Award

Sarah Beth Stewart named to 2026 top 40 under 40

published: December 4, 2025
3:11 pm

BBJ Highlights Sarah Beth Stewart as One of Birmingham’s Rising Leaders

Retail Strategies is proud to share that Sarah Beth Stewart, our Vice President of Community Partnerships, has been named to the Birmingham Business Journal’s 2026 Top 40 Under 40 list. This annual program highlights young professionals who are making a strong impact on Birmingham’s business and civic community before the age of 40.

The 2026 class includes executives, industry leaders, legal and finance professionals, and community advocates who are shaping the future of the Magic City. Sarah Beth’s recognition reflects her commitment to serving communities, building meaningful partnerships, and supporting local leaders across the markets we serve.

View the full announcement from the Birmingham Business Journal here.

See the Full List of Honorees

About Retail Strategies

Retail Strategies is the national expert in community development and retail economic development. Our mission is to provide the real estate expertise, tools, and human effort that position deserving towns as alluring locations for national businesses and destinations for tourism and quality-of-life amenities. We confidently pursue this mission by delivering unparalleled customer service as a unified team with unmatched real estate and community development expertise. Our activities pay a return in sales taxes, added jobs, and businesses that enhance and add to the unique qualities of your community.

What do you need?

John Feary

City Manager

Claremore, OK

Service: Small Business Support

We are excited to have a turnkey program that supports all sectors — retail services, restaurants, traditional retail, and landlords. This platform will empower our small business owners with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.

Andrea de la Rosa

Assistant Director of Small Business Development

City of Bloomington

Service: Retail Strategies

I really enjoyed the meeting with Laura Marinos and Jennifer Gregory of Retail Strategies! They were very informative and supportive. They gave me so much information and tips for taking my business to the next level in the marketing area where I lack tremendously. I finally decided on a new name so I will be putting their tools into action soon!

Stacy Grant

Business Owner

Youngstown OH

Service: Retail Strategies

Retail Strategies has been an incredible asset to both my clients and me in deal-making. Their folks do a great job of listening to retailers’ requirements and providing value. They’ve proven to be a strong conduit between municipalities and retailers supporting growth through connections.

Casey Smallwood

SVP, Managing Principal & Market Leader, SRS Real Estate Partners

Service: Retail Strategies

I would highly recommend Retail Strategies. They have been a great partner to the Hendry County Economic Development Council in our recruitment efforts to bring more retail opportunities to the county. Their experience, knowledge, and relationships throughout the retail community combined with their friendly approach has made them a valued partner in our community’s growth efforts.

Keitha Daniels

Executive Director of the Hendry County Economic Development Council

Hendry County, Florida

Service: Downtown Strategies

The thing that we really liked about Retail Strategies is that they work together with you and the community. We had to put together an executive committee that consists of some town employees, officials, some citizens and plus myself from the chamber. Retail Strategies has a very diverse background. They have people that are from economic development, they have people that were realtors, they have people that are downtown development directors, people that are in tourism, people that are in retail, so they really have all avenues.

Sarah Beth Stewart named to 2026 top 40 under 40