Market Awareness Leads to New Business Idea

Appalachian Metals, LLC. was selected as a success story because of the unique financing and the supportive involvement of Dickenson County and the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA).

While growing up, Justin Wolford spent considerable time helping his father in his Haysi, Virginia coal mining equipment and service business, and in 1997 he became a full-time employee and even managed the company for a period of over three years. Starting a business of his own and helping enhance Dickenson County’s economy kept nagging Justin and he perceived there was a real need and opportunity for someone to manufacture and market colored metal roofing in his community and area. The more he analyzed the market demand and saw an upward trend taking place in the use of metal roofs, the opportunity loomed even more profound. Sharing his metal roof idea with Jim O’Quinn, a project manager with VCEDA, resulted in Jim’s immediate and enthusiastic attention and support. Jim directed Justin to the SWSBDC for assistance in developing a business plan and Jim’s encouragement added significant momentum to Justin’s implementation of his vision. As the SBDC assisted Justin with his business plan and with three years of financial projections, Charlotte Mullins, Dickenson County’s Economic Development Director, was brought in on the project and Charlotte searched diligently for ways to make the project to happen. Justin and his father had the necessary land and were constructing a building for the project and with their supplying the needed inventory and working capital they were financing $160,000 of the project’s capital outlay. An additional $300,000 was needed to purchase equipment and Dickenson County’s IDA and VCEDA officials came up with a creative loan package whereby VCEDA loaned the funds to the Dickenson County IDA and the Dickenson County IDA packaged a workable and favorable loan term and rate for the project. In late summer, a host of Dickenson County officials, numerous economic development personnel, Appalachian Metal’s LLC personnel, Jim O’Quinn, Charlotte Mullins, and numerous supporters came together for a grand opening ceremony. Virginia Delegate Bud Phillips brought words of congratulations and expounded on the need for more projects like Appalachian Metals, LLC. to take place in the area.

Besides $460,000 in capital outlay, the project involved the initial hiring of four (4) employees and a projected labor-force of 30 employees by the end of year three. Since opening, orders have been brisk and the owners are pleased and encouraged with customer response to Appalachian Metals, LLC.’s products. This project is a fine example of various government agencies, local support, and visionary entrepreneurs working together to make local economic development take place in rural Virginia.