Familiar faces: Jerry Kopp, owner of Uptown Signs

Q. How long have you worked here?A. We think we've been here 18 years, but 17 for sure. I sold cars for 30 years and was a general sales manager. At 50, I quit drinking, opened up the sign shop and have been here ever since. People ask when I'll retire and I tell them I feel like I am retired, because I love what I do. Q. What hobbies do you enjoy?A. I do a lot of artwork, I like to build furniture, I like to fish, I like to argue politics and I like to do yard work. I love working on my yard. Q. What is your favorite TV show or movie?A. I like the McLaughlin Group. It's been on PBS for about 30 years. I also like Forbes on Fox and Bulls & Bears. I play the stock market and you've got to be informed. I also like any movies that are violent, like with Clint Eastwood. Q. What kind of music do you listen to?A. I like George Jones. I like mostly country music and music that tells stories. Q. What is something unique about yourself?A. My kids would say I'm a complete banana, but I don't really know. I just about talk to everyone I meet, and I like everyone I meet. I believe anyone within six feet of me gets a business card. I love my business. Q. What is one of your greatest achievements?A. My greatest achievement are my kids for sure. I have wonderful kids. The family is the only thing that really matters to me. I have three kids that are alive, but had four. We lost our oldest three years ago. I also have five grandchildren. Q. What are your future goals?A. I'd like to live a little longer. I'd also like to take one more trip around the country by car and do more artwork. I do paintings, furniture and carvings. I'd also like to restore my car. But I'm happy. I don't need a boat or anything, I just like my little life. Q. Do you have any pets?A. I never thought I'd see the day when I'd have a dog sleeping in bed with me, but now I do. We had a Great Dane, but now we have a Carlin-Pinscher. It's a mix between a mini-pincher and a pug. Her name is Stella and she's a sweetheart. Q. Favorite part about working here?A. I love the town. I love the people. I'm well established and we have good business and a lot of fun. I just love living in Auburn. It's a great place to do business. ~ Stephanie Breitbart