November 21, 2025 (Loxley, Ala.) — At the recent Baldwin County Board of Education Superintendent’s Breakfast, community leaders, educators, and elected officials gathered for a special dedication ceremony naming the Baldwin Preparatory Academy Atrium in honor of W. Allen Cox.
Members of the Cox family joined school officials and the community in celebrating Mr. Allen Cox’s humility, generosity, and lifelong commitment to putting others before self. Throughout the dedication, Mr. Cox’s unwavering belief that the blessings we receive are meant to be shared was evident—an ethic he not only champions but consistently lives.
The Cox Family Foundation donated the 70 acres of land on which Baldwin Preparatory Academy now stands—part of more than $40 million in land contributions made to Baldwin County Public Schools. Beyond these significant land gifts, the Cox family has supported a wide range of organizations across Baldwin County, from veterans’ services to food access programs, substance-abuse recovery efforts, and numerous community initiatives focused on strengthening opportunities, restoring hope, and meeting critical needs for individuals and families across the region.
Nathan Cox, son of Allen Cox, shared a heartfelt reflection on his father:
“My father’s work has not only helped shape the landscape of Baldwin County from TimberCreek to Ono Island, but his greatest legacy has been his heart. He has poured into projects, organizations, and people that lift others up and make our County such a special place to call home. Baldwin Prep is one of those places. By naming this atrium in his honor, we recognize not only a building, but the generations of students who will walk through it and benefit from opportunities made possible in part by his belief in giving back—by his example of living out ‘others before self.’”
The dedication ceremony highlighted how Mr. Cox’s generosity and philosophy of service continue to impact students and families across Baldwin County.
BCBE Superintendent Eddie Tyler shared:
“The building we are in now at Baldwin Preparatory Academy is in part because of Mr. Allen Cox. I think it is unprecedented—I don’t think you can go anywhere in the country where you can find the type of partnerships that we have formed with our stakeholders, our businesses, and our industries. This dedication is our way of saying thank you for all you have done for Baldwin Preparatory and our school system.”

About Baldwin Preparatory Academy
Baldwin Preparatory Academy represents a transformational step forward for public education in Baldwin County. The school was built to prepare students not only to graduate, but to graduate with direction—equipped with pathways in Career, College, and Choice. Through partnerships with industry, universities, and community stakeholders, Baldwin Prep gives students hands-on experiences in high-demand fields, ensuring they can compete and contribute at a high level the day they leave its halls. It stands as a model for how bold investments in public education can shape the trajectory of both individual lives and the region’s future workforce.
Learn more at: https://www.baldwinprep.com

https://1819news.com/news/item/baldwin-preparatory-academy-atrium-dedicated-in-honor-of-w-allen-cox

We are deeply grateful to the Mobile Chamber for recognizing 68 Ventures as the 2025 Innovator of the Year.

This award belongs to our entire ecosystem — our 68 Ventures team, our operating companies, and the partners who stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us every day. Nothing we build, create, or impact happens without the people who live out our values in every decision, every conversation, every challenge, and every opportunity.

Innovation at 68 Ventures isn’t a program — it’s a posture.
It looks like choosing discipline over shortcuts.
It looks like betting on one another and on ourselves.
It looks like asking what more we can do with what we’ve been given.

For this region.
For today.
For the future our kids will inherit.

We’re honored, humbled, and more committed than ever to keep raising the bar for what’s possible along the Gulf Coast.

Thank you, Mobile Chamber — and thank you to the teams and partners who make all of this possible.

Keep punching.

Grateful to the Hatch Fairhope team for having Nathan and Adam on the Around the Table podcast.

They got right to the heart of who we are: make the decision, move with conviction, and keep punching. That mindset has carried us from the Marines to building companies and investing in people across the Gulf Coast.

Honored to share — and even more honored to keep building a region our children will one day want to come home to one day.

Daphne, AL — [November 3, 2025] — 68 Ventures (68V) announced today a strategic merger of MH Vertical (MHV) into Crucible Construction, a highly regarded commercial construction firm known for disciplined execution, transparent communication, and bringing a developer’s mindset to the construction process. This expansion furthers Crucible’s capabilities to be the builder of choice for all investment types.
Under the tenured leadership of George Yates (President), Crucible will continue MHV’s trajectory toward becoming the preeminent contractor for build-to-rent, multifamily, and vacation rental properties across the Gulf Coast.
“George’s experience in construction is unmatched. Crucible’s reputation for diligence, follow-through, and doing what it says are a direct reflection of who George is as a leader and a person. His consistency and commitment to doing everything exceptionally well, coupled with the aptitude and character of his team, completely aligns with 68 Ventures’ mission, purpose, and ethos. He understands construction isn’t only erecting sticks and bricks, but it is also doing it in a way that all involved can win together.
The MH Vertical team has earned its stripes these past few years by building well over a hundred million dollars’ worth of residential investment assets, so adding the well-versed talents of the Crucible lineup will only augment our proficiency. This union solidifies Crucible Construction as a first-class Gulf Coast–based builder for every kind of investment that establishes enduring value,” said Nathan Cox, Founder & Chairman of 68 Ventures, parent company to Crucible.
MH Vertical’s existing pipeline and team will proceed under the Crucible brand, as this joining of forces fully enables Crucible to serve developers, investors, and capital partners across all asset classes — commercial, institutional, industrial, build-to-rent, multifamily, and vacation rentals.
“Our foundation is simple: do the right things the right way, communicate clearly, and build in a way that delivers every time — structurally, reputationally, and financially,” said George Yates. “This merger expands the impact we can make for customers who are trusting us with their vision, capital, timelines, and most importantly, their reputation.”
This tactical move places even more significance on Crucible’s role within the 68 Ventures ecosystem as a key driver of long-term value creation for both 68V development projects and the overall enterprise.

About 68 Ventures
68 Ventures is the parent company for numerous operating businesses along the Gulf Coast which focus on development, investment, and construction. Headquartered in Daphne, Alabama, 68 Ventures is a purpose-driven, culturally focused organization with a strong operational track record that has resulted in it becoming the largest single-family developer in the region. 68 Ventures has deployed over a billion dollars in capital and reached the ranks as one of the top 100 private home builders. For more information, visit 68ventures.com.
About Crucible Construction
Crucible Construction is a Gulf Coast–based commercial, institutional, industrial, build-to-rent, and multifamily construction firm headquartered in Spanish Fort, Alabama. The company delivers projects through design-build, construction management, and general contracting with a reputation for clear communication, disciplined execution, and stewardship of capital. Crucible serves owners and partners across the region with a commitment to building investments. Crucible Construction is a proud operating company of 68 Ventures. For more information, visit CrucibleConstruction.com.

Daphne, AL — October 20, 2025 — Vexxil Energy, the Gulf Coast’s only locally owned and operated fuel distributor, announced today its acquisition of Direct Fuel Transport (DFT) and McGuire Oil Company (MOCO). This transformational acquisition marks a major leap forward in Vexxil’s scale, reach, and ability to serve both proprietary and third-party customers as the carrier of choice in the South and beyond. Direct Fuel Transport, headquartered in Mobile, Alabama, has built a reputation over decades for exceptional on-time performance, operational reliability, and deep expertise in fuel transportation. With this acquisition, Vexxil now controls one of the region’s largest dedicated fuel transport fleets, unlocking same-day and next-day delivery capabilities across a broader footprint than ever before.

“This is a defining moment for Vexxil Energy,” said Joel Poe, CEO and President of Vexxil Energy. “Direct Fuel Transport doesn’t just add capacity—it brings with it a reputation for excellence and a culture built on accountability to the customer. For years, the DFT team has made a name for itself by showing up on time, every time, and honoring the promise that fuel will be there when it’s needed most. We’re proud to carry that legacy forward and build on it—because the brand they’ve built isn’t just respected, it’s trusted. And now, it becomes the foundation for how we deliver for the Gulf Coast and beyond.”

The acquisition enables Vexxil to immediately serve new markets as a common carrier, providing premium transport services for major retailers, regional operators, and national brands. With an expanded fleet and logistics network now under its direct control, Vexxil offers greater delivery precision, scalability, and resilience to support the Gulf Coast’s most critical industries—construction, utilities, manufacturing, logistics, forestry, retail, and the maritime industry that runs through the Gulf Coast’s ports and marinas.

“Twenty years ago, Jim and Ham McGuire sat me down to discuss a bold idea—starting a fuel transportation company that would guarantee on-time delivery for the customers they had faithfully served since 1969. They knew the Gulf Coast’s energy demand was only going to grow, and they were right. That’s how Direct Fuel Transport was born.

Today, that same vision lives on through Vexxil Energy and 68 Ventures. The need for energy across our region continues to rise, and I truly believe this partnership will help DFT become the regional carrier of choice. More than anything, I’m proud of the incredible team—owners, drivers, office staff, and support personnel—who helped build this company from the ground up. That’s who we are, and that’s who we’ll continue to be,” said John Britton, Founding Partner & General Manager of Direct Fuel Transport, who will remain with the company as Vice President of Operations. The most important part of this are the dozens of team members that made this possible—owners, office staff, drivers, and all the support personnel that believed in this vision and made it a reality. That’s who we are, and will continue to be.

McGuire Oil Company, established in 1969, brings with it a long-standing legacy of customer trust and a portfolio of guaranteed fuel supply contracts, providing a dependable base of contracted volume to anchor Vexxil’s growing operations.
“McGuire Oil has been serving this region since 1969, and that kind of staying power only comes from doing things the right way for customers, partners, and the community.

“It’s been incredibly rewarding to watch the passion and vision Joel Poe is bringing to this next chapter. Vexxil’s focus, energy, and long-term plan have our employees genuinely excited about the future. Knowing the legacy of McGuire Oil will continue under a team so committed to excellence gives me full confidence in what’s ahead,” said Ham McGuire, President of McGuire Oil Company, Inc.

68 Ventures, a development and investment company based in Daphne, Alabama, is a proud partner in Vexxil Energy. With 68 Ventures’ partnership, Vexxil leverages shared operational, financial, and strategic resources to accelerate its mission.

“Our goal at 68 Ventures is to partner with operators like Joel and help him scale as quickly as possible by aiding his cause with our resources, relationships, and wisdom that can only be earned through experience. This acquisition is a perfect fit and will undoubtedly raise the bar in our market,” said Nathan Cox, Founder and Chairman of 68 Ventures. “Vexxil is redefining what it means to deliver fuel at scale, with reliability and purpose. This acquisition creates a transportation force on the Gulf Coast that simply didn’t exist before, and on a personal note—what an honor to be chosen by the ownership of McGuire Oil and Direct Fuel Transport to carry their legacy forward. Being trusted with the future of a family business is truly about the greatest compliment anyone can bestow upon you. Joel and his talented team joining forces with the incredible folks at DFT and MOCO will be a massive win for our customers.”

About Vexxil Energy
Vexxil Energy, based in Daphne, Alabama, is a vertically integrated energy company redefining fuel distribution across the Gulf Coast. Founded by Joel Poe and 68 Ventures, Vexxil supplies bulk transportation fuels, additives, fuel management services, and operates the region’s preferred fuel carrier fleet. Our mission is simple: Fuel, Delivered Better. Vexxil Energy is a 68 Ventures company. Learn more at vexxilenergy.com

SEEDS granted $58,000 in teacher grants directly into the classrooms of our Daphne students for the 2024-2025 academic year.   From hands-on STEAM labs and innovative literacy programs to creative arts, every dollar helped create a dynamic learning environment where students can thrive.  “We want to say thank you Nathan Cox and his team at 68 Ventures for investing in the education of students in Daphne,” said Beth Dunn, SEEDS Executive Director. “Without their support and investment that we receive through their Crawfish for the Classroom sponsorship, these grants would not be possible. SEEDS grants are making huge impacts in our Daphne classrooms, increasing the quality of education our students are receiving and expanding the opportunities that are available for them to learn and grow.”

68 Ventures and the Cox Family are humbled to honor Graham Roten, senior walk-on offensive lineman at The University of Alabama, as the first recipient of the 68 Ventures Scholarship. Selected by Coach DeBoer and his staff, Graham was chosen for the values he lives out, his love for the program, and his excellence in the classroom.

Founder & Chairman Nathan Cox, a former Tide walk-on, shared: “I’ve had a chip on my shoulder my entire life. I credit much of my success to being a terrible football player compared to my best friends and teammates at Alabama… Graham is a much better athlete than I ever was. Hearing his coaches talk about who he is as a person, his love for the program, and his academic performance makes him the perfect selection.”

Cox added: “Our purpose is to see all we can do with all we have been given… Graham embodies these commitments as well as the rest of our values. I can’t put into words how rewarding this is for me personally. My time at Alabama shaped the trajectory of my life—I will forever be grateful to be part of it.”

The 68 Ventures Scholarship will be awarded annually to a senior walk-on who represents the heart and soul of Alabama Football.

Mobile, AL [August 23, 2025] The 68 VENTURES ANNUAL GIFT was awarded to senior walk-ons who exemplifies the core values of South Alabama Football: honesty, respect, integrity and doing things the right way. These individuals have distinguished themselves as ultimate teammates—defined by unwavering dedication, selflessness, and relentless work ethic. Their passion for the game, deep love for The University of South Alabama, and daily impact on the team’s culture embody what it truly means to be a Jag. They may not have arrived as a top recruit, and will never play a down in the NFL, but they have earned the unwavering respect of their coaches and teammates alike. They are the heart and soul of the program.

68 Ventures and the Cox Family are humbled to honor Sam Williams and Keyshawn Woodyard, both senior walk-ons at the University of South Alabama, as the recipients of the 1st Annual 68 Ventures Annual Gift. They were selected by Coach Applewhite and his staff based off the values they exemplify, their love for the program, and their contributions to the team. 68 Ventures’ Founder and Chairman, Nathan Cox, was a walk-on at the University of Alabama from 2000-2003, so it was important to him to honor players that traveled a similar path. Cox stated, “I’ve had a chip on my shoulder my entire life. I credit much of my success, both in the classroom and later in my professional life, to being a terrible football player compared to my best friends and teammates in Alabama. It crushed me to lack the ability to contribute in the same ways they could, so I made up my mind to be the best I could be in other areas to compensate for it. These young men are much more accomplished athletes than I ever was, and after hearing their stories, they are without a doubt ideal selections for what we envisioned being represented by the 68 Ventures Annual Gift.” Cox went on to say, “Our purpose is to see all we can do with all we have been given, and our ethos is to do the right things for the right reasons. Both Sam and Keyshawn embody these commitments as well as the rest of our values – I really can’t put into words how rewarding it is for me on a personal level to get to do this. While I was never a factor on the field, my time as a student-athlete shaped the trajectory of my life. We are all fortunate to have Coach Applewhite and his staff molding their players into future leaders for our community and beyond.” In addition to Sam and Keyshawn receiving this gift, University of Alabama senior walk-on offensive lineman, Graham Roten, also received a 68 Ventures Annual Gift in recognition of his unwavering love for the program and outstanding performance in the classroom.

Congrats to our Chairman, Nathan Cox, on being selected for Leadership Alabama Class XXXV.

We see how he leads every day—at 68 Ventures, in our community, and across the state. Nathan shows up with purpose and a deep commitment to building a better Alabama.

Proud to have him representing the Gulf Coast alongside a powerhouse class of leaders.

This isn’t a conference. It’s a leadership revolution. And the ones who show up? They don’t come to be celebrated—they come to be sharpened. The 4th annual Chasing Greatness lands in Mobile on January 22, 2026 at the Mobile Convention Center

On the stage: Leaders who’ve been through it. Built it. Bled for it. And still lead with humility and purpose.

In the room: Haymakers. Dreamers. Doers. People who know that greatness starts with service—not ego. Growth doesn’t happen in comfort. It happens in the hard. In the honest. In the humble.

Bet on you.

Chase Greatness. Save the date. More details to come.

Bring your team—or come solo. Just don’t sit this one out. Questions or to reserve your table or seat, contact Kim Garrett at kgarrett@68ventures.com.