Brad Tompkins

I am a conservative. I believe in personal responsibility, limited government, free markets, individual liberty, traditional American values and a strong national defense. Capitalism and private enterprise create the greatest opportunity and the highest standard of living for all. Free markets produce more economic growth, more jobs and higher standards of living than those systems burdened by excessive government regulation. Our government needs to be fair, compassionate, and have integrity.

Soon after graduating from Purdue University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering, I moved to the Birmingham area. The past 30 years I have become a husband, a father, a church member, a business owner, a board member, and a job creator.

I started Automation Solutions in 1999 and then Lenox Homes in 2003. The financial crisis of 2008 forced me to work though significant struggles with the businesses for the next few years. During that difficult time, I learned several important life and business lessons that helped me succeed and it also helped prepare me to serve the people of District 15.

Over four years ago, I was asked to join the Bessemer Industrial Development Board. During my time on the board, we have been very successful in attracting new businesses to the city of Bessemer. Amazon, Carvana, Lowes, and several other significant businesses now reside in Bessemer, providing many additional jobs to the area. It is also important to include small startup businesses in the list of Development Board accomplishments. Bringing economic development to the area has been extraordinarily rewarding and is important for the well-being of the people in and around District 15.

Having the experiences of being an employee, a business owner, and a development board member provides me the ability to identify with the challenges and needs of many groups. Understanding budgets, taxes, cash flow, regulations, and the challenges of running a business have prepared me to hit the ground running from day one as a legislator.

I’ve been attending Hunter Street Baptist Church for the past 23 years. I was blessed to have met my wife Kaye in a Bible Study there, 21 years ago. Our two girls are also active in the church.