Chapman focuses on client service and signs on with Surterre Properties
Don Chapman is the latest addition to the highly accomplished group of real estate agents and brokers of Surterre Properties®.
Chapman’s background – both personal and professional – has helped to shape a valuable perspective on the art of buying and selling properties, which he leverages to the greatest advantage of his clients.
“I believe that my life experience, from growing up in Hawaii to owning and operating a multinational corporation, has given me a unique insight with regard to the competitive and diverse residential real estate industry in Newport Beach,” Chapman said.
And his accomplishments in the business world are certainly impressive.
Upon graduating from the University of Southern California, he went to work for his family’s business, Chapman’s Men’s Wear Inc. At that time, the company was the largest men’s clothing retail operation in the state of Hawaii, with 25 retail stores located throughout Hawaii, California, Arizona and Nevada. He worked his way up through the ranks, eventually becoming the VP of Operations for Chapman’s. In 1989, the company was sold – but his successes were just beginning.
“Just prior to the sale, I had acquired Damze Company, a small manufacturing organization that specialized in manufacturing chenille jackets,” he recalls. “After two years of growing the business, Damze purchased a chenille bedspread and fabric manufacturing operation located in Georgia. As sales continued to grow, so did our manufacturing operations, expanding facilities in Georgia,
Don Chapman
California, and Mexico. Eventually, our Canyon Group line of sleepwear and robes was sold in every major department and specialty store throughout the country.”
Chapman sold Damze Co. in 2006, and with a portion of the proceeds, purchased several residential investment properties. Since then, he’s personally managed each of them, overseeing everything from leasing to maintenance and repair. This hands-on experience, coupled with his diverse experience in the apparel industry, shines through today in the detail-oriented fashion in which he conducts his business.
“I’ve spent my life building a business from the ground up, and know firsthand the value of the dollar and how much hard work, determination and sacrifice it takes to be successful,” he stated.
What’s more, the many years he’s spent negotiating complicated contracts, creating sales presentations and advertising campaigns, and handling customer grievances and employee disputes form an invaluable platform from which to transition into his career as a real estate professional.
At Surterre Properties, he works in tandem with his wife Jody Chapman, one of the area’s most accomplished Realtors. He believes the company will best complement his
skill set, creating the ideal situation for the buyers and sellers he represents.
“I chose Surterre due to the company’s superior level of commitment, personal attention, and support to their agents and clients,” he said. “I was also drawn to the high level of cooperation and camaraderie, which I believe is crucial to success in the industry. Additionally, Surterre’s image and marketing initiatives are unmatched in terms of quality – they will undoubtedly aid in my quest to provide the best, most focused service to my clients.”
The Chapmans currently reside in the Harbor View Hills South neighborhood of Corona del Mar, where they’ve lived for almost 15 years. They have been active members of the Balboa Bay Club for over 20 years, and all three of their daughters have worked their way through the local school system, attending Corona del Mar High School. A lover of the Newport Beach lifestyle, he is an avid boater who’s also an Autocross division champion and event chairperson with the Orange Coast PCA (Porsche Club of America).
Contact Don Chapman at 949.933.3473 or dchapman@surterreproperties.com.
