Cappstone, Inc.

Cori Chipman: A Dynamic Career

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SAN FRANCISCO — Cori Chipman never planned on getting a job in the janitorial industry, but after nearly a decade, she’s glad she did. “I doubt that I would have applied at a janitorial company if it weren’t for the 2008 recession,” she explains. “I was working in the hospitality industry in Hawaii and the recession hit us particularly hard. I ended up moving back to San Francisco, where I immediately began looking for work. One of the companies I applied at was Cappstone, Inc. I had no idea what working for a janitorial company would be like, but I was willing to give it a shot. After being hired as an account manager, I was pleasantly surprised to discover how interesting and dynamic the janitorial industry was. Over time, I worked my way up through the ranks and today I am CEO.”

Today, Cori says her favorite part of her job is its inherent variety. “We clean all types of facilities, from basic office buildings to major music venues and science labs, and each facility needs something totally different from us. Sure, the basics of the job are still there, but the unique logistics and operations of each client requires us to get creative and tailor our services to meet their needs.”

A resident of San Francisco, Cori spends her time outside of work on a variety of active pastimes. “I enjoy stand-up paddle boarding, yoga and helping with community-based art projects,” she details. “A few years ago, I was on the planning committee for a project called ‘Hidden Garden Steps,’ which raised $500,000 to get a staircase in the city cleaned up and tiled with a beautiful mosaic. These types of projects often need a little help with the administrative aspects, so it feels good to help by applying my professional knowledge.”

In regard to her professional career, Cori praises the unsung janitorial heroes that facilitate our daily lives and livelihoods. “It always amazes me to think about the thousands of people who turn the city over every single night. When you get to your office in the morning and the trash can is empty and the kitchen breakroom is clean, it’s easy to take that for granted. Most of us don’t realize how many hardworking people it takes to make this happen, so I always want to acknowledge that.”

When asked the first thing she’d do if she were to retire tomorrow, Cori says she’d take a trip to the Emerald Isle. “I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland and I actually have family there, so I would definitely take the opportunity to visit.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: An early bird.

Q: What’s your favorite snack?
A: Anything pickled.

Q: What was your first job?
A: I worked at a Hollywood Video. My uniform included a tuxedo t-shirt, a cummerbund and a bowtie. I was pretty popular with my friends because I had early access to all the new releases.

Q: If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future?
A: The past—either to Victorian-era England or the U.S. during the Roaring Twenties.