Tom Shampnois

There's a reason why clients describe Tom Shampnois as professional, honest and “the nicest guy you will ever meet.”

His clients benefit from Tom's deep knowledge of Vermont and his 30 years of experience in customer service and marketing, which has taken him from the Vermont Chamber of Commerce to helping expand Vermont Teddy Bear Company during its biggest years of growth.

Tom moved to Vermont in 1975 after receiving a degree in restaurant and hotel management. Working for Killington Ski area for three years, Tom decided to go back to school to expand his knowledge and enrolled at the University of Vermont. After graduating from college Tom again worked as a manager at Killington for another 3 years and then moved back to Burlington to become the general manager of Tygate Company's Windjammer Restaurant. He was then asked to open and operate their new Hampton Inn in Colchester, where he supervised and motivated a team of 35 employees.

In 1991, Tom received an opportunity to join Vermont Teddy Bear , where he opened and managed the company's first store and tour operation. During Tom's years serving as the company's retail, marketing and promotions manager, Vermont Teddy Bear experienced a surge in growth, fueled by the company's lifetime guarantee and its savvy promotional techniques. Tom helped open three retail stores for the company and spearheaded their numerous special events.

Tom decided to return to Tygate Company in 1997, where he served as the sales manager for the company's Best Western Windjammer Inn, in South Burlington. After working there for seven more years, during which he oversaw sales for the hotel and restaurant, Tom shifted to the Vermont Chamber of Commerce as the director of sales and marketing. Tom then joined Smart Communications as advertising and product sales manager for the award-winning Vermont Life magazine.

Deciding to pair his love of Vermont with his customer-service background, Tom became a Realtor and joined Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty in early 2010. “I enjoy taking people through each step and helping them find a home that fits them well,” Tom notes. “I see real estate as a lot like the hospitality industry: It's all about service and trying to keep things running smoothly with as little stress as possible.”

Tom enjoys working with first-time homebuyers, as well as clients looking to buy or sell homes throughout new Chittenden , Addison and Franklin counties. “Clients know they will be treated fairly, with respect and honesty,” he adds.

As an involved community member, having previously served on the boards of Circus Smirkus and Champlain Community Services, Tom has a thorough knowledge of Vermont and lives in Burlington with his wife, Gail.