DowntownHuntington.net is launching a new series called “People of Huntington” where we intend to profile as many residents of the Jewel City, from as many different walks of life, as we can. In our newest installment, we talk to Mr. Ben Wheeler, who will turn 23 years old in August.
Do you have any siblings?
I have one older brother – Jake Wheeler. I’ll always be thankful for him.
Are you a morning or evening person?
I would say evening. I like to do most things in the evening but I prefer to do my important things in the afternoon, not too early haha!
What are you most known for, especially among your friends?
Among my friends I would say kindness and personality. To people I may not know closely, probably my photography work!
What do you do in your free time?
I like to get out and take pictures! I also enjoy golf a ton, as well as being around my friends!
What hobby would you get into if you had the time and money?
Aside from growing my photography skills, I would LOVE to get into music producing or book writing!
If there were an Olympics for everyday activities, what would you have a good chance of winning a medal in?
That’s a good one! I would say either putting a smile on someone’s face or backing into parking spots. I could hold my ground in both! I always tell myself “If I can put a smile on someone’s face today then it’s a good day!”
If you had enough money to not need one, what would be your “job”?
Either travel photographer or sports photographer. Working with National Geographic or the Boston Celtics have been dreams of mine!
What are some accomplishments you’re really proud of?
Graduating college, getting my first full time job, and some of my photography work I’ve done!
Are you from Huntington? If not, what brings you to Huntington?
I am from Huntington, but Westmoreland technically if that counts! If you don’t know where that is, go east of Camden Park for a couple minutes!
What are three things you like best about Huntington?
- The atmosphere that it is starting to bring in!
- The events the city puts on (9th street, Pullman Summer Series, etc.)
- Marshall University!
What are three things you’d like to change?
- Traffic light pattern/timing for sure!
- Growing the city and event life on the south side of the viaduct! Sometimes feels like a different city.
- More opportunity. I feel like since graduating Marshall, there’s only so much here that can correlate to a majority of degrees Marshall has to offer, and what is here, is already job filled or requires experience which most young adults can’t get.
What is/are your favorite restaurant(s) in the Huntington metro? Why?
Calamity J, Ale House, and The Peddler are must haves. Great atmosphere in all 3 and have a good variety. Buffalo Mac from Calamity, Chicken and waffles from Ale House, and Ay Caramba from The Peddler!
Favorite shop(s)? Why?
The Market as a whole just has so much to offer. The Inner Geek is my go-to for both books and whatever Funko Pop I want to collect!
Any local and/or small businesses you’d like to acknowledge?
The group over at Jewel City Barber Shop! I’ve known the Owner Jacob ever since he had the idea of creating that place, and just about, if not already, 5 years later the place is still doing great! Shoutout Jacob, Erica, Daniel, Karl, Brandon, Nick and Max (and anybody I may have left out)!
What is a food you’ve had that you enjoy that you can’t find in Huntington?
You can argue this, but sushi! If you know Gucci Kroger then you know! As a “landlocked” state it is near impossible to get fresh seafood let alone sushi. I would go crazy for a sushi store around here! (P.S. Huntington please add or find a way to bring in a Raising Cane’s franchise)
What are some things everybody should try at least once?
Hiking, disc golf, traveling, and any sport!
Where is the strangest place you’ve ever been?
Not necessarily strange but an eerie feeling to me was Virginia Beach, VA. Just doesn’t feel like I’m at the beach when I’m there. Oh, and Virginia Point on the edge of West Virginia!
What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
“Don’t stress yourself out over things you can’t control.”
Pretend this is the yearbook, what is your senior quote?
“If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” A great verse than can be used in any aspect of life.
If you would like to be profiled, send an email to DowntownHuntington@gmail.com.
