2010201520202025 |
2006 Married wife, Sarah
2007 Daughter, Chloe, was born; Started at Petroleum Products
2009 Named vice president of development at University of Charleston
2011 Son, Cooper, was born
2014 Hired as director of government and external affairs for Alpha Metallurgical Resources
2015 Launched 3PS, LLC
2018 3PS expanded services to include association management, hired first employee
2025 Purchased Vandalia Digital with business partner Jason Hager
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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
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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.” •
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