Meet Your Neighbor - Joe Chrisman

Joe Chrisman's journey from a three-sport athlete at Longmont High School to a successful business owner in Boulder County is a testament to the lasting influence of sports on his life. Growing up in Longmont, Colorado, during the 1980s and 1990s, Chrisman was shaped by a close-knit community that instilled strong values and a passion for athletics.

Chrisman spent his early years in northwest Longmont and went to elementary school in Hygiene, an area that reminds him of the small-town feel of Niwot, where he now resides with his wife, Ashley, and their three children.

His childhood was marked by a deep involvement in sports, participating in football, basketball, and baseball from a young age through high school. Coming from an athletic family, with both of his parents having been collegiate athletes, it was only natural for Chrisman to gravitate toward sports. His father Dave Chrisman, in particular, played a significant role in shaping his athletic career, setting a strong example and providing unwavering support.

The influence of sports extended beyond just physical activity for Chrisman. He reflected how team sports helped him develop life skills that would later prove invaluable in business and family life. From learning to overcome adversity to understanding the importance of teamwork and putting others' needs first, the lessons Chrisman learned on the field have been instrumental in his personal and professional growth.

"A hard work ethic," he explained, "being coachable, being able to receive constructive criticism or feedback, and then applying it to get better" are some of those lessons.

After excelling in high school sports, Chrisman's talents earned him a spot as a quarterback for the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers from 1998 to 2002, where he earned first team Academic All Big 12 honors for two years, and backed up Heisman Trophy quarterback Eric Crouch.

The transition from high school to college football was a significant challenge, with the speed, size, and complexity of the game at the collegiate level being a "night and day" difference from high school. Balancing the demands of football with academics was no small feat, as the football program alone required about 60 hours a week of commitment.

Despite the rigorous schedule, Chrisman valued the discipline and perseverance he gained from his time at Nebraska. These qualities have served him well in his professional life. After earning his degree in business, Chrisman began his career with State Farm in Nebraska before returning to Colorado in 2009, where he now runs his own State Farm insurance offices in Longmont and Boulder.

Reflecting on his journey, Chrisman sees a direct connection between the skills he developed through sports and his success in business and family life. The ability to overcome challenges, work effectively with others, and prioritize the needs of the team have all been critical to his leadership in both business and at home.

Returning to Colorado was a special moment for Chrisman, who never lost his love for the Front Range. "When you grow up looking at the Front Range, the Rocky Mountains, it's so special," he said. "We sometimes take it for granted how beautiful it is here."

As the football season approaches, Chrisman looks forward to seeing his Cornhuskers take on the Colorado Buffaloes on Sept. 7. He predicts a close win for Nebraska.