Many things contribute to building a successful business. But there’s one element that companies can easily overlook: Giving back to the communities in which they do business.
The benefits of giving back so are evident at A-1 Little John Site Services in Denison, Texas, roughly 75 miles north of downtown Dallas. Established in 1998 by owners Jim and Shellee Copeland, the company devotes a lot of time, resources and money to local organizations, board, charities and the like, says Cody Copeland, the company’s vice president of sales and the son of the owners.
“We do it because we like to help people,” he explains. "We’ve been blessed to have the tools to be successful and we want to give back to communities, churches and local organizations. So we’re very plugged into the community and get involved in as many things as we can – we like to just get stuff done.
“I believe we have an ethical and moral obligation to give back,” he adds. “Also, it’s very rewarding to be able to help other people.”
The Copeland family is very active in the community. For example, Jim Copeland served or serves on a variety of boards, including a seat on a local school board for 10 years and current positions on the board of directors for a local electric utility co-op and the Texoma Exposition Livestock Show.
Cody Copeland says he’s the secretary for the board of directors for Workforce Solutions Texoma, which provides employment services to Grayson, Cooke and Fannin counties. He’s also active in Leadership Sherman, which trains people to serve on local municipal organizations, such as city councils and county seats, and the Sherman Chamber of Commerce.
The company also makes significant financial contributions to charities and other events, such as fundraisers for cancer victims, Meals on Wheels and other groups. The business also donates restrooms to organizations when they hold fundraising events, he says.
Of course, doing such work also benefits the company in terms of marketing and brand recognition.
“It helps to network and make connections with other local businesses,” Copeland says. “The more units we have out at events, the more exposure our brand gets.
“And anytime my dad, Clay (his older brother) and I go to these events, we’re direct representatives of A-1 Little John,” he continues. “So when people hear the name Copeland, they think of A-1 Little John. It’s very effective branding.”
Read more about A-1 Little John in the July issue of PRO magazine, available now.
