Founding Pioneer: Mozelle Cope’s Legacy in Cope Plastics

Introducing Mozelle Cope, whose contributions in the early years at Cope were instrumental in Cope’s success today. This Founder’s Week prompts us to cast a well-deserved spotlight on Mozelle’s remarkable journey.

Born on August 6th, 1919, in St. Louis, Missouri, Mozelle’s life intertwined with Cope Plastics when she married Dwight in 1940. Their union brought not only love but also twin daughters, Sharilyn and Marilyn. Despite the demands of raising a family, Mozelle’s entrepreneurial spirit burned bright. Together with Dwight, they embarked on a journey that would redefine the landscape of plastics manufacturing.

In the early days, their humble abode served as the foundation of innovation. Juggling motherhood and entrepreneurship, Mozelle epitomized the term “supermom.” Her days were filled with preparing her daughters for school, working tirelessly in the basement while they were away, and spending evenings with her family before returning to work late into the night.

The fruits of their labor soon materialized, enabling the purchase of the company’s first building. Initially focusing on art and trinkets, Mozelle and Dwight’s vision propelled Cope Plastics into new realms of success. By 1972, they had built the very building that still stands as a testament to their enduring legacy.

Mozelle’s influence extended far beyond the administrative realm. She was the heartbeat of the fabrication shop, where her tireless work ethic and unwavering dedication earned her the title of the “workhorse” of Cope. She was a quiet leader who led through example. She was known for never taking any breaks during the workday. From buffing cubes to meticulously packaging and shipping orders, Mozelle’s hands touched every facet of the business, ensuring that quality and precision were never compromised.

Together with Dwight, Mozelle made appearances at IAPD industry events and local community engagements, leaving an indelible mark on all those they encountered. The pair never missed an industrial arts trade show where they enjoyed sharing the possibilities of performance plastic with the next generation. This dedication to their community still encompasses Cope and ensure local charities remain a top priority for the company. It was said that the line to their trade show booth was long, because they were all trying to get a glimpse of learning how to do an internal carving in Plexiglas.

Today, Mozelle’s legacy continues to reverberate throughout our corporate landscape. Her presence lingers in every corner of our warehouse, a silent but potent reminder of her tireless dedication. In 2020, our fabrication team paid homage to Mozelle by affectionately naming our robot “Mozie” after her. To them, Mozelle embodied the very essence of precision and efficiency, qualities that continue to inspire and guide us to this day. Mozelle’s robotic precision and dedication were unmatched, and her stories continue to inspire both seasoned and new employees alike.

As we celebrate Founder’s Week, let us not forget Mozelle Cope, whose pioneering spirit and unwavering resolve have left an indelible imprint on the fabric of our company’s identity.