Neighborhood Collaborator

Neighborhood Collaborator

PETER CHAPMAN

Marketing Associate, NDD

In his capacity as Marketing Associate, Peter’s jobs include business liaison, social media creator, in-house creator of collateral material, and small business support, to name a few.

Born and raised in Newark, his affection
for the city and his degree in marketing
and graphic design make him an ideal fit
for his job. He loves the community and is frequently on the move during his work day, speaking with local businesses, going to and creating events—and staying vitally involved with the people and businesses of Newark.

Peter loves the creative side of his job, coming up with ideas, creating graphics, and taking existing ideas and finding a way to refresh them. He and his team can brainstorm 20–30 ideas for marketing campaigns and collateral pieces, narrow them down, and then execute the final ones.

“Small businesses drive the economy here.
I want to know the owners, I want to know the managers and thank them for being in our community.”

His creativity finds other outlets; he is a digital artist, producing work rooted in historical events. He takes people or events with a relationship to Newark—Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Jr., or Harriet Tubman—and infuses them with his own spirit of street art. A self-described history nerd, he believes everyone should learn as much history as possible. “Learning where you come from and what your people have been through can boost your battery. If you come from a harder background, but you see that you prospered out of it, you can see how your family fought and strived for you to have an opportunity and keep propelling forward.”

Chapman has a great relationship with the local businesses. “I am genuine,” he acknowledges, “and they can see that.” He notes that small business owners often find their supporters are looking for discounts or special favors but they don’t have a lot of interaction with the business. “I want to know the employees’ names. I shake their hands, I say hello to them.”

Based on all his experience, he offers this advice to small businesses: don’t be afraid to pivot. If your business plan isn’t working out, don’t be afraid to make a shift. Reach out and ask for help. “I understand you feel strongly about your business—that’s your baby and you think you can do it all on your own—but there are tons of resources and people out here that can assist you.”

FAVORITE NEWARK SPOTS:

For clothing:
BrownMill Company, TRAPART
Jazz:
Clements Place