While many couples say they could never work together, Adam and Candice Whanger do just that. To say they work together is, in fact, an understatement. Together they have successfully raised a family, built their dream home and created something of an empire, especially for a small area such as White Sulphur Springs.
Their story is one of inspiration, love, dedication and an outstanding work ethic.
Both Adam and Candice are natives of southern West Virginia, with Adam hailing from White Sulphur Springs and Candice from Ronceverte. What would become their epic love story began in third grade after Adam’s family moved to Ronceverte and they met for the first time. Twenty years later when they met again, the story progressed to include marriage. Since then, they have raised several children. They have three sons that are currently working with them.
In 2007, Adam began a construction business on his own and has since grown it into a local force to be reckoned with. He now has an entire workforce behind him and they handle all manner of projects.
Currently, they are working on converting the old White Sulphur Springs school building into a hotel. This project is anticipated to keep them busy for over a year. Adam Whanger said on average he works 70 hours a week and works long hours for those who can’t. Adam Whanger said he always tells his employees, “I would never ask you to do something I won’t do and I’ll be the first one here every day and I’ll be the last one to leave.” Speaking about working so many hours he said, “Thank God I have an awesome wife.”
Building a business from the ground up is no easy task. It requires hard work, dedication, time and effort.
Adam Whanger says he relies greatly on his faith to be able to achieve his accomplishments.
“It has been very, very, very difficult but I try to stop and listen to what Jesus says,” Adam Whanger said.
He also draws inspiration from watching his employees and children learn and grow and be able to afford the things they need.
Together Candice and Adam Whanger now own or co-own many other businesses in the area including Greenbrier Glass & Mirror, which specializes in all things glass. Their services go beyond things like windows and mirrors. They work on screen doors, shower doors, tabletops, and anything else containing glass. They recently moved this business to a new location on Main Street.
Candice and Adam Whanger are also part owners of ACE Hardware located on Main Street. This is a name that most people know. After all, ACE is known for being “the helpful place”.
Besides running these businesses, they also manage four rental properties in White Sulphur Springs. Along with several partners, they also own an investment company.
The global COVID-19 pandemic has affected many businesses, but according to Candice and Adam Whanger, they have continued to thrive.
Adam Whanger said he made a promise to his employees when the shutdowns began taking place that he would not lay any of them off and that they would continue to work. And it’s a promise he says he was able to live up to. Not only were they able to maintain working and keep all of their employees on the payroll, but they were also in a position to reject the government loans offered to businesses.
The couple said they are done expanding in White Sulphur Springs but intend to develop any land they can around the Spa City.
To anyone considering starting their own business, Adam Whanger’s advice is “don’t listen to the naysayers. Go after what you believe in. It is going to be very difficult and you will bleed and you will cry but you will be proud of what you build.”
Candice Whanger said her favorite part of what they do is getting their kids involved.
“Yeah, they drive me crazy, but that is my favorite part watching them actually learn and grow,” Candice Whanger said.
Adam said his favorite part of running his own businesses is the struggle and the fight. He enjoys solving problems, and fighting to build everything he does to its full potential. He also said he began this journey because he wants his family, especially his children to be proud of him.
“I’m going to work until my hands bleed, it doesn’t matter,” Adam Whanger said.
If Adam Whanger had not gone into contracting work, he said he would have become a stockbroker. Candice Whanger said she would have been beside him no matter what but is not sure what she would be doing beyond that.
In terms of being married and also working together, Candice Whanger said, “I just think we know we were meant for each other and we make it work. We don’t really have big, huge fights.”
This is something many people would refer to as “couple goals” because many cannot fathom working so closely with their significant other.
“We love what we do, we’re not perfect, but we stand beside everything we do.” He went on to say “We are very hard workers and we do what we say,” Adam Whanger said.
Candice Whanger added, “We try and stand behind what we say we’re gonna do, we try to keep our word on everything.”
Both Adam and Candice said that they could not do what they do without all of the wonderful people around them. They want all those working with them to know they are appreciated.
When asked about why they decided to start a business in White Sulphur Springs, their answer was simple yet powerful, they chose the Spa City for “the people.”
