch has to grow and be profitable for more than 100 years.
In this episode, we sit down to talk with Brenda Conville and Lee Holland of Freedom Real Estate & Capital a sister company to Torch Technologies. We discuss their backgrounds prior to joining Freedom, the exponential growth Freedom has had in a short few years, the ESOP structure that connects Freedom with Torch, and the future goals they both have for Freedom moving into 2024 and beyond.
In this episode, we sit down to talk with John Watson who has been at Torch Technologies since 2009 and who was promoted to CEO in 2018. We discuss his educational background, how he met Bill Roark while at Nichols Research, the initial decision to join Torch, and the future goals he has for Torch moving into 2024 and beyond.
We sit down with the current Board Chair of Torch Helps, Samantha Blumkin, and the previous two Board Chairs, Maureen Eversmeyer and LaJoy Johns. We discuss their backgrounds at Torch, the mission of Torch Helps, and the future impact they hope Torch Helps has in the community.
In this episode, we sit down to talk with Brad Walker who has been at Torch Technologies since 2006 and who recently got promoted to President of the company in January 2023. We discuss his educational background, how he meet Bill Roark while at Nichols Research, the initial decision to join Torch in 2006, and how his day to day has changed since becoming President.
In this episode, we sit down to talk with Jim Moore who has been at Torch Technologies for 19 years now, coming up on 20. He currently works in the Shalimar, Florida office at Eglin Air Force Base. We discuss his knowledge of ESOPs prior to joining Torch, the discussion 10 years ago to move to Shalimar Florida to help open that office, and how the company culture ultimately led his wife to also join Torch five years ago.
In this episode, we sit down to talk with Samantha Blumkin, who is the lead program control analyst, she helps lead all of the program control analysts that support our ACE group here at Torch. During this episode, we discuss what it was like joining Torch back in 2013. Her decision to leave Torch for a few months back in 2020. The importance she has for company culture and the ways in which she hopes to educate the younger employees about things she wishes she would've known when she first started such as the ESOP.
https://torchtechnologies.com
In this episode, we sit down to talk with Jim Diehl, who recently retired but was the corporate chief of staff working directly for the president and the program manager for the MDA programs here at Torch Technologies. During this episode, we discuss what it was like joining Torch back in 2009 after almost 30 years of working at Teledyne Brown. We also discuss how the culture at Torch differed from his previous work experiences. and the value that the ESOP was to him as an employee, and also now as a recent retiree.
https://torchtechnologies.com
In this episode, we sit down to talk with Adam Sampley who helps lead the aircraft survivability team under the tactical systems business unit here at Torch Technologies. During this episode, we discuss what it was like to join Torch 19 years ago directly out of college, the value of the ESOP program to him, what advice he would give to someone first beginning their career here, and what he believes separates Torch from other companies.
In this episode, we sit down to talk with Clayton Newkirk Senior Director here at Torch Technologies. During this episode, we discuss what it was like joining Torch 20 years ago, the value of the ESOP program to him, what advice he would give to someone first beginning their career here, and what milestones/achievements he would love to see Torch receive in the near future.
In this episode, we talk with Bill Roark, Co-Founder of Torch Technologies, to talk a little bit about the Tugboat Institute and their Principle of Pragmatic Innovation. We discuss the mindset he has had over the last 20 years when taking calculated risks and what the biggest calculated risk he has had to make for Torch over the last 20 years and how he approached that decision.
In this episode, we talk with Bill Roark, Co-Founder of Torch Technologies, to talk a little bit about the Tugboat Institute and their Principle of Profit. We discuss the importance of profit to the survival of Torch specifically in the early years, how Bill was able to balance the desire to increase profits without making it the purpose of Torch, and how the true value of profit is what you deliver to the customer and how Torch has been able to deliver exceptional value over the last 20 years.
In this episode, we talk with Bill Roark, Co-Founder of Torch Technologies, to talk a little bit about the Tugboat Institute and its Principle of Paced Growth. We discuss some of the long-term strategies put in place for Torch back in 2002, how Bill was able to balance short-term performance with Torch’s long-term goals, how Torch has been so consistent year to year over the last 20 years, and how we hope to continue this momentum moving forward.
In this episode, we talk with Bill Roark CoFounder of Torch Technologies to talk a little bit about 2022 and some of the goals and milestones that Torch, Freedom Real Estate, & Simvana have been able to achieve across this year, as well as some of the goals we have for the podcast moving forward into 2023. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen.
In this episode we sit down with Bill Roark to discuss the Tugboat Institute and their Principle of Private which they define as taking advantage of the ability of closely-held private companies to have a longer-term view, greater confidentiality around strategies, and more operating flexibility than public or exit-oriented businesses. We discuss Bill's work experiences prior to Torch and the impact those had on the formation of Torch, the journey of forming a company that is privately held, and the impact that this decision has had on current and former employees here at Torch.
In this episode of The Keeping the Dream Alive Podcast, we talk with Bill Roark, CoFounder of Torch Technologies and Brady Porter, a current employee of Torch. We discuss the general structuring of the ESOP, the impact that the ESOP has had on Brady's life over his 18 years of service and how the overall atmosphere of Torch has been impacted based on the employee ownership model.
In this episode of The Keeping the Dream Alive Podcast, we talk with Bill Roark CoFounder of Torch Technologies and reminisce over the last 20 years. We discuss the history of Torch, lessons he has learned along the way, & what the future looks like for Torch.
In this episode of The Keeping the Dream Alive Podcast we sit down with Bill Roark Co-Founder of Torch Technologies to continue our conversation and discuss The Tugboat Institute and their Third P of People First.
In this episode of The Keeping the Dream Alive Podcast we sit down with Bill Roark CoFounder of Torch Technologies to continue our conversation and discuss The Tugboat Institute and their second P of Perseverance.
In this episode, we sit down with Bill Roark founder of Torch Technologies to learn more about their history and one of their newest accomplishments of being recognized as a Certified Evergreen Company. We discuss what it means to be an evergreen company, the principle of purpose within the Tugboat Group, and how it applies to Torch. The Tugboat Group defines purpose as having a compelling reason for existing--a North Star above all else. You can learn more about the Tugboat Group by visiting their website.
https://www.tugboatinstitute.com/
https://www.torchtechnologies.com/