Get to know Joe

Find out what the president of Spire Alabama has in mind for the future of his community

In 1992, “End of the Road,” by Boys II Men was topping the charts. But for Joe Hampton, his road was just beginning. That year, he landed an internship at the local gas company.

Fast forward to 2019, and Joe is now recognized as a leader in his company and community, serving as president of that same gas company in both Alabama and Mississippi. Recently, Joe sat down to answer a few questions about his incredible journey, unique perspective on giving back and his vision for the future of Alabama.

Q: You’re a native Alabamian, where did you grow up? 
A: I grew up in Pratt City in the Smithfield Estates neighborhood. Alabama, but specifically Birmingham, is home.

Q: How did the Alabama community help you get to where you are today?
A: The Alabama community is the sole reason I’m where I am today. And the leadership team at Spire has been selfless in providing opportunities to develop my leadership potential.

Q: You were recently named one of Birmingham’s most influential leaders by the “Birmingham Business Journal,” what does that mean to you?
A: It’s a great honor.  Really humbling.  There are so many great educators, coaches and leaders who I’ve attempted to model myself after. I’m being honored because of the many lessons I’ve learned from them about how to be a great leader and a great man.  

"It lets me know that we haven't forgotten where we came from. None of us would be where we are today if it wasn't for the communities that helped raise us."

Q: What does it mean to you to be able to give back at this time in your life?
A: I’ve been taught since I was very young to always lend a hand to a person in need. My parents exemplified this daily. It also makes me feel good to know I can now help someone less fortunate get an opportunity to be better today than they were the day before.

Q: When you look at the future of your community, what do you hope to see?
A: People coming together – because when all of us put our minds to making our community, city, or state a success, there is nothing that can stop us from achieving our goals.

Q: If you had to describe the Alabama community to a friend from another state, what would you say?
A: Great people.  Great history.  And a great vision for the future.  And there’s nothing like the wide array of food choices (most important to me)!

Q: What does it mean to you to see Spire team members out there serving the community?
A: It gets me fired up, because it lets me know that we haven't forgotten where we came from. None of us would be where we are today if it wasn't for the communities that helped raise us.