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60 Years of Stories
We all start somewhere: our first day of school, our first job, and for some, the first day of starting our own company. Although we may not realize it at the time, we eventually discover that it was the initial step that led us down the road to where we are today and provided us with the experiences that have shaped us along the way.
The story is no different for Mr. Kenneth Cooper. The early loss of 85% of his hearing and lack of accommodations in school could have been considered a road block in his life. However, time has proven that it was actually just a bump that would serve to redirect him to his real purpose: Cooper Steel.
Mr. Cooper officially began business 60 years ago, moonlighting with two employees in an 1,800 square foot shop. His grandfather became the first office employee and his wife, Faye Cooper, joined in 1965 as the second. Cooper Steel’s foundation for success could undoubtedly be found in the Coopers’ faith first, followed by hard work and incredible resolve to see the business flourish. Small jobs taken to keep the business afloat gradually turned into consistent contracts on local buildings. As larger, more reliable projects were awarded, the Company and its workforce grew with the strength of family as its backbone. The Coopers’ second-born son, Gary, joined the business in 1979 and his brother Barry came on board in 1990. That same year, the Coopers developed the interlocking C’s logo still used today, representing the four Coopers.
Relationships built and trust gained with general contractors over the years have provided opportunities to fabricate and erect substantial sized buildings and obtain state-of-the-art equipment. What began as a small operation with part-time employees and very limited resources has now grown to multi-million-dollar projects nationwide, with three office locations and highly skilled employees in every area.
2017 brought Barry Cooper’s retirement and Gary Cooper’s rise to CEO and Chairman of the Board. Gary, together with his children, Cory (Chief Operations Officer), Jordan (Chief Financial Officer) and Sydney (Assistant Marketing Director), all continue the family legacy today.
The story is no different for Mr. Kenneth Cooper. The early loss of 85% of his hearing and lack of accommodations in school could have been considered a road block in his life. However, time has proven that it was actually just a bump that would serve to redirect him to his real purpose: Cooper Steel.
Mr. Cooper officially began business 60 years ago, moonlighting with two employees in an 1,800 square foot shop. His grandfather became the first office employee and his wife, Faye Cooper, joined in 1965 as the second. Cooper Steel’s foundation for success could undoubtedly be found in the Coopers’ faith first, followed by hard work and incredible resolve to see the business flourish. Small jobs taken to keep the business afloat gradually turned into consistent contracts on local buildings. As larger, more reliable projects were awarded, the Company and its workforce grew with the strength of family as its backbone. The Coopers’ second-born son, Gary, joined the business in 1979 and his brother Barry came on board in 1990. That same year, the Coopers developed the interlocking C’s logo still used today, representing the four Coopers.
Relationships built and trust gained with general contractors over the years have provided opportunities to fabricate and erect substantial sized buildings and obtain state-of-the-art equipment. What began as a small operation with part-time employees and very limited resources has now grown to multi-million-dollar projects nationwide, with three office locations and highly skilled employees in every area.
2017 brought Barry Cooper’s retirement and Gary Cooper’s rise to CEO and Chairman of the Board. Gary, together with his children, Cory (Chief Operations Officer), Jordan (Chief Financial Officer) and Sydney (Assistant Marketing Director), all continue the family legacy today.
When Mr. Cooper took his leap of faith in 1960, he could never have dreamed that his second job would grow to a business employing over 200 and a shop covering over 70,000 square feet. He could not have foreseen the number of lives the business would impact, the unique culture he and his family would create for their employees, the difference they would have the privilege of making in their community, or the work ethic and dedication they would pass along through the generations of their family, both Cooper and Cooper Steel. As the Company celebrates its 60th anniversary and all who have contributed to its success along the way, it remains committed to customer service, employees who are like family, and standing strong into the future.
Cooper Steel Ranked as the 4th Top Steel Firm in Engineering News-Record 's Top 600 Specialty Contractors.
Cooper Steel was ranked the #3 steel firm in the U.S. by Engineering News-Record . We are honored to be acknowledged as one of the top firms in the country based on volume, attributing this to the devotion and relentless work of our Cooper family and our state-of-the-art facilities!
We’re singing happy birthday from the rooftops as we wish this influential man a Happy 90th Birthday! Mr. Kenneth Cooper’s life has been nothing short of impactful and astonishing, and we are so grateful to celebrate another year with him. What a beautiful day to gather and show our love, as well as recognize all that his hard work has amounted to! HAPPY 90th BIRTHDAY, Mr. Kenneth Cooper- we love you!
Shelbyville, TN Office
503 N. Hillcrest Drive
Shelbyville, TN 37160
(931) 684-7962
Nashville, TN Office
1005 17th Ave South, Suite 300
Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 321-5222
Florence, KY Office
500 Meijer Drive, Suite 100
Florence, KY 41042
(859) 980-0180
© 2020 Cooper Steel, Inc.
