From Real Estate to Rails & Ales: The Business-Minded Leadership of Blaine Crabtree

A lifelong resident of Cabell County, Blaine Crabtree has long stood as a beacon of community involvement and dedication. Born and raised in Huntington, Blaine’s roots are deeply embedded in the heart of the region. He holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Marshall University, where he began charting a career defined by innovation, service, and leadership.
For the past 15 years, Blaine has shared life with his wife, Kelli. Together, they are raising two daughters—Margaret, 11, and Clara, 9.
Blaine’s professional path reflects both his entrepreneurial spirit and his commitment to the community. As Sales and Property Manager for the Island Estates Subdivision, he played a vital role in the sale and construction of more than 90 homes. His passion for local business also led him to found Bottle & Wedge, a specialty craft beer and cheese shop located at Heritage Station. Blaine has left an indelible mark on the local business landscape.
Beyond his business ventures, Blaine is deeply involved in youth sports. As head wrestling coach at Huntington Middle School, he has guided the team to three consecutive Cabell County Championships, teaching his athletes the values of discipline, perseverance, and teamwork.
One of Blaine’s most notable community contributions is the Rails & Ales Beer Festival, which he co-founded 12 years ago. Now the largest beer festival in West Virginia, the event welcomed more than 5,000 attendees last year and has become a celebrated tradition every August in Huntington. The festival not only highlights the region’s thriving craft beer culture but also builds a strong sense of connection among attendees.
In real estate, Blaine has been a full-time agent with Realty Advantage for the past eight years. He is also a member of both the Huntington and Kanawha Valley Board of Realtors. He told Stroll Barboursville," When buying a home, my clients are making some of the biggest and most difficult decisions of their lives. I feel privileged that they place their trust in me to offer guidance and a professional opinion. I strive to be accessible to all parties, knowledgeable of the market, empathetic to each client’s situation, and adaptable when challenges arise—always working to achieve the best possible outcome for buyers and sellers alike.”
Blaine’s dedication to service extends to his work as a Homes for Heroes Realtor. He explains, “This program allows me to give back up to 30% of my commission to active-duty soldiers, veterans, first responders, medical professionals, and teachers when they buy or sell a home through me. It’s a wonderful, easy-to-use program I’m proud to support.”
As a member of the leadership team and former President of the Superior BNI chapter, which meets Thursday mornings at Ohio Valley Bank in Barboursville, Blaine continues to lead with purpose, fostering collaboration and support among local professionals.
Through his diverse and impactful efforts, Blaine Crabtree exemplifies how one individual’s dedication can uplift an entire community.