MCKEE, KY – A crowd of supporters gathered at the Northern Jackson County Industrial Park on February 12 to welcome Strip Tech Solutions to the community and see owner Brandon Harrison cut the ribbon on a longtime dream.
Harrison was surrounded by friends, family, local, state and nonprofit leaders who have worked to make his business a reality.
Strip Tech provides chemical paint stripping services, removing coatings from metal and preparing materials for reuse, repair, and manufacturing.
Harrison was overwhelmed with the support from those in attendance.
“I was brought to tears by the overwhelming support that was shown to me and my business,” Harrison said. “Building Strip Tech has been one, if not the hardest, undertaking of my life. I am excited to see what the future holds for Strip Tech. If the future is anything like the opening day, then things are really looking bright for us and the community we serve. I would like to thank everyone who has helped us get to this point, we could not have done this without the help of such a great community.”
The new business has created five new jobs in the community.
FOCUS Lee Owsley Clay Leslie Jackson Executive Director, Tal Jones, led the event. He has worked closely with Harrison for two years, as he refined his process and prepared to open his own business.
“Brandon Harrison’s determination to launch Strip Tech Solutions reflects his resilience and entrepreneurial drive,” Jones said. “Overcoming significant challenges along the way, he remained focused on his vision, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth. His perseverance and commitment to excellence have laid a strong foundation for Strip Tech Solutions and its continued success.”
Investor and cousin, Mark Carl, traveled from Houston, Texas, to attend the event.
He said his investment is in two things: his family and the community where they live.
“I am super happy to be able to help Brandon live out his dream and give back to the community I came to love as a boy,” he said.
Carl spoke at the event and expressed his confidence in Harrison’s new business venture.
Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP) partnered with Strip Tech Solutions to support two registered apprenticeships, developed in collaboration with the Kentucky Apprenticeships Office and Daniel Boone Community Action Agency. These apprenticeships create earn-and-learn opportunities and open the door to long-term careers for residents in Kentucky.
Harrison’s parents attended to support their entrepreneurial son, saying they are proud and expect nothing from him following all of his hard work over the past two years.
“Brandon has always been at the top of his class,” said his father, James C. Harrison. “After seeing him work 60 to 70 hours a week to make this happen, I’m glad to see his efforts pay off.”
His mother, Wilma Jean Harrison, said she always taught Brandon that the only way to make things work out for yourself is to work hard.
“I told him: it’s better to try and fail than to never try at all,” she said. “Today, we celebrate all of his hard work.”
Two key employees at Strip Tech say they’ve enjoyed being a part of the company’s early months of establishment.
Mike Clark and Andrew Rice are both Jackson County natives who are using their welding skills at the business near their homes.
“We’ve learned a lot since being here, and are looking to learn more,” Clark said.
Representatives from the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, Congressman Hal Rogers’ office, Kentucky State Representative Tim Truett, the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet, Daniel Boone Community Action Agency, the East Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin, Jackson County IDA Executive Director Mitchell Ball and members of the IDA were in attendance.
Harrison is a participant in SKED’s Supplier Education & Economic Development program. He has attended several SEED symposiums where he met with federal contractors from across the country.
