Upcycling items from historic cotton mill slated to become loft apartments.

Salvage Dawgs returns to the DIY Network for a 5th Season premiering two exciting new episodes back-to-back Sunday, February 28 at 9 and 9:30pm EST. In the first episode, architectural enthusiasts, fans of Virginia-based Black Dog Salvage Inc. and lovers of historical treasures will travel south to Spartanburg, SC as the team seeks to find reusable treasures in a giant cotton mill dating back to 1902. The 50,000+ square foot building served as the Drayton Mill for 56 years and will be redeveloped into 650 loft-style apartments in a high demand industrial area of The Sparkle City.

The launch of the new season finds Robert Kulp recovering from knee surgery and unable to join the team on the job site -- leaving the rest of the crew trying to manage the project under the “WWRD” (What Would Robert Do?) premise. With carefree Mike Whiteside in charge – fans can rest assured there will be some “near misses” and amusing results from his “do first – think second” approach. After some comical banter and logistical “challenges” the Dawgs are able to harvest some “industrial bling” from a large boiler room and a spectacular 12-foot fan from the roof of the mill.

Back at the Black Dog Salvage showroom and retail shop, Tay Whiteside helps his dad design and build a one-of-a-kind desk for his new office – made from the salvaged wing flap of a Grumman Gulfstream 1 aircraft. “It was a cool idea,” said Tay. “My dad doesn’t build things for himself often, so when he came to me with an idea that would inspire him, I was in for it!” he adds.

Salvage Dawgs chronicles the adventures of Robert Kulp and Mike Whiteside, owners of Southwestern Virginia-based Black Dog Salvage. Each episode leaves audiences laughing, inspired, and amazed as they stay just ahead of the wrecking ball to reclaim a wide range of vintage architectural elements and oddities. The salvaged materials go in a dazzling number of directions, from being incorporated into new
“old” houses to being transformed into one-of-a-kind furniture and art featured on their warehouse floor and website.

“We are saving America, one house part at a time,” said owner Robert Kulp. “It’s satisfying to know that these architectural treasures will live on and be appreciated across the country.” Throughout the series, Kulp strives to run a tight ship with his eye on the bottom line -- while spirited Whiteside takes a more creative approach, tearing through old homes and buildings – finding treasure in the most unexpected places and making things happen – even under the most challenging circumstances.

Airs on DIY Network Sunday, February 28 at 9pm EST. Check local listings for details. Get Social: #SalvageDawgs #DIYNetwork @BlackDogSalvage Join the Dawgs @BlackDogSalvage as they Live Tweet during the show! BlackDogSalvage.com DIYNetwork.com/shows/Salvage-Dawgs

About Salvage Dawgs + Black Dog Salvage
Salvage Dawgs chronicles the adventures and creativity of Black Dog Architectural Salvage, a prominent architectural salvage showroom and retail shop located in Roanoke, Virginia. With a mission to reclaim, renew and redefine architectural salvage for a sustainable future, they specialize in saving such elements from the landfill. The 40,000 sq. ft. design center is filled with architectural antiques and features an in-house wood and metal shop that creates custom designs out of reclaimed materials.

Black Dog Salvage gained popularity nationwide with appearances on The Nate Berkus Show and through features in the magazines Southern Living, Country Living, Virginia Living and Garden and Gun. They also reach a wide range of enthusiasts through their online presence: www.BlackDogSalvage.com. Although – their favorite claim to fame is Sally the Salvage Dog, and her new side-kicks, Molly May and Stella, who are eager to welcome customers to the shop or showroom!

Humorous, family-friendly banter, a suspenseful approach to presenting the salvage process and useful information about how to reuse the historic items they find has resonated will with audiences nationwide. Now it it’s 5th season, Salvage Dawgs is proving to be an ngaging and entertaining television show the whole family can enjoy. Salvage Dawgs is co-produced by Trailblazer Studios and Figure 8 Films and airs nationally on the DIY Network.

Black Dog Salvage and Salvage Dawgs Bios

Mike Whiteside, Co-Owner of Black Dog Salvage Famous for saying, “go big, go hard, go fast, or go home” Mike Whiteside, the resident optimist of Black Dog Salvage, has yet to meet an impossible task – but knows his limits. As a former Navy parachute rigger, he traveled the world serving our country. Mike’s love of travel and the sea led him to a 15- year career as a professional sailor and yacht captain. Some of his other offbeat jobs include ski lift operator and chair seat weaver. His skill set today involves custom fabrication, ad hoc artistry, and creative salvaging. His master rigging skills are put to the test in pursuit of all things salvageable. Always looking for a deal, you’ll find Mike calling the shots on the front lines of Black Dog bartering. An architectural visionary, Mike loves to tackle design challenges and help customers create their own unique treasures. On a rare day off, you can find him with a line in the water or riding his Harley through the Virginia countryside looking for the next salvage conquest. 

Robert Kulp, Co-Owner of Black Dog Salvage With a keen eye for historical value and a constant focus on the bottom line, Robert Kulp is the resident architecturologist of Black Dog Salvage. A builder, salvager, Roanoke native and proud Virginia Tech Hokie, this former Naval Officer knows how to run a tight ship. In the office or in the field – Robert is all about “attention to detail” – a source of both great pain and entertainment for the rest of the Back Dog Crew. With a degree in Building Construction from Virginia Tech – Robert has a passion for architectural details and a great understanding of the value of reclaimed building parts. As a Class A General Contractor, he offers solid advice and services for period restorations, “new” old houses, and “sympathetic” additions. In his spare time, you can find him cheering on the Hokies, kite boarding, or navigating behind the wheel of the “Damn Skippy” (Black Dog’s vintage cabin cruiser).

Robert + Mike Become Salvage Dawgs
Starting a salvage business was not intentional. Mike needed a garage built; Robert came to give him advice. The two found kindred souls in each other, having both served in the Navy. After lamenting the pending demolition of a local 1892 landmark filled with architectural details, they took a chance, made a salvage offer and began saving the house piece by piece. In a warehouse Mike had rented for another project, with Mike’s 1s (Molly), they turned over an old vinyl sign – wrote ‘SALVAGE’ – and moments later a customer pulled into the parking lot. They haven’t looked back since. Three years later they outgrew the building and purchased a 40,000 square warehouse next to the Memorial Bridge near Grandin Village in Roanoke, VA. Over the last decade, the business has evolved from a down and dirty salvage warehouse to an interior design showroom featuring architectural details, custom designs, local artists and vendors. Mike brings his creative eye to the Black Dog Design Shop, fabricating one of kind custom pieces and Robert offers astute business acumen, sound construction advice and long range vision. This coupled with the support of (understanding) families and a strong belief in supporting locally owned businesses, has been a recipe for success.

Tay Whiteside
With a subtle and charming sense of humor he inherited from his dad, Tay Whiteside is an important voice on the Salvage Dawgs team. Working alongside his dad, Mike, at an early age, Tay learned the art of creative problem solving, the skills of a craftsman and the tricks of the trade. Tay has been a critical part of the Black Dog Salvage crew since he was eye-to-eye with the Black Dog. The apple did not fall far from the tree – as Tay is a jack-of-all-trades and willing to attack any challenge with a jovial and creative approach! Known to the crew as “The Operator”, Tay is the go-to for all things mechanical. Recently becoming a new homeowner, you can follow his renovation projects at Facebook/Tay Whiteside – Black Dog Salvage! In his downtime, you’ll find him working with his friends on cars, spinning records, playing with his adorable rescue puppy “Stella” and enjoying the great outdoors.

Ted Ayers
Ted provides comic relief and an occasional toe-tapping tune to the Black Dog Salvage crew. Before becoming a Salvage Dawg, Ted spent his early days touring with his popular alternative rock band: Not Even and recently returned to the stage for their 25th year reunion. Settling down to raise a family, Ted moved back to his hometown of Roanoke to join his father in the insurance business. After 15 years, he was ready for a break from his desk job and switched gears by joining good friend, Mike at Black Dog Salvage for a chance to work with his hands and get a little dirty. On his days off you’ll find him fishing, canoeing, hanging by the fire pit with the fellows, camping, cooking, playing guitar, welding, gardening, helping neighbors and strangers alike....all with his signature smile.

Grayson Goldsmith
After adventure travels to Scotland, France, Spain and a brief stint as the lighting and camera standin for Brooke Shields for her movie “The Hot Flashes” filmed in New Orleans -- Roanoke Virginia native, Grayson Goldsmith, holds her own with the boys – adding her own brand of humor to the group. Her studies in Sustainable Development and Geology at Appalachian State University make her a valuable resource in the quest to decipher genuine salvage gems from fool’s gold. When she is not climbing ladders and swinging hammers, she enjoys time on her mat practicing yoga, being outdoors hiking, biking, paddle boarding and spending time relaxing with her huge hound-dog mutt, Joey.

Media Contact: 
Christa Stephens
540.343.6200
christa@blackdogsalvage.com