Dahlonega is and always has been in my blood. I was born and raised in Dahlonega, and consider myself a true “Nugget.” I graduated in 2010 from Lumpkin County High School and went on to Truett McConnell College to pursue a degree in marketing. While there, I enjoyed playing softball and loved being a part of the team. I graduated in 2015 and immediately began my career at The Dahlonega Square Hotel and Villas, where I worked on hospitality marketing and received the unique opportunity to help build a new winery transportation business for the hotel, DSH Transportation.
My passion for transportation grew and in 2019, right before the Covid-19 pandemic began, I purchased DSH Transportation from The Dahlonega Square Hotel and officially became a business owner. I am now the proud owner of a fleet of luxury vehicles and my leap of faith into this American Dream has paid off in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My father, Darren Copeland is a native of Lumpkin County. My Mother, Vicki Copeland is from Hall County. My brother Lance, is also from Lumpkin. My family is extremely close and we work together within our family businesses.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do (or did if retired)?
I previously worked at The Dahlonega Square Hotel as the Marketing Manager and Director of Transportation from January 2015 to December 2019. When I first started there, my boss, Johnny Ariemma, presented me two luxury vehicles and said, “let’s make a business!” From there, DSH Transportation, became my passion. In December 2019, I decided to purchase the business from the Ariemma’s. Currently, I am the proud owner of DSH Transportation, also know as Dahlonega Wine Tours.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community and your favorite dishes there?
Spirits and Shenanigans
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? And if you moved here, where were you from originally?
I am what you call a “nugget”. I am born and raised here in Lumpkin County. I moved for college and now I am current resident of Hall County, but I have worked in Dahlonega for about 7 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community and why?
The most interesting person that I have met in Dahlonega is Catherine Ariemma. She continues to impress me by her love for the community and desire for growth in business.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would travel to Italy and explore the Tuscany wine region. I would love the opportunity to taste delicious wine, explore the culture and discover new ideas to enhance my business.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movie is Armageddon. My favorite TV shows are, The Office and The Walking Dead
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Never stop dreaming.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Go on an Alaskan cruise
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Def Leppard
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Dahlonega Gold Mine. We used to have field trips there as a kid.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Steve Carell, because he’s hilarious. We would go to Gustavo’s for pizza!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love small community aspect. I think it’s awesome that everyone wants to help each other out.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I want to build a family and continue to grow my business. I envision myself starting a few other businesses within the community as well.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am blind in one eye.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Jamaica
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
April/ Christmas/ December 24th
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A Dahlonega Wine Tour
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
God
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
fresh cut grass
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Cozy, family, love
