Gary E. West

Gary E. West bought Valley Welding Supply Company and grew it from a one-shop operation to a business with 55 locations in 10 states and annual sales in excess of $85 million.

Gary E. West's leadership and take-charge philosophy offer an excellent model of successful entrepreneurship.

In 1997, under West's leadership as chairman of the board, Valley National Gases, Inc. went public and annual sales now exceed $220 million, with 84 locations in 16 states. West is also president of West Rentals, Inc., President Plymouth Holding LLC, and GEW Real Estate, LLP, as well as president and secretary of Acetylene Products Corp.

He was named West Virginia Entrepreneur of the Year, is a member of Who's Who in West Virginia Business and was inducted into the West Liberty State College's Alumni Wall of Honor in 1993.

West was born in Wheeling, WV, and holds a business administration degree from West Liberty State College.

He has invested considerable personal and financial assets in his alma mater, West Liberty State College. He and his wife Flip established the Guy H. and Mary Ann West School of Business Scholarship Endowment, and he serves as chair of the college's capital campaign, which he kick-started with the largest lifetime gift commitment by individuals in the history of the college. He is also a member of the WLSC Foundation board of directors and serves on that foundation's executive committee.