James Epling has announced his retirement as a business coach with West Virginia Small Business Development (WVSBDC), a post he has held for the past 28 years. His retirement is effective Nov. 1.
Epling served clients in the central and southern counties of West Virginia from his office in Summersville, Nicholas County. As a member of the WVSBDC network of business coaches, Epling collaborated with other coaches statewide to help entrepreneurs sustain and expand their businesses. The network makes it possible for small business owners anywhere in the state to call on WVSBDC specialists certified in areas such as capital access, innovation/technology, exporting and federal contracts.
“We appreciate the expertise and commitment that Jim gave to his clients throughout his nearly three decades of service. We wish him much happiness in his retirement,” says Kristina Oliver, State Director of the WVSBDC.
In September, Epling was selected as the West Virginia 2014 State Star by America’s Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC). The ASBDC State Star honors outstanding employees from Small Business Development Centers.
Epling is one of this year’s six WVSBDC business coaches to receive a certificate for Capital Access Recognition for accessing more than $1 million dollars of capital infusion for their clients.
A native of Summersville, Epling graduated from West Virginia Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Management and later received his Master of Business Administration from Marshall University. Before joining WVSBDC in 1986, he worked in the coal industry and for an industrial supply company. Epling also taught business and accounting classes on a part-time basis for various colleges in the area.
The WVSBDC is part of the West Virginia Development Office and creates economic impact through offering entrepreneurs and small businesses cost-effective business coaching and technical assistance. The West Virginia SBDC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The WVSBDC is an Accredited Member of America’s SBDC network.
For more information, visit WVSBDC.org or call the Business Ask Me! Line at 888-982-7232.
