Michael Hopkins Denver
Over the course of his career, Michael D. Hopkins has worked across operations, security, and product development, applying practical solutions to challenges in transportation and travel environments. As an author, inventor, and CEO, he has focused on developing tools and systems that improve how people navigate busy spaces, especially airports. His work with Napstar and the Aeropod grew from decades of professional experience and years spent observing travelers’ needs firsthand.
Early Life and Educational Foundation
Michael’s early life took shape in Europe, where he lived during key developmental years. Growing up overseas gave him exposure to different cultures, transportation systems, and international travel routines. These experiences eventually influenced his ideas about how airports could better support passengers. He attended Zweibrücken Air Force High School in Germany and graduated in 1985.
When he returned to the United States, he continued his education at the University of Missouri in St. Louis. There, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1990. His academic training helped build the structure and analytical skills that later shaped his approach to leadership, logistics, and product planning.
Building Experience at UPS
Michael began his professional journey with United Parcel Service in 1989. His early roles as a Hub Operations Supervisor placed him in fast-moving settings in both St. Louis, Missouri, and Denver, Colorado. He managed sales pickup routes and coordinated start times for teams working under tight schedules. His work contributed to reducing service failures by 40 percent, marking a valued operational improvement.
In addition to these responsibilities, he served as an Outbound Primary Sort Supervisor. This role required organizing teams that handled high daily shipment volumes. Through these tasks, Michael learned how to maintain order under pressure, enforce safety expectations, and keep large groups moving in a unified direction. He received several Safety and Service Awards in the years 1991, 1993, 1994, 1997, and 1998. These formal recognitions reflected the consistency and reliability he brought to his early years at UPS.
The Beginning of Napstar and the Aeropod Concept
A significant turning point came in January 2005 when Michael founded Napstar, LLC in Denver, Colorado. As owner and manager, he directed research efforts, coordinated marketing strategies, and managed business accounts. This period marked the beginning of his work on the Aeropod, a product designed to offer private rest spaces in airports.
The idea grew from his many years spent traveling through Europe, where rest accommodations were more commonly available than in the United States. He noticed that U.S. airports lacked private rest areas where travelers could recover during long waits. His goal was to introduce a simple and accessible option to fill that need. The Aeropod became his answer—a small, private space designed to give passengers a sense of privacy and relief. To support the concept and share his vision, he wrote and published The Denver Aeropod.
Expanding into Security and Risk Management
In August 2017, Michael broadened his skills by joining the Risk Management Security Investigator Company and Community Security Company LLC. As Operations Manager, he worked in several areas of security planning, including risk assessment, executive protection, and on-site preparation.
Beyond these responsibilities, he participated in HR administration and coordinated training for security personnel working with mental health clinics. He also supported the certification process for security guards for the City and County of Denver. These experiences strengthened his understanding of safety procedures, personnel oversight, and structured operational support.
Returning to UPS in an Advanced Role
In December 2019, Michael returned to UPS as an Operations Manager in Denver. His duties involved supervising internal hub inbound operations and assisting the feeder department. This role allowed him to bring together his early UPS experience with the leadership skills he had developed through entrepreneurship and security operations.
Throughout his UPS career, he earned multiple recognitions, including service awards from the Democratic National Convention in 2008 and the President’s Club Awards in 2002, 2003, and 2005. These honors reflect his long-standing dedication to performance, safety, and operational accuracy.
Development of the Next Napstar Prototype
As Napstar prepared to evolve its product line, Michael began collaborating with Jono Isbell, CEO of Hollow(arch). Their work became formalized through a development proposal dated October 7, 2025. The proposal outlined plans for an updated NapStar prototype designed to enhance privacy, comfort, and assembly efficiency.
The design includes lightweight materials, modular construction, CNC-routed components, and metal structural elements. Finishes such as wood veneer or high-quality vinyl support a refined appearance. The prototype is also planned for flat shipping, quick on-site assembly, and maintenance-friendly construction.
Community Engagement and Personal Priorities
Michael Hopkins, from Denver, is involved in community support through contributions to charitable initiatives and training programs connected to mental health clinics. These efforts align with his interest in meaningful, service-oriented work.
Outside of his career, he prioritizes health and fitness in his daily routine. Michael continues to live in Denver, Colorado, where he remains actively involved in developing Napstar and exploring future directions for the company.
Michael Hopkins Denver 