Keeping The Dream Alive

Hosted by Torch Technologies

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Episodes

Latest episode

Jul 2026

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EN-US

About the show

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.

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56 recent

July 15, 20269 min

Episode 56: You Are Not Alone (YANA) with Chris Finley & Stephan Stidfole

In this episode of Keeping the Dream Alive, Chris Finley and Stephan Stidfole return to the podcast to share the story behind the You're Not Alone (YANA) campaign and why its mission has become so important to the North Alabama community. They discuss how YANA began as a grassroots effort between local defense industry partners and has grown into an annual event dedicated to supporting veterans through Still Serving Veterans. The conversation highlights the importance of preventive support for veterans, the challenges many face after military service, and how organizations across the region are working together to make a meaningful impact. The episode also provides details about this year's YANA Night at Toyota Field on August 7, including how individuals and businesses can attend, sponsor the event, and help fill the stands in support of local veterans. Whether you're a veteran, work alongside those who have served, or simply want to support an important cause, this conversation is a reminder that no one should have to face life's challenges alone. https://ssv.org/event/you-are-not-alone-yana-trash-pandas-baseball-game/ 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/

January 28, 202610 min

Episode 55: Employee Morale & Welfare Committee with Elizabeth Phoumavong

In this episode of Keeping the Dream Alive, we sit down with Elizabeth Phoumavong of Torch Technologies to explore the work of the Employee Morale and Welfare Committee (EMWC). Elizabeth shares how the EMWC helps sustain Torch’s family-focused culture by organizing events ranging from company picnics and Christmas parties to ice cream socials, fall festivals, and community donation drives. She explains how the committee has evolved as Torch has grown, how employees across the company—including field offices—stay engaged, and why volunteer participation is such a defining part of Torch’s culture. We also discuss how new and longtime employees can get connected, find upcoming events, and get involved through committees and subcommittees. 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/

January 14, 20267 min

Episode 54: Employee Ownership Culture Committee with Andrea Beasinger

In this episode of Keeping the Dream Alive, we sit down with Andrea Beasinger of Torch Technologies to explore the role of the Employee-Ownership Culture Committee (EOCC). Andrea explains how the committee energizes, empowers, and educates employee-owners through programs like ESOP Basics, deep-dive sessions, and quarterly lunches with the president. She also shares how employees can get involved, participate in events, or join the committee through Torch’s nomination process. It’s a clear look at how the EOCC strengthens connection, communication, and ownership across the company. 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/

December 17, 202512 min

Episode 53: Enterprise Program Management with Amanda Clark

In this episode of Keeping the Dream Alive, we sit down with Amanda Clark of Torch Technologies to break down what Enterprise Program Management (EPM) is and why it plays such a crucial role within the company. Amanda explains how EPM oversees major umbrella contract vehicles, supports proposal efforts, and works across business units to align the right teams for each opportunity. She also shares how the group collaborates with leadership, business development, and technical teams to manage programs from pursuit through closeout. It’s a clear look at how EPM keeps Torch integrated, competitive, and focused on supporting both customers and 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/

December 3, 202510 min

Episode 52: Artificial Intelligence with Joe Pierce

In this episode of Keeping the Dream Alive, we sit down with Joe Pierce of Starfish Holdings to break down what artificial intelligence really is and why it has become such a major part of everyday life. Joe explains the differences between AI, machine learning, and deep learning, along with common ways we all use AI without even realizing it. We also dig into the biggest concerns companies face today—from privacy and data protection to the rising sophistication of AI-driven cyber threats. Joe shares how Starfish and the Torch family of companies are approaching AI responsibly while empowering their people and improving productivity. It’s a clear, grounded conversation about the opportunities and challenges ahead as AI continues to evolve. 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/

October 22, 202516 min

Episode 51: Air Force Weapons Group with Sam Burkett

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 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/

October 8, 20257 min

Episode 50: Breakthrough T1D Walk with Jennifer Bentley & Lee Holland

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 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/

September 10, 202512 min

Episode 49: Freedom Advisory Services with Tyce Hudson

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 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/

August 27, 202511 min

Episode 48: Allocation & Distribution with Cindy Walz

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/

August 6, 202510 min

Episode 47: Vesting & Diversification with Cindy Walz

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/