Even when the odds were against me, I was determined to build a life on my own terms—something I could be proud of, that would not only shape my future but also leave a lasting impact on the people I helped serve along the way.

 

Graduating from Ohio State in 2008 should have marked the start of a promising career, but the reality was far different. The economy was in freefall, and the job market was practically nonexistent. That’s when an opportunity came knocking—literally. A young “kid” knocked on my door selling cable bundle services from AT&T. Curious, I asked him, “How much would you make from the sale?” I was surprised by his answer and asked, “Are they hiring?” He, of course, said “YES!” 

 

Those early years in door-to-door sales served as a rigorous sales boot camp. It was challenging, yet it built my confidence and resilience. I discovered my natural ability to connect with people and solve their problems. After five years going door-to-door to build my skills in sales, I transitioned to a corporate sales job, selling Xerox copiers to schools and businesses. Although I found success there too, the rigid structure of the corporate world felt confining, and I missed the freedom of interacting with people on my own terms. I wanted to start something of my own.

 

This drive wasn’t random—it was inspired by my upbringing. My mother was a very successful REALTOR® who managed her time effectively raising my brother and me while excelling at her career. My dad was an entrepreneur who ran his own restaurant and bar business for 25+ years. After selling our family-owned restaurant in 1997, my parents decided to invest in a 12-unit apartment building near the campus of Virginia Tech, transforming it into a thriving student housing portfolio. Watching them build and grow their investments made a lasting impression on me. They weren’t just surviving—they were thriving on their own terms. I saw real estate as a pathway to the independence I craved.

 

It was 2013 when a good friend opened up a boutique real estate brokerage in German Village and encouraged me to get my real estate license to come work for him. I didn’t hesitate! I applied for and won a scholarship through the Columbus Board of REALTORS® for my education and licensing. It was a leap of faith considering 87% of new agents are out of the business after their first two years of getting licensed. Returning to my roots, I went door-to-door introducing myself to homeowners and asking, “Are you interested in selling?” I was determined not to become another statistic. It wasn’t glamorous, but my persistence paid off as I focused on building more and more relationships.

 

Over the course of the next decade, I honed my skills and gained invaluable experience selling real estate. Today I’m proud to call myself a true real estate professional. I get phone calls every single day from clients, friends, family, and peers seeking expert real estate advice. I love the complexities and nuances of the industry while helping others navigate exciting and challenging life transitions.

 

Real estate has enabled me to build the life I always wanted for my family. I even met my wife, Brittany, through real estate—she purchased the second home I ever sold. She believed in me from the very beginning and supported me in every way imaginable. I can honestly say if not for her in those early days I most likely would not have made it. Now, with two sons, Archie and Louie, I feel the effects of her support more than ever. I have a successful career that allows me to be present for my family in ways that I couldn’t with a traditional job. I never have to miss life’s precious moments with them. 

 

Reflecting on my journey, I am proud of the risks I took and my refusal to let challenges deter me. Being an entrepreneur has become more than just running a business; it is about realizing my full potential, shaping my life on my own terms, and instilling my values into everything I do. All of my experiences have led me here, to exactly where I’m meant to be.

 

As a father and husband, I understand the unique challenges and aspirations of young families looking for their first home or needing a larger space in communities that suit their family’s needs. To better serve this demographic, I launched a YouTube channel, Living in Columbus Ohio, where I create content to educate potential home buyers about different suburbs, focusing on key aspects such as education, lifestyle, and amenities unique to different communities here in the Central Ohio area. I aim to be a valuable, trusted, localized resource for those looking to make informed buying and selling decisions. My expertise also extends to growing investment portfolios and probate real estate, where I collaborate closely with a probate attorney to manage and sell home estates through the Probate Court. 

 

As a REALTOR®, I’m focused on building genuine, lasting relationships with my clients. I believe that real estate goes beyond just buying and selling homes which is why I take the time to understand each client's unique needs and provide personalized solutions to help them achieve their goals. I establish trust and deliver results, serving as a lifelong real estate resource long after the transaction is over!

 

Sincerely,

 

Oliver Chapman

REALTOR® | LIC#2013004396

Cell (614) 738-0325

oliver@livecolumbusgroup.com

www.livecolumbusgroup.com