Jeff and Sam DuVal, already experienced business owners with Camp Potomac Peak, sought to expand their portfolio by acquiring a second business in Berkeley Springs.
The couple found a historic building downtown that had fallen into disrepair. They bought the building with the intention of renovating it and becoming landlords. But as their plans began to take shape, their goals shifted.
“Ultimately we realized that, hey, if you want something cool, do it yourself,” Jeff DuVal said.
A Natural Pairing
The couple now owns and operates Creekside Provisions and Supplies, a community space where both locals and visitors can enjoy a meal or coffee. The store also stocks a variety of souvenirs and supplies, perfect for those staying in nearby cabin rentals.
“Because we own Airbnbs, it was a natural pairing between the two for our guests to have a space where they could get things for the weekend,” Sam DuVal said.
Guests can start their day with a gourmet coffee or fruit smoothie and fuel up on a variety of delicious breakfast and lunch options. The store also carries everything from apparel to local art, perfect for preserving those vacation memories.
WV SBDC Connections
Jeff DuVal discovered the West Virginia Small Business Development Center’s business coaching program through his acquaintance Mary Hott, in-tech coordinator for the WV SBDC. Hott then connected him with WV SBDC Business Coach Michael Boyd.
Boyd helped the couple expand their business knowledge to include retail and food operations.
“We help an entrepreneur no matter where they are,” Boyd said. “If they’re in the theoretical phase, we help with writing a business plan and creating financial projections. If they’re in the startup phase, we help with organizational management, marketing, and troubleshooting any operational issues they may have.”
Knowledge in Numbers
“Our expertise is more in the build and interior design, so this was a whole new ballgame for us,” Sam DuVal said.”That’s where these guys came in handy because we really had no idea about running a business and doing the retail and food.”
She encouraged other entrepreneurs to seek assistance from the WV SBDC. The agency’s wide network of partners and coaches work together to find solutions for their clients.
“While there is always something you don’t know, you can find someone who does. And if the person that you’re put in contact with doesn’t know the answer, they will find someone to help you figure that out.”
Become a Client
The WV SBDC, an accredited partner program with the U.S. Small Business Administration, a division of the West Virginia Division of Economic Development, helps small businesses at all stages of development by connecting owners to programs, resources, and coaches.
WV SBDC business coaches have professional certifications ranging from Certified Business Advisor® (CBA), Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP), MBAs, design thinking, AI, cybersecurity, and exporting, along with experience in technology, innovation, manufacturing, finance, management, HR and marketing.
This program is supported by federal funding. Full disclosures available at wvsbdc.com/fundingdisclosure.
For more information about the WV SBDC and its services, visit wvsbdc.com.