FAIRLEA- From outdoor shoes and boots to guns and equipment to clothing and hats, Greenbrier Valley Outdoors has all your outside needs available in one location.
Located in the heart of Fairlea on the upper side going north, GBVO has thrived since its opening several years ago.
Jonathan Myles, the owner of the business, credits the stores loyal customers for its success over the years.
“We have a lot of loyal customers and we have tried to continue growing our inventory to keep a wide variety of items that cater a larger population,” Myles said.
Myles had an idea that the need of the people in Greenbrier County could lead to a successful business plan.
“We always thought the store had the opportunity to be successful and with the support of the community, we have been fortunate enough to continue to grow and serve the surrounding areas,” Myles stated.
A former finance manager at Greenbrier Motors, Myles stressed that he misses a lot about his former career, but the family time he is able to have now far outweighs everything.
“I do miss the employees I use to work with and the regular customers I would see. But the career change has afforded me the opportunity to be more involved with my kids’ sports,” he said.
Speaking of his family, they have had his back since day one.
“They have always been supportive and have always been there to lend a hand in any way they can,” Myles said.
With success comes challenge and according to the owner, there are still plenty of those on a day-to-day basis.
“The biggest challenge as a business owner is balancing the store and family time. The store takes a lot of work, but I also make time for my family. Another challenge is the ups and downs of the local economy. I think all local businesses struggle with this,” Myles explained.
Asked if there was anything he would do differently if he could go back to the beginning, Myles is more concerned about learning for future.
“I don’t know if there is anything that stands out that I would change or that I would do differently that would have had a major impact on where we are today. But I am sure we will learn from past mistakes and make changes for the future to help us continue to better serve the community,” Myles said.
Greenbrier Valley Outdoors will be set up again this year at the State Fair down the strip past the tractors and it allows the store many opportunities to connect with existing customers and welcome in new ones.
“Setting up at the fair is a way to reach people in the community that still don’t know we are there. We see a lot of business at the fair from new and existing customers. A lot of our fair customers come back year after year.
Hours of Operation: Monday- Friday- 10 AM-8 PM
Saturday- 9 AM- 8 PM
Sunday- 1-6 PM