Photo by Shelley Hanson David Barnhardt, at far left, WVNCC director of Communications and Student Recruitment, talks during West Virginia Northern Community College’s Beyond The Books program on Wednesday. Other panelists shown are Bob Dobkin, a lawyer with Spilman, Thomas and Battle; Jay Leap, director of technical site services at Covestro; Jessica Barclay, owner of Thrive and co-owner of Play N Stay Pet Camp; and Dan Milleson, founder and owner of Waterfront Hall.

WHEELING — West Virginia Northern Community College students got to learn from local business leaders and entrepreneurs about what life and work is like “beyond the books.”

The Beyond The Books program was held Wednesday at the school’s B&O Building. The panel of speakers included David Barnhardt, WVNCC director of Communications and Student Recruitment; Bob Dobkin, a lawyer with Spilman, Thomas and Battle; Jay Leap, director of technical site services at Covestro; Jessica Barclay, owner of ThrIVe and co-owner of Play N Stay Pet Camp; and Dan Milleson, founder and owner of Waterfront Hall. Valerie Piko, program development manager at Regional Economic Development Partnership, moderated the event.

The group talked about their educational backgrounds and what led to current careers.

Barnhardt said he soon realized he did not want to work in journalism, but instead started a career in public relations. Before coming to WVNCC he worked at the Akron Zoo for 22 years before moving to the Wheeling area where his wife was originally from. He’s been at WVNCC for eight years.

Dobkin said he wasn’t always the best student, but decided late in life to pursue a law degree. At age 31, he began his new college studies at WVNCC with the goal of obtaining an advanced degree by 40 years old. He went on to attend Wheeling Jesuit University and then law school.

“I’ve been practicing law for 10 years,” he said, noting he mostly practices corporate law and helps families.

Leap said he began his career at Covestro many years ago and stayed with the company as it has changed names and owners. He believes he was lucky to find a career he enjoyed at a young age.

Barclay said her family had a business and she learned much from it. Before starting her own businesses she worked for Team Sledd and worked as a paramedic.

“It all contributed to who I am,” she said.

She attended Wheeling Jesuit University for a year. Mostly, she said, she had been a “student of life” and watching YouTube videos has helped as well.

ThrIVe, she noted, has grown and now offers 39 different services. Play N Stay Pet Camp now has three locations.

Milleson, who grew up in the Piedmont Lake area and attended Harrison County Schools, said he received a business degree from Ohio University. He started out in his family’s insurance business, but wanted to strike out on his own. His journey to opening Waterfront Hall began in 2018. The renovated historic building is now a “micro food hall,” hosts live bands, and has a hall used for weddings and other gatherings.

“It’s everything to me now,” he said. “It’s an expression of myself and the team we have built there.”

Milleson noted he officially exited the insurance business after 17 years. His last day on that job was three weeks ago, he said.