MONICA Chapman
37 | PuroClean & Construction Management Direct | VP Business Development & Owner
Residence: Burlington
Career highlight(s): The career highlight I'm most proud of is moving to Vermont in 2009 to open a restoration franchise for the company I was working for at the time. I was 25 years old, I didn't know the area or anyone in the community. Within the first year and a half I grossed over a million dollars and was able to provide 
employment opportunities to Vermonters. It was a challenging time in my life and career but ultimately led me to where I am today.
Community Involvement: My community involvement includes serving on the Burlington Fire Commission Board as well as an active co-chair for Vermont Works for Women.
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont? I was motivated to live and work in Vermont by the opportunity to launch a new restoration franchise here in 2009. I fell in love with Vermont; the people, the landscape, and the way of life. I settled here and built a family and business and never looked back.
Favorite part of your job: My favorite part of my job is getting to know people. I am a true extrovert and getting to meet and get to know people ignites me.
Most inspiring mentor and why: My most inspiring mentor was a man named Alan DeGeorge. He believed in me at a time in my life when I had very little confidence. He constantly pushed me to take risks and gave me opportunities that I had never expected would be a part of my journey
What is the best career advice you have received? The best career advice I have received is "if it doesn't scare you, then it won't challenge you. If it doesn't challenge you, you won't grow into the woman you are suppose to be. "
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: Few people know that I lived in Morocco, Africa. I lived there for 3 years when I was very young. My father was stationed there while he was in the Navy.
What three words best describe you: Three words that best describe me are relentless, bold and generous.
Favorite Vermont escape: My favorite Vermont escape is taking a weekend trip to Stowe. It's close to home but it feels like a true getaway. The restaurants, outdoor activities and shopping are always a fun way to spend a weekend with my family.
Favorite downtime activity: My favorite downtime activity is board games and card games. You can always count on my to want to play!
If you had unlimited access to funds, which cause(s) would you support: The cause I would support is providing more mental health services to our men and women in uniform. Having been in the fire restoration industry for years, I have seen tragic events occur where the fire department has had to respond. I would support more mental health programs for the folks on the front lines. In addition I would use the funds to support Vermont Works for Women. An organization that is committed to supporting women and their career journeys. There are so many women with untapped talent that just need the resources to support their potential. I would be honored to help women have more opportunities to be able to explore their capabilities.
What is the one song on your playlist that are you embarrassed to tell your best friend? The song on my playlist I would be embarrassed to tell my best friend is (I had) The Time of my life, from the Dirty Dancing soundtrack.
Where do you see yourself professionally in the next 5-10 years? In the next 5-10 years I'd like to continue to grow the business, and begin to buy real estate. I would also like to do some consulting in the restoration industry.