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Cooper Simmerman and C . J . Harvey
Cooper Simmerman . Photo by Jake Ruddle .
C . J . Harvey . Photo by Jake Ruddle .
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 .
Photo by Jake Ruddle .
Photo by Alexis Montes .
“ 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 .” •
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE