David Kopra - People that have inspired me

David Kopra

There are folks that you meet in your life that change your entire life.  I decided I would blog about these folks.  God has placed each one of them in my life for a reason.

This story starts years ago when I was in my late twenties.  I had been a hairdresser for several years and knew I was not satisfied with my job.  I had lots of advice in those days about finding your passion in work that you love to do.  I had lived on my own starting at age 17 in college and then out to the big world.  I made ends meet (barely) so I went back to school part time in Accounting ~ a class that I loved in high school.  I had a difficult accounting job in a "man"s business for over 7 years which I was thankful for but, I knew I was not going anywhere at that company.  I feel into depression between my tough job and my father passing away.  One night I was out with a friend and she told me about a temp job and she knew I was a perfect fit. 
I began working at CTR business systems for David Kopra.  He was an amazing boss and mentor.  I was a "temp" for several months  that ended in a 7 1/2 year gig.  CTR was built into an amazing company with great management that I would call a generous liberal company.  If we worked hard, we were compensated well and each of us was treated with dignity and respect.  I called Dave the "heart" of the company.   He spoke to everyone he came across and was brilliant in his mannerism.   He made us want to work hard, be efficient, make 0 errors the first time and make the company rock.  I have so many great memories and friends from those days.  I always compare my work to those days and often find myself thinking, "what would Kopra do"? 
I strive in my professional life now with all the skills Dave taught me.  They really have made me a confident and somewhat proud person of my skill level.  I stand up for myself and (usually) know what I am talking about amongst the professionals in the law firm.  (Thank you for taking the time with me Dave)  Patience of Job --- that man had :)  I am so blessed to have weeded out the bad jobs in the past years and landed in a "sweet spot" just right with the balance of work and family.
His compassion spilled into his personal life as well -- he has a wife he adores and kids he is crazy about.  I remember him on phone conversations with his kids and him telling them how to take care of situations.  He was always calm but firm with wise direction.  I was able to work with his lovely daughter, Kelsey (teen) that I remember telling me how her mom would tell her that she needed to take care of herself in life and let the men come along later.  She has become a beautiful confident woman.  I hope that I can be like Dave and Ann when I speak to my kids about life choices and be as encouraging as they are to their children.
January 2013 Gary gave me and the boys a special gift of a calendar with the idea that each month of the year we would do a special family activity, take photos if it and record the fun.  Gary picked the a trip to Olympia to see Dave and Ann and the puppies!   We were able to spend a couple days with them, go to a new kid's museum in town, reconnect and it was such a JOY to be able to share with our friends.  Dave is always telling us how lucky our kids are to have us as parents, well we really know we are the lucky ones.  We are lucky to have such great friends.
We love you and thank God you have crossed our paths.  You have made a difference in the journey of my life.  Thank you!!!!
Coop