Kevin & Susan Wade
Owner
In 1982, Kevin Wade began selling oysters out of a pickup truck in the town of Deltaville, Virginia. He would visit local restaurants and grocery stores, take orders and deliver a fresh product the next day. He would go on to build J&W Seafood with a highly successful retail and wholesale seafood business. 3 Hands Oysters is Kevin's vision and we are proud to continue his vision.
Ben Woodard
Owner
Ben is a product of the Chesapeake Bay. He grew up in Deltaville which is just across
the Piankatank River from our oyster grounds. Ben spent his childhood roaming the
local waterways and enjoying all the water lifestyle had to offer. Looking for a way to be
more involved with Bay restoration efforts, he partnered with Kevin and Susan Wade in
2018 to start up 3 Hands Oyster Company. Since Kevin’s untimely passing in 2019,
Ben has taken the helm of the company.
Brandon Eanes
Operations Manager
Brandon is a career waterman that started working the waters of the Chesapeake Bay
and tributaries when he was in his early teens. Growing oysters on a farm was a new
concept to him when he started with 3 Hands Oyster Company, but Brandon has thrived
in the aquaculture environment. He now handles the management of all of our
operations. From paperwork to growing strategy, Brandon has his hands in all aspects
of the business.
Joel Hillman
Team Leader
Joe has been with 3 Hands Oyster Company from the very beginning. He has proven
himself to be an invaluable member of the crew. Joe’s responsibilities have grown with
his experience. Now we rely on him to lead his own crew in our oyster husbandry
efforts. Joe is strong, reliable, and knowledgeable and we are lucky to have him.
Our Story
3 Hands Oyster Co. exists because Kevin Wade had a vision. He wanted to strengthen our community by raising high quality, high volume American-made oysters, grown by local people in our local waters. An oyster accessible in price and exceptional in taste. Haven Golds are the result of our ongoing dedication to delivering on this promise.
Sadly, Kevin is no longer physically with us, but Susan, Ben, and Brandon are making his dream a reality, every day.
