The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE, Va. (VR), The McConnell’s newest local business Dave and Steve LLC celebrated its grand opening Thursday afternoon with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that drew community leaders and economic development officials, highlighting the growing entrepreneurial spirit in the Alleghany
Highlands. The event, hosted at the company’s new location, featured speeches from local dignitaries who praised the new business and its owners for their commitment to serving the Clifton Forge community. Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce representatives, local government officials, and friends gathered to mark the milestone for the local contracting and service business.
Kristen McConnell, co-founder of Dave and Steve LLC, explained the unique origin of the company’s name. “Dave and Steve are actually our dogs,” she said with a laugh, introducing the company’s key contractors, Nathaniel Simpson and River Reed. McConnell emphasized the company’s core mission of filling a critical service gap in the community. “When we moved here, we found it nearly impossible to get contractors to respond or manage small jobs,” she said. “We saw a void and wanted to create a reliable, responsive service that can handle everything from small home repairs to landscaping and even snow removal.”
Tyler Sizemore from Alleghany Highlands Economic Development praised the business, noting the importance of local service providers. “It’s great to have these services accessible in one location,” Sizemore said.
Local officials highlighted the broader impact of small businesses like Dave and Steve LLC. Clifton Forge Town Manager Chuck Unroe, speaking on behalf of the town, commended the entrepreneurs for their investment in the community. “You’ve shared your vision and made it happen,” Unroe told the founders, Ron and Kristen.
The ribbon-cutting drew representatives from various local organizations, including the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce, city government, and various agencies. Each speaker emphasized the potential economic and community benefits of the new business. Dr. Ronald S. Goings, representing Alleghany Kelly, expressed hope that Dave and Steve would become well-known in the area. “Hopefully in a year or two, everyone will know them,” he said.
The company also offers services from the smallest home repairs to emerging HVAC capabilities. McConnell stressed their commitment to managing jobs of all sizes, particularly those often overlooked by larger contractors. “No job is too small,” McConnell explained, recounting her own experience struggling to find dependable contractors for minor home repairs. “We want to be responsive, reliable, and reasonable.”
Simpson and Reed, the company’s primary contractors, briefly addressed the crowd, emphasizing their commitment to quality service. The company has already found itself busier than initially anticipated, a positive sign for a new local business.
Fred Forbes from the City of Covington congratulated the new business, suggesting it could be a significant asset to the local economic landscape. The ceremony symbolized more than just a new business opening – it represented community support and economic resilience.
Attendees were invited to take company swag, including key chains, pens, and magnetic business cards, as a way to remember the new local service provider. The event concluded with an official ribbon-cutting, with community leaders joining the founders in celebrating the milestone. Refreshments were provided, allowing for continued networking and community interaction.
Dave and Steve LLC represents a growing trend of local entrepreneurs identifying community needs and creating businesses to address them. Their approach of being accessible, responsive, and willing to take on jobs of all sizes appears to fill a significant service gap in the Clifton Forge area. As small businesses continue to play a crucial role in local economic development, Dave and Steve LLC stands as a promising example of community-focused entrepreneurship. For more information about Dave and Steve LLC, interested parties can contact the business directly or visit their newly established location at 511 Main St. in Clifton Forge.
