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Winner ’ s Circle 2018
THE TIDE IS TURNING IN WEST VIRGINIA , and change is on the horizon . The prospect of the Appalachia Storage and Trading Hub has the potential to bring a revival not only to the natural gas industry but also to West Virginia manufacturing . The Roads to Prosperity initiative promises to address some of the state ’ s antiquated and neglected infrastructure issues , making roadways safer for locals and more attractive to businesses considering a move to the Mountain State . The West Virginia Legislature ’ s renewal of the Young Entrepreneur Reinvestment Act will continue to play a major role in enabling young people to start new businesses in the Mountain State .
While we recognize these important elements of economic growth for the state ’ s economy and making West Virginia more attractive to out-of-state businesses and local entrepreneurs alike , it ’ s also important that we celebrate the ongoing success
of the state ’ s many existing businesses . The backbone of our economy , these companies have climbed their way to the top of their industries , fueled by innovative thinking , success-driven dedication , a commitment to quality and a deep-rooted loyalty to West Virginia . They have used true Mountaineer grit to take their businesses beyond state lines and make a name for themselves around the world .
In an effort to celebrate the state ’ s everyday success stories , West Virginia Executive magazine is proud to present the 2018 installment of Winner ’ s Circle . Nominations were received from around the state , and the editorial board chose companies with unique products and histories that have headquarters in the Mountain State and distribute their products or services nationally or internationally . This year ’ s class of winners does not disappoint .
American Muscle Docks & Fabrication LLC
BY KEVIN DUVALL . The success of American Muscle Docks & Fabrication LLC began with an unexpected opportunity to expand . In 2012 , Follansbee Dock System in Wellsburg , WV , decided to sell its business . Valley Manufacturing , a fabrication company that has been in Wellsburg since 1963 , purchased the business and founded American Muscle Docks . Within five years , the new company had doubled its sales , proving that seizing this opportunity was well worth the effort . American Muscle Docks is a manufacturer and supplier of docks , dock hardware , gangways , floats and custom metal fabrication for marinas . The company , which is widely known for having some of the strongest products avail- able , designs , manufactures , builds and installs docks for residential and commercial clients .
American Muscle Docks ’ distribution includes all 50 states and most U . S . territories and also serves clients in Australia , the Bahamas , Bermuda , the British Virgin Islands , Canada , Denmark , Italy , Mexico , Nicaragua , Norway , Singapore , the Turks and Caicos Islands and West Africa .
With the success in doubling its sales in the first five years , American Muscle Docks has poised itself to hit this milestone a second time . “ With our experience and new capabilities , we believe we have the ability to double our sales again within three years ,” says Lucas Diserio , the CEO of American Muscle Docks . “ We believe we can obtain this increase in sales because of the investments put back into our business in order to produce more quickly and because our marketing efforts are gaining us more business .”
Although American Muscle Docks ’ future plans include opening an additional out-of-state warehouse to help with distribution , the company has no desire to open an office outside of West Virginia .
“ Having our headquarters in West Virginia is great ,” says Diserio . “ Being in West Virginia allows us to compete anywhere in the U . S , as well as overseas . Our lower expenses and overhead allow us to compete even when logistics may be more expensive for us .”
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