For more than two decades, the Wheeling Artisan Center has been a hub for creativity, craftsmanship, and community in the Ohio Valley. This Veterans Day, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on six remarkable small businesses owned and operated by U.S. veterans, whose dedication to service continues to inspire through their craft. Each artisan brings not only skill and creativity but also the values of perseverance, commitment, and community that defined their military service.
Wilkerson Glass – Moundsville, WV
A veteran-owned, family-run glass art business, Wilkerson Glass has been creating hand-blown pieces in Moundsville since 1975. Founded by Fred Wilkerson Sr., a former Fostoria Glass worker, the business began as a hobby and grew into a full-time operation when his son, Fred Jr., joined him. Today, their studio produces stunning pressed ware, paperweights, and custom glass art—continuing a proud West Virginia glassmaking legacy.
GWB Hot Sauce – Clarksburg, WV
Owner: George Bee, U.S. Army
A blend of bold flavor and passion, GWB Hot Sauce delivers gourmet heat that’s made in West Virginia and loved nationwide. George Bee’s line includes award-winning sauces like Cherry Jalapeño and Bacon Fire, plus salsas and pizza sauces. Each bottle captures Bee’s mission to make flavor fearless. It’s a true labor of love from a veteran who believes food should have both fire and heart.
Harvest Trails Co – Hedgesville, WV
Owner: Coleman Erwin, U.S. Army
Harvest Trails Co turns farm-fresh produce into healthy, on-the-go snacks. Their freeze-dried fruits and vegetables are sourced from local farms, washed and prepared with care, and slowly freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and crunch. Coleman Erwin’s veteran-owned business gives back through school donations, community engagement, and support for first responders. This keeps service at the heart of everything they do.
JarHead Farm – Alderson, WV
Owners: Natasha Zoe, U.S. Marine Corps, and father Stan Loder, U.S. Army
This father-daughter team blends grit, growth, and gratitude into JarHead Farm. Stan, a Vietnam-era Army veteran, and Natasha, a retired Marine combat correspondent, grow heirloom produce and create small-batch goods like WV Peach Whole Fruit Syrup. Their sustainable farming practices, from permaculture to native planting, ensure their products are as wholesome as their mission.
Sugar Bottom Farm – Ovapa, WV
Owner: Eric Grandon, U.S. Army
Eric Grandon’s Sugar Bottom Farm buzzes with purpose. This family-run bee farm produces eight varieties of raw honey, along with beeswax candles, skincare products, and kitchen essentials. Certified Homegrown by Heroes and WV Grown, Sugar Bottom Farm also participates in the USDA’s Farm to School Program, promoting pollinator health and agricultural education across the state.
Popular Poplar Toys – New Martinsville, WV
Owner: Charles E. Smith, U.S. Navy
For more than 40 years, Popular Poplar Toys has been handcrafting heirloom-quality wooden toys in New Martinsville. Founded by Charles and Shirley Smith, the business specializes in folk toys like themed trains, marble trees, puzzles, and replicas of working vehicles. Each piece is lovingly made in their home workshop—proof that classic craftsmanship never goes out of style.
See you Soon!
If you haven’t visited the Artisan Center Shop recently, it’s now conveniently located on the first floor of the building, with large glass windows that make it easy to see the vibrant merchandise from Main Street. Whether shopping for unique holiday gifts or supporting veteran-owned businesses, the shop offers a chance to experience the creativity, resilience, and heart of West Virginia’s artisans.
Spend $10+ on Veteran vendor products Nov. 8–11 and get 15% off your entire in-store purchase.
