Integrated Building Systems welcomes third-generation family member Emily Chapman
Say hello to Emily Chapman, a new Account Executive at Integrated Building Systems. If her name seems familiar, that’s because she is a third-generation Chapman family member at the firm. Emily’s grandfather, Al Chapman, co-founded the company in 1993 with her father Chip Chapman, who is the president, and Bill Helland, vice president.
Three generations: Chip, Emily, and Al Chapman gather for a family photo next to the company’s original logo. “ADC” represented the founder’s initials; both Al and Chip share the name Alvin Dewey Chapman. It was also the inspiration for an early slogan, “A Dependable Choice.”
Growing up, Emily recalls stopping by the office to visit her grandfather and dad or to complete the occasional assignment to clean out files or tidy an area in the warehouse. And while she was in college, Emily always cleared time on her schedule to volunteer for the company’s annual community service event, the Earth Day Electronics Recycling Drive.
“My brother and I always wanted the warehouse chores because that’s where the basketball hoop was,” Emily recalled with a laugh. “I also remember cleaning out filing cabinets in the space that is now my office!”
“I’m excited to help continue our legacy of great work.”
For many years throughout the company’s nearly 28-year history, a number of other family members worked for the firm, too, including her grandmother, Virginia Chapman, and all three of her aunts. Her mother, Rebecca Chapman, is the current marketing manager.
“The business has always been an important part of my life,” Emily reflected. “For as long as I can remember, I have admired the connections we have with the community, the technology solutions we provide for our clients, and our partnerships with design and construction firms. I’m excited to now be able to play an active role in the business and help continue our legacy of great work.”
FOCUS ON CONNECTIONS
Today as an account executive, Emily guides clients through the firm’s technology-planning process from design stage to integration.
“What I like best about my job so far is that there is no typical day. I could be calling clients, discussing projects on a Zoom call, meeting with architects, or demonstrating options in our Tech Studios showrooms,” she said.
“I also love the team!” Emily added. “My situation is unique as a family member – I knew everyone before my first day, which made the transition to this role much smoother. I know I can ask anyone a question and they will be happy to answer. It is also fun to bug my parents when I need a break!”
Emily shares a laugh with her parents: Rebecca Chapman, the firm’s marketing manager, and Chip Chapman, president.
FAMILY VALUES AT WORK
If Emily had to describe Integrated Building Systems in three words, she would use collaborative, creative, and dependable. Within her first few weeks as an employee, she recognized how her upbringing aligned with the company’s core values.
“I quickly learned that how my parents raised me – to have a can-do-it attitude, to take responsibility for my work, and to strive to always do my best – is exactly in line with the business’s core values. I joke that I was a natural-born fit for the company culture!”
Emily’s hometown is not too far from the office, in Powell, Ohio. She followed in her father’s footsteps in more ways than one, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree at his alma mater, Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky.
“I am so proud to have Emily join the IBS team. I wasn’t sure it would ever happen, but I’m sure glad it did,” Chip said. “She is very bright, and she has a very competitive spirit and the desire to work hard for what she wants. I saw her drive to succeed when I coached her youth basketball team, in her college pursuits, and now in the attitude she brings to the job.”
GET TO KNOW EMILY
Emily with her parents, Rebecca and Chip, and grandparents Al and Virginia.
First job: Nanny and babysitter throughout high school, then working in my university’s writing center.
Favorite quote: “Shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” I have a really beautiful bookmark with this quote on it, so I’m attached.
Family members: My parents Chip and Rebecca, who are now my colleagues! My younger brother, Joe, who is a college student. And a big extended family that lives in central Ohio.
Furry friend: My kitten Fitzgerald (Fitz, when I’m feeling affectionate), who I adopted during quarantine, named after F. Scott Fitzgerald, author of one of my favorite books, The Great Gatsby. Fitz is a tiny monster, but I love him.
Fun fact: I did a Rotary Youth Exchange to France in high school, and still talk to my host family regularly! I’ve since been back to France to visit.
“I can’t live without”: Coffee, it has been a daily must since my senior year of high school.
Favorite movie or TV show: I love TV so much; this is a really hard question. Two of my favorites ended in 2020– The Good Place and Schitt’s Creek.
Feed me, please: La Tavola in Grandview or The Backstretch in Delaware.
Perfect weekend: Spending time with friends and family, especially at Hocking Hills; going to the library or bookstore; taking a yoga class.
CONNECT
Get in touch with Emily directly at echapman@IBSwebsite.com or 614-240-5999. Connect with her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-chapman/.