Ramona resident Vincent “Vinnie” Ciampoli says he has big boots to fill as the Ramona Chamber of Commerce president following the tenure of former chamber President Bob Krysak.
“Fortunately, I wear big boots for a living,” quiped Ciampoli, who owns Spring Valley-based Ciampoli Construction.
Ciampoli, 44, became the chamber’s president in January 2026 after serving as a member of the business organization for several years.
“I originally joined to grow my business, but I stayed because I found the chamber is about helping neighbors and making Ramona a place where families and businesses want to stay,” he said, adding that he simply wanted to help out as president. “Leadership, to me, is about making sure everyone else has what they need to succeed. If I can help our businesses and nonprofits work together better, I’m happy.”
Courtesy Vincent Ciampoli
Ciampoli friends and family celebrating together are, from left, sister-in-law Tegan Reichuber, Vinnie Ciampoli, Chiffon Ciampoli and Cara McElwee. (Courtesy Vincent Ciampoli)
Ciampoli said he and his wife, Chiffon, and their son and two daughters moved to Ramona nearly a decade ago because they were looking for more space and a community “that still believes in waving at your neighbors.”
As the chamber’s current president, his official duties include leading the board of directors, working with the chamber’s executive director, and representing the chamber. But unofficially, he said it involves a lot of coffee, emails and convincing people that volunteering is fun.
Krysak, the chamber’s immediate past president, said in addition to running the board meetings, preparing the meeting agendas and interacting with the executive director on policy, one of the chamber president’s key roles is engaging with other organizations and agencies.
Krysak said Ciampoli does a good job at setting the tone for the chamber with the public, particularly since he is known as an outgoing extrovert.
“He has the passion and he’s willing to listen and, most importantly, he knows what he doesn’t know,” Krysak said about Ciampoli. “It’s about listening and engaging. He knows how new he is to this, so he’s open to receiving ideas and feedback, which is critical. So he’s doing a great job.”
Courtesy Vincent Ciampoli
A graduation was a recent cause for celebration by the Ciampoli family, from left, Vinnie Ciampoli, son Tristen Ciampoli, and Chiffon Ciampoli. (Courtesy Vincent Ciampoli)
Since being elected president by the board, Ciampoli said the chamber has demonstrated renewed energy with new businesses opening and successful networking exchanges at the monthly social mixers.
“My goal is to keep that momentum going, help more businesses get involved, and showcase Ramona as one of San Diego County’s hidden gems,” he said.
Ciampoli said serving on the chamber is a lot like working at his own construction company. Both are about building relationships before building a project or a community, he said. They both require trust, teamwork and the ability to pivot to a “Plan B” when necessary, he added.
He has the experience to know how construction works inside and out, having been in the industry for more than 20 years as a laborer, estimator and project manager before owning his own company.
The licensed general contractor Ciampoli Construction handles everything from residential bathroom remodels and accessory dwelling unit (ADU) designs to commercial building renovations and school repairs throughout San Diego County.
“I love the problem-solving aspect; every project is a unique puzzle,” he said.
Courtesy Vincent Ciampoli
This accessory dwelling unit is one of the projects built from the ground up by Ciampoli Construction. (Courtesy Vincent Ciampoli)
Ciampoli said he plans to continue serving as chamber president at least until his term ends in January 2027, and then he says he would consider continuing in that role if the board finds it valuable. But he says he is also focused on developing other leaders within the talented board.
In return, executive committee members work as a team with Ciampoli while allowing him to shepherd the organization and its membership, said Krysak, who will be retiring in August to travel the country in an RV with his dog.
“We’re all about bringing people together,” Krysak said of the chamber and its leaders. ”We have fully integrated with the community. We are involved in every aspect of the town, which is what we spent 10 years building and Vinnie is continuing that.”
Additionally, Ciampoli is active with the chamber’s board meetings and strategic planning, and involved in membership outreach and monthly networking mixers.
“I love hearing the stories of our local business owners,” he said.
Courtesy Vincent Ciampoli
Ciampoli Construction completed this kitchen remodeling project in Vista. (Courtesy Vincent Ciampoli)
In his downtime, Ciampoli volunteers with several local efforts, often helping to set up or move tables at various community events.
“I believe great communities are built by people willing to roll up their sleeves,” he said. “My wife, Chiffon, and our children are my biggest supporters.
“When I have a free weekend, I enjoy riding motorcycles and exploring the backcountry of San Diego County, from the coast to the desert,” he added. “I also have a passion for regional history, learning about old stage routes and abandoned mines and I love spending time working with my hands.”
Courtesy Vincent Ciampoli
Ciampoli family members are, from left, mom Chiffon, daughters Genoa and Sky, and dad Vinnie. (Courtesy Vincent Ciampoli)