CLINTWOOD, VA – January 11, 2023 – With a range of needs by home and business owners, no job is too small for Hammilltime Construction, LLC, according to Rodney Hammill, who opened the new business in Clintwood, Va., to provide quality and affordable home improvements and repairs.
Hammilltime Construction, LLC was a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant. Various construction-related work, carpentry, remodels and repairs are among the services offered.
“For both homeowners and business owners, finding a local contractor to assist with various renovations or repairs always seems to be a need and according to Hammilltime Construction, LLC’s business plan they plan to help fill that need,” said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel. “The business projects two full-time and four part-time jobs within five years.”
Hammill moved to the area from North Carolina where he was also in the contracting business for more than 20 years. He is in the process of getting his licensing in Virginia which will also enable him to take on bigger jobs and whole house construction.
“Since I opened in September, I’ve been very blessed,” he said. “We’ve stayed busy and right now I probably have two years’ worth of work out there already lined up.”
Hammill noted he tries to buy most supplies and materials from local sources, adding by doing so, it furthers helps to grow the local community. Hammilltime Construction offers free estimates and will travel within Dickenson County, as well as to Buchanan, Russell and Wise.
“We’ve done some kitchen remodels; and tile work to build walk-in showers in some of the bathroom remodels we’ve done,” he said.
The VCEDA funds, he added will be used as working capital and toward the purchase of an enclosed trailer which will allow him to put two vehicles on the road; as well as for accessories for a Skid Steer he has, which will provide him with greater versatility in some of the jobs he has.
“The grant really helps,” Hammill said. “It gave me reassurance since the scariest part of going into business is not knowing how starting out you’re going to pay people. I know the work is there.”
Now that the business is up and running, Hammill is already looking toward the future.
“My goal in the next three years is to get two crews going,” Hammill said. “I am also exploring getting into construction of pre-fab buildings.”
Hammill worked with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) in developing his application to VCEDA and received a letter of support from the Dickenson County Industrial Development Authority.
“Rodney brings his talent and expertise to the area and fills a void in small and medium residential construction projects,” said Becki O’Quinn Purdie, SBDC program director at MECC. “He cares for his customers and works hard to bring quality work at an affordable price. Mountain Empire Community College’s SBDC was pleased to assist Hammilltime Construction, LLC with its VCEDA Seed Capital Fund application.”
“We are happy to have a new construction company in Dickenson County to work to continue to fill the huge gap in available resources for home repairs and renovations,” said Dickenson County IDA Executive Director Dana Cronkhite. “Mr. Hammill does beautiful work and the residents of Dickenson County are fortunate to have him as an option to work on their home. The Dickenson County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) is appreciative of the VCEDA seed capital program and the partnership with our local Small Business Development Centers. Both organizations support small business owners by providing education and financial assistance that props the business up to be a successful and profitable business and an asset to our community.”
Hammilltime Construction, LLC may be reached through its Facebook page, or by calling Hammilltime at 704-807-1438.
About Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and Southwest Virginia’s e-Region: The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988 to enhance and diversify the region’s economy and help create jobs, markets Southwest Virginia’s e-Region and its focus on electronic information technology, energy, education, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship. VCEDA is a unique economic development organization that manages funds for economic development projects from a percentage of the coal and natural gas severance taxes paid by coal and natural gas companies that operate in the region. Located in southwestern Virginia, the region includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton. www.vceda.us or www.e-Region.org.
About the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority Seed Capital Matching Grant Fund: VCEDA region for-profit businesses, within qualifying business categories, one year and under with less than 10 full-time employees are eligible to apply for dollar-for-dollar matching grants up to $10,000 from the VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Fund. Applicants work with the Small Business Development Centers at Mountain Empire and Southwest Virginia community colleges to prepare the applications to VCEDA that include detailed business and financial plans. Businesses must be located in or plan to operate in the VCEDA region in southwestern Virginia that includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton.