Butte Copper Company

In 2008, Butte Copper Company entered an exciting new chapter when a group of local business owners purchased the shop, bringing fresh energy and a shared passion for preserving a Butte icon.

During their ownership, the company expanded far beyond its small-shop roots. While the store had already begun dabbling in wholesale, this team helped transform that spark into a thriving statewide operation. They strengthened relationships with Montana bars, distilleries, and liquor stores — and introduced the brand to new markets throughout the region.

This era marked the beginning of importing handcrafted copper mugs from India, a partnership that allowed Butte Copper Company to meet rising demand while maintaining a focus on quality and tradition.

With wholesale orders growing and the brand gaining recognition across Montana, the 2008 ownership group played a significant role in setting the company up for long-term success and visibility.

As demand for handcrafted copper grew, Butte Copper Company outgrew its original 1,000-sq-ft shop and relocated to a newly remodeled 8,000 sq. ft. building in Uptown Butte. This expansion allowed for a larger showroom, a deeper wholesale division, and increased capacity for importing and distributing copper mugs and barware across Montana and beyond.

In October 2016, the Butte Copper Company turned a new page when Machelle LeProwse purchased the business, bringing fresh energy, vision, and a deep commitment to preserving its Montana roots. With a strong retail background and a passion for storytelling, Machelle leaned fully into the company’s heritage — traveling to major markets, expanding product offerings, and elevating the brand’s presence across Montana and beyond.

Her sister, Jailee, joined the journey soon after, discovering her own creative calling in metalsmithing and handcrafted jewelry — a spark that would later become Copper Sister Designs. Together, the sisters infused the company with renewed heart, innovation, and family-driven purpose.

In 2023, Butte Copper Company was purchased by three women — Jailee, along with her sister-in-laws Jamie and Julie — each bringing their own connection to Butte and passion for keeping the Copper Co. legacy alive. Julie, born and raised in Butte, later moved to Spokane, where she opened successful furniture stores. She still lives there today to be close to her children and grandchildren, while continuing to pursue her love of business. Jamie and her husband run a land and restoration company in Butte and are known for giving back to the community. Their entrepreneurial spirit extends to the next generation as well, with their daughter owning a local coffee shop. Together, the three women bring diverse business experience, strong family ties, and deep Montana roots — ensuring that Butte Copper Company continues to grow while honoring the heritage it was built on.