Mac Cooper is the president and CEO of The Uttermost Company, a family-owned home furnishings business founded by his parents, Bob and Belle Cooper, in 1975. After graduating from Virginia Tech and working briefly in accounting, he joined the family business in 1987, taking on leadership roles to guide its growth into a global provider of home accessories, lighting and furniture, including the company’s recent expansion into outdoor products. Cooper advocates continuous change and adaptation in business to ensure success, and he continues to lead the company with a focus on quality, service, trust and a belief in the importance of faith and family.
Congratulations on celebrating the 50th anniversary of Uttermost this year. How will the first 50 years guide the company’s future?
We went through many evolutions and strategy adjustments in our first 50 years, so I expect the next 50 will have rapid change as well. What won’t change, and what hasn’t changed, is our culture. Our culture, based on biblical principles such as treating everyone like we want to be treated, humility not arrogance, and so on, is the same as it was when my parents started the company in 1975.
Uttermost has grown organically over the years, rather than through acquisitions. Is this intentional?
Yes, it is. We are not opposed to making acquisitions if the fit is nearly perfect, but in general, we are more comfortable with organic growth. Acquisitions involve a mixing and blending of cultures and management, and this can be very difficult and often does not result in the best customer experience. When we add a new category, like Uttermost Outdoor, our customers know exactly what to expect in terms of performance, with guaranteed satisfaction.
What made you decide to add the outdoor category earlier this year? How is it going?
Our launch into outdoor was not a quick decision, but one we had been thinking about for years. We decided early 2024 to make the leap and spent the next 12 months focused on outdoor. When we launched outdoor this spring, it exceeded all expectations. We could not be excited by the potential of our outdoor category.
Did you always want to work for the family company?
Not necessarily. After I graduated college, I had a good job with what was then one of the “Big 8” national accounting firms. I liked where I worked and who I worked with, but my dad was encouraging me to join the family business. While Uttermost was very small then, I saw the potential.
I understand you came to the High Point Market as a child with your family. What do you remember from that time?
I very clearly remember being in high school, and spending weekends with family setting up our small space at each market. Not what a high schooler wants to do, but it built character, and my parents made it as fun as it could be.
You are a third-generation leader of a family business. Do you see that tradition being carried on by your children?
Probably not at this point, partly because the business is an entirely different scale than just a decade ago. We’re blessed to have four daughters, and all are now in the working world, but charting their own paths.
How would you describe the culture at Uttermost, and why is that important to you?
Our culture is key to what we do and who we are. It is grounded in our faith and very family focused. By family, I’m including all of the Uttermost family who spend so much time together striving to raise the bar daily. I’m also talking about our personal families in that we respect our personal family needs and time away from work. We also enjoy mixing the Uttermost family with individual families as evidenced by our trip to the Greenbrier resort with families invited this spring, and our June cookout and celebration that included families.
What type of leader are you?
I lead by example and want each person to take ownership of their roles. I believe in giving much flexibility and autonomy, and watching people succeed in what they do. I get much pleasure in the development of our people. Our headquarters is located in the small town of Rocky Mount, Va., and we pride ourselves on developing talent in our local area. We have virtually no turnover once a new person is comfortable in their role.
Are you a leaper or a planner?
This is an interesting question for me; I’m a little bit of both. My Dad was a leaper, an eternal optimist who was very focused on why we should try something new. My mother was a planner and would focus on the potential pitfalls and covering every detail. I’m a little bit of both in that I do my due diligence and then I leap with both feet.
Your family is known for rescuing many dogs over the years and some of them have spent time in the office. Tell us more about this calling and the dogs you have with you now. My wife gets all the credit here and has led the way. Our county had a terrible euthanasia rate for animals that ended up at the county shelter, so until we were able to initiate an adoption center being built, we fostered dogs on our farm. At one time, we had as many as 42 dogs, most of which lived out their lives on our farm. Now we have “only” 10 dogs, all shapes and sizes, and all keepers. Favorite canine summer activity…. jumping off our lake dock for Frisbees.
Just for Fun:
Where did you grow up? In beautiful Rocky Mount, Va., home of the Uttermost headquarters. A point of interest …. our county is considered the moonshine capital of the world.
What is your least favorite chore? Anything indoors on a pretty day.
Where is the most interesting place you’ve traveled? Tough question as I travel often. Probably San Gimignano, a walled medieval hill town in Tuscany, famous as the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages.”
What is your favorite food? At home, my wife’s “salads” that are much more than salad. When traveling, homemade pasta!
What book, podcast or series are you currently interested in? I’m a student of the Bible, the ultimate source of wisdom. I don’t watch much TV but have to admit that I can’t wait for season 2 of Landman.
