With Three-Year Revenue Growth of 607 Percent, PORT CITY INDUSTRIAL Ranks No. 975 Among America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies

Inc. revealed today that PORT CITY INDUSTRIAL ranks No. 975 on the 2023 Inc. 5000, its annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The prestigious ranking provides a data-driven look at the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent, entrepreneurial businesses. Facebook, Chobani, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other household name brands gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000. 

Jamie Tapia, President of Port City Industrial states "The exponential growth of Port City Industrial since our inception seven years ago is thanks to both the exceptionally hard work of our dedicated team members, and the unprecedented growth our area is experiencing in the industrial sector. The combined work of our elected officials, Mobile Chamber of Commerce, and countless local business leaders, is now being realized in what many are calling a “Golden Age” of Mobile. As Mobile steps to the forefront of aircraft manufacturing, gains distinction as one of the fastest growing deep-water ports in the United States and welcomes countless manufacturers and distributors looking to capitalize on our prime location and growing industrial cluster, companies like Port City Industrial are reaping the benefits of a wave of economic development that is hard to quantify or fathom. The best is truly ahead”. 

The Inc. 5000 class of 2023 represents companies that have driven rapid revenue growth while navigating inflationary pressure, the rising costs of capital, and seemingly intractable hiring challenges. Among this year’s top 500 companies, the average median three-year revenue growth rate ticked up to an astonishing 2,238 percent. In all, this year’s Inc. 5000 companies have added 1,187,266 jobs to the economy over the past three years. 

For complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, location, and other criteria, go to www.inc.com/inc5000. The top 500 companies are featured in the September issue of Inc. magazine, available on newsstands beginning Tuesday, August 23. 

“Running a business has only gotten harder since the end of the pandemic,” says Inc. editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. “To make the Inc. 5000—with the fast growth that requires—is truly an accomplishment. Inc. is thrilled to honor the companies that are building our future.” 

In 2015, Mobilian husband-wife duo Hays and Jamie Tapia founded Port City Industrial to support the growing industrial marketplace in the Mobile Metro area with a company that makes warehouses work efficiently and effectively from loading dock to inventory management.  

Jamie operates Port City Industrial as its president overseeing the business structure and day-to-day operations.  Hays, a 4^th generation business owner and salesperson with 20 years of industrial experience, attributes the company’s success to the relationships built in the marketplace and throughout the organization. 

More about Inc. and the Inc. 5000

Methodology

Companies on the 2023 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2019 to 2022. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2019. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2022. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2019 is $100,000; the minimum for 2022 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Growth rates used to determine company rankings were calculated to four decimal places. 

About Inc. 

Inc. Business Media is the leading multimedia brand for entrepreneurs. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of our community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating our future. Inc.’s award-winning work reaches more than 50 million people across a variety of channels, including events, print, digital, video, podcasts, newsletters, and social media. Its proprietary Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to rank the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The recognition that comes with inclusion on this and other prestigious Inc. lists, such as Female Founders and Power Partners, gives the founders of top businesses the opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. For more information, visit www.inc.com. 

Women Entrepreneurs! The session was moderated by Rick Miller (RAMP Leadership; The Hatch). Panelists are listed in clockwise order from the top left of the image. Panelists discussed the business landscape of Mobile, the benefits and challenges of being an entrepreneur and answer questions posed by mentors and companies in the mentoring program.

Lisette Norman, The Fairhope Store and The Orange Beach Store: Lisette opened The Fairhope Store in 2011 and The Orange Beach Store in 2016. Each store sells merchandise branded with iconic logos celebrating the coastal lifestyle. In 2018 The Fairhope Store received the Gold Retailer of the Year Award from the Alabama Retail Association.

Sheila Hodges, SH Enterprises and Meyer Vacation Rentals: SH Enterprises is the holding company for Meyer Vacation Rentals, which manages and services more than 1000 vacation rentals on the Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast, as well as Meyer Services, Starr Textile Services, and CENTURY 21 Meyer Real Estate. Sheila recently transferred ownership of the company to her daughter.

Jamie Tapia, Port City Industrials: Jamie and her husband Hays started Port City Industrials in 2015. The docking and warehouse storage supply company has shown triple digit growth and qualifies as an Inc 5000 fastest growing company in the US. Port City has been nominated for the Mobile Chamber Business of the Year for 2023. 

Mickie Russell, Roberts Brothers Inc, formerly with Dauphin Realty of Mobile: Mickie grew her own real estate firm to five offices and over 100 agents serving the Mobile and Baldwin County area before merging the company with Roberts Brothers, Inc. in 2011, resulting in the largest real estate company in the coastal Alabama counties. She was named Realtor of the Year in 2002.

RAMP is a team-based mentoring program for businesses in south Alabama, made possible by training from the Venture Mentoring Service at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). MIT created a world-renowned mentoring program for small businesses almost 20 years ago. This program now has 165 mentors and has mentored almost 1500 ventures. The project resulted in more start-ups, higher success rates, faster scale of businesses and greater ROI for investors. This model has been licensed worldwide, with participants traveling to MIT for Immersion training. This program has been licensed by MIT to the University of South Alabama through funding made possible by the Mobile County Commission, the Mobile City Council, the Mayor’s Office and the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. RAMP currently serves 16 companies with 26 highly qualified founding mentors from south Alabama.

RAMP is free and available for as long as the company-mentor team agrees that it is productive. Mentor teams are continually tailored to each company's changing needs. RAMP mentors are carefully selected, and they agree to abide by a code of ethics governing confidentiality, conflict of interest, and conduct. This creates a no-threat environment in which ventures can be confident of receiving unbiased advice. The team-based mentoring model provides a unique opportunity for mentors to experience the rewards and challenges of philanthropically growing local entrepreneurship capacity, while sharing collegial relationships with like-minded community members.

MOBILE, Ala. - The Mobile Chamber is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2023 Small Business of the Year Award.

A panel of judges carefully selected the top three small businesses based on their outstanding achievements and contributions to their respective industries.

The three finalists for the 2023 Small Business of the Year award are:

American WeatherStar - With contracts in more than 35 states, American WeatherStar is a leading manufacturer of commercial and industrial roof restoration coating systems. The company started as a small business selling fluid-applied roof restoration products but has now expanded to manufacture these products in its own facility.

Port City Industrial - Port City Industrial specializes in managing warehouse products and provides companies with their material handling needs. The company offers a range of material handling products including loading dock equipment, conveyor systems, roll-up doors, modular office systems, warehouse fans, and pallet racking.

TC Boiler & Piping, Inc. - TC Boiler & Piping offers a wide range of mechanical and construction services such as critical alloy welding, demolition services, plant maintenance, turnaround services, hydro testing, structural fabrication, and installation.

The winner will be announced during the Mobile Chamber’s Board of Directors and Board of Advisors Summer Reception on June 15 at Crown Hall.

About the Mobile Chamber

The Mobile Chamber is a private business organization with more than 1,700 members and the economic developer for the City of Mobile and Mobile County. The Mobile Chamber’s focus is to provide members with networking, marketing and professional development opportunities, expand jobs in the area, develop the local workforce, advocate legislative priorities and offer resources to help small businesses grow. Additional information is on the Chamber’s website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

Dock levelers are a critical component of any loading dock, allowing for safe and efficient loading and unloading of goods. However, like any piece of equipment, dock levelers can break down over time due to wear and tear. When this happens, business owners must decide whether to repair or replace their dock leveler. In this blog, we will explore the factors that should be considered when making this decision and how Port City Industrial can help.

Dock Leveler Repair

Dock leveler repair is often the first option that business owners consider when their dock leveler breaks down. Repairing a dock leveler can be a cost-effective option, especially if the issue is minor. For example, if a dock leveler's hydraulic system is malfunctioning, a technician can often repair the system by replacing a valve or hose.

However, there are some situations in which dock leveler repair may not be the best option. If a dock leveler has sustained significant damage, such as a broken deck or frame, repair may not be possible. Additionally, if a dock leveler is outdated and no longer meets current safety standards, repair may not be sufficient to ensure employee safety.

Dock Leveler Replacement

Dock leveler replacement may be necessary if a dock leveler is too damaged to repair or if it no longer meets current safety standards. Additionally, if a dock leveler is outdated and inefficient, replacing it with a newer model can result in increased productivity and decreased maintenance costs.

When deciding whether to replace a dock leveler, business owners should consider the long-term costs associated with repairing versus replacing it. If a dock leveler requires frequent repairs, replacing it with a newer model may be more cost-effective in the long run.

Port City Mobile's Dock Leveler Services

At Port City Industrial, we understand that dock levelers are critical components of any loading dock. If a dock leveler is too damaged to repair, we can help business owners choose a replacement dock leveler that meets their needs and budget. We offer a wide range of dock leveler options, including hydraulic, mechanical and air-powered models.

In conclusion, when a dock leveler breaks down, business owners must decide whether to repair or replace it. Dock leveler repair may be a cost-effective option for minor issues, but if a dock leveler is too damaged to repair or outdated, replacement may be necessary. Port City Industrial offers comprehensive dock leveler services, replacement and preventative maintenance programs to ensure that business owners can maintain safe and efficient loading docks.

Do you have questions about "Dock Leveler Repair vs Replacement"? Contact the professionals at Port City Industrial!

Commercial overhead doors are an essential component of many businesses. They offer a range of benefits that help companies to operate more efficiently and effectively. In this blog, we will explore some of the key advantages that commercial overhead doors can bring to your business.

Improved Security

One of the most significant benefits of commercial overhead doors is that they provide enhanced security for your premises. These doors are designed to be sturdy and durable, making them difficult to break through or damage. They can be fitted with advanced locking mechanisms, such as electronic keypads or remote-controlled systems, which can provide an additional layer of security to your property.

Improved Insulation

Another significant advantage of commercial overhead doors is that they can help to improve the insulation of your building. These doors are typically made from high-quality materials that are designed to provide excellent insulation properties. This means that they can help to keep your building warm in the winter and cool in the summer, reducing your energy costs and making your business more environmentally friendly.

Enhanced Accessibility

Commercial overhead doors are also ideal for businesses that require easy and frequent access to their premises. These doors can be easily opened and closed, allowing for quick and efficient access for employees, customers and vehicles. They can be designed to accommodate a range of different types of vehicles, from cars and trucks to forklifts and cranes, making them ideal for warehouses, factories and other industrial settings.

Increased Productivity

The increased accessibility and ease of use that commercial overhead doors provide can also lead to increased productivity for your business. Employees can quickly move materials and equipment in and out of your premises, reducing the time spent on loading and unloading. This can help to increase the efficiency of your operations and improve your bottom line.

Customization Options

Commercial overhead doors can be customized to meet the specific needs of your business. They can be designed in a range of different sizes, colors and materials, allowing you to choose a door that matches the style and branding of your business. They can also be fitted with a range of different features, such as windows, insulation and security systems, to provide you with the exact level of functionality and performance that you require.

Increased Property Value

Commercial overhead doors can also increase the value of your property. These doors are often seen as a desirable feature by potential buyers, particularly if they are well-designed and constructed from high-quality materials. By investing in commercial overhead doors, you can improve the marketability of your property and potentially increase its resale value.

Commercial overhead doors offer a range of benefits that can help your business to operate more efficiently and effectively. Whether you are looking to improve security, insulation, accessibility, productivity, customization or property value, these doors can provide a solution that meets your needs. At Port City Mobile, we offer a wide range of high-quality commercial overhead doors, designed to provide excellent performance and reliability.

Do you have questions about "What are the Benefits of Commercial Overhead Doors?" Contact the professionals at Port City Industrial!

Pallet racks are a crucial component of any warehouse, providing a sturdy and secure storage solution for heavy items. When it comes to pallet racks, there are two main options: wire mesh and wood. Both options have their own unique set of benefits and drawbacks, making it important to consider which one is the best fit for your warehouse. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of wire mesh and wood pallet racks and help you decide which option is the better choice for your warehouse.

Wire Mesh Pallet Racks:

Wire mesh pallet racks are made of steel wire welded together to form a strong and durable structure. One of the main benefits of wire mesh pallet racks is that they are easy to clean and maintain. They are also resistant to moisture and pests, making them a great option for warehouses located in damp or humid environments. Additionally, wire mesh pallet racks are highly customizable and can be designed to fit the specific needs of your warehouse.

Wood Pallet Racks:

Wood pallet racks are made of wood and are a more traditional option for pallet storage. One of the main benefits of wood pallet racks is that they are relatively inexpensive compared to other options. Additionally, wood pallet racks are easy to repair and replace if they become damaged. However, wood pallet racks are not as durable as wire mesh pallet racks, and they are also more susceptible to moisture and pests.

Durability:

Wire mesh pallet racks are made of steel, which is a much stronger and more durable material than wood. Wire mesh pallet racks can handle more weight and are less likely to warp or bend over time. Wood pallet racks, on the other hand, are more susceptible to damage and may require more frequent repairs.

Cost:

Wire mesh pallet racks tend to be more expensive than wood pallet racks. However, wire mesh pallet racks are more durable and can handle more weight, which may offset the initial cost in the long run.

Environmental Impact:

Wire mesh pallet racks are made of steel, which is not biodegradable. Wood pallet racks are made of wood, which is biodegradable and can be recycled.

When it comes to choosing between wire mesh and wood pallet racks, it's important to consider the specific needs of your warehouse. Wire mesh pallet racks are more durable and resistant to moisture and pests, making them a great option for warehouses located in damp or humid environments. Wood pallet racks, on the other hand, are relatively inexpensive and easy to repair, making them a better choice for warehouses on a budget. Additionally, wire mesh pallet racks are more expensive but more durable and have a lower environmental impact. It's important to weigh the pros and cons of each option and choose the one that's the best fit for your warehouse. Running a business in a warehouse requires pallet racking, which is a crucial component. It enables you to organize better, keep things safer and more secure, and make the most of your storage space. If you have questions or are in need of guidance deciding what is best for your warehouse, consider reaching out to Port City Industrial, we make warehouses work.

Do you have questions about "What is a better option for pallet racks, wire mesh or wood?" Contact the professionals at Port City Industrial!

Warehouses can be dangerous work environments, with heavy machinery, equipment and a constant flow of foot traffic. It is essential that warehouse employees are aware of potential hazards and take the necessary precautions to keep themselves and their colleagues safe. In this blog post, we will explore five safety tips for warehouse employees to help them stay safe on the job.

Wear Personal Protective Equipment:

Warehouse employees should always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the task at hand. This includes things like hard hats, safety glasses, steel-toed boots and gloves. PPE is designed to protect employees from potential hazards and should be worn at all times when working in the warehouse.

Properly use and maintain equipment:

Warehouse employees should be trained in properly using all equipment, including forklifts, pallet jacks and other heavy machinery. They should also be trained in properly maintaining this equipment to ensure that it is in good working condition. Properly maintained equipment will last longer and be less likely to break down, reducing the risk of accidents.

Keep a clean and organized work area:

A cluttered and disorganized work area can increase the risk of accidents. Warehouse employees should make sure that their work area is clean and free of debris at all times. They should also make sure that items are properly stored and labeled so that they can be easily located.

Be aware of your surroundings:

Warehouse employees should always be aware of their surroundings, including other employees, equipment and potential hazards. They should also be aware of any changes in the work environment, such as new equipment or changes in procedures. Being aware of your surroundings can help you avoid accidents and injuries.

Report any hazards or accidents:

Warehouse employees should report any hazards or accidents to their supervisor immediately. This will help the company address any issues and take steps to prevent future accidents. Employees should also report any near-miss incidents, which can provide valuable information for identifying potential hazards.

In conclusion, warehouses can be dangerous work environments, but by following these safety tips, warehouse employees can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. Wearing PPE, properly using and maintaining equipment, keeping a clean and organized work area, being aware of their surroundings and reporting any hazards or accidents are essential steps that warehouse employees can take to keep themselves and their colleagues safe. The company should also have a safety program in place, and provide the necessary training and resources to ensure that employees are equipped to work safely. Remember that safety should be the top priority in any warehouse, and every employee should take an active role in keeping the workplace safe.

If you want to learn more about warehouse safety, visit our website www.portcitymobile.com to find resources and training materials that can help you stay safe on the job. Remember, safety should always be the top priority in any warehouse, and every employee has a role to play in keeping the workplace safe.

Do you have questions about "Five Safety Tips for Warehouse Employees"? Contact the professionals at Port City Industrial!

Warehouse racking labeling is quite simple! Specific warehouse rows need to be labeled with their weight capacity per square foot. Furthermore, they must be organized by how the product is inventoried. Because each pallet rack has a different weight limit, it is very important to check the manufacturer's safety instructions. 

Let's go a little deeper! First, you must be able to correctly identify all warehouse racks, also called units or sections. It may seem basic or like common sense, but this is necessary for a functioning warehouse. Your labeling should be done primarily through SKU numbers, which is a very easy way to ensure that each section is organized. This is especially important if your warehouse consists of many varying sizes, products and materials. 

No matter the size of your racks, you always want to make sure they are organized from the ground up. The lowest row should be labeled with a low number, such as 01, and then numerically increase as the rows go up. This ensures simple memorization and identification for all those involved. Think of it like how a grocery store labels its aisles. You simply need to find the row number you require and proceed from there.

Finally, you want to be careful in choosing your type of warehouse label! All variables matter in determining the perfect label. Look into the temperature, levels of moisture, weight of products involved, etc. Consider consulting a professional to determine what brand of label works best for you! 

Checking for any kind of damage is crucial. You must be aware of possible damage in all aspects. Whether by the design of the overall rack, the installation, etc. You should also be aware of your personal equipment's maintenance. Do not attempt to modify the rack or go radically past any cautionary limits involved. Any changes you want to make should be done with the help of a professional who knows what they are doing. Make sure that each rack and label are well-spaced from one another.

So maybe it is not as simple as it sounds. Labeling is very crucial for warehouse racks, so take these tips into consideration for your next build. Consider Port City Industrial for help! Our professional team has all the information you need to make sure the environment is safe and works well.

Do you have questions about "How to Label Warehouse Racking"? Contact the professionals at Port City Industrial!

There are a variety of factors that can affect loading dock bumper selection. Some of the most important ones are as follows:

• Understanding your needs. Do you need a bumper to prevent dock damage or do you need a bumper to prevent trailer damage?
• The material used. Bumpers are available in rubber and steel materials. Rubber bumpers are the best option for warehouses, distribution centers and other businesses that have a high volume of trailer traffic on the dock. Steel bumpers will last longer, but they can be more expensive.
• The style of your dock. Bumpers come in different styles such as lower profile, steel plate and Z bumpers. They also come in a variety of colors to match the look of your dock area or to match company colors for branding purposes. It's important to select the bumper that is designed for your dock style and that fits with the colors you want to use for your business.

We will break these elements down in this blog. Let's get started!

Understanding your needs.

When choosing a dock bumper, it is important to understand the difference between needs. If you are using the bumper to prevent trailer damage, you need a durable and strong product that will stand up to the abuse of loading and unloading trucks. If you are using the bumper to prevent dock damage, such as scratches or dings in your dock doors or walls from trailer tires, then flexibility and softness should be your main considerations for selection.

The material used to make the bumpers.

Rubber bumpers are generally less expensive than steel models. Rubber bumpers also withstand the heavy loads of trucks without denting or cracking. These materials also have a longer lifespan than steel, which decreases replacement costs over time.

Anyone with a basic knowledge of construction can install rubber bumper systems. It's easy to install these types of dock bumpers if you have any technical training at all. If you're not comfortable doing this work yourself, there are plenty of contractors who offer rubber bumper installation services at competitive rates.

The style of your dock.

When selecting a loading dock bumper, you should choose one that is designed for your current dock style. There are many different styles of bumpers available on the market today, so it's best to do some research on what will work best for you before making a decision.

Remember that the type of bumper you select for your loading dock will depend on how it will be used and how much traffic there is in that area. If you have a lot of trailers coming and going, rubber bumpers are best. However, your warehouse may have minimal traffic; in that case, steel plate bumpers may work well enough for your needs.

Do you have questions about "Factors That Affect Loading Dock Selection"? Contact the professionals at Port City Industrial!