Brandon Dennison on Economic Resilience

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I speak with Brandon Dennison about his work in reversing generational poverty in West Virginia. Brandon started Coalfield Development in 2010 with a group of volunteers. Coalfield Development focuses on social enterprise, combining a social mission with business efficiency. Their goal is to bring new economic life to southern West Virginia through a diversified economy that includes construction, solar, and agriculture enterprises.

Brandon acknowledges the region’s reliance on coal mining and respects the contributions of coal miners. However, he highlights the need for economic diversity to make the community more resilient. West Virginians have high job retention and loyalty, making them ideal for industries considering a return to local manufacturing. At Marshall University, Brandon works in economic workforce development, specifically with the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center, which trains people in fields like welding and robotics.

Looking to the future, Brandon emphasizes the role of robotics and AI in manufacturing. While machines will perform many tasks, humans will still be needed for maintenance and oversight—skills that require advanced training. Marshall University’s programs are designed to equip the workforce for these evolving roles.

As we close, Brandon leaves a message about inclusivity, stating his vision for a West Virginia where everyone has an opportunity to realize their potential. He is committed to growing a new economy that benefits everyone in the community.