Michael and Ricki Gullion have built a life centered around family, faith, and community in Barboursville, where they are raising their 6-year-old son, Shadrick. Along with their growing family comes a lively household that also includes six baby chickens named Videlia, Sammy Kershaw, Hank, Henry, Furry, and Fluffy.

Ricki grew up in the very home the family lives in today and has spent more than 30 years in the neighborhood, while Michael moved to Barboursville from Hurricane nearly 15 years ago. Together, they have created a home full of traditions, activity, and strong community connections. The couple will celebrate 10 years of marriage later this month.

Ricki is a graduate of Cabell Midland High School and Marshall University, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in graphic design and a minor in dietetics. Michael graduated from Hurricane High School before attending Liberty University to study theology. He later entered the police academy and served as a police officer in both Barboursville and Nitro for five years.

Today, the Gullions own and operate Kid Fit, located near the Huntington Mall, a business they have worked hard to build together from the ground up. Ricki also works for a medical device company, where she has been employed for 13 years, while Michael now runs Kid Fit full-time.

“We’ve been incredibly blessed by the community that has formed around Kid Fit,” Ricki shared with Stroll Barboursville. “It has truly become like family to us, and we love seeing kids grow in confidence while having fun.”

The Gullions stay active and enjoy spending time outdoors together. Whether snowboarding at Snowshoe, relaxing by the pool, traveling, or visiting their family home in Estero, Florida, they value quality family time above everything else. Michael is also an avid golfer, while Shadrick already shares his father’s love for both golf and baseball.

Their son stays busy with baseball, track, swimming, Kid Fit classes, co-op, forest school, and plans to begin karate this summer. The family also places a strong emphasis on togetherness and traditions. Every Sunday after church, they gather for a standing family lunch date to reconnect and spend time together.

The Gullions are active members of the community through both their business and personal involvement. They are members of the Huntington Chamber of Commerce, attend New Heights Church, and stay involved in as many of their son’s sports and activities as possible.

“One thing we really value is making memories together,” Michael said. “Whether it’s traveling, sports, church, or just sitting down for a meal, we try to stay connected as a family.”

Another meaningful tradition carried on by the Gullions is a special birthday song started by Ricki’s family many years ago. Today, that same tradition continues not only in their home but also during birthday celebrations at Kid Fit.

The family says one of the things they love most about Barboursville is the close-knit atmosphere. “We love knowing our neighbors and feeling connected to the community,” Ricki said. “Barboursville is such a wonderful place to raise a family because it still has that small-town feel with so many