Professional Q&A: David Chapman

As a professional, David Chapman, Ph.D., wears many hats. Community members may know him as a city councilperson for Edmond’s Ward 1 or real estate commissioner for the Oklahoma Real Estate Commission. However, when not on duty as founder, owner, and broker for Realty1, LLC., Chapman also spends his days as a professor of finance and real estate at the University of Central Oklahoma.

Q: Do you live in Edmond, work in Edmond, or both?

A: I have lived and worked in Edmond for 30 years.

Q: Where did you grow up and go to school?

A: I grew up and graduated high school in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I did my undergraduate in mechanical engineering at Oklahoma State University. I did my master’s degrees at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the University of Denver. I received my Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University.

Q: What did you do before your time at UCO?

A: Out of college, I traveled with the U.S. Air Force as a defense contractor for General Dynamics on the F-16 fighter aircraft. I then helped start a company called ExecuTrain that trained companies in information technology. I also worked as an executive coach for Vistage Corporation.

Q: How did you get involved with UCO?

A: I started teaching at UCO as an adjunct professor in information technology. After selling my technology company and investing in real estate, the university asked me to start teaching real estate. One thing led to another: I wound up getting a Ph.D. and became a full-time, tenure-tracked faculty member running the real estate program.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love the impact I can have on today’s youth and providing them with the skills necessary to make a living in a very robust industry. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to serve the community and the real estate industry by providing ethical, capable professionals. I also like that the university allows me to continue working as a real estate professional in the community, staying up to date with the latest in the industry. They also encourage me and allow me to serve my community on the city council and real estate commission.

Q: What’s something you’re passionate about in your personal life?

A:  I’ve had many things that have brought me joy. Today, it’s all about family. I love spending time with my family. While growing up, it was all about racing motocross motorcycles. Straight out of college, it was all about flying airplanes. As a young adult, I fell in love with racing cars. Frankly, now, besides spending time with family, I’m all about serving my city as a city councilman and serving my state as a real estate commissioner. We also spend our free time at Grand Lake — a lot of that time on our boat.

Q: What do you like about Edmond?

A: I love that Edmond has all the advantages of the typical suburban community — with great schools, safety, and parks — but all the urban amenities, walkability, and urban fabric of a large urban city. It really is the best of both worlds. We’re developing a world-class entertainment district in our downtown area based on a wonderful public art collection and a growing live music scene. I love living, working, and playing in downtown Edmond. The city is financially stable and has built electric service capability, water/sewer systems, police, fire, and other infrastructure to benefit future generations. I honestly believe that the City of Edmond provides the best quality of life in the region.

Q: What is your number one tip for other professionals, either for work or life in general?

A: Be on time, dress appropriately, and have a good attitude. And remember, things are rarely as good as you think they are, and they’re never as bad as you think they are.