A Family Business,
Three Decades Strong.
Est. 1991 · Harvard, Massachusetts
Massachusetts’ very first poison ivy eradication service — founded by Dan Cooper at 17, alongside his father Lee. Same family, same guarantee, same standard of work for more than 30 years.
It Started With a Log Cabin
in the Woods
In the mid-1980s, Lee and Pat Cooper left the sunny landscapes of Woodland Hills, California, for the wooded hills of Harvard, Massachusetts — returning to the place where they first met in Boston. After earning his PhD from Harvard, Lee had built his career in Los Angeles, but an opportunity in Waltham brought the family back east and allowed them to pursue a long-held dream: building a log cabin in the woods.
After three years of construction, the Coopers settled into their 3.5-acre property on Stow Road. Their children — Dan, Melanie, and Susie — quickly embraced the land, exploring the forest, climbing rocks, and discovering, along the way, a persistent problem: poison ivy.
From Personal Problem
to Family Business
Lee and Pat Cooper leave Woodland Hills, California, returning to the Boston area where they first met. An opportunity in Waltham draws them east — and lets Lee finally pursue a long-held dream of building a log cabin in the woods.
After three years of construction, the Coopers settle into their 3.5-acre property on Stow Road. Their children — Dan, Melanie, and Susie — embrace the land, exploring the forest and climbing rocks, but soon discover a persistent problem: poison ivy.
Determined to protect his family, Lee applies his scientific training to the challenge. Through years of trial and refinement — testing manual removal methods and various treatments — he develops a highly effective approach to safely eliminating poison ivy, even in environments where others believed control was nearly impossible.
At 17, inspired by his father’s success on their property, Dan founds Coopers Poison Ivy Service to help others facing the same issue. The business grows steadily, grounded in practical results and word-of-mouth trust.
Even as Dan pursues his career after college — leading initiatives in impact investing and international work — Lee continues the work, quietly serving customers on evenings and weekends while also leading a technology company in Waltham.
Years later, as Lee prepared to step back, Dan returned to help carry the business forward. Today, more than 30 years on, our purpose remains unchanged: to help our customers eliminate the stress, uncertainty, and harmful effects of poison ivy — so they can feel confident and at ease in the places where they live, work, and spend time with the people who matter most.
“Permanent poison ivy eradication. That promise hasn’t changed in more than 30 years — because when a family trusts you with their yard, you earn that trust every single season.”
Built on Character.
At Coopers Poison Ivy, character is the foundation of everything we do. How we treat our customers, our communities, and one another matters. These values guide our work and define the kind of company we strive to be — on every job, every day.
Integrity
We tell the truth, keep our promises, and stand up for what is right — even when it’s hard. Our customers trust us because we earn that trust with honesty and consistency.
Responsibility
We take ownership of our actions, admit mistakes when they happen, and hold ourselves to a high standard. We do our part for the greater good of the team and the communities we serve.
Forgiveness
We recognize that everyone makes mistakes — including ourselves. We let go of grudges, give people the benefit of the doubt, and focus on growth rather than blame.
Compassion
We lead with empathy. Whether it’s a teammate, a customer, or a neighbor — we listen, encourage, and invest in people’s growth and success.
These values are adapted from Return on Character by Fred Kiel and reflect our belief that character isn’t just personal — it’s professional.
Ready to Reclaim Your Yard?
Same family, same guarantee. Get a free estimate today.
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