Insuror Chapman’s ‘handshake is his bond’

LONGMONT — Tom Chapman is one of those people who evokes heads shaken in wonder.

How does this one man run a successful insurance business, serve on numerous community boards and charities and always stand ready for the next challenge — while still making sure he has time for his wife, son and daughter and two grandchildren?

“I’m fortunate in that I’ve always been self-employed,” said Chapman, managing partner of First MainStreet Insurance LLC in Longmont. “As a result, I don’t view my business hours to be 9 to 5, and I’ve never had an eight-hour mentality. That gives me flexibility to do these other things.”

It also helps that Chapman views his volunteer activities as fun, not work. “I don’t view those things as work or stressful,” Chapman said. “I’m passionate about being involved in the community. I think I have a healthier outlook on life as a result.”

First MainStreet is a full-service independent insurance agency serving Longmont, the St. Vrain Valley, Boulder County and beyond. The agency has grown from seven to 25 employees under Chapman’s leadership and has been a major contributor to many local charities.

The company is on a strong financial path, Chapman said. “We are starting to see some positive things happen,” he said, “and our outlook is very bright.”

“Tom is known by all of his peers as an ethical business leader, a true mentor with untarnished integrity,” said Beth Shipp and Brian O’Hanlon, who nominated Chapman to the Boulder County Business Hall of Fame. “He is one of those rare people: Tom’s handshake is his bond.”

Chapman balances work, play and family, said Shipp, who worked with Chapman at First MainStreet Insurance until retiring two years ago. He has a sense of humility and never takes sole credit for his achievements, she said. “He always says, ‘You don’t do this alone. You never get there alone.’ ”

Chapman’s contributions to nonprofits are extensive. Among those to which he has contributed are the Economic Development Association of Longmont that became the Longmont Areal Economic Council, the Tiny Tim Center, Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley and the Longmont Community Foundation.

He has served on the boards of the Longmont Community Foundation and First National Bank of Longmont and has chaired the Longmont Area Economic Council and the Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce. He sits on the board of directors of Longmont United Hospital, where he helps the hospital navigate the rapidly changing health-care field.

Chapman said he first became involved in volunteer activities as a member of the chamber of commerce in an effort to grow his business. After serving in many business-related volunteer roles, he changed his focus to the broader community.

“I was looking for the more human factor in the community,” he said. “My passion is to be involved in the community and help make it a better place to live and run a business.”

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