Opossum Pouch Soft Goods, a Wheeling-based business specializing in durable outdoor goods, has won the latest Show of Hands competition. The event helps local entrepreneurs grow their businesses by pitching to attendees who vote for their favourite. Opossum Pouch Soft Goods beat three other entrepreneurs to win the top prize.
Jay Hercules, the owner of Opossum Pouch Soft Goods, won the competition with his passionate pitch highlighting his Made in America stamp and hometown pride. Hercules has over 40 years of sewing experience and specializes in making durable outdoor goods. His shop offers classic, canvas-style outdoor goods, including backpacks, haversacks, and small items like pouches and drawstring bags.
The business is growing and has a physical location at 1003 Main St. and an online presence with customers in 11 countries. Opossum Pouch Soft Goods aims to make goods that are so durable that they can be passed down for generations. The business is currently operating in the black, and profits are being reinvested in its continued growth.
Hercules plans to bring 90% of his production in-house to increase production efficiency and capacity. He aims to become self-reliant and hopes to hire staff to help produce even more goods and expand the business. The victory at Show of Hands will help increase the purchase budget for new tools to increase production efficiency and capacity. The goal is to become a “new vanguard of industry in Wheeling that is a clean, sufficient, self-sustaining industry that is a good steward of the community that gives something back.”
Opossum Pouch Soft Goods has come a long way since its inception. Jay Hercules started the business with a goal to make durable outdoor goods that are made in America. The shop started with just a few products, and now it has a wide range of products, including backpacks, haversacks, and small items like pouches and drawstring bags.
The business has received recognition from various media outlets, including the Wheeling Intelligencer, which wrote an article about the business’s growth and success. The article highlighted Hercules’ passion for making durable goods and his dedication to making goods that are made in America. The article also mentioned the business’s commitment to sustainability and its efforts to reduce its environmental impact.
In conclusion, Opossum Pouch Soft Goods has won the latest Show of Hands competition, beating three other entrepreneurs. The business specializes in durable outdoor goods and aims to make goods that are so durable that they can be passed down for generations. The victory at Show of Hands will help the business expand and increase its production capacity, which will, in turn, help create jobs in the local community. The business is a symbol of pride for the local community and is committed to sustainability and giving back to the community. The victory is a testament to the owner’s hard work and dedication and is a reminder that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.