Albert Mutschler

1871 - 1915

Albert Mutschler, an early Nappanee entrepreneur, provided leadership to the Nappanee Furniture Company, Coppes Zook & Mutschler, and the Mutschler Brothers Company. During Albert’s time with the company, starting in 1894, the Nappanee Furniture Company developed and manufactured the first models of Kitchen Cabinets in Nappanee. The Nappanee Furniture Company also provided a finely crafted line of tables and chairs, as well as high quality living-room and bed-room furniture. 

The friendly competition between Coppes and Mutschler set a great example for today. Working together helped each company and the community to create a legacy of Fine Craftsmanship for today.

Daniel Zook

1851-1912

Daniel Zook spent two decades providing administrative skill to Nappanee’s woodworking industry. He was a public school teacher, lawyer and timber buyer, before being elected Elkhart County Clerk. Upon retiring from the country clerk office, he joined the Coppes brothers in 1891 to help manage the sawmill and growing retail lumber business. He served as Secretary/Treasurer for Coppes Zook & Mutschler Company. Being trained as a lawyer Mr. Zook was an important resource and leader in the establishment of various other business ventures including the origin of the Nappanee Flour Mill.

John D. Coppes

1856 - 1933

John D. Coppes spent a lifetime working in the Nappanee woodworking industry. He started as a teamster in 1874, bought into the saw mill business in 1886, started furniture manufacturing  with Coppes Zook & Mutschler in 1902 and served as Vice-president of the Coppes Bros., which became a leading kitchen cabinet manufacturer in America. Mr. Coppes oversaw the growth of the Coppes Factories from being a small furniture factory to becoming  America’s leading kitchen cabinet producer. John believed in high standards of business that provided the foundation for the the Coppes company’s existence for over a century.

Frank Coppes

1858 - 1939

Frank Coppes served as president of Coppes Brothers, Coppes Brothers & Zook, Coppes Zook & Mutschler, and Coppes & Zook. Under Frank Coppes’ leadership the Coppes Company grew from being a small saw mill to one of America’s leading kitchen cabinet companies. By 1920 the Coppes Companies had produced thousands of Hoosier Cabinets and shipped them nationwide. 

During the great depression, Coppes had over 260 employees, and Frank Coppes kept as many workers on the job as possible. He reduced working hours, because of reduced orders, but saw to it that Nappanee families had money coming into their households.