Kevin Coppersmith, the CEO and Co-Owner of ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing, is no stranger to the world of entrepreneurship. His journey from pioneering foundation to pioneering foundation and waterproofing solutions is a testament to his passion for building and leading successful ventures. In an exclusive interview, Coppersmith shares his story, insights, and the values that drive ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing to excel in an ever-evolving industry.
From Finance to Foundations
Kevin Coppersmith’s path to the foundation and waterproofing industry was shaped by his love for building and entrepreneurship. “My background is such that I love building things,” he says. After graduating from Washington and Lee University with a B.S. in Business Administration, he began his career in investment banking with Merrill Lynch in New York City. Despite the invaluable lessons he learned, Coppersmith always yearned to build something from the ground up.
In 2010, he co-founded SyncThink, Inc., a company that developed eye-tracking technology for VR headsets with the aim of diagnosing concussion and mild traumatic brain injury. This venture was a challenging yet exhilarating experience that fueled his entrepreneurial spirit. His subsequent roles as CEO and Partner at Aptima Ventures, LLC, and Co-Founder and CFO at RESCON further honed his leadership skills and deepened his understanding of motivating teams and steering businesses towards success.
Rebuilding a Venerable Brand
Coppersmith’s decision to join ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing was influenced by three key factors: the perpetual need for home repairs, the poor customer experience offered by most home repair contractors, and the opportunity to revitalize a well-established company. “’58 Foundations & Waterproofing wasn’t about building from scratch, but rebuilding this venerable brand and business that had been around since 1958,” he explains.
Central to this rebuilding effort was assembling the right team and communicating the company’s vision. “People need to know what they are working for and what the goal is,” he emphasizes. By empowering employees to make decisions and supporting them, ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing fosters a culture of job satisfaction and autonomy, eschewing micromanagement in favor of trust and empowerment.
A Legacy of Quality and Integrity
Maintaining longevity and a stellar reputation for over six decades requires a commitment to quality and integrity. “Longevity comes from people on the inside who want to do the right thing by the customer and the company,” says Coppersmith. ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing prides itself on using the best quality products and installation methods, resisting the temptation to cut corners for short-term gains. This unwavering commitment ensures long-term value for customers and sustainable success for the business.
Standing Out in the Industry
What sets ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing apart from other contractors in the home repair industry is its dedication to employee well-being. “We know that if we take great care of our employees, then they in turn will take care of our customers,” Coppersmith states. By offering long-term career opportunities and fostering a fulfilling work environment, the company creates a culture where employees feel part of a larger purpose, reflected in their exceptional work and customer service.
Innovative Solutions and Customer Commitment
One of the company’s significant differentiators is its pioneering interior basement waterproofing system. Despite considering more profitable but less effective installation methods, ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing chose to uphold its high standards. “Superior products and installation methods are our clear differentiator,” Coppersmith notes, highlighting their strong lifetime warranties and industry-first money-back guarantee.
Customer satisfaction is a cornerstone of ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing’s philosophy. The addition of a Customer Experience Manager has enhanced the company’s ability to provide remarkable experiences throughout the home repair journey. This dedication to customer care has earned the company over two thousand Google reviews with an impressive 4.8-star average rating.
Commitment to Community and Sustainability
In addition to its internal practices and customer-focused philosophy, ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing is dedicated to giving back to the community and prioritizing sustainability. Kevin Coppersmith believes that a successful business should contribute positively to society and the environment. The company engages in various community service initiatives, supporting local charities, and participating in community-building projects.
Recognition and Awards
The numerous accolades received by ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing, including multiple recognitions from Inc. Magazine, the Better Business Bureau, and various prestigious newspapers, are a testament to the company’s excellence and ethics. “Achieving these awards and being recognized over many years is incredible,” Coppersmith reflects. These honors underscore the company’s consistent delivery of outstanding service and its commitment to a culture of integrity and excellence.
Leadership and Innovation
Under Kevin Coppersmith’s leadership, ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing continues to innovate and adapt to the changing landscape of the home repair industry. The company’s focus on research and development has led to the introduction of cutting-edge technologies and improved methods in foundation repair and waterproofing. This commitment to innovation ensures that ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing remains a leader in the industry, providing customers with the best solutions available.
Coppersmith’s forward-thinking approach is reflected in the company’s continuous improvement initiatives. By investing in employee training and development, ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing equips its team with the latest knowledge and skills needed to excel in their roles. “We believe in continuous learning and growth,” says Coppersmith. “Our employees are our greatest asset, and their professional development is key to our ongoing success.”
A Promise of Protection and Innovation
’58 Foundations & Waterproofing’s unique money-back guarantee and life-of-the-structure warranty assure customers that their investment is protected for as long as they live in their home and beyond. “We are always going to do right by our customers,” Coppersmith asserts. This promise of protection is a cornerstone of the company’s ethos.
Adaptation to industry trends and customer preferences is crucial for long-term success. The company has embraced innovative communication channels and business models to meet customers where they are on their home repair journey. Whether through phone, email, text, or webchat, ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing ensures seamless and convenient communication.
Conclusion
Kevin Coppersmith’s journey with ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing is a story of visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to quality, and a deep belief in the power of people. Under his guidance, the company continues to enhance the quality of life for property owners and offers fulfilling careers to its team members. As ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing looks to the future, its legacy of excellence and innovation remains firmly intact, setting the standard for the home repair industry.
