Kathleen Copeland

Florida native, (please don't hold that against me) that grew up in a household of 7 kids. My father was a master craftsman who happened to also be a plumber, mason and electrician. He taught me more than I cared to know as a child. Yet, as an adult, I realize how fortunate I am to know all that he taught me.

I am a mother of two boys, owner of Katz Sandwich Co and Founder of the Medical Equipment Organization Worldwide.

I am a hardworking individual who absolutely loves my town and the surrounding community and haven't created a resume in over 20 years! I'm sure I could use Chat GBT or another AI platform to make this "perfect". However, I'd rather be my authentic self, flaws included.

My focus (outside of my actual job), has been to volunteer with local nonprofits in order to make a long lasting tangible difference in my community.

I am experienced with strategic planning and team leadership on a corporate helping to drive growth by different means. Implementation of innovative strategies, to enhance profitability and productivity has always been my goal. I have worked for and with a diverse group of folks from age to race and feel that people truly are the melting pot of life!

My work history starts at the age of 15 when I was a line cook at Tampa Yacht & Country Club, (unless you consider babysitting newborns from the age of 11 as "work").

I attended culinary school at JWU in Miami, Florida. I then went on to get a degree in Hospitality Tourism Management from UCF in Orlando, FL. My husband and I moved to Asheville in 2007 where I secured a job as a Restaurant Manager at Grove Park Inn. From there I went to work as an Operations Manager over Environmental Sciences at Mission Hospital. I had a short lucrative stint as an insurance agent, before going back to work at Grove Park Inn.

I was the primary bread winner in my home and that meant sometimes taking on jobs to ensure the livelihood of then, family of 3. My husbands career took us back to Florida until our separation in 2015. My two sons and I relocated to Lenoir, NC to be closer to my parents. I acquired the position of Taproom Manager for a small brewery in downtown Lenoir and helped to financially grow their business while creating opportunities to support our local community. I acquired the building I currently work from in 2017 and have gone from owning/operating a restaurant, to being a full time caterer. COVID changed many aspects of how I conduct business as it did many other. I believe that teamwork makes the dream work. However, you have to be able to rely on yourself to ensure things get done and do what it takes to make it happen! No job is ever below my "pay grade" and that's a motto I've lived with since wiping butts at the age of 6.

I would LUV the opportunity to simply meet with YOU! Your organization is truly changing lives and that is something my philanthropist heart has been seeking to do for many years! I am looking to have a career in a field that can utilize all of my past experiences in a way that also makes a difference in the lives of others around me in a positive way.