Richard Copeland, founder of Thor Construction, was honored last Saturday in the multi-use building his former company, Thor, built on the corner of Plymouth and Penn Avenues in North Minneapolis.
“Richard was resilient, transparent, and accountable,” said Ravi Norman, a former executive with Thor. Norman was one among many friends, colleagues, and community members who praised Copeland and commended his character and accomplishments.
“My career would not be possible without Richard Copeland,” said Louis King, president, and CEO of Summit Academy OIC. King pointed out that many Blacks who have had success in the construction industry owe their success to Copeland. “Guys who have been at Ryan and Mortenson for 20 years have Richard to thank for that,” said King.
Copeland was also honored by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey with a proclamation that declared August 28, 2021, Richard Copeland Day in Minneapolis.
Thor Construction closed its doors in 2019 after experiencing financial setbacks. Copeland started his construction company in 1980 with a single truck and turned it into a multi-million-dollar company with a few hundred employees, in the process becoming one of the leading construction companies in the U.S.