From Scrap Metal to Global Success, Carolina Coops Hatches a Big Idea

The North Carolina-based chicken coop company has grown from a side hustle to an international brand.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:19pm

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A photorealistic studio still-life image of a sleek, geometric chicken coop made of premium materials like brushed aluminum and tempered glass, floating on a clean, monochromatic background and illuminated by dramatic studio lighting to represent the abstract concepts of entrepreneurship, innovation, and community impact.A premium, custom-designed chicken coop from Carolina Coops symbolizes the company's journey from humble beginnings to global success.Durham Today

Carolina Coops, a chicken coop manufacturer based in Granville County, North Carolina, started in 2009 when founder Matt DuBois built his first coop out of scrap metal during the economic downturn. What began as a side hustle quickly grew into a global brand, with custom coops designed for everyone from first-time chicken owners to homesteaders and even celebrities like Mike Tyson. After turning down an offer from Shark Tank, the company continued to expand, with support from local economic development, and is now focused on giving back to the community that helped it grow.

Why it matters

Carolina Coops' story showcases how a small, scrappy startup can turn scrap materials into a thriving global business. The company's success also highlights the importance of local economic development support and the value of community-focused initiatives, such as its efforts to donate coops to correctional facilities for rehabilitation programs.

The details

In 2009, during the economic downturn, Matt DuBois built his first chicken coop in Durham using scrap metal he found in a dumpster. What started as a side hustle quickly grew into a global brand, with Carolina Coops now designing custom, high-end chicken coops for customers around the world, including celebrities like Mike Tyson. After turning down an offer from Shark Tank, the company continued to expand, with support from local economic development in Granville County, North Carolina. Carolina Coops is also focused on giving back to the community, including donating coops to correctional facilities to support rehabilitation programs through gardening and hands-on skills training.

  • In 2009, DuBois built his first chicken coop in Durham during the economic downturn.
  • Carolina Coops has grown into a global brand over the past 17 years.

The players

Matt DuBois

The founder of Carolina Coops, who started the company by building his first chicken coop out of scrap metal in 2009.

Daymond John

The Shark Tank investor who reached out to DuBois after he turned down an offer from the show, and now mentors the Carolina Coops business.

Mike Tyson

A celebrity customer who has purchased custom chicken coops from Carolina Coops.

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What they’re saying

“One of my happiest moments was finding what I needed in a dumpster.”

— Matt DuBois, Founder, Carolina Coops

“We're proud to put North Carolina on the map wherever our coops go.”

— Matt DuBois, Founder, Carolina Coops

What’s next

Carolina Coops plans to continue expanding its global reach and exploring new ways to give back to the local community that has supported its growth.

The takeaway

Carolina Coops' journey from a scrappy startup using scrap materials to a thriving global business highlights the power of entrepreneurial spirit, community support, and a commitment to giving back. The company's success story serves as an inspiration for other small businesses looking to turn their ideas into reality.