Howard Chapman, NAMA’s 2011 Operator of the Year for Coffee Service, is one of the coffee industry’s most passionate visionaries. While his professional dedication to coffee is widely recognized, his commitment to giving back to those in need is equally impressive.
In addition to his role as treasurer on the NAMA board of directors, Chapman has worked with Royal Cup Coffee for more than two decades and today serves as vice president and division manager of the company’s office coffee division. He was also chair of NAMA’s coffee service committee where he led the initial development of the organization’s coffee, tea and water group’s strategic plan. One of his main goals is to help fellow members succeed and to use Joe on the Job as a way to heighten consumers’ coffee experience.
Looking ahead, Chapman thinks it will be important to create a better understanding about coffee among consumers and the general public. According to Chapman, most consumers do not realize that more people are engaged in coffee production worldwide than in any other industry.
Furthermore, he recognizes the growth potential in developing and replicating the coffee shop experience at the workplace as well as promoting the value of coffee as a workplace benefit. Along with his NAMA colleagues, he advocates the need for research to help identify additional relevant opportunities for growth in this segment.
NAMA plays an important role
Chapman believes that the role NAMA plays in coffee service is unmatched. “The recent coffee tour of Costa Rica is a great example of what NAMA is doing to help its members understand the day-to-day life of those hard-working men and women who provide our key ingredient and I look forward to more events of this sort,” he said.
Chapman has also been delighted by the growth of NAMA’s CTW. He stated, “We started several years ago with a handful of attendees and since then the event has continued to get bigger and better. The value of CTW to our members is truly exciting, and each year we attract more and more attendees and exhibitors.”
“I can’t wait for the CTW in Nashville in November at the Opryland Hotel," continued Chapman. "I invite all my fellow colleagues to join me there to see new developments in the industry and to network with co-workers from around the world. It’s really our industry’s best chance to meet, share ideas, and come away with renewed enthusiasm and knowledge.”
In addition to his passion for coffee, Chapman’s community leadership is legendary. For many years he has led the training for the United Way in Birmingham, Ala., a program which is regarded as one of the most successful in the country. A very active member of his local Kiwanis, where he volunteers for the Reading is Fundamental program, Chapman is also an active participant in the Fireball Run, an eight-day 2,500 mile exotic car cruise which raises awareness for missing children. He's proud to note that through their efforts, the organization has located 36 children.
A real life Joe on the Job, Chapman is a native of Atlanta, Ga., and attended Georgia State University.
