Shenandoah Community Capital Fund’s 4th Startup Shenandoah Valley (S2V) cohort is made up of eight technology or tech-enabled businesses across the Shenandoah Valley. We sat down with each of our participants to get to know more about them as entrepreneurs, and why they choose to participate in the S2V program.
Our next spotlight is on Jack Oppenheim. Oppenheim is the founder of Tow Ninja based in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Tow Ninja is a comprehensive small business solution to help fix common issues found in the towing industry; it aims to address the lack of customer interaction, bookkeeping and Quick Books integration while providing a personal inventory management system for small businesses. Learn more about Tow Ninja here.
Oppenheim was excited to apply for S2V because of the network of resources and mentors he would gain access to for his business, as well as the program’s tie to the Shenandoah Valley region, “I also chose S2V because it is a Valley-based accelerator and I think having a local organization gives personality to the program.” He knew that joining a tech-focused cohort would pair him up with like-minded people who could help him solve some of his business challenges, “Even after the first introductory meeting I walked out having solved a major problem of mine. This group has a wide range of people spanning in age and occupation that enables us all to learn new things that we probably never would have alone.”
We also asked Jack Oppenheim a few questions about life as an entrepreneur in Harrisonburg:
What is your favorite part about being an entrepreneur?
My favorite part about being an entrepreneur is the fact that every day I face a new challenge that I have to overcome. It allows me to prove day-in and day-out that I am capable of great things even if I don’t see the benefits right away.
What is your favorite restaurant in your town?
My favorite restaurant in Harrisonburg is Urgies, they have the best and most authentic cheesesteaks outside of Philly!
What other town in the Valley do you like to visit besides your own?
My favorite town in the valley to visit is Luray. My former roommate is from there and every time I go it is a nice scenic drive. Not to mention the caverns are pretty cool as well.