Meet Clint Chapman | Real Estate Investor & Digital Agency Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Clint Chapman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Clint, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Since I was a kid, I’ve always had a deep curiosity for discovering the ins and outs of things and figuring out why they work the way they do. Whether it was taking apart toys, gadgets, or even just observing how systems operate, I was always drawn to the challenge of understanding the mechanics behind it all. This fascination extended to a wide range of interests – whether it was nature, machines, or even people – I found that getting to the root of how something functions and uncovering the “why” and “how” provided a sense of excitement and satisfaction for me.

This infatuation for understanding and analyzing systems, whether simple or complex, has shaped the way I approach the world. I’ve carried that mindset into adulthood, and it’s become a driving force behind how I approach my work, personal projects, and even my relationships with others. It’s fascinating to me how everything is connected in some way, and finding those connections gives me a deeper understanding and appreciation for the world around me.

After working various jobs throughout my adult life, I began to feel constrained by the idea of exchanging my time, knowledge, and skills for a paycheck on someone else’s terms. There was always a sense that my potential was being limited by the structures of traditional employment, being bound to one location, and especially the inevitable income ceiling when working for someone else. Over time, this led to a growing curiosity about what life might look like if I crafted my own path and explored business ventures that allowed me to design my work and lifestyle on my own terms.

My curiosity was fueled by more than just the desire for financial independence; it was about gaining the freedom to shape my life based on my own values and passions. I started to ask myself what I could achieve by creating income streams that aligned with my vision, rather than being bound by the visions of others. The idea of building something from the ground up that reflected my individuality became increasingly appealing – not just for financial gain, but for the challenge, creativity, and fulfillment that comes from crafting a life truly my own. This shift in mindset opened new possibilities, pushing me to seriously consider turning my ideas into reality.

We’re incredibly fortunate to live in a time where there are virtually endless opportunities for learning, especially thanks to the internet. Since my teenage years, I’ve spent countless hours at the computer, not just for entertainment or to pass the time, but to expand my knowledge and skills. The internet has been my gateway to learning everything from music production to fitness and living a healthy lifestyle. It’s given me the tools and resources to explore the world, try incredible new recipes, and even navigate the complexities of relationships and dating. It’s also been a crucial resource for discovering the two avenues I’m most passionate about pursuing: investing in real estate and building my own design agency.

One area I’ve especially dived into with online learning is real estate investing. The wealth of information available has helped me grasp the principles of real estate, from analyzing markets to understanding property management and investment strategies. This seed of real estate was planted in my mind at a young age. When my dad’s thriving career as a studio musician with a packed schedule began to slow down in the late 90s due to the rise of free mp3 downloads and home recording technology, he got into real estate as a side hustle. He quickly found success as an agent, and before long he’d recruited a bunch of his musician buddies to do the same. I distinctly remember as a teenager when he told me about one of his friends who had started buying rental properties. This friend had acquired a few homes that were not only covering their own expenses, but also generating enough profit to pay for his personal home. The idea that you could own rental properties, have them pay for themselves, and even cover the cost of your own living expenses completely blew my mind as a teenager, and I knew from that moment this would be me someday.

Beyond real estate, one of the most powerful things I’ve discovered about the internet is its ability to teach almost any skill, particularly in the realm of technology. Over the years, I’ve picked up countless skills, from designing websites at the age of 10 to video editing and producing music as I got older. More recently, I’ve developed an obsession with design – specifically creating websites and apps, but also diving into the world of branding, visual identities, and digital products. Graphic design and branding have always been an interest of mine, and after some blood sweat and tears of online learning, I was able to hone these skills to a professional level.

Eventually, I reached a point where my design skills landed me a job at a Fortune 100 tech company. As much as I enjoyed the role and the opportunities it offered, I couldn’t shake the desire for greater autonomy and creative freedom in my work. This growing realization made me understand that the expertise I had developed in both design and business could be the foundation for something of my own. The idea of making my own rules, pursuing my own vision, and carving out a path that aligns with my personal goals is far more exciting than following someone else’s blueprint. It’s this drive that pushed me toward starting my own agency, offering branding, design, and marketing for companies to help their business grow and thrive. There’s something incredibly rewarding about using my creative skills and strategy to elevate my clients’ businesses and contribute to their success.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
One crucial thing I’ve learned in life is that waiting until you feel “ready” to take that big leap is a trap. You may never feel completely prepared, but you shouldn’t let that stop you from getting started. It’s far better to dive in, get the ball rolling, and course correct along the way – rather than standing on the sidelines, waiting until you feel fully prepared and ready. What often keeps people from starting is the fear of failure, and falling short because they weren’t fully prepared. Your whole life may pass by, you never tried that thing, and you live with the regret and the what-ifs. Sure, if you try, you might fail. If you don’t ever try, guess what – you still fail… just the longer, more drawn out version of it. I use this approach by setting clear deadlines for myself. Instead of overthinking, I commit to making a decision and moving forward, trusting that preparation and instincts will guide me. When the time comes, I’m ready to act knowing that even if it doesn’t work out exactly as planned, each step is a chance to learn and refine the process for the next time. This way, it keeps me moving toward my goals without getting stuck in indecision.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Most of my closest friends are from Nashville in fact, although most have migrated to other cities. So in this case, instead of showing them around Nashville, I’d love to book a trip to a new city for us to explore. Some fun things to do would be try some healthy & fresh restaurants, check out some hip coffee shops, take a walk thru walks or botanical gardens, visit a museum or two, can’t forget the brewery stop, and late night food trucks are always a treat. If we’re feeling real adventurous, get outside the city and do some hiking.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family has always been my strongest pillar of support throughout my life, providing invaluable lessons and guidance (Dad, Mom, Allison, Lee, & Sara). Some of my closest friends have been a big source of inspiration for me – seeing what they had achieved and wanting to aspire to their level. (Grant, Tim, Josh, & Jordan). Additionally, a select few psychology professors in college profoundly influenced my perspective on the world. (especially Dr. Pennington @ MTSU)

Website: https://opulentdigital.io

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clintshowstheworld/

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/cchapmandesign/

Other: https://airbnb.com/h/thequailsnestnashville

Image Credits
Professional photos of house (3) – Natchez Photography
My personal photo – Your Story in Photos
Present in the photo holding signs – local Nashville musician, my real estate agent & mentor Erik Halbig