The following employees were recognized at our Corporate quarterly meeting last Wednesday. They were nominated by their peers for going above and beyond and delivering exceptional service and work ethic during the 4th Quarter of 2024. We would like to acknowledge their hard work. Thank you for all you do!
- Ashley Lafond- Accounting- Winner
- Nikki Lumsden-Winecoff- Compliance
- April Stevison- Regional Manager
- Lynsey Brown- Accounting
- Kitty Rogers- HR
- Cristina Taran- Accounting
- Christina White- Onesite
- Connie Brady- Vendor Compliance
- Jeff Rice- Accounting
- Wanda McCullen- Compliance
The following site staff were also nominated for the GEM Award. Thank you to these individuals for their work ethic and dedication!
- Felipe Amezaga- Regency Pointe- Winner
- Rosana Medapati- Hilltop Pointe
- Latoya Redmon- River Run/Brewington Pointe
JOSEPH “JOE” CHAPMAN, III: CHAMPION OF UNITY AND OPPORTUNITY
Our final Black History Month entry is special this year. We proudly celebrate Joseph “Joe” Chapman, III, founder of Royal American Companies, for his lasting impact on Bay County, Florida. His dedication to unity and opportunity helped transform underserved communities, including efforts that uplifted Black families. Through his work in housing, education, and workforce development, Joe’s visionary leadership continues to shape the region, promoting a legacy of progress and inclusion.
As the founder of Royal American Companies, Joe was committed to developing quality housing that strengthened communities. He developed thousands of multifamily units across the Southeast and recognized the importance of providing supportive programs for residents. Long before such initiatives became state requirements, he championed efforts like HUD’s Neighborhood Networks Centers, offering tutoring, educational workshops, and free computer classes to enhance opportunities for families.
Understanding the importance of education and job opportunities in empowering Black families and underserved communities, he made education and workforce development a key focus of his efforts. He helped establish the Bay County Boys & Girls Club, launched Early Head Start and an after-school program at Pana Villa Apartments, and served as the first president of the Bay Education Foundation, expanding scholarships and mentorship programs for local youth. Recognizing the need for economic mobility, he also championed welfare-to-work initiatives such as Women of Destiny, Inc., and Career Source’s One on One, One by One program, providing pathways to self-sufficiency for those striving for a better future.
Joe’s impact reached healthcare and civic engagement. His leadership on the Bay Medical Center Board of Trustees led to the Joseph F. Chapman III Outpatient Center, improving community healthcare access. The Chapman Family Foundation continues his legacy by donating holiday gifts to children in need, bringing joy to families each season.
Through service and collaboration, Joe Chapman proved that one vision can spark lasting change. His legacy echoes the unity and perseverance celebrated during Black History Month, reminding us to work together, give back, and build a brighter future for all.
Must answer all questions correctly:
- Joe served two terms in which governmental body?
- As the youngest Chief General Counsel for Florida Governor Haydon Burns, Joe had a hand in bringing which entertainment dynasty to Florida?
View last week’s answers here!
At Royal American, we are fortunate to have employees with tenure extending 20 years and beyond. Their knowledge and expertise are pivotal in the success and growth of our company all the while staying tied to the deep roots it was founded on. It is our honor to interview these amazing employees and hear their stories.
Celebrating Your Milestones Questionnaire
Awards and Accolades
RAHP-Rural Development Housing Professional
S.T.A.R-Rural Development 515 Spectrum Training Award Recipient
“Family” Manager of the year for Rural Development Area IV
2000 USDA Florida/Virgin Islands Multi-Family Housing Site Manager of the year
HCMR-Housing Compliance Manager of Rural Development
What position did you start out in at Royal American?
I started as Manager at St. Cloud Villas and Assistant Manager at Willows I&II on January 11, 1990, each position was fours hours a day.
Tell us a little bit about your career journey with Royal American.
I became Manager of Willows I&II in 1994 and also assumed the position of Area Manager for several years. Eventually I went back to being the Manager of Willows I&II only, which was enough to keep me busy.
Share a favorite memory from your time with Royal American.
When I started in 1990, we didn’t have computers to work with. We had pencils, paper and a 3ft green ledger book and paper ledger cards for each apartment and everything was done by hand. At the end of the month when it didn’t balance it was a pain to try to find that missing $1.00. So today I’m still trying to learn how to use a computer.
A special moment I will always remember will be the year 2016, when Willows I was awarded Property of the Year. A limousine came into the property and made several circles around until if finally stopped in front of the office. All of a sudden people started climbing out of the limousine carrying a camera, flowers, balloons etc. and of course I headed to the office only to find out they were there for property of the year. Our staff and all the beautiful ladies from the corporate office headed to Bonefish for wonderful lunch, we took pictures and then headed to Baskin Robbins for ice cream, how many can say they went to get ice cream in a limousine. It was a magical day.
Share some of your interests and hobbies outside of Royal American.
In my spare time I love to cook and try new recipes. I enjoy spending time with my four grand-children and my new great-grandson. I also enjoy my yearly vacations with my two sisters.
What advice would you give to someone just getting started?
Being a manager is rewarding and difficult at the same time. There will be days that seem like there is no light at the end of the tunnel, but if you take one day at a time, give it your best and strive for improvement, then you’ve done your part and there are so many wonderful people that will always be in your corner.
Thank you, Janice, for your commitment and work ethic over the past 35 years. Help us congratulate Janice in the comments!
