BREWTON, Ala. (NewsNation) — A tech company is reversing decades of offshore outsourcing by hiring hundreds of workers in rural Alabama to handle customer service and IT operations for Fortune 1000 companies.

Provalus, headquartered in downtown Brewton, a town of 5,000, provides back-end business services and customer support for major corporations, including Chick-fil-A and Navy Federal Credit Union.

The company hires based on attitude rather than technical skills, offering robust training programs to employees from diverse backgrounds.

Brittany Nelson previously worked on a farm before leading a team at Provalus, admitting she had no tech experience when she started.

Provalus hires small-town workers, trains them for Fortune 1000 firms

Kimberly Lewis spent 18 years as a mechanic at Walmart before transitioning to a customer service role within the company.

“Small-town America just has a more polite, slower way about life,” said Mike Keogh, Provalus president. “It lends itself really good to customer service and helping people. We typically just have more patience in our operations.”

For decades, rural towns across America have declined as industries moved overseas — not just coal and steel, but everything from electronics and auto parts to meatpacking and data processing.

As jobs disappeared, young people left for big cities. But now there’s a push to bring businesses and workers back and spark a true rural revival.

Customers frequently respond positively to the Southern accents and patient approach, Lewis said. Some callers acknowledge they started conversations angry but appreciate the more personal service.

The company’s presence has revitalized Brewton’s economy.

Local businesses, including Burnham Pizza Company and the Holley House Bed and Breakfast, report increased patronage from Provalus employees and visitors.

“They are one of my very best customers,” said Deb, owner of the Holley House. “They help me survive here.”