He first worked as a farmer, then in logging and road and bridge contracting, then in pre-poured concrete].
[2] In 1965 Hopkins purchased the ski lift division and all the related assets from Roebling & Sons.
[2] Business improved after a competitor, Universal Design Ltd., discontinued manufacturing Sky Rides, and their customers turned to Hopkins Engineering for parts.
Hopkins' first customer in the amusement business was Charles Wood of Storytown USA who owned a Universal Design ski lift and contracted Hopkins to provide parts and maintenance.
In 1969 Hopkins sold his first Sky Glider chairlift to Paragon Park in Massachusetts.