The Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama announced Thursday that Robert E. Joiner of Joiner Fire Sprinkler Co. will receive the 2026 Cornerstone Award later this year.
“Robert Joiner’s career is a testament to doing things the right way. His reputation for honesty, professionalism and hard work has stood the test of time, and that is something to be proud of,” ABC of Alabama Chairman Ed Hauser said. “It is a privilege to play a part in honoring the life, legacy and career of this fine gentleman and outstanding businessman.”
The Cornerstone Award is annually given to someone who has made a noteworthy contribution to the Alabama construction industry. Cornerstone winners have positively impacted the industry through innovation, workforce development initiatives, government affairs and other contributions, according to the association.
“I have always tried to do the right thing, the right way, and it really means the world to me to be recognized by my peers,” Joiner said. “I am grateful for my family, employees and partners who help make this night possible.”
Tim Hightower, the 2025 Cornerstone Award winner and longtime ABC board member, praised Joiner.
“Our association is so excited to announce Robert Joiner as the 2026 Cornerstone recipient,” Hightower said. “Robert has always been an advocate for the subcontractors in the commercial industry, and we look forward to celebrating his career later this year.”
Hightower continued, “His advocacy is why our industry has a level playing field between general contractors and subcontractors. It takes both of us to make a project successful, and Robert Joiner has always ensured the subcontractors have a voice at the table.”
Joiner is the founder and president of Joiner Fire Sprinkler Co., a Birmingham-based fire protection firm he started in 1994 with a single employee and one company vehicle.
He has grown the business into a team of more than 45 professionals with a fleet of 26 vehicles, delivering fire sprinkler system installation, testing, inspection, maintenance and repair for healthcare facilities, government sites, shopping centers and other commercial clients.
Robert began his career in 1971 as the first employee at Jim Crumpton Sprinkler Co. and has more than five decades of industry experience. Today, he has positioned Joiner Fire as a respected partner in fire safety across the public and private sectors.
Deepa Bhate, past ABC chair and Beam Award recipient, remarked, “Robert is a shining example of someone who consistently did the right thing. He honored his commitments fully, without expectation of favor or accommodation. His leadership was grounded in merit—earning trust through the quality of his work and by delivering on every promise he made.”
Stone Building Company President Justin Drummond said, “Robert Joiner earned his reputation by running his business based on an unwavering commitment to excellence. His legacy of old-fashioned hard work and high integrity is exactly what it means to be a Cornerstone of our industry.”
Joiner will officially receive the Cornerstone Award in November at ABC of Alabama’s Excellence in Construction Awards.
