Ben Beakes

By Cathy Bonnstetter

Ben Beakes, owner, founder and managing member of 3PS, LLC, a government affairs and public relations firm based in Charleston, does not just talk the talk about religious and family values. He walks the walk with God and his family.

“God designed my path the way He did on purpose,” Beakes says. “There were moments I doubted, but I remained faithful and listened to my wife, Sarah, and now I get the blessing of seeing how His plan was, in fact, perfect—and He isn’t done with me.”

In 2015, Ben and Sarah turned their backs on a steady paycheck and health insurance and took a leap of faith to create 3PS, LLC. In September 2025, the company celebrated its 10th anniversary and announced that, in partnership with Hager Consulting, it purchased Vandalia Digital, a digital marketing firm in Putnam County.

“What began as one person with one client in the basement of my house has now grown to multiple employees and services,” Ben says. “3PS has served more than 60 different clients from a diverse array of industries.”

3PS’ services include government affairs and lobbying services, association management, public relations and communications and creative services. Its mission is focused on two core principles: put clients in the best possible position to achieve success and be a light to the people it serves each day.

Ben grew up in Cross Lanes, where he and Sarah are now raising their two children: Chloe, 18; and Cooper, 15.

Beakes’ first job was as a lifeguard and swim coach at the Cross Lanes Pool. “On most summer days you could find me at the pool,” he says. “I don’t ever remember not being able to swim. My first job was the best job a teenager could have.”

Ben graduated from the University of Charleston in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He was then hired as the political director for the West Virginia Republican Party. When he moved on, he took a valuable lesson with him.

“Gary Abernathy, the executive director at that time, told me that even though you may have done something, the team accomplished it,” Ben says. “At first, I was mad, but after I pondered Gary’s comments, I realized that being part of a team is bigger than I will ever be. I have carried this principle with me every step of my professional career.”

From his next job as chief of staff for former Secretary of State Betty Ireland to director of government and external affairs for Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Ben has taken wisdom from every position. His mentors include Dr. Ed Welch, former president of the University of Charleston, and Pat Graney, Charleston businessman and philanthropist.

He also says his friend and worship leader Benjy Cox taught him the important lesson of striving to be excellent rather than perfect. His childhood neighbor, John Young, founder of Horizon Financial Solutions, taught him that the biggest impact anyone can have on this world is how they love their family.

Ben is a member of the board of trustees for the University of Charleston and a board member for River Ridge Teays Valley in Hurricane. He is also on the Cross Lanes Christian School Parent Advisory Council, a past Rotary Club of Charleston member and a starter for swim meets at the Cross Lanes Recreation Association. Ben sponsors many organizations financially, including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Compassion International.

“I have been blessed with much,” he says. “I have a lot of love in my life and I have tasted success. I have an abundance, but I deserve none of it. I have been given an overwhelming burden to serve others with my time and resources.”

Ben says his greatest success has been creating a work environment where his employees say they feel valued and where family comes first. Ben and Sarah have made an intentional choice to stay in the Mountain State.

“I don’t know why we West Virginians wonder if the grass is greener on the other side,” he says. “Our grass is pretty green right here. All who live here have a collective desire to make this state shine even brighter for future generations. I get to be a small part of that effort.”