From Founder to Ecosystem Builder: A Fireside Chat with Tom Chapman

Scale Omaha powered by the Nebraska Startup Academy is excited to welcome Tom Chapman. Tom is the founder of Peeq Pro, a longtime startup advisor, and one of the leading voices in Nebraska entrepreneurial ecosystem building.

Tom has spent nearly two decades shaping Nebraska’s startup landscape as both a founder and a community builder. From launching Peeq Pro, now the dominant ocular hygiene company in the U.S., to leading consulting, media, and software ventures, Tom has seen the startup journey from every angle. His work at the Greater Omaha Chamber, Nebraska Global, and Chapman & Company has helped hundreds of early-stage companies find customers, validate products, and accelerate growth.

Nationally recognized as one of the top voices in measuring and cultivating entrepreneurial ecosystems, Tom has been instrumental in advancing how communities support founders and innovation. Beyond his professional achievements, he remains rooted in Omaha with his wife and co-founder, Dr. Cheryl Chapman, and their six children.

Join us to hear Tom reflect on how Nebraska's startup scene has evolved, what it takes to build stronger communities around founders, and why ecosystem advocacy matters now more than ever. Expect candid insights on building, scaling, and sustaining both companies and the communities that support them.

📅 Thursday, September 18th

📍 The Ashton Building at Millwork Commons

⏰ 4:00 – 6:00 PM (4:00 PM Happy Hour // 5:00 PM Fireside Chat with Tom Chapman)

Special thanks to the Nebraska Startup Academy, Millwork Commons, and Dundee Bank for making this monthly series possible.