Investor Spotlight: ChappellRoberts

June 29, 2021

ChappellRoberts was founded in 1978 as a Tampa-based public relations firm. In 1992, the company acquired a local advertising agency and began the process of building one of the region’s first integrated agencies. In 2002, Colleen Chappell joined the agency and developed the Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) service offerings. Their expanded services include proprietary brand discovery and development, comprehensive marketing, sales and social media strategies and full digital capabilities. Today, the agency continues to build on its 40-year history with nearly 40 talented professionals delivering branding, advertising, marketing, public relations and digital strategies to a diverse client roster. ChappellRoberts is located in Historic Ybor City and has a strong reputation for its work with regional and national clients as well as service to the Tampa Bay community.

Colleen Chappell, CEO

Breaking down barriers and forging new paths has been Colleen’s mode of operation her entire professional life. After building her career on the client-side of brand development, marketing, advertising, pricing strategies, and market segmentation (to name a few), Colleen made a bold change. Twenty years ago, she joined the agency-side to grow this company into a sought-after strategic branding agency that partners with top-tier, national and global clients.

Her unstoppable enthusiasm for actualizing full potential has won her many awards including Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce Woman of Distinction, Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Businesswoman of the Year, and University of South Florida’s Outstanding Alumnus. She’s recognized as a premier business leader internationally, winning the Gold Stevie Award for Management Team of the Year and the Bronze Award for Business Services Female Executive of the Year. Colleen was named a 2020 Women of Distinction honoree by Girl Scouts of West Central Florida, and most recently the Florida Council on Economic Education inducted her into the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame.

You’ve been a longtime supporter of the EDC and previously served as the chair. How has the EDC expanded or evolved since your term as chair?

I had the privilege of recruiting Craig Richard during my term. That decision dramatically changed the trajectory of the organization. Under his leadership, the organization and key leaders achieved their professional certification by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). This is a national recognition that denotes a mastery of skills in economic development, professional attainment and a commitment to personal and professional growth. Beyond growing our talent, the EDC has grown in prestige continually breaking records for jobs, wages and capital investment. Creating a legacy of sustainability, the EDC established the Tampa Economic Prosperity Foundation, to conduct research and educate our community about issues that affect job creation and economic opportunity in Tampa Bay.

The Make it Tampa Bay initiative, which was a big initiative of yours, is now four years old. What outcomes from this initiative are you most proud?

I’m thrilled beyond words that Make it Tampa Bay continues to thrive. As chair, I was incredibly passionate about bringing young leaders to the table. They are our future, and it was imperative that we grow along with them as they continue to set the pace for the future of our region. This effort continues to lead the discussion about attracting and retaining young professional talent to Tampa Bay.

As an avid proponent of diversity, equity and inclusion, what do you think needs to happen to continue to grow and celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion in Tampa Bay?

The most important way to continue to grow diversity, equity and inclusion is ensuring leaders continue the foster the mindset, consistent communication and relentless practice of openly celebrating difference and uniqueness. To successfully and sustainably grow our region, we must actively bring diverse voices and perspectives to every conversation about our future – this may include creating new platforms for everyone in our community to come together for discourse, understanding, and celebration of differences.