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On New Years' Day 1979, fire struck in the building that Acme
Sheet Metal shared with others and it burned to the ground. Mr.
Strong rebuilt his business, but took it as a sign to simplify.
In 1981, he started Copperworks focusing on traditional tools,
hand craftsmanship and products that become conversation pieces.
Building a solid base of referral customers, John Strong, and
lead craftsman, Kent Morneault, gained a reputation for their work
in Marin, Napa, San Francisco and Sonoma counties.
Copperworks
moved into their current location at 400 Western Avenue in 1991.
Word continued to spread about Copperworks' capabilities at
creating custom range hoods, chimney caps, countertops and
sinks.
As Mr. Strong considered retirement in 2003, he sought out a
new owner for the business he built over 20 years. When he met
Joe Cain of Mio Metals, Inc., he knew that he had found someone
that appreciated the personal style, hand craftsmanship, and
legacy of Copperworks.
In April 2009, John Strong passed away after a long battle with Parkinson's
Disease. It is a horrible affliction that claimed a good man before his time.
Mr. Cain has proven his ability to continue the business John Strong created and
lead it through a global economy - both ups and downs. In an era when
manufacturing jobs are leaving the U.S., Mr. Cain is dedicated to keeping craft
manufacturing in America. |
