Positively West Virginia

Tony Onorato has always been a go-getter. Licensed as a Professional Counselor, he functions as a Sports Performance Consultant out of his agency in Morgantown, West Virginia. APO Consulting was born almost 25 years ago and focuses on working anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and sports performance-related issues. Oranto is also the owner of the ProHealth […]

Creator and owner of Mountain State Overland (LLC), Jason Specht has always considered himself a mountain man.  Mountain State Overland was founded in the “Mountain State” in 2013. Its team of explorers has enjoyed nearly 100,000 miles of vehicle-based adventures––the team focuses on still and motion-based image capturing.  With over 100 videos published online, the […]

Jimmy Belknap has always known the value of a hard day’s work. Raised on a cattle farm, he spent some time in the electrical industry before ultimately transferring to oil and gas. Today, he continues this long legacy of hard work––only now with a brick oven and wooden paddle.  A Braxton County native, Belknap is […]

Originally from Charleston, West Virginia, Brittany Fink has called Morgantown home since graduating from the West Virginia University College of Law. Today, she is the proud owner of Brittany Anne’s Events.  Fink practiced law for five years before transitioning to the WVU staff as an Employee Relations Investigator. After starting a new career with the […]

West Virginia’s garage door expert, Anthony Sellaro, was destined for West Virginia glory. With the help of his two brothers, John and James, the three of them started Sellaro Overhead Door Service in 1986. Born in Morgantown, Sellaro holds a Bachelor of Science from West Virginia University in Personnel Management and has previous working experience […]

In 1989, Mike Lee and his family immigrated from Taiwan –– he was only eight years old at the time. Today, he is the Dealer Principal (Owner) of Freedom Kia in Granville, West Virginia.  Hailing from New Jersey for most of his life, Lee obtained an undergraduate degree from West Virginia University. After graduation, he […]

Facilitating a difference in the lives of many, is Eleanor Reigel, Chief Executive Officer of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Pittsburgh and Morgantown.  Reigel has worked with the charity for more than a decade, after previous employment with the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. For Reigel, work is more than a job––it’s a passion.  “The […]

An architect by trade, Brendan Fenn, has been living out his ‘happy retirement’ owning and operating Grindstone Coffeeology.  Fenn and his family are from a land “down under.” They relocated from Australia to Huntington, West Virginia, in August of 2015. Although the move was part of his previous occupation, it didn’t take Fenn long to […]

Jerill Vance is a woodworker, educator, and owner of the Appalachian Heritage Woodshop.  The purpose of the Appalachian Heritage Woodshop is to educate an audience about the form and function of utilitarian Appalachian furniture through a revisitation of the era in which they were produced. “By learning about the function of antique furniture,” said Vance, […]

In the heart of Appalachia is everyone's favorite brewery. Big Timber Brewing Company, located in Elkins, West Virginia, started as a dream ––but after seven years of reality, co-founder, Ashley Kwasniewski, is still as giddy as ever. After high school, Kwasniewski, a recreationist, traveled before eventually settling in Missoula, Montana. Upon her arrival in the […]

Cassie Smith lives in Morgantown, West Virginia, and has been an avid mountain biker for almost three decades. As the West Virginia Interscholastic Cycling League Director, her passion has become her vocation.  The West Virginia Interscholastic Cycling League is a 501(c)(3) and one of 31 other leagues across the country. Each league exists to develop […]

Laura Seybold is on a mission to recover what makes West Virginia “shine.” In 2019, she founded Shine Consulting, LLC, which focuses on developing an organization's best asset – its people.  Fascinated by Economics, Seybold obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Wright State University and an Executive MBA from West Virginia University. Equally […]

In 2015, Kelsi Boyd searched for locally sourced and cleaner alternatives to traditional Big Box soap and skincare products. Living in Mason County (WV) at the time, she either had to commute to find them or get creative. Choosing the latter, the Silver Market Company was born.  Through a series of video watching and trial […]

Christopher Mullett has served as President and CEO of Burlington United Methodist Family Services since April of 2020. His passion is simple––to make a difference.  Burlington United Methodist Family Services, Inc. was founded in October of 1913 by a dedicated physician, Dr. F.L. Baker, and his friend, Rev. Mr. F.C. Rollman, a Justice of the […]

Nicole grew up an Army brat, although no matter where her family was stationed, West Virginia was always home. After her dad retired from service and moved back home, Nicole make her mark on the world. Ending up in the Pigeon Forge area for nearly 20 years, she spent the majority of her time working […]

Forest “Jack” Bowman is the Jackson Kelly Professor of Law Emeritus at West Virginia University and a lifelong West Virginian. He taught law at WVU for twenty-three years, during which time he was named “Professor of the Year” by an unprecedented seven graduating classes. In 1988, he was named “Professor of the Year” for all […]

Retired Air Force Colonel Sean Frisbee founded Vertx Partners in 2021 to solve problems for the U.S. Air Force, while bettering the economy of West Virginia. A former President & CEO of the WVU Alumni Association, and once the Systems Program Director for the Pentagon's F-22 Raptor program, Frisbee brings a veritable wealth of insider […]

Clay Elkins is a quintessential food and wine guy who strives to deliver world-class dining and entertainment experiences. He earned a BS in Computer Information Systems from Appalachian State University but quickly learned that the cubicle life was not for him; deciding, instead, to pursue his long-time passion for food and beverage.  Clay went on […]

Stephanie Bender is the owner and operator of S&T’s Bees in downtown Elkins. S&T's Bees sells all supplies needed for beekeeping, as well as honey, lip balm, lotions, soaps and other items made from honey. Wood, country, primitive, and crocheted items are among the several other items you can find at the eccentric downtown Elkins […]

Patty Showers Ryan became President of Your Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia, Inc. (YCF) in June 2016.  Ms. Ryan holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Colorado State University and returned home to Morgantown in 2002. Her career includes corporate and nonprofit work in Colorado, Maryland and West Virginia. Prior to joining […]

Byrd’s House of Donuts was started by Issac Thomas Byrd, Sr. (Tommy) and his son, Issac Thomas Byrd, Jr (Thomas). Mr. Byrd had a longstanding career of 25 years in the woodworking industry managing dimension mills, cabinet factories, and moulding factories. His son, Thomas, had some prior experience in fast food management, however neither had […]

Married for 48 years (c. 1973), Ron and Matilda Fowler are owners of French Creek Christmas Trees. They have one son, two lovely grandchildren, and their number one farm greeter, Gus the Dog. Ron graduated from WVU with a degree in Forestry. After working for the WV Division of Forestry, and self-employment with Consulting Forester, […]

Christina Entenmann-Edwards, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Hashtag WV City Paper, has been a Lewisburg, WV resident since September of 2008. She is a first-generation American, was born and raised in Fairfield County (Connecticut) and is no stranger to hard work with an entrepreneurial spirit. In 2006, she graduated from Quinnipiac University (in Hamden, CT) Cum Laude, with […]

As CEO of CentralApp, Todd Cope strives to connect companies in need of tech talent with qualified workers from throughout the Appalachian region. A native West Virginian with a coal-miner grandfather, Todd is deeply committed to promoting equal economic opportunity through the expansion of tech jobs in rural areas. He cut his professional teeth in […]

Rene Jorge is a professional Chef and owner of Sauté by Rene’. She is the mother of two teenage boys. Born in Asbury Park, NJ and moved to NYC after high school where she attended culinary school. After moving to MN, she had her first son, moved to WV where she had her second son; […]

Ellen and Daniel Lubuguin were both born in the Philippines. Daniel’s career started out working for Pepsi where he remained for 10 years, while Ellen worked as a hairdresser. The two of them decided to start Philippines Best as a food truck, dedicated to serving on Saturdays when Daniel was off. However, when Daniel hurt […]

General Manager of Sirianni's Cafe in Davis, West Virginia, Mike Goss operates the in's and out's of the Italian Cafe. Siranni's name originates from the family’s ancestral journey during the mass Italian immigration. Today, the restaurant continues to flourish at two locations.  Fun fact: The unique cafe was formerly established in June of 1988 during […]

Born and raised in Calhoun County, Crystal graduated with a degree in Chemistry and was shortly after forced to leave her home state in order to find employment. Forty years later, Crystal has returned to WV in an effort to revitalize Calhoun County.  Her plan for revitalization revolves around the generosity of The 1982 Foundation […]

Megan Brown is the artist and owner of The Pretty Pickle in Fairmont, WV. Her work is primarily created using resin, pressed botanicals, wings/bugs, and other items from nature. Megan is self-taught, a Tamarack artisan, and began her business in 2010.  Each product is carefully preserved in resin, sometimes within a bezel and other times […]

Samuel Bonasso is the founder and head roaster of Quantum Bean Coffee in Morgantown, WV. He's been married for 7 years and has 2 young children. Samuel has a vision for cultivating a specialty coffee culture in the state of West Virginia. Quantum Bean Coffee is a Micro Roaster of specialty coffee in the hills […]

Matthew Byrd grew up in Ritchie County, WV. Always having a fascination with wildlife, Matthew graduated from WVU with a B.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Resource Management. It was when a local extension office in Ritchie County offered a beginners beekeeping class that Matthew’s journey began with the bee community. Currently, Matthew has 15 beehives […]

Evans Knob Farm is owned by Kathy and Reid Evans. Fourth generation operators of Reid's family farm, they took over stewardship of the farm in 1994. In 2002, Reid lost his job with IBM, and Kathy knew it was time to get down to business and take the farm from personal sustenance to an actual […]

A&K Clothing is a locally owned business based out of the mountain state of West Virginia. The business opened up in February 2021 & has grown exponentially. The name of the store originated from them & their kids’ names.  Amanda went to school for fashion merchandising with a background in business. She has always been passionate about […]

Amanda McDaniel is a stay-at-home mom turned Lumber Lady! She and her father have built their business together as a combined retirement project and entrepreneurial dream. Shenandoah Planing Mill is a full-service lumber mill offering dimensional hardwoods, flooring, trims, moulding, and interior finishes.They act as a hub for woodworkers and consumers to network, get supplies, and […]

Jon was born and raised in Wheeling, WV. He graduated from West Liberty University with a degree in Business Administration. After his graduation, he moved to Fort Collins, CO where he lived for 2 years. While living in the Denver metro area and traveling the West, Jon was inspired by the vibrant small business communities […]

Stephen Mann, born in Takoma Park Maryland, commuted regularly to Weston, WV where his parents purchased and maintained a 450-acre farm, spending almost all of his summers there. The summer prior to entering 6th grade, his parents moved to WV and Stephen started school in Lewis County, now living full-time there. In a high school science […]

Samantha Haddix co-owns Haddix Liquidations alongside her husband, Jason. Haddix Liquidations sells pallets of merchandise from all types of major retailers. The liquidation merchandise can be overstocked items, customer returns, discontinued items, etc. They sell to people who resell which includes eBay sellers, small stores, and flea market sellers. Samantha bought a few pallets to sell as a hobby, but […]

Max Hammer has been on a bike since he was a toddler. He came of age on the trails surrounding Phoenix, Arizona, in the 1980s just as mountain biking was sweeping the western United States. Max raced several disciplines through the late 80s and early 90s, including dual slalom, which took him to the 1990 […]

Frank and Elizabeth are co-owners of Kirkwood Winery and Isaiah Morgan Distillery. Kirkwood has been in business for 30 years, and the distillery has been in production since 2004. They purchased the winery and distillery four years ago. Frank and Elizabeth manage the day-to-day operations of the winery and distillery. Elizabeth specializes in the paperwork, […]

Dean Six graduated from WVU several times and has written numerous books, articles and scholarly monographs. Published materials and recognized work include WVU Published Guide to Art and completed architecture on WVU Campuses. In addition, Dean is an avid long-time glass collector, lecturer and consultant. Dean owns and manages America’s Oldest Five and Dime store, as well as being […]

Ahmed Abdelrehim graduated from the school of Pharmacy and Biotechnology in 2008 at the German University in Cairo, Egypt, and started his first business, a retail pharmacy, in 2009. He spent eight years running the pharmacy. During the last years of Ahmed’s pharmacy life, he became super bored with what he was doing. Ahmed wanted […]

Steven L. Webb, born in 1957 in Beckley, West Virginia, attended local schools until graduation. Steve attended West Virginia University and finished his degree in History and English at the University of Charleston. After graduation, Steve mainly worked in family businesses and operated several nightclubs in the Beckley area until 1987, when he moved to […]

Max Knapp grew up in Jackson County, West Virginia, where he graduated from Ravenswood High School. Upon graduation, he attended West Virginia Wesleyan College on a golf scholarship and obtained his bachelor’s degree in accounting. After finishing at Wesleyan, Max decided to further his education by attending Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management, where […]

Brody Prudnick is the owner of Ray's Seasonings, LLC based out of Morgantown, West Virginia. Ray's Seasonings is a small business that specializes in wholesale/retail distribution of their widely recognized product, Ray's Rub. The company is only a little over two years old and has seen a large growth in recent months. The emphasis here […]

  Ashton Critchley is the founder of Wolverstone Development Company and is the owner of Bessie's Floral Designs in Oak Hill, WV. She is a 2009 graduate of Concord University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a 2020 graduate of WVU with a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications. Ashton has […]

Phil Mauser is the owner of Daniel's of Morgantown. Daniel's is a high quality men's clothing store in Morgantown, West Virginia. Phil has been with Daniel's for 14 years. Starting out in a part-time position for the store, he loved his job. Graduating with a degree in chemistry and biology, Phil had originally planned on […]

Sky Forge Metalworks has brought an element of creativity to homes and businesses of the DMV area since 2014. Andrew Rice, the owner, knew the moment he took his first class in Blacksmithing, that it brought something to his life that was missing before. He fell in love with the Romance of the age-old artistry, […]

Justin Byers is an experienced entrepreneur with a track record of success across a wide variety of industries and geographic markets. Building on the expertise gained from earning both a B.S. in Accounting and a J.D. in Law from West Virginia University, Justin has founded and led successful businesses across the restaurant, athletic, and oil […]

  Johnny McFadden co-founded Mountaineer Integrated Care (MIC) which won permits to grow, process and dispense medical cannabis in West Virginia. He serves as their community outreach coordinator as the company prepares to open its grow/processor facility in Fort Ashby, WV, and its dispensary in Ravenswood, WV. Johnny’s goal is to educate the public about […]

  Roberts Corrosion Services, LLC provides corrosion support and remediation for natural gas piping with a primary focus in the Appalachian Basin area. Since their inception in 2011, they have grown steadily and offer a wide range of services and turn-key solutions for their clients. Their combined experience and qualifications allow them to function effectively […]