Greg and Nicole Harkins, residents of Hurricane, are embracing life in their new home on Lower Overlook Drive. Their journey to this vibrant community has been filled with love, hard work, and family-centered living.

Both originally from St. Albans, and graduates of St. Albans High School, Greg and Nicole rekindled their connection through work at H & H Enterprises. They were married on October 7, 2023, in a magical outdoor ceremony at the Pines in Valley Park. Their wedding, which beautifully showcased the forest venue, was even featured in a past issue of Stroll Hurricane. Greg had been a longtime friend of Nicole's family and even served as her boss for a time, but one day their friendship grew into something wonderful and new. 

Greg graduated from the University of Charleston with a degree in Business Management and has built an impressive career in the event and rental industry. For 30 years, he owned H & H Enterprises, organizing thousands of events and earning recognition, including the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in West Virginia. Although he sold the business in 2018 with plans to retire, Greg’s passion for events pulled him back into the industry. Today, he works with The Rental Party in Charleston, managing everything from backyard picnics to high-profile events like Governor Patrick Morrisey's inauguration celebration. “Creating unforgettable events has always been my passion,” Greg shared.

Nicole attended West Virginia State University and Bridge Valley Community and Technical College. She is a Transportation Business Operations Senior Assistant for the West Virginia Department of Transportation. Her role involves managing daily operations, including purchasing equipment, handling HR needs, and overseeing budgetary tasks. Nicole’s dedication to her career and continuous growth have earned her respect and admiration. Despite her busy schedule, she still finds time to surprise her family with delicious home-cooked meals. "No matter how hectic things get, I love bringing us together over a good dinner," Nicole said.

Their family includes their 13-year-old grandson, Mason Halstead, who attends Hurricane Middle School. Mason has been playing soccer for eight years, starting in recreational leagues before joining WVFC and HMS' soccer team. In addition to soccer, Mason plays basketball in two recreational leagues and takes academics just as seriously as sports. A member of the National Honor Society and Student Council, Mason has maintained perfect attendance since starting school. His dedication and hard work are a source of pride for Greg and Nicole, who love supporting him in every endeavor.

The Harkins family enjoys traveling, whether it’s quick weekend getaways, cruising, or trips for Mason’s sports games. While they aren’t avid followers of professional sports, they are Mason’s biggest fans and rarely miss a game. "We’re passionate about any sport Mason plays," Nicole said.

Greg and Nicole cherish family traditions, especially during the holidays. Their home is a must-see during Christmas, with festive decorations that light up the neighborhood. “Christmas is a big deal for us,” Greg laughed. Family dinners are another treasured tradition, even if they often happen late at night after practices and games. "We make the most of every moment we have together," Nicole said.

Hurricane has become the perfect place for the Harkins family to call home. Greg, who moved to the area in 2016, knew it was the ideal community for Mason to grow up in. When he and Nicole married, they decided to stay in Hurricane, closing on their home just two days before their wedding. “The sense of community here is incredible,” Greg said. “It’s a place where Mason can build lifelong friendships and where we feel at home.”

The family’s connection to the community extends beyond their home. Greg recently completed three years as a coach for Mason’s Hurricane Middle School soccer team and actively contributes to local events through his role at The Rental Party. Nicole and Greg have even convinced their parents to move to the area, creating a close-knit family network. “Hurricane is more than just where we live—it’s where our family has truly found a home,” Nicole shared.