Norton’s Ultimate Small Business

Jeff Strahin, now-owner of Jeff’s Ultimate Grill, came to Woodlands in 2020 through the Mon Forest Business Initiative. Jeff, a veteran of the US Navy, had been living in North Carolina for a long time where he raised his family. He had been working for many years for the Applebee’s franchise and had worked his way up through the ranks to the position of assistant manager.

When COVID19 struck in force, the particular Applebee’s location he was working at shut down, and then decided to shut down for good. Jeff opted to come home to Randolph County and spend some time with his aging parents. The restaurant industry remained down and Jeff remained without work. Coincidentally, Jeff became aware that what was previously Bob’s Hotdogs, a legendary roadside stand near Belington, had come up for sale. Jeff saw this as an opportunity to put his cooking and management skills to work. He wanted to start and own his own business but was unsure how to borrow the funds to acquire the property and business, or to manage the financial aspects of business ownership.

Woodlands’ Business Coach Heather Hanna took the lead with Jeff and brought together a suite of resources to help Jeff develop a thorough business plan with financial projections. This work enabled Jeff to successfully secure financing for the acquisition from a local lender. Jeff also received TA funds for branding and logo design. Jeff says that he would not have been able to secure the funds to become a business owner without the help of Heather and Woodlands. He has grown from an employee in NC to an employer in WV, serving locals and visitors unique, thoughtfully made and sourced meals in an area located miles from even a basic grocery store.

Stop in an see Jeff at his Norton location.