3 minute read
Rookie of the Year
Finalists
Adventure RV Repairs started in August 2022 by a man already immersed in the RV industry. Keenan Kealy saw the housing crisis and more people deciding to live in RVs. However, they were unable to get the repairs they needed. Having deep roots in the community from growing up in Mason County, he pursued starting his own business to help those who need it most. Keenan tries to take care of any RV repairs such as appliances, electrical, and plumbing. His most proud accomplishment was fixing up a fifth wheel RV, from a customer who no longer needed it, and then donating it to a low-income elderly person who needed a more sustainable and safe living condition. This is only one of many situations where Keenan with Adventure RV Repairs has helped the community. One nominator said he has “has helped countless people get back on their feet while continuing to grow his company.”
Angler Insurance started in June 2023 and is a family-owned business who has 20+ years of experience in the industry. Rachel and her husband Rich walked away from a well-paid W2 job with the dream of starting their own agency. Rachel grew up in Shelton and is glad to engage and volunteer within the community now as a local business owner. Their agency, named after their love for fishing and insurance, aims to serve companies in strategic and transparent ways to take control of their benefits in the long term. Angler Insurance has already helped three local companies move away from a fully insured medical plan to a self-funded structure which led to a reduction in premiums and improved their benefits, such as a $0 co-pay for primary care. The company wants to positively impact businesses through innovative solutions to help the community thrive. As one nominator said, “Rachel is the hardest worker I know…Starting up Angler Insurance in Shelton is her dream come true and she puts every bit of effort she has into making sure she is providing the best insurance at the best value in this area.”
Wilde Irish Pub’s journey started in 2019 with transforming the Ming Tree Chinese restaurant into an Irish Pub. Maneuvering through COVID restrictions and finally opening in July 2022 was a challenge they overcame easily with the support of friends, family, Founders members, members of the Chamber of Commerce, and many new Irish family and friends. The business loves “the way Shelton and Mason County shows up to events and supports [them].” Wilde Irish Pub brings great food, mouthwatering cocktails, and stellar service to Mason County. They appreciate having events that bring everyone to enjoy the town from bringing live music with the Downtown Get Down to the 2019 and 2022 St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl. This year, a rewarding highlight was the 2023 Haunted House in collaboration with the Shelton High School Drama Club. Wilde Irish Pub is also a proud supporter of local charities and nonprofits. A nominator said, “Open for over a year and successfully serving the Shelton community.”
The winner for Rookie of the Year is...
Wilde Irish Pub!
