Copy Corporation

1987

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Click On Name:   Michael Adamczyk, Chris Applegate, Christal Armstrong, Dan Armstrong, Al Babcock, Linda Bamforth, Lamont Bayne, Leanne Bradshaw, Ken Brown,  Steve Carrico,  Tammy Carter, Denny Comer, Matt Coomes, Tad Douglas, Kevin Dowdy,  Sandy Esienback,  Joyce Fendley, Jim Francis, Randy Freeman, Lisa Freepartner, Tom Gilman, Donnie Grace, Ray Haas, David Hesse, Dan Heiskel, Mickey Higdon, Lance Hodges, Terry Hollowell, Colleen Hoover, George Hunter, Bruce Jennings,  Jim Kellog, Jim Kincer, Lunette Kovatch, Tom Madison, Rey McAlpin, Bob Medley, Norma Niev, David Payne, Dan Pierce, Debbie Remboski,  Dave Riddle, David Rogers, Greg Meyers, Steve Meyer,  Gary Jennings, Craig Shellman,  Dennis Sloan, Jeff Slyn, Jeff Swan, Sid Swinney, Bill Taylor, Dennis Thompson, Lynn Underwood, Keith Watkins, Kim Whitmer, Steve Young,

~~~~~~~~

PICTURES 1,  PICTURES 2,  PICTURES 3,  PICTURES 4,  PICTURES 5,  PICTURES 6,  PICTURES 7,

PRESIDENTS CLUB TRIP

CRUISE PICTURES

JAMAICA PICTURES

ACAPULCO PICTURES

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

BEARSKIN LODGE FISHING

EARLY 1980 HALLOWEEN PARTY

SID AND SERVICE SHELVING FOR PARTS ROOM

FIRST BUSINESS CARDS

Should anyone not want their name and/or picture used on this blog, please notify me and it will be removed.

Dennis Thompson

Dennis 1978

Dennis Thompson
Louisville, KY
Email (Click Here)

Dennis was the very FIRST service technician to be hired at CopyCorporation in 1978.  He came to us from UEI and I remember the one big thing that he wanted as a condition of employment, a Mazda RX7 convertible!  (If you remember, in those days the UEI television commercial showed a UEI graduate with a good job and a convertible car).  What did we do?  We bought him a RX7 as the FIRST CopyCorp Service vehicle!  (It was worth it), Dennis did an excellent job in service, but we soon realized Dennis had good selling skills and he moved into the sales and marketing department.  

Dennis, Lisa, Steve, Lynn
French Lick 1983

I will never forget one weekend in 1983, Dennis and Steve decided they were going to write a book, (Lord only knows what about), so the reserved a room at French Lick and they packed up Lisa and Lynn and headed that way.  Here is a picture of them at dinner at French Lick but there never was a book written, I know though that a book could be written "ABOUT" their weekend! LOL

Son, Jimmy and Lisa Thompson 2012

Today, Dennis is the Major Account Executive with Windstream Communication and is owner of Shaden Properties, a rental property company.

Matt Coomes

Matt Coomes 2012

Matt Coomes
Louisville, KY
Email (Click Here)

I became associated with Copy Corp fresh out of the Navy where I learned to fix among other things IBM Selectric Typewriters as well as Savin Copiers.  Bruce Jennings hired  me in  December 1984, which was the beginning my long career in this sometimes crazy business (after turning down a typewriter repair job in Atlanta...good move)!

My first assignment at Copy Corp as Service Tech and after a short time became a Field Supervisor with all the old timers, until 1989 at which time I was transferred to Bowling Green and then to Nashville with EBM (also an Alco Standard Company), then we "Knew One Name"  IKON.  I continued as a "Field Service Supervisor" until I  was promoted to "Service Manager" and later "Operations Manager".  After a while I had the opportunity to move into the sales department as a "Major Accounts Sales Rep and Professional Services Technician (not all at the same time) from 1989 until 2007.

I returned to Louisville in April 2007 as the Vice President of Service for Toshiba (KY , IL ,IN ) where I have had a great time and actually work with many former Copy Corp employees (Tom Ramsey, Tom Gilman, Thomas Robinson, Darrell Shaw and Jim Francis)

Matt and Tina 2011

Matt @ Ohio Valley Dragway

My hobbies are Drag Racing a 2005 Hayabusa Motorcycle and playing bass guitar and I am on the Board of Directors of a local charity  "KIDS CENTER "  that does wonderful work with kids who struggle with Autism, Down Syndrome, Spina Bifida, Cerebral Palsy, ADD, ADHD and more.  Married to the same beautiful  lady I married in 1985 when I was a tech at Copy Corp  Tina "Jackson" Coomes  and we have 2 wonderful sons!                    

Jimmy, Mark, Tina, Matt 2012

Donnie Grace

Donnie Grace 1983

Donnie Grace 2012

Donnie Grace
Mt. Washington, KY
Does anyone have Donnie's Email address?

Donnie Grace worked with CopyCorp for many years during the 1980's.  Donnie was a warehouse worker and eventually became warehouse manager until he resigned to go to truck mechanic school and in 1991 became a truck driver for Conway Trucking Company where he is still driving today.  Donnie is the son of our bookkeeper, Linda Bamforth and  had the work ethic of his mother, always dependable and worked until the job was done!  He was a quiet and shy personality, but he took his work very serious and got it done, I remember that Donnie loved "trains" and "Big Trucks" anything to do with trains or 18 wheelers were his thing!  Donnie and his wife Leslea currently reside in Mt. Washington, KY.

Donnie Grace 1997

Add caption

Dave Riddle

David Riddle

Cecilia, KY 42724

Email (Click Here)

Dave Riddle 2015

In late 1980 we were in need of another service tech and someone told me about a gentleman that worked at UEI electronic school in Louisville.  Dave was an instructor at UEI and I thought there was no way in the world that he would leave a great school like that and come to a startup copy machine company, but, when I called and ask him if we could talk, he quickly agreed!  I was absolutely surprised and very pleased that he was willing to hear my story. (didn’t know that UEI was about to send him to Saudi Arabia for a couple of years).  So one cold, wet November day, I went to UEI to talk with Dave, we met at a near-by Pizza Hut for a long an very interesting interview which ended in employment with Copy Corporation from 1980 through 1982.  Dave became our “Go To” guy for difficult and complicated service issues, he could fix anything!  Dave was offered National Service positions with Canon and Ricoh while working for CopyCorp, I am sure glad he turn the jobs down!  

Today, Dave owns a consulting engineering company called Dave Riddle Engineering, Inc.  Dave and wife Tami live in Cecilia, KY 

                                                             Dave in his home office/lab 1988

The Canon NP 200

This is the machine that was responsible for our success in 1978 - 1979!

Mickey Higdon

Mickey 1989

If it had to get done, Mik did it

Mickey Higdon

Louisville, KY

Birthday is July 23
Email (Click Here)

I have many fond memories of my career and co-workers at Copy Corporation/IKON since August 1985!  

One of my first memories was asking about the two guys wearing black rubber suits who worked downstairs in a little room.  I was told that the two were Jimmy Voll and Bill Shanks and they cleaned Savin liquid toner tanks. I thought to myself that whatever happens, I must find away to avoid getting that job!  Copy Corp had a strong family atmosphere, a great place to work. We worked hard, played hard.  We were proud and worked hard to achieve our goals and targets.  One great example of the work ethic that we had was evident one year on the last day of the fiscal year, a hectic day as sales and billing worked into the night to get everything booked and billed.  

Presidents Club Gulf of Mexico Deep Sea Fishing

Normally, I would grill hamburgers for everyone that stayed around.  About 8:00 PM I noticed Jim Francis and David Hesse had not returned from their daily deliveries, I thought I had better keep the grill hot for them. When they returned, Dan Pierce wanted to know if all of the deliveries were completed and Jim Francis replied yes. However, before they returned, a National Account machine was delivered to us for a customer in London, Kentucky. Dan suggested, we could bill for the machine if it was delivered. So Jim took his burgers to go, loaded the machine in the truck and made the delivery. He returned at 1:30 AM the next morning.  That is the type of dedication that made the company great!  One day, during one of our “Warehouse Sales”, Steve Young came into my office with a customer. He showed her our copier and how it worked. Once he finished I saw him in the hallway and asked if he made the sale and he replied that he did. I told him we did not think that particular machines left in the warehouse and he told me that he did not need one from the warehouse – he sold the one we were using. He said “in fact, in a couple of minutes we will be loading it into her car”. I learned real quickly that if it was not nailed down, Steve would sell it!  During another “Warehouse Sale” I was in charge of cooking and serving hot dogs.  It seemed that my best customer was Dan Pierce. For some reason, he seemed to like my cooking. Just before lunch, he asked if I had any relish and he told me they would be much better with relish. I replied that I guess if I had relish, you would have eaten a dozen, since you have already had 6 of the bad ones and it was not even lunch time.   I remember the President’s Club trips, the family events and the Holiday dinners with Elvis and the Blues Brothers. The hospitality that Joyce and Jim shared was appreciated and will always be remembered.   Over the years, we have lost a few of the folks who worked hard and dedicated themselves to Copy Corp, Steve Young, Susan Rixman, Bob Bronger and Elaine Schunk will always be remembered.   Stories about Copy Corp could go on and on. It was a place where careers were formed and for a few of us, continues to be our work home.  Jim Kincer put a great deal of hard work into this company and I for one, am very grateful for that. Although we do not see them as often as we would like, both Billie and I remain close to Joyce and Jim and consider them dear friends.

As you know, I am affiliated with the ball club through the Clarksville Little League. (VP of the Challenger League).  My involvement with the kids centers around organizing the league itself.  I send out registration forms in January, process all paperwork, select the uniforms and order them, send out newsletters to the families, organize an "Opening Day" event where I introduce all players before our first game, provide cold drinks to all players and coaches after every game, order trophies and organize a year end banquet. Billie and I are involved from January through July and the past couple of years, we have been fortunate to be awarded a grant from the Horseshoe Foundation which takes additional paperwork. We play on Thursdays in May and June and I leave the play itself up to our 2 coaches who work great with the kids.    I am also a member of the ClarksvilleRedevelopment Commission.  I still enjoy the Rose Garden in my free time and smoking meat on the grill every chance I get (generally cook a brisket, pork shoulder or smoked jalapeno)!
The schedule is  pretty busy with volunteer work, therefore not many hobbies as such. The roses are still enjoyable but they seem to get more difficult to grow each year. Smoking meat on the grill is a new thing for me and the family seems to like it as well. Last week, I smoked 3 briskets for a fall party that was held by Billie's grandson. I think he ate about 1/2 of the meat. I generally cook brisket or pork shoulder but my newest item is a smoked jalapeno. People seem to like them as well. 

How does this one look on me?

Mickey and his secret BBQ recipe


oooooooooo
Last night (6/24/21) was our last game of the season for my ball team and since we did not have a banquet due to the pandemic, I planned a special night. We had some of the Louisville mascots come over to join us and I invited both WDRB and WAVE 3 and each of them sent some folks to do a story on us. The link below is WDRB's story as it appeared on the 11:00 news last night. 

Mickey

https://www.wdrb.com/news/clarksvilles-special-needs-baseball-team-celebrates-last-game-of-the-season/article_319c0b66-d558-11eb-9bd1-33a9383cbd26.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share

Click Here to read more about Mickey

Jeff Swan

Current Business Picture

Jeff Swan
Louisville, KY


Jeff was employed as a sales representative in 1978-'79.  Jeff Swan, Steve Young, Randy Freeman, Steve Carrico,Tad Douglas and Jeff Doll were the first sales representatives employed by CopyGraphic (CopyCorp) after opening the doors in 1978.
He was educated at Webster University and University of New York Regents College.
Jeff is currently Manager Credit Services at PPG Architectural Finishes, Inc here in Louisville.  He is a dynamic credit expert and accomplished leader with more than 15 years experience impacting the performance of multimillion dollar operations. Uniquely skilled in the area of accounts receivable including credit, collections and cash application. Jeff's expertise includes revitalizing credit performance via cutting edge strategic planning and problem solving. A strong leader and exceptional innovator with superior business acumen.

Colleen Hoover

Colleen Hoover
Copy Corp Administration
Louisville, KY

Colleen Hoover worked in the administrative department.  I remember Colleen as being a lady that can get the job done.  If there was a job or project that needed to be done and Colleen was involved, you could count on the job getting done and will a high degree of accuracy.  But, that was just the beginning, Colleen was a real team player, she was always involved in everything the company or her department was doing, whether it be work or play.

Colleen was always wearing a smile and had nice things to say about everyone.
__________________________________________________
June 24, 2019 - 

It is with great sadness that I inform you that Colleen Hoover passed away on Saturday morning. For those who did not know, she had been fighting cancer for some time and it was too much to overcome. Due to some circumstances with her 5 children, it was Colleen’s decision not to have a memorial service so we will just need to think of her and her family privately. As of this morning, the obituary was not available but when it is published, I will send it to you.

Colleen started with the company nearly 28 years ago in our collections department. In recent years she worked with customers in resolving billing issues and was well respected for her knowledge as well as her willingness to resolve matters. She was known for her good nature and she will be missed by those who were fortunate to know her. We will miss Collen but she is certainly in a better place today with no pain. Please keep Colleen and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Tammy Carter

TAMMY CARTER

Birthday July 16

Louisville, KY
Email (Click Here)

I began working at Copy Corp in September 1988 as the “Sales Secretary”.  I worked with all those “crazy” sales reps, Mark Holsclaw, Dan Heiskell, Jeff Kohl, Bill Micou, Kahty France, David Wigglesworth, Ken Brown, Ben Pope, Len Underwood, Gary Jennings, Connie Eisenback (these are the ones that I remember).  I was promoted to Executive Secretary, working with Susan Rixman, Steve Young, Ken Brown, Tonii Rizzo and Mickey Higdon.  In a short time, I became the Administrative Assistant to Jim Kincer.

CopyCorp was a great job!  I truly enjoyed my work and all of the people that I worked with.  I feel blessed that I had the opportunity to work with and know such a great group of individuals.


I left Copy Corp (IKON) after 14 years, in June 2002 to be a full time wife and mom.


Chas and I have been married for 25 years (1/24/1987) and have 4 wonderful children: Kayla (19) Graduated from North Bullitt High School June 2010,Jarrett (16) 10^th Grade at North Bullitt High School – started on the varsity football team this season, Cole (14) 8^th Grade at Hebron Middle School – loves to ride dirt bikes, Noah (8) – 3^nd grade at Freedom Elementary School he loves to read and play with Legos.  


Tammy and Chas 1992

Copy Corp would not have been the great company that it was without Tammy Carter.  Tammy kept everything together and operating smoothly, she was/is an outstanding person and we really depended on her through-out her career with Copy Corp. 

Note from Jim Kincer:

Chas Deep Sea Fishing

Tammy was always a team player, she was a hard worker and knew how to get the job done.  As everyone remembers the end of the month were very busy and stressful for the entire company and especially the sales team, but Tammy handled the month end with a great “can-do” attitude and worked hard and long hours to make sure every order was booked and the sales rep got credit for their good work. When we moved Tammy to the Executive Team, I caught a great deal of flack from the entire sales department, for moving her out of their department.  Tammy brought the same good work and positive attitude to the Executive Staff for many years and we were very sad to see Tammy announced she was leaving CopyCorp to become a stay home mom! Finally, we are all very happy to have worked with her for 14 years, Thank You Tammy!

Click Here to see more of Tammy's Pictures

Sid Swinney (Deceased)

Sid 1991

Sid 1991

 Sid Swinney
 Louisville, KY
 Cape Coral, FL
Email:  (Click Here)

Sid passed away on November 8, 2023

80 years old, born February 28, 1943

Click Here for Arrangements

"After almost twenty years of banking I was trying the retirement scene and becoming very bored by not having a challenge. Then, one day Jim Kincer called and ask if I might be interested in a position at Copy Corporation. While finance had always been my chosen field, Jim offered me the opportunity to grow in areas that I had not tried before. I accepted the CFO position of Copy Corporation! It was one of the luckiest days in my life. 

Sid and Gary Jennings 1

    Copy Corp gave me the opportunity to work with some of the "finest people ever" and little did I realize that I would be doing everything from building offices and "storage shelves" to working with Jim in the acquisition of other companies to merge with Copy Corporation. 
     My experiences at Copy Corp gave me the confidence to start my own company, "Crestwood Plumbing" and (at this writing) in our 18th year. I must give credit to all of you for the things learned about Sales, Marketing and Equipment Maintenance. 
     Today, I am semi-retired and spend very little time at my company.

Sid recently catching a Shark, near his Florida home.

Today, Karen and I now divide our time between our Kentucky and Florida homes. In the winter you will find me out in the Gulf trying to catch sharks, grouper, and cobia. 

I have also become very active with our home owners association and have served on the board in various positions from president to auditor. I am currently serving as editor of our association’s newspaper.  
In the summer I get to stay in Kentucky and play with our five grandchildren. On most every weekend Karen and I will give our kids a break and keep the grandkids for the weekend. 

     I have also taken up a new hobby of wine making. Currently producing six types of fruit wine (everything from blueberry to strawberry) and have recently planted some Glenora Wine Grapes and hope to produce a nice dry red wine in a couple of years. 

"Money Grab" Sid Goes for the Money!!!

RIP my friend, Sid Swinney  

Sid 2012

Jim Francis

Jim Francis
Louisville, KY
502-489-6760


Jim worked with CopyCorp in the mid 80s and 90s, and was a dedicated "can do" manager.  There was never a job that Jim Francis could not and would not do.  Jim worked far beyond the call of duty, and was a pleasure to work with throughout his career at CopyCorp!  After CopyCorp, jim went to work for Toshiba as the Operations Manager and continues in that position!

Kim Whitmer

Kim 1990

Kim 2015

Kim Whitmer
Ricoh USA
Lesle, IL
Email (Click Here)

Kim worked at CopyCorp for many years and continues working with IKON/Ricoh.  Below is an email received 2/20/12 from Kim:
I really enjoy looking at the Copy Corp Blog, it brings back so many memories.  One of these days, I'll get around to sending you an update; however I will mention that I just celebrated my 25th anniversary with IKON/Ricoh (Copy Corporation) in January.  I am forever grateful that I met your sister, Sue McKenzie, when I was working in a local restaurant and she was kind enough to tell me about a receptionist opportunity.  Thank you for taking a chance on a "kid" with no real experience.   Kim 

Kim, Joyce Findley,Tom Gilman

Kim, Larry and Susan Rixman

Kim
Kim Whitmer
Integrated Account Manager      
Ricoh USA
410 Warrenville Road
Lisle, IL, 60532
Phone:  630-874-5080 

Cell:  630-973-0866 

Lunette Kovatch

 

Lunette Kovatch

Navarre, Florida

Email:  (Click Here)

I was employed as Secretary/Dispatcher with CopyCorp in 1987, after interviewing  with Susan Rixman, Norma Niev and Vice President Bruce Jennings.  Norma was leaving Dispatch to be his Admin. Asst and I was her replacement. 

Gene, Lunette, Ken, Steve, Sid @ Christmas 1989

It worked out well for me and I was hired to work for Ken Brown, Service Manage and after a while became ” Lead Dispatcher” until I was assigned my most favorite position, “Company Receptionist” where I greeted visitors and answered the phone.  I worked in that position until I retired in April of 2005. 

Gene and I had the pleasure of going on a couple of Presidents Club trips that I won.  We also won trips to Nashville, Gatlinburg, and a very exciting trip to Kentucky Speedway where we rode in NASCAR Vehicles around the track (that was pure fun)! 

Gene and I moved from Maryland in 1966 with our 2 children David and Melody, they went to school in Jefferson County and after graduation, they were married and moved.  Melody, married and 2 children live in New Orleans. And David moved to Dallas and he has 3 children.

Renewing Vows on Navarre Beach 2010

Gene retired from Jefferson County Schools in the fall of 2005 and we prepared to move permanently to our home in Navarre, Florida. We had purchased the home in 2003 as our retirement home. Finally, in the spring of 2006 we finished moving and put our Louisville home of 40 years up for sale, we were lucky and it sold that summer.

We Love it here in Navarre, Gene has become involved with the Fire Department and works as a Volunteer in a Primary School Library (this year he was named Volunteer of the year for Santa Rosa County).  I am on the Board for the Friends of the Navarre Library and help them run the bookstore in our Navarre Public Library, I am also a Docent in the Panhandle Butterly House.

In June of 2010 Gene and I Celebrated our 50th Wedding Anniversary and renewed our vows on the Beach with family and Friends.  

*9/12/18 - Mickey and Billie Higdon took a short vacation to the Panhandle of Florida this week and while there made contact with Lunette and Gene, they are doing good but Lunette had a medical issue in her legs over the past couple of years but after an intense rehab schedule she is doing good, happy to be driving again! Both Gene and Lunette were happy to hear from Mickey!