Huntsville’s Bill Chapman: A Passion for Commercial Real Estate and Community Preservation
In the vibrant city of Huntsville, one man is turning his passion for commercial real estate into a heartfelt mission to preserve history. William “Bill” Chapman, the founder of Chapman Commercial Realty, has been carving his niche in the commercial real estate world since 1992. His journey from residential sales to the commercial sector is not just about numbers; it’s about creating a lasting impact on the community he loves.
Choosing Commercial Over Residential
When asked why he chose commercial real estate instead of residential, Chapman shared, “Some people are cut out for the emotional decisions of homebuying, and that just never appealed to me in the same way.” In commercial real estate, it’s all about business and numbers, focusing on the facts rather than personal taste. Growing up with a father in the same field and being mentored by industry professionals, Bill found his true calling. “I learned a lot from these guys and fell in love with it,” he shared with a warm smile.
Juggling Personal and Professional Life
But life as a business owner isn’t all smooth sailing. “It’s very difficult,” Chapman pointed out, especially when balancing time between his personal life and multiple business ventures alongside his wife. The couple often finds themselves pulled away from family activities by property-related emergencies. “People call you in the middle of Saturday afternoon football, and when something is wrong with one of your properties, you’ve got to go,” he said. It’s a true juggling act that many can relate to!
Overcoming Obstacles
Chapman hasn’t backed down when faced with significant challenges, particularly recalling the turbulent times of September 2008. “The whole world went crazy,” he remarked. The stock market crashed and everything seemed to crumble. He and several investors had just partnered to buy a considerable amount of property in Huntsville at that time. When he got the call from a New York City lender saying they would not fund the transaction, it felt like a heavy blow—especially because it involved a staggering $20 million investment. But Bill didn’t let adversity defeat him. He leaned on his faith, remained persistent, and took each day as it came. “How do you eat the elephant? One bite at a time,” he quoted, showing his calm and collected approach to life’s hurdles.
A Commitment to Huntsville’s History
Being a sixth-generation Huntsvillian, Chapman has a special connection to the area. “It makes you want to do good things for the community,” he remarked, highlighting his recent project, Oak Place. Built in 1840 and designed by the renowned Huntsville architect George Steele, Oak Place was in danger of being demolished for condos. Thanks to Chapman and his business partner, Breck Robinson, Oak Place has been beautifully restored into an event venue, providing a space for celebrations while preserving a piece of local history.
Defining Success
When asked what the secret to his success is, Chapman profoundly noted, “Success is not a balance sheet.” To him, true success involves happiness and the relationships we cultivate. “The older I get, the more I look at success by how many friends you have, what does your family think about you, and are you a good person.” His perspective serves as a glowing reminder that at the end of the day, love and community matter more than any spreadsheet can reflect.
As Huntsville continues to evolve, thanks to dedicated locals like Bill, the balance between preserving history and embracing modernity is in good hands. With his commitment to revitalizing historic sites and his enthusiasm for commercial real estate, Chapman is proving that it’s never too late to follow your passion and make a real difference.
