Sports + Recreation

Making waves

How Russell Marine is shaping the future of Smith Lake Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by Russell Marine, Jay Betts On the surface, Russell Marine looks like a premier boating dealership — a place to buy a wake boat, schedule a service appointment or grab gear before a day on the water. But talk to Emily Sprayberry, director of marketing, and a different picture emerges. Russell Marine isn’t just selling boats. It’s building culture. It’s fueling local economies. It’s shaping the way...

Health + Wellness

Prioritizing wellness

Gray Urology Wellness helps patients feel better physically and mentally Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by Brooke B Photography When the Cullman Urology office closed in early 2025, many patients wondered where they would turn for specialized, compassionate urological care. For Amy Burdette‑Gray, CRNP, CUNP, the closure marked not an ending, but the beginning of something deeply personal, and deeply needed. In March 2025, she opened Gray Urology Wellness LLC, a practice built on a decade...

Life + Culture

Explore Cullman

What are you waiting for? Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by Visit Cullman, Jay Betts, Joseph Cecil at Launch Production & Design, Siarra Hollingsworth Cullman isn’t just a dot on the map between Birmingham and Huntsville — it’s a community with a pulse, a personality and a surprising amount of momentum. If you’ve lived here long enough, it’s easy to slip into routine: the same routes, the same restaurants, the same weekend plans. But have you checked out Visit Cullman? It’s a reminder...

Life + Culture

Building a family legacy

‘I want my kids to be proud of what we’ve built’ Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by Ashley family On any given morning in Cullman, you might find Ryne Ashley at The Busy Bee, having breakfast while greeting the familiar faces that drift through the door. It’s a ritual that reminds him why he’s never wanted to live anywhere else. “It can be easy to take for granted what we have here,” he said, “but as the world gets crazier, it’s easy to see the greatness we get to live in every day.” ...

Local Services

Something that lasts

How faith, family and hard work drive Haynes Auto Detail Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by Nathan Haynes In Cullman and the surrounding areas, where community ties run deep and a handshake still means something, it’s not unusual to find business owners who pour their whole hearts into what they do. But for Nathan Haynes, the man behind Haynes Auto Detail, running a growing business while raising a big family isn’t just a balancing act — it’s a calling. “It’s busy; no way around that,” he...

Life + Culture

Finding strength in every challenge

'What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned as a business owner, and how did it shape you?' Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by Contributed We asked nine local businessmen to share the hardest lessons they’ve had to learn — and how those experiences changed the way they show up as leaders today.   Shawn Doss The Cigar Box | www.thecigarboxalabama.com The biggest hurdle for me to overcome was recognizing the value of employees. In the beginning, I was a one-man operation. It was not...

Health + Wellness

'It's all interconnected'

Dr. Katherine Vintson’s roots, holistic philosophy and faith Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by Katie Sue Harris, Lisa Jones Photography When Dr. Katherine Vintson, DO returned to Cullman to practice medicine, she wasn’t just coming home. She was stepping back into a community she understands. A Cullman native now practicing at Cullman Internal Medicine, Vintson brings with her not only medical training, but also intimate knowledge of the culture and realities that shape her patients’...

Shopping

'A little bit quirky'

Inside the colorful world of Monograms Plus Article by Wendy Sack Local favorite boutique Monograms Plus is a swirl of color and creativity. Owner Lynsey Todd has poured her heart into creating a shop that feels like home — with a dash of quirky charm. Todd described the style of Monograms Plus with a smile: “Colorful, cheerful and a little bit quirky.” She’s built a space designed to spark happiness. Think bright displays, patterns and gifts that feel personal and special. Everything in...

Local Services

Happy Tails, indeed!

For business owner Page Dowdy, it’s all about relationships and family Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by Lisa Jones Photography, Happy Tails On any given morning at Happy Tails Groom & Board, you’ll hear a blend of cheerful barks, soft greetings from staff and the quiet hum of a place that feels more like a second home than a pet care facility. At the center of it all is the woman who built it: Page Dowdy.   For her, the magic begins long before a dog ever steps onto the grooming table...

Local Services

7 women shaping local businesses

These entrepreneurs are blazing their own paths Article by Wendy Sack | Photography by Various BECCA MCLEROY  Travel Concierge and Advisor  CCTC Travel Agency www.cupcakecastlestravel.com/beccamcleroy I am a dedicated travel concierge and advisor with CCTC Travel Agency, passionate about turning dream vacations into seamless, unforgettable experiences. I specialize in personalized travel planning — from luxury getaways and cruises to family adventures and international escapes — handling...