Building Business Foundations with Barbie Wood

I talk with Barbie Wood, a business coach with the FASTER WV program through Advantage Valley. We met just after an Advantage Valley board meeting, where there’s been a lot of discussion about growth and new opportunities for businesses in the region. Barbie explains that her program helps entrepreneurs in the first three years of their business journey. They provide pro bono coaching to guide them through everything from startup basics to forming hiring practices, operating agreements, and growth plans. After those three years, some businesses qualify for an expansion program that continues the support.

We also talk about a major project she’s involved in called Appalachian Outlaw Trails. It’s on track to become the largest ATV and UTV resort in the country, located right here in West Virginia. She’s part of the development team that pulled together professionals from different industries to form a board, raise funds, and help make the project real. She says they’re planning for a public launch in spring 2026.

Barbie also spends a lot of her time helping smaller entrepreneurs, from sole proprietors to established teams. She walks people through the ideation phase, helps them organize their documents, and builds their foundational structure the right way. When I ask what people should do first, she says to start with research—lots of it. Then build a team that includes a business coach, an accountant, a lawyer, and if possible, a mentor. She points out that one of the best things you can do is reach out to someone already running the type of business you want to start. Ask questions, be open to rejection, and stay optimistic. If someone tells you no, she says, that just means it’s a yes waiting to be persuaded.

We talk about the importance of mindset. Things probably won’t happen exactly the way you envision them, but they can still fall into place if you stay persistent and flexible. She stresses the need to be able to communicate your idea quickly and clearly and to be ready with your paperwork, your plan, and your people from the beginning.

I point out that a good mentor can make a big difference, especially when you’re facing decisions you don’t even know you’ll have to make. Barbie agrees and says that a mentor is one of the most important relationships you can have as part of your support team.

If anyone wants to reach out to Barbie or learn more about FASTER WV, she encourages people to call her directly at 304-633-4829. She’ll set up time to talk and walk you through the next steps.