By Samantha Cart
West Virginia Executive (WVE) is dedicated to highlighting successful Mountain State entrepreneurs who are affecting change and living out their dreams in their home state. Entrepreneurs have tremendous potential for growing West Virginia’s economy and creating quality jobs, which is why the staff at WVE wants to continue the celebration of our state’s most valuable assets.
Housed in an old church building in Marion County, WV, Assumption Records was opened by owner Noelle Kolb and her husband, Patrick, in 2015. The couple had been selling vinyl records online for 10 years when their inventory grew so large they needed a space to house it. When they discovered the old church for sale in Rivesville, it was a match made in heaven. While Rivesville may seem like an unlikely place for a record store, it is situated perfectly between Fairmont and Morgantown, and knowing vinyl lovers are not afraid to travel, the couple decided to go for it. Learn more about Assumption Records in this entrepreneur spotlight.
What types of services do you offer?
We offer both a brick and mortar retail environment and an online mail-order catalog. We also make a record cleaner called Pristine Platters.
How many employees do you have?
Four.
What are the benefits of operating your company in the state of West Virginia? Why did you choose to start your company here?
I had roots in West Virginia and always wanted to return. Also, start-up costs and real estate were less expensive than other areas of the country, and there was less competition. The internet allowed us a worldwide customer base, but we kept our expenses relatively low by settling in West Virginia.
What are some of the obstacles you’ve faced as a West Virginia start-up? What resources were available to help you get off the ground?
A smaller populated town meant fewer walk-in customers. On the other hand, there is a neighborly willingness to help one another that we’ve experienced in West Virginia that is very refreshing.
What could the state do better in terms of supporting entrepreneurs?
We hosted Small Business Saturday in 2015 and witnessed an impressive number of private citizens selling goods and services and participating in creative ways. More events like this might encourage the entrepreneurial spirit that lies dormant in many folks.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I enjoy interacting directly with customers and discovering how we can better meet their needs.
What are your goals for Assumption Records going forward?
We’d like to steadily grow our inventory and our sales. We’d also like to continue forming business relationships with other entities within our community.
What advice would you give to others interested in being entrepreneurs in West Virginia?
Identify your potential customers and think about ways to make their lives easier. Network frequently because a lot of people would like to see you succeed.
Is there anything I haven’t asked that you’d like to include?
Our online catalog is available to browse at http://needleknows.musicstack.com/, and our retail store is located at 207 Clayton Street, Rivesville, WV. We are open Wednesday-Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.
To learn more about successful entrepreneurs in West Virginia, check out “Advice from the Experts” or read our other entrepreneur spotlights at www.wvexecutive.com/category/executive-exclusives/.
