Jim Copeland

“My role as the CEO is to set the overall vision and strategy, lead the executive team, make major strategic decisions, manage finances, attract top talent, represent A-1 Little John publicly, and ensure the company is positioned for continued expansion and success.”

I have deep roots in the waste industry. My parents, Don and Martha Copeland, opened a solid waste garbage service and landfill in 1976. I spent my entire childhood helping the family business grow. After graduating college and spending 5 years in the corporate America “jungle” I knew I was destined to be an entrepreneur. In 1998 my wife, Shellee, and I purchased a small toilet rental company with one employee. I worked countless hours over the last 3 decades to lead A-1 Little John into one of the largest and most respected construction site services in the greater DFW area. We currently have multiple locations, a thousand rental units, and employ 48 dedicated men and women.

I have over 30 years experience serving in high level leadership roles. I thrive at working with people of all walks of life, mentoring and developing their skillset to benefit both the company and their personal lives. People management and empowering others to succeed is very rewarding. Once the team is pulling the rope in the same direction, great things happen for all.

We have provided our services to literally hundreds of thousands of commercial and residential projects all over Texas and Oklahoma. One very challenging project that we serviced was a huge oil and gas pipeline job that stretched over 300 miles from Cushing, OK to Alvarado, TX and took two and half years to complete.

The demands of the construction and industrial industries are high, and we are challenged daily to step up to exceed the expectations of our over 3000 active customers. Building and managing a successful, dedicated leadership team is very rewarding. Everyday brings a new adventure.
We have a very close large family, with 4 grown children and 2 grandchildren. We spend a lot of time with each of them and several lifelong friends, hanging out and supporting their passions. I am an avid poker player and also enjoy raising cattle and livestock, playing golf, hunting, and doing things outdoors. I work hard and play hard.
As we have grown over the years, I push to never stay comfortable and always look for new innovative products and services we can add to our arsenal. We recently added an Industrial Services division that I am very excited about moving forward.
Success is never owned, just rented and the rent is due every day!