Harry Cooper Supply diversifies through the years

by Kris Ann Hegle

SBJ Contributing Writer

In 1872, an 11-year old boy called Harry Cooper and his parents moved from Leicestershire, England, to a small farm about eight miles south of Springfield. Times were hard, and when he got a little older, he took a job in town and eventually became a plumber's apprentice at Matthews and Baker, Plumbers, Gas and Steam Fitting.

He liked the plumbing business, and he was good at it. In 1886, Cooper bought out the owners and went into business for himself.

Cooper's philosophy was simple, "Treat people right, go steady and straight, and keep at it." Today the business he founded Harry Cooper Supply Co. still follows that philosophy.

Shortly after Harry Cooper founded the company, his brother George began working with him. The business, which was named Cooper Brothers Plumbing and Heating Contractors, was located on South Street for many years.

Early records show the business was prosperous. Cooper Brothers bid on increasingly larger contracts and completed jobs at the St. Louis World's Fair, as well as hotel jobs as far south as Gulfport, Miss.

In 1908, Harry Cooper bought out his brother, incorporated the business, and moved operations to a bigger location on Water Street. The name was changed to Harry Cooper Supply Co. Inc., and the company became a plumbing supply wholesaler.

The wholesale plumbing business also prospered, and the company opened three similar businesses in Joplin, Salina, Kan., and Tulsa, Okla. In 1995, another satellite store opened in Branson.

Through the years, the company expanded its line of inventory. During the 1930s, electrical equipment and small and major appliances were added. Before long, Harry Cooper Supply Co. had outgrown its location.

The business relocated again to a larger facility on Sherman Street in 1950. Expansion continues at this location, and Harry Cooper Supply now has one of the largest showrooms in the area.

Four generations of Coopers have run the family business.

Founder Henry (Harry) Cooper Jr. passed the business on to his son John H.G. (Jack) Cooper. John H.G.'s sons, John O. (Jack) Cooper and James H. (Harry) Cooper, took the helm and ran the business together until Jack's death in 1993. Jack's son, John T. Cooper, joined the business nine years ago.

The company's regular customers learned over the years if they called Harry Cooper Supply and asked for Harry, Jack or John Cooper, they'd wind up speaking with one of the owners.

Encouraging customers to talk directly with one of the owners has helped Harry Cooper Supply compete with many of the companies that are not locally owned.

According to John Cooper, the company was built one customer at a time, and some customers have been doing business with the Coopers for more than 60 years. Several employees also have many years with the company.

In addition to Harry Cooper Supply, the Cooper family operates several other area businesses including Springfield Flying Service and Commercial Data Systems. The family also founded Springfield's first television station, the CBS affiliate now known as KOLR TV 10, which they sold in 1998.

To keep operations running smoothly at the diverse businesses they own, the Coopers formed C.B. Management Co. in 1978.

Steve Reagan heads up C.B. Management, which oversees operations at Harry Cooper Supply Co., Joplin Supply Co., Springfield Flying Service and Commercial Data Systems.

In addition to building several businesses in Springfield, the Cooper family also is continuing to build a tradition of community service.

The Coopers have served on or donated money to the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, the Community Chest, the United Fund and many other service organizations.

The family was giving money to so many different organizations that they consolidated their charitable donations and formed the Cooper Family Foundation in 1986, John Cooper said.

Money from the foundation goes toward developing Cooper Park, which has soccer facilities, baseball fields, and a tennis complex that's home to the Springfield Lasers.[[In-content Ad]]