Soul of 78: Bob Reed

After years in the coal mining industry, Bob Reed is still feeding Jasper’s local businesses as Chairman of the Walker County Industrial Development Authority.

Words by Anna Lee Vaughn | Images by Justin Hunter

Bob Reed grew up in Jackson County, Alabama, where he says there was “not very much coal mining.” In the early 1970s, Bob was a second-shift supervisor for Maples Industries, where he oversaw the manufacturing of bathmats and throw rugs.

Reflecting on his transition into the mining industry, Bob shares, “I worked for the textile industry in Scottsboro, and my father-in-law worked for a small mine up on Sand Mountain. He convinced me to take a job with him.”

Bob’s initial role involved working an entry-level position with an engineering group. Shortly after being transferred to a more extensive operation in Oakman, Bob moved to Drummond Company in 1976.

After nearly 15 years of dedicated service at Drummond, Bob relocated to Fort Smith, Arkansas, in 1990 to oversee operations for a mining company. Many years and several grandchildren later, Bob and his wife returned to Jasper to be near their family. Here, Bob began working with New Acton Coal, and he purchased the company a year later.

Under Bob’s stewardship, the company thrived, growing into one of the most prominent players in the coal industry in Walker County before Bob decided to sell it to North American Coal in 2012. Bob also owned Reed Hauling, a company that boasted a fleet of approximately 30 over-the-road trucks. After the sale, Bob consolidated his real estate and mining reserves under the banner of Reed Energy.

“I come to work every day, and we manage the real estate properties that we own. I also restore old buildings, which is more of a hobby than anything. We still own some coal reserves but no active mining,” Bob says.

With a dedicated team of six full-time employees and ownership of seven commercial properties in Jasper, Bob’s company remains a vibrant presence in the community. Bob has also taken on an additional role as the board chairman for the Walker County Industrial Development Authority. His motivation stems from a desire to assist local individuals in finding employment opportunities.

“My ambition was always to own a business. The employees we have and have had are such a blessing, and now I still get to help those same people. And I’m so appreciative of that,” he says.

Bob Reed’s journey from textiles to mining, entrepreneurship, and community service exemplifies a life well-lived, guided by ambition, dedication, and a profound commitment to the people of Walker County. 78