Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyle Barger
Hi Kyle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Barger, from Columbus, Ohio, earned his degree from Wittenberg University in business management with a minor in psychology. Upon graduation, he spent 10 years trading commodities for the David J. Joseph Company, a division of Nucor Steel, based out of Cincinnati. Barger traveled all over the United States and gained the knowledge and expertise to start his own business, not once, but twice.
“I wasn’t a straight ‘A’ student, but my management professor, Lowell Stockstill, pulled me aside and cared enough to help me out. He told me I should interview with this steel company. He felt like this was an opportunity for me,” said Barger, who came to Wittenberg to play football but fell in love with rugby instead.
“Of course, I wanted to work at J.P. Morgan like everyone else, but I decided to go to the interview not expecting anything. That interview was a life-changing experience for me. Sometimes we don’t see it, but it was a defining moment in my life.”
A former sponsored CrossFit athlete, two-time gold medalist at the Cornhusker state games, a three-time CrossFit games regional competitor, three-time world’s Toughest Mudder qualifier and a U.S.A. Triathlon national qualifier, Barger was a member and captain of Wittenberg’s rugby team. He then competed at professional level in England, New Zealand, and Tonga.
Barger turned his love of sports into a business, opening a gym while living in St. Louis, Missouri. Arch City Fitness became St. Louis’ No. 1-rated fitness studio for two years, but he gave it all up and returned home upon learning his father’s health was deteriorating. He then started the Champion Trading Group (CTG) in Columbus, a third-party purchasing and sales division for customers in the steel and metals recycling industry. CTG provides access to the industry’s top trading talent at a fraction of the cost and currently manages more than $250 million annually.
Barger is also the founder of Barger Property Ventures, which specializes in short, mid and long-term rentals in greater Columbus, as well as an 8 acre micro resort in Logan called The Oasis Hocking Hills, co-owns the 110+ acre Hocking Hills Family Fun Center & Campground in Rockbridge, in addition to Vohnt, an on-demand car service that is the official partner of the Columbus and Cincinnati airports.
Giving back is key for Barger as well. He created the Make-A-Day Foundation in Columbus in honor of his grandfather, Ralph Emrich, as a project dedicated to providing service and assistance to those less fortunate.
“My cousins and I started this charity,” Barger said. “I’ve been so lucky with Champion taking off that I thought this would be a great way to give back to the community. My grandfather passed away when I was pretty young, but we wanted to start this organization in honor of him. About every six-to-eight weeks we host a pop-up event somewhere in Columbus. We have provided pop-up salons, restaurants, and even had a blanket drive to take care of our homeless brothers and sisters in Columbus.”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There are always challenges along the way. COVID presented a shift in the global workplace, and changed how Champion operated thereafter. Acquiring a business from a prior long-term owner like Hocking Hills Family Fun Center also is quite different than starting your own. But at the end of the day, staying focused on your core values and your family, you can overcome many of these and turn them into opportunities.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am most proud of creating destinations and experiences for our guests that are luxurious and unique. In Columbus we’ve created a private art gallery with local artwork, and a Harry Potter-themed AirBNB that hearkens to the books and movies at every turn. The Oasis Hocking Hills has luxury treehouses and lodging that are unlike anything in Ohio. And we are expanding this vision with more luxury homes and amenities at the Hocking Hills Family Fun Center.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Hocking Hills is one of the top destinations in the United States according to Forbes and many other publications. I can see it continuing to become a nationally-recognized attraction in the coming years. In addition, with the addition of Intel and other large corporations, the growth of Columbus will continue to trend. I see nothing but positives coming for the greater central Ohio area.
Pricing:
- Website: The Oasis Hocking Hills: www.oasishh.com
- Barger Property Ventures: bargerpv.com
- Hocking Hills Family Fun Center: www.hockinghillsfun.com
- Vohnt: www.vohnt.com
- Make-A-Day: www.makeaday.fun
- Instagram: @manofsteels
