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Copper John aims for Auburn
By Ashley Hoey of Coburn Design, Inc.
Doug and Eric Springer knew about business long before they started Copper John, Inc. The brothers, having grown up under their successful father, Lou, had learned how to be successful and still continue to thrive from improvement. Copper John, Inc. manufactures products for hunters all over the world. Their product lines focus on release aids, target sites and pin sites. Under the Copper John and Stanislawski brands, the Springer's have brought economic development to their hometown of Auburn, New York.
"We're both from Auburn and we grew up in the area," said Eric. "We like the general surrounding area and the four seasons. So it would have to be the area that keeps us in business here."
Doug praised the city of Auburn for its quality of life as a reason that he enjoys Central New York.
"Lifestyle. I like being in Auburn where you can buy a big old house for peanuts and lose your shirt renovating it," said Doug. "I like the small town atmosphere."
Copper John has received many accolades as the business continues in progression. They were awarded the 6th fastest growing business in Central New York from MACNY. The company also just missed qualifying for the Fortune 500 list.
Eric jokes, "We've been playing horseshoes with the Fortune 500 if close counted."
The Copper John products are located in several outdoor sporting good venues in the area. Bass Pro, Cabella's and Finger Lakes Pro Shop are just a few of the retailers in the Central New York region that carry the products made at the State Street manufacturing location. In December, the Springer's will travel to Texas where several people that won a national contest hosted in conjunction with Cabella's will be awarded a weekend excursion. The CEO of Cabella's will be in attendance.
Individuals using Copper John products have done extremely well at national archery tournaments.
"In the major archery tournaments, we won 87% of archery contests last year, including 96% of the 1st place podiums in the elite division," said Eric. "Many of our competitors pay retainers to get the pro level shooters to use their products, we generally don't."
Eric credits Doug's expertise in marketing the business and the feedback he gets from other influential members of the team for bringing the Copper John name to the forefront of the industry.
"My brother has done a phenomenal job in marketing and I get so much feedback on the products, and we improve and improve. I think that's what sets us apart from our competitors: our continual drive to improve and not be satisfied where we are."
Though it might seem like peaches and cream to be employed at Copper John in Auburn, the Springer's are quick to explain how difficult it sometimes is to do business in New York State. The brothers recognize the desire to do business in the area is hindered by the government.
"The most challenging part of our business is a tough call. The tax structure of New York State is far less attractive than some of the other states," said Eric. "It's not being pro-business; it's just trying to accommodate people who want to do business. You have to expect more from yourselves, and not expect more from the state. You have to WANT to do business here."
Though taxes are high in New York State, Doug realizes the ease that comes along with doing business in Upstate New York.
"The Northeast of the United States has been the hub of most of the industrialized world before Japan came along. The Northeast is where it's at. The low cost of real estate translates into everything. Wages are relatively low, therefore it's easier to compete with China. Being in the North East, there is no barrier you have from the most sophisticated equipment in terms of supporting manufacturing."
With BOCES undergoing major construction in their new building, the Springer's are looking forward to working with officials in investing in higher quality equipment for the betterment of the students as they enter the workforce.
"We're looking forward to working with BOCES because what a student is now taught does not prepare them for the workplace," said Eric.
"This BOCES project really excites us. We're looking forward to that, they really teach a trade. Right now you have tradesmen, but they're not spring chickens, and the young ones are leaving. If they can come out of BOCES using the more expensive equipment, that'll be terrific," said Doug.
Doug and Eric Springer are proud to be doing business in the United States.
"It takes a lot more effort, but we're proud to say we employ the people that we employ. We're proud to say we make it in the USA. We don't circumvent and say 'most of our work is done in the USA,' but in fact, ALL of our products are made in the States," said Eric.
Doug is extremely grateful for the assistance from the City in Auburn in helping the brothers start their business.
"The City helped us build the business with the low cost loan that was a big help. If you're marketing nationally, Auburn is ideal, it's cheap to be here. You don't rely on your local economy to do your business, and you in turn help bring up the economy here."
Eric appreciates being a business owner and understands the magnitude of the opportunity he and his brother have capitalized on.
"The sense of control you have on your own destiny, you either fail or succeed. You also get to define the culture of your work environment, how people get along, how you handle business. Are you going to have a robot come punch a card, or are you going to have people come in and enjoy where they work?"
The brothers are excited for the future and the expansion of Copper John.
"We're trying rapidly to expand our product line. We don't just buy and acquire something. If we buy a brand name, we apply our own special version of value and quality to it. If we can't do something better, we don't do it. We plan to be even better than our competitors," said Eric.
"I see us progressing just in a broader product line. We stick to release aids and sites. We have a couple other products. In the future, we'll start creating more product lines for pin sites and then we have target sites which are for real competition. Archery is more ingrained in society in Europe. They can fill a stadium to watch it. They are not generally hunters, so you get all walks of life," said Doug.
The Springer's estimate they'll see growth of up to 35% in the coming year. As they create new products and expand on the current ones, the owners of Copper John are already succeeding at creating a business environment to give to their children in the future. When they have time, they enjoy the lifestyle that the City of Auburn and the Finger Lakes region has to offer.
The following is a list of retailers in the Central New York region that carry the products manufactured by Copper John. Please visit www.copperjohn.com for more information on the company. It's not too late to purchase a Copper John product as a Christmas present for your favorite hunter.
Lancaster Archery Supply
Bass Pro Shops
Finger Lakes Pro Shop in Waterloo
Wild Wood Sports Center in Elbridge
Gregg's Archery in Moravia
Mike's Bikes Bows and Boards
Legends of Fall Outfitters in Tully
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