On this episode of Keeping the Dream Alive, we’re joined by Tyce Hudson of Freedom Real Estate. 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’re 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 Technologies
https://torchtechnologies.com/

https://www.instagram.com/torchtechnologiesinc/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/torch-technologies-inc./posts/?feedView=all

https://www.facebook.com/TorchTechnologiesInc/

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 Technologies
https://torchtechnologies.com/

https://www.instagram.com/torchtechnologiesinc/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/torch-technologies-inc./posts/?feedView=all

https://www.facebook.com/TorchTechnologiesInc/

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 Technologies
https://torchtechnologies.com/

https://www.instagram.com/torchtechnologiesinc/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/torch-technologies-inc./posts/?feedView=all

https://www.facebook.com/TorchTechnologiesInc/

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 Technologies
https://torchtechnologies.com/

https://www.instagram.com/torchtechnologiesinc/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/torch-technologies-inc./posts/?feedView=all

https://www.facebook.com/TorchTechnologiesInc/

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 Technologies
https://torchtechnologies.com/

https://www.instagram.com/torchtechnologiesinc/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/torch-technologies-inc./posts/?feedView=all

https://www.facebook.com/TorchTechnologiesInc/

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 Technologies
https://torchtechnologies.com/

https://www.instagram.com/torchtechnologiesinc/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/torch-technologies-inc./posts/?feedView=all

https://www.facebook.com/TorchTechnologiesInc/

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 Technologies
https://torchtechnologies.com/

https://www.instagram.com/torchtechnologiesinc/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/torch-technologies-inc./posts/?feedView=all

https://www.facebook.com/TorchTechnologiesInc/

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 Technologies
https://torchtechnologies.com/

https://www.instagram.com/torchtechnologiesinc/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/torch-technologies-inc./posts/?feedView=all

https://www.facebook.com/TorchTechnologiesInc/