At TPx, we make it our mission to be the easiest MSP to do business with, and that wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated and talented individuals who work hard to make it possible. Our employees have a passion for IT and our customers that helps drive our business forward. Every month, we like to highlight an employee and the work they do in supporting our mission.
This month, we would like to highlight Mary Chapman, Field Marketing Director. Mary has been with the organization in different capacities for over 20 years. She is an experienced leader with a passion for marketing. Read on to learn more about Mary and her experience as a TPx employee for over two decades.
What does your role at TPx entail?
I’ve been with TPx for over 20 years, and during that time my role has evolved and now encompasses many areas. As Field Marketing Director, my main role is managing all events for the entire organization, but I also manage our affiliate program as well as the marketing budget.
How did you get into field and channel marketing?
I kind of fell into this position. I was working at Linkatel Pacific and was doing everything at that company from AR/AP and Payroll to Marketing and Office Management. When the organization was purchased, I had the opportunity to choose a more specialized role and marketing made the most sense because the growth opportunity it provided. Ever since that time, I’ve held several marketing rolls at previous organizations and within TPx. When given the opportunity to manage TPx’s field and channel marketing, I knew they needed my assistance and would be able to make an impact.
What accomplishments are you most proud of at TPx?
What I am most proud of is knowing that what I do helps our sales and channel teams be more effective, which ultimately impacts the overall revenue outcome for the business.
You started at TPx over 21 years ago, how has the organization transformed during that time?
We have made the transition from being a competitive local exchange carrier to an MSP. This is a huge transformation that very few companies have accomplished successfully. While we’ve had some growing pains, we will come out of this transformation a much stronger and healthier company.
What is your favorite part about working at TPx?
The people we have at TPx are truly amazing. I’ve built some amazing relationships with colleagues over the years. As a remote employee, I don’t see everyone as often as I used to in a traditional office environment, which is why I always look forward to working events and connecting with my colleagues.
As a woman in a predominantly male industry, what is your advice to women wanting to succeed in this industry?
Know your value but also learn how to deal with people. Growing up in a very large family you learn to laugh at yourself, don’t worry about what others think of you but rather what you think of yourself and don’t let the little things bother you. Life is far too short. You will go farther in life and be much happier as a person.
What inspires you?
People inspire me. Those that think of others before themselves. A person with a big heart, always looking for the best in everyone they meet regardless of that person’s circumstances – those are the people that make a difference and inspire me to do the same.
What has made the biggest impact on your professional life?
Rebecca Rosen made such a significant impact on my professional development. She believed in me when nobody else did. Even though I could almost be her mom, she provided encouragement, guidance, and was always there for me no matter what.
What does diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you and why is it important?
I believe DEI is important in making sure everyone has a voice. It helps ensure that every person is important, heard, and included in the conversation, not just a certain group of individuals. I always have believed that the best person for the job is not a person that fits a particular mold designed by someone, but rather the content of the person character that has the greatest impact.
What are you passionate about outside of work?
Being with family, friends and my fur baby is so important to be. I travel so much for work that when I’m home – I want to spend time with the people I love most especially since the weekends fly by far too quickly.
You’re an avid traveler, where is your favorite place you ever visited?
Honestly, I have been to many wonderful places, and one of my absolute favorites is Southern Bavaria (Germany and Austria).
Do you have a favorite travel memory?
When you go abroad, you see a lot of history, which is something we often take for granted as Americans. I remember a trip to Italy my husband and I took 16 years ago. It was shortly after my dad had passed away. We went to these beautiful churches filled with history. Every church we went to, I lit a candle in his honor, kneeled in a church pew, and said a prayer for my dad. Even though I couldn’t see him, I felt connected.