Jeremy Turner is the Founder and Managing Director of EPIC Mission located in Huntington, West Virginia – in Cabell County. Turner is a native of Huntington, WV, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Marshall University and an MBA with a focus on Entrepreneurship and Family Enterprise from Louisiana State University at Shreveport. Turner has served in leadership roles for industry giants and grassroots startup ventures within the for-profit and nonprofit sectors.
At EPIC Mission, they build and restore thriving, resilient, hope-filled communities across Appalachia and beyond. Their mission is to engage, encourage and empower entrepreneurs, nonprofits and small businesses to #BeTheChange they wish to see in the world.
What is your 30-second pitch? 
“We seek to partner with individuals and organizations to build and restore thriving, resilient, hope-filled communities,” said Turner. “Our thought is that when communities are thriving, resilient and hope-filled, they’re filled with people who are thriving, resilient and hope-filled. The world naturally becomes a better place. What we seek to do is to restore hope.”
What is the best thing about being in business in WV – right now?
“What many people don’t realize is how connected we are in West Virginia. It took me a while to readjust to life and being in business in West Virginia. In Charlotte [where Turner originally founded the company], everyone was busy being busy. It was a badge of honor of how busy you were today. Coming here, I had to slow down very purposely and I still get people who ask me to send a fax.”
“[The best thing] It’s the people here. The individual willingness to stop and say, ‘I don’t have anything, but I will help you.’ For those who have never lived here and moved here, there is something special that captures you.”
What is one piece of advice you would give to young business owners and 
entrepreneurs in West Virginia?
entrepreneurs in West Virginia?“Find the thing that resonates deeply with you. Entrepreneurship-we see all of these examples out on social media with people driving Lamborghinis and who have million-dollar mansions. That is the exception. There is nothing wrong with being a lifestyle entrepreneur, someone who goes to solve local problems that allow them to afford that lifestyle for the family. Find something that you are passionate about. Entrepreneurship is a grind and if you’re not passionate about it any excuse will do when it comes to quitting,” said Turner.
“Maintain a growth mindset and stay curious, and continue to challenge yourself, personally and professionally, to learn every single day,” continued Turner.
Turner was a guest on The Positively West Virginia Podcast. Listen to the full podcast here.
PWV QUICK TIPS| EPIC MISSION
- RECOMMENDED BOOK: Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek
- ONE THING YOU DO TO CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR SUCCESS: “I do my best to maintain the “goldfish memory” of letting yesterday go, and then continually challenging myself to learn,” said Turner.
- PIECE OF ADVICE: “Maintain a growth mindset and stay curious, and continue to challenge yourself, personally and professionally, to learn every single day,” advised Turner.