JAMIE TAPIA
In the heart of Mobile, where tradition meets innovation, Jamie Tapia, President of Port City Industrial, has carved her own path of success in a male-dominated industry. Jamie’s story is one of late blooming dreams, unwavering dedication, and a drive to create a thriving business that caters to the evolving needs of the industrial landscape.
Sometimes the best things in life come to those who wait, and that is exactly what happened with Jamie. Originally hailing from Mobile, Jamie married her now husband, Hays, when she was 34 years old and he was 40. Jamie traces her journey back to a pivotal moment during her maternity leave after giving birth to her first child, Augusta. It was during this pause in her career that the realization struck her - “What am I doing with my life?” Unfulfilled by her role in the international shipping business, Jamie’s ambitions began to stir, setting the stage for a transformative journey and a new career path. “Meanwhile, Hays had put in 20 years with an Alabama based industrial equipment company that was in the process of being acquired by a national conglomerate,” Jamie recalls. “There we sat, middle aged, with a high school freshman, a newborn baby, and both wanting more out of life and work. Going out on his own and creating a company had long been a dream of his.”
The couple’s aspirations aligned with the impending surge in warehouse and industrial expansion around the proposed port expansion. Recognizing the unique economic climate and future prospects, they embarked on a journey to establish Port City Industrial, a company specializing in the sales, service, and installation of warehouse equipment and supplies. “So, as I sat nursing a newborn, he and I developed a business plan that would have me handle business administration and allow Hays to sell. Our plan was be a husband-wife team with me working from home at night and during naptime while he was out in the market selling. I joke and say that everything you need to know about Hays’s ability as a salesperson can be seen in the fact that he was able to convince a new, nursing mother that she should start a business,” laughs Jamie.
““I’VE ALSO LEARNED THAT I
CAN DO MORE BY DOING LESS. SO, I SAY NO TO THINGS MORE THESE DAYS. STRETCHING MYSELF TOO THIN LEADS TO DIMINISHING RETURNS ON TIME I INVEST.””
Jamie took on the role of President, overseeing financial, administrative, and operational aspects of the business. Her role extended beyond the boardroom as she transitioned from a home-based business to a brick-and-mortar enterprise. This shift challenged her but also marked her ability to successfully balance her work and family life.
The early years of Port City Industrial were not without their trials. With a rapidly growing business and a growing family, Jamie and Hays found themselves burning the candle at both ends. However, their hard work paid off, leading to a doubling of business year over year. This success wasn’t just limited to the local scene; Port City Industrial’s remarkable growth earned them a spot on the Inc. 5000 List of the Fastest Growing Private Companies in America in 2023.
Amidst the challenges, Jamie found ways to thrive as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her innate abilities in empathy and intuition allowed her to build a strong company culture and foster a supportive team. “I think there was once an antiquated idea that business had to be cut throat and tough,” Jamie shares. “I think that modern leaders understand to build a strong organization and retain quality employees, the organization must focus on not only serving their customer but also serving their employees.”
Thankfully, Jamie has never felt at a disadvantage in her field solely for being a woman. Having been raised by a father who never treated her differently for being a girl, Jamie has continued to surround herself with like-minded men who see her as equal. “We do however laugh about the many times people have referred to me as Hays’s secretary or assistant,” she laughs. “We understand that our roles are not traditional and just laugh when people make assumptions.”
Jamie’s journey isn’t just about business triumphs; it’s about finding a harmonious balance between her personal and professional life. Recognizing the ever elusive “work-life balance,” Jamie emphasizes the importance of leaning into the demands of work or family when required. “I also no longer feel guilt about making things easy when they need to be,” she tells us. “I’ve also learned that I can do morel by doing less. So, I say no to things more these days. Stretching myself too thin leads to diminishing returns on time I invest.”
Her support network has played a vital role in her journey. Jamie’s parents and in-laws have been pillars of strength, and the assistance of a dedicated nanny and personal assistant has enabled her to focus on her role as a mother and businesswoman. “I always say if I look like I have it together, it’s because I have so many people helping me in the background to keep things running smoothly.”
As Port City Industrial continues to flourish in the ever-expanding industrial landscape of Mobile, Jamie remains steadfast in her commitment to growth. She envisions a future where the company scales to meet the evolving demands of the market while fostering a fulfilling family life. With Jamie’s resilience, drive, and dedication, the best is undoubtedly ahead for Port City Industrial and the Tapia family. And when it comes to advice for women wanting to enter a career typically deemed fit for a man, Jamie has this to say, “Mobile has only felt the tip of the iceberg of what is to come in our area for industry, distribution, manufacturing and logistics. The amount of jobs that are to be created and opportunity to be realized is hard to quantify or fathom. Although women may not automatically think of careers in these fields, now is the time to seize the economic opportunity that is happening in our area. Pursuing a career in the industrial sector has never been more advantageous.”
Jamie is a Mobilian through and through and loves where she lives. She loves spending time with her husband and their children: Martin Tapia (22), Augusta Tapia (7), Sims Tapia (4), and Vivian Tapia (1), on the water at Fowl River and Dauphin Island. A book nerd at heart, Jamie can usually be found with her Kindle nearby.
In a world where women are often discouraged from entering male-dominated industries, Jamie Tapia’s story stands as a testament to the fact that breaking barriers and redefining norms is not only possible, but also essential. Her journey encourages aspiring women entrepreneurs to embrace opportunities and create their path to success, despite the challenges they may face.
