Jane Saale

President & CEO
Cope Plastics, Inc.

Location: Alton, IL
Founded: 1946
Industry: Distributor and Fabricator of Plastic Sheet, Rod and Tube

Carrying on a family tradition is important to Jane Saale. As the president and CEO of Cope Plastics Inc., she takes pride in knowing that this third-generation plastics fabricator and distributor company began in her grandfather’s basement in 1946 and has now grown to revenues of $100 million.

“Jane has been very instrumental in the company’s growth,” said her staff. “She is a level-headed leader focused on the bigger picture but listens to her folks, responds and then acts.” She began as a sales representative 15 years ago and quickly moved into outside sales and then finance. Saale is now the president and CEO of the company and has continued to foster the family-friendly environment established from the beginning.

“I would say that the greatest leadership lessons learned revolve around our people,” Saale said. “In taking an interest in our employees, I know I need to have patience, listen to their concerns, be compassionate, give praise and do what’s right.”

According to Saale, taking an interest in employees encompasses their well-being, which involves their wages, raises, benefits and health and safety while on the job. “At Cope, one of our internal slogans is OneCope, which signifies that we strive for the unity of our people,” she said.

In the next five years, Saale’s vision is to add capacity by investing in additional machinery, which includes fabrication capabilities through advanced technologies including high-end CNC equipment and robotics. Saale also stays active in the community by supporting organizations such as the RiverBend Growth Association and the International Association of Plastics Distributors. She serves on the Advisory Board of Liberty Bank, is a board member of the Riverbend Growth Association and chairman of the Riverbend CEO program for seniors in high school.

“Because of what Jane and her team has accomplished, Cope is one of the leading plastics fabricators in the nation,” said her staff. “Jane is proud of what she and her team have built, which has put Cope Plastics on the map.”

The name Cope Plastics Inc. in the industry conveys the very meaning of integrity, trust, determination and perseverance, said Saale. “We have the resources, the people and the stability to carry on this gem of a company, thus validating my grandparents’ sweat and hard work,” she said.

For her unending commitment to leading others, Saale has been named a Titan.