Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Copeland
Hi Kevin, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Kevin Copeland, owner of Cargo by KVN Inc. My professional journey began at the age of 22 when I joined the Merchant Marines. Just a year later, at 23, I embarked on an adventure of global travel, working on container ships. During one such assignment in Belgium in 2010, I decided to diversify my income by teaching myself how to build homes from the ground up.
With no previous construction experience that year, I purchased my first piece of land in Charlotte, North Carolina, for $17,500. To save money, I continued to work on container ships for 6-8 months annually. In order to save as much money as possible, I would return to Charlotte and live in my purple 1998 Honda Accord, which doubled as both my bed and my pickup truck for the rest of the year. Using the Honda, I made daily trips to Home Depot, loading the roof with construction materials such as insulation batts and loading the trunk with lumber after folding down the back seats. Each time, it took about 12 trips to gather all necessary materials.
As I was completing my first house, I experienced a significant setback: I accidentally cut off my finger while using a miter saw to cut baseboards. After rushing to the hospital, my finger was reattached and I was advised to rest for 30 days. However, stubbornly determined, I resumed work just three days later, using my good hand.
When the house was completed, I found myself in a financial bind. Believing if I can build the house myself then I could probably sell it myself, I decided to try and sell the house. I bought a gently worn polo shirt, used Dockers, and second-hand dress shoes from Goodwill and organized my first open house. Unfortunately, only three people came, two of whom attended by mistake. Realizing the need for expertise, I hired a professional realtor the next day, and the house sold within 14 days.
For the next 14 years, I continued this cycle of working on container ships and building houses until I had another bright idea to combine my two careers, of container ships and building traditional houses, and try my hand at building shipping container homes. This convergence of my maritime and construction skills marked a new chapter in my entrepreneurial journey.
The first container home I built caught the attention of HGTV. They loved the house so much that they were inspired to feature it on their YouTube series called “HGTV Renovation Stories.” Observing the growing conversation about affordable housing among the public and governments, I recognized a pressing need. In 2021, I founded my company “Cargo by KVN” with the specific goal of addressing the need for affordable housing options, as well as reducing the environmental impact inherent in traditional construction methods. As of 2024, Cargo by KVN has plans to build affordable housing communities using shipping containers in Georgia, North & South Carolina, as well as overseas in regions of Africa.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Most of my early struggles were due to lack of education of the construction industry and technology in 2010 not being anywhere close to what is is today. A mentor would have helped but at the time I didn’t know anyone within the industry.
Once I ventured off and tried my hand at building container homes that opened up a whole new set of struggles because of once again not having a lot of educational resources to pull from. Which is why I’m currently writing a book about the building process in order to help guide anyone coming after me that’s interested in building shipping container homes.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc.?
I am the founder of Cargo by KVN, a company specializing in creating affordable housing solutions using shipping containers. My work has gained recognition for its innovative approach to addressing housing needs and reducing environmental impact. I am particularly known for building sustainable and cost-effective container homes, one of which was featured on HGTV’s YouTube series “HGTV Renovation Stories.”
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of two key achievements: the feature of my first container home on HGTV’s YouTube series as well as being featured on “The 85 South Show” and the establishment of Cargo by KVN in 2021. These milestones highlight the impact of my work and my dedication to providing affordable housing options while minimizing environmental harm.
What sets you apart from others?
Cargo by KVN stands out due to its unique focus on sustainability and affordability in housing. Unlike traditional construction methods, we utilize shipping containers to create eco-friendly and cost-effective homes. Our commitment to addressing the housing shortage and lessening environmental impact, as well as our plans to build communities in multiple regions, including Georgia, the Carolinas, and parts of Africa, further differentiates us from others in the field.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Have you taken any major risks (and if so, can you tell us about those risks)?
Every step to get to this point was a risk. Dropping out of college was a risk. Continuously working on the same ships such as the El Faro that claimed 3 of my friends lives in 2015 after sailing through a category 3 hurricane was a risk. Attempting to build a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom house at 23 years old but hadn’t even built a house out of popsicle sticks in art class was a risk. But if I didn’t take those risks would I have an article in this amazing voyage magazine?
How do you think about risk?
I feel like the biggest risk is taking no risk at all. Listen, I grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia (Cavalier Manor). A city with a unspoken rule of hard work being mandatory and nobody gives you anything. With that being the foundation of my city I saw some folks apply that rule to working 9 to 5 jobs which is cool, I saw others apply that rule to there own dreams and ideas. I chose the latter.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cargobykvn.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/kvnthebuilder
- Other: https://Instagram.com/cargobykvn
Image Credits
Nirvana Films
