Cooper Simmerman and C.J. Harvey
By Kenzie Dye
Fueled by their passion and love for West Virginia, Cooper Simmerman and C.J. Harvey decided to create Mountaineer Media during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Both C.J. and I felt compelled to work on a project that brought people together in a time when the world felt isolated,” says Simmerman. “We felt like we could center conversations around our home state and bring about a positive energy and dialogue to the region.”
Mountaineer Media started as an interview podcast series, but over the last two years, Simmerman and Harvey have grown the business into a small media agency.
“We enjoy creating content that inspires, educates and entertains West Virginians,” Harvey says. “We are not afraid to have the tough conversations and create a space for West Virginians to think deeply about complex challenges the state faces.”
Dedicated to serving the Mountain State, Mountaineer Media brings continued growth and prosperity through its role as a local storyteller, small business advocate and facilitator of positivity. Simmerman and Harvey strive to empower West Virginians to be open-minded, collaborative, proud and optimistic.
“We built this platform for West Virginians to share their achievements, stories and thoughts and openly discuss the positive aspects of our home,” Harvey shares. “For too long, West Virginia has been on the wrong end of the bad jokes, and to move past that, we’re proving that we aren’t backward hillbillies with no intrinsic value. We are actually quite the opposite, with leaders in every industry all over the world.”
As co-founders, Simmerman’s and Harvey’s work consists of sharing optimistic thoughts online, building relationships with West Virginia-owned small businesses and interviewing other influential West Virginians on Mountaineer Media’s podcast, “Mountaineers Making a Difference.” This podcast aims to provide West Virginians with more constructive, local storytelling.
“We understand and appreciate reporting on critical issues, but we wanted to create a long-form format media experience where folks can learn, understand and feel proud of their fellow West Virginians’ work,” Simmerman says.
Simmerman and Harvey appreciate that the podcast allows them to speak with a myriad of unique people, like episode 88 with Morgan Fallon.
“One of the most compelling podcasts was with Morgan Fallon who was the executive producer of ‘Parts Unknown’ with Anthony Bourdain,” Simmerman adds. “Fallon spent his childhood years in West Virginia and was a core reason Bourdain made the trip to Almost Heaven. I think they really captured the essence of this region and did a great job.”
In addition to providing West Virginians with local storytelling, Mountaineer Media hosts live events. Its inaugural Almost Heaven Classic, a 30-team golf tournament in Canaan Valley, saw great success.
“By our estimates, the weekend had a $150,000 economic impact on Tucker County, which is something we are extremely proud of,” Simmerman shares. “We’re in the process now of finding a venue for 2024 but have our eyes set on bringing the classic to the state’s national park in the New River Gorge.”
As young business owners in the Mountain State, Simmerman and Harvey have a bit of wisdom to share.
“Lean into your West Virginia values, and you’ll exceed all expectations. We’ve interviewed nearly 130 incredible West Virginians, and undoubtedly, each has become successful because they let their Mountain State values guide them forward,” Harvey says. “What some people mistake as unluckiness, being born in West Virginia is our unique gift, and it’ll take you very far.”
