Local Entrepreneur's Product To Be Sold At Ace Hardware

By Amber Lester Kennedy Friday, December 17, 2010

A local entrepreneur is seeing the first fruits of his labor, in part because of the assistance of the James City County Business and Technology Incubator.

Breathe Healthy, a locally owned company, is now selling its breathing masks at Ace Peninsula Hardware on Richmond Road. Breathe Healthy masks are washable, durable masks made of moisture-wicking fabrics.

Breathe Healthy owner Mike Vahey, a lifelong sufferer of seasonal allergies, is happy to see his company’s product sold alongside tools at Ace Hardware. “Breathe Healthy is glad to have a local presence, especially in Ace Peninsula Hardware, where our masks can complement other products that customers may purchase,” he said. “The extra comfort of a Breathe Healthy mask allows them to be worn for long periods of time, which makes them great for autumn jobs, such as leaf blowing, yard work and woodworking.”

Ace Peninsula Hardware manager Kevin Deaver said the business was proud to support another local business. “We believe that Breathe Healthy masks offer a new option for Ace Peninsula Hardware customers who are looking for improved health and safety options as they complete home improvement projects,” he said.

As a client of the James City County Business and Technology Incubator, Vahey received business assistance and advice to get the company off the ground. Breathe Healthy was accepted into the incubator, which is managed by the College of William and Mary, in May. Since then, the business has received assistance with the development of business and financial plans, access to local service providers and an introduction to financing and funding resources.

In September, Breathe Healthy became the first company to receive assistance from the Economic Development Authority of James City County in the form of a $4,000 loan to develop and launch an electronic media marketing campaign. The loan will convert to a grant if the conditions of a five-year performance-based agreement are met.

The incubator concept has two components — a physical office building and mentoring services that nurture entrepreneurs in Hampton Roads. The incubator is funded through April 2011 by the EDA with $70,000 in county funds. Through its partnership with the college, business owners have access to educational programs at the Mason School of Business and pro bono advice.

Entrepreneurs who are interested in becoming incubator clients should contact Bill Bean at (757) 221-7825 or webean@wm.edu. To learn more about Breathe Healthy, visit its website here.