April Business Spotlight - Melissa Chapman - Machen Chapman Law LLC

Introduction and Background:

The Machen Chapman Law Firm specializes in  estate and trust planning, estate administration, elder law, and supplemental planning, providing families with the expertise and peace of mind they deserve. At Machen Chapman Law, we provide compassionate guidance and expert legal services tailored to our client's needs.  The Firm (formerly The Shannahan Law Firm, LLC) began in 2012 and has provided legal services to hundreds of clients in Walton County and throughout the state of Georgia.

Community Involvement:

Melissa is deeply involved in her community, contributing her time and talents to the boards of George Walton Academy and the Walton County Healthcare Foundation, and serving as a member of the Walton County Hospital Authority Board.  She also serves as the Chair of the Governmental Affairs Committee for the Walton County Chamber of Commerce.  She is a past member of the Board of the Chamber, as well. 

Challenges and Solutions:

A few years ago, Melissa decided to discontinue her services as a child advocate and focus solely on estate planning, estate administration, elder law and supplemental needs planning.  This transition took time but using focused marketing tools, public information sessions and networking through the Chamber made this transition much easier. 

Chamber Benefits:

Being a member of the Chamber has been extremely beneficial, both personally and professionally.  The Chamber has provided many opportunities to network with other local professionals and businesses.  It provides a network of referral sources to trusted local businesses.  Creating friendships and business relationships in a small community is one key to being a business owner and the Chamber makes it easy to create and maintain these connections.

Advice:

If you are looking to start a business in this community, join the Chamber and attend the events.  Get involved in the local community and seek out mentorships from others in the community involved in similar types of businesses.  Give back to the community and your business will grow in many ways.