2003 NHBR Business Excellence Awards Winners

David Gottesman | Susan O'Neil | Jules J. Brayman | Jeff Woodburn | Jim Doremus | Ed Potenza | Thomas Obrey | Tom Boucher | Christopher J. Crane | Dr. Neil Sullivan | Dave Bryan

Law: David Gottesman, Gottesman & Hollis P.A.
David Gottesman, founder and managing Partner of Gottesman & Hollis, PA of Nashua, nominated by colleague Barbara Hantz

David Gottesman's nomination reads like a "Who's Who" entry of the legal profession. Among the many awards he's won are the 2002 NH Trial Lawyers Association President's Award for Service & Assistance.

But while he may approach the bar during the day, away from court, David is involved in many service organizations. He is past president of the Nashua Rotary, incorporator of the NH Charitable Foundation and past director of the Nashua Boys' Club. But perhaps what he will best be remembered for is his landmark work on the gripping, chilling and often heart-wrenching Amy Boyer cyber-stalking case. Through his work, her parents received closure for their daughter's untimely death and stricter federal and state laws were created protecting all of us from Internet predation.

Business Services: Susan O'Neil, @Web Site Publicity
Susan O'Neil, founder and CEO of @Web Site Publicity, Peterborough, NH. Nominated by colleague Chester Bowles, Director at Region 14 Applied Technology Center for outstanding contributions in the fast moving field of Internet Marketing.

A decade ago, the Web was little more than a computerized form of the telephone directory. But Susan O'Neil recognized it could be - and would be - much more than that.

In 1998, she launched @Web Publicity and wrote one of the first books on how to maximize Web site traffic, still a fledging concept at that time. Now, @Web Site Publicity provides a full range of Internet marketing services to more than 75 companies across the country and the world.

But Susan isn't only about hit rates and unique addresses. Through a flourishing partnership with New Hamphire's Region 14 Applied Technology Center, her company is the resident business of the business incubator at ConVal High School in Peterborough.

It's there that Susan and her staff have over the years provided ConVal students with internships in high technology, marketing and administration, giving them invaluable hands-on experience.

The partnership was singled out in 2000 with an award from the National Dissemination Center for Career and Technical Education.

Financial Services: Jules J. Brayman, Brayman, Houle, Keating & Albright, CPAs
Jules J. Brayman, founder and Managing Partner of Brayman, Houle, Keating & Albright, PLLC of Nashua, nominated by colleague Donna Robinson.

If Jules Brayman's nominators had their way, this award would be called the "Hustle Award." He started his business in 1988 in the depths of a sluggish economy - also carrying a new mortgage and with a new baby on the way. Unphased, or at least undeterred, he pushed forward and within months, his fledgling business had revenues exceeding expenses.

Today, those revenues are in the millions, 2 partners have grown to 6 and the services now extend beyond accounting and taxes to include general and divorce litigation, valuation and fraud investigation.

While certainly knowledgeable - Jules speaks nationally on accounting issues and serves as an expert witness - it is his compassion that sets him apart in the sometimes uncompassionate world of taxes. He has been known to visit ailing clients in the nursing home and pay for auto repairs for clients who couldn't afford them. For Jules, people come first.

Real Estate: Jeff Woodburn, Historic Properties Inc.
Jeff Woodburn, president of Historic Properties in Pembroke, NH, nominated by colleague Wendy Libby.

Jeff Woodburn's Historic Properties Inc. has survived merger mania at a time when 68 percent of all real estate agents and brokers work for just 4 percent of the companies. Those are tough odds, but Jeff seems to thrive on tough odds.

As a teen-age representative in the state Legislature, Jeff successfully co-sponsored a measure protecting the state's retirement system. And he has saved many of New Hampshire's treasured historic properties with deed restrictions and trusts when pressure, politics and money might have seen them fall.

Perhaps the most unusual odds Jeff has overcome have been the purchase and restoration of his family's 1830s ancestral home. Today, the Woodburn House, as it is called, is a cozy restaurant and tavern where all can feel at home. Jeff truly understands that home is where the heart is, whether it belongs to him or the rest of New Hampshire.

Non-Profit: Jim Doremus, The Friends Program
Jim Doremus, Executive Director, The Friends Program in Concord, NH, a non-profit agency providing housing for homeless families and enables elders to remain in their homes rather than leaving their permanent residences. Nominated by Martin Murray of Public Service of NH.

When Jim Doremus took the reins of The Friends Program three years ago, the agency was in financial crisis. Today, it is vibrant and solid, and boasts a lean but professional staff, enthusiastic volunteers and a dedicated board of directors.

Under Jim, the Friends Program, has quadrupled the number of people it serves - to 3,100 -- and its donor base has grown from 900 individuals and organizations to more than 4,300 - despite the difficult economy.

Even though he serves the community every day through The Friends Program, it is just the beginning for Jim. A trustee of the Rotary Club of Concord, Concord Hospital Associates and the Granite State Association's non-profits board, a facilitator for a task force combating racism and intolerance and the technology committee chair for the community provider network of central NH are just some of the many ways Jim is truly a friend to New Hampshire.

Retail: Ed Potenza, Innovations Day Spa & Wellness Center
Ed Potenza, owner and founder of Innovations Day Spa & Wellness Center in Merrimack, NH nominated by Linda Bonetti of the Merrimack Chamber of Commerce.

Ed Potenza might have retired from the Xerox Corporation, but back in 1990, his day spa concept was anything but a copy. Ed saw the future of the beauty industry lay in the day spa and his was one of the first in the area. The name says it all - Innovations Day Spa & Wellness Center.

Today, Ed's day spa has become so successful, it was named by industry magazine "Salon Today" as one of the 200 fastest-growing salons in the U.S. It also was voted the 2001 Business of the Year by the Merrimack Chamber of Commerce.

Ed's commitment to service doesn't end with a blow dry or a manicure. He encourages his employees' continuing education. He has also supports a wide range of non-profits including the Red Cross, City of Hope Breast Cancer Research and Childhood Cancer Lifeline. Ed proves that business "innovation" and community service can have "spa-ctacular" results.

Communications: Thomas Obrey, PixelMEDIA INC.
Thomas Obrey, co-founder and COO of PixelMEDIA of Portsmouth, NH nominated by the firm's other co-founder, Erik Dodier.

To guide a technology start-up company through one economic slump might be lucky. To survive - and thrive - through two challenging times can only be described as smart leadership. Tom has done just that.

Since opening PixelMedia in 1994, the company has had near-100% growth for the tenth year in a row.

Not only have local businesses been impressed by PixelMedia, international companies like Nokia and Teradyne have also established partnerships with them.

The firm's co-founder and COO, Tom Obrey, has gained individual accolades for his work, including twice named as a top 100 media producer in the country by "AV/Multimedia Producer" Magazine.

But Tom's vision extends beyond e-business to "c-business" - the community. In addition to donating his time to the E-Coast Technology Roundtable Board of Directors, he volunteers at Children's Day in Portsmouth, teaching young children bicycle safety, and is actively involved with the Mayhew Program, fostering the positive development of at-risk boys.

Hospitality: Tom Boucher, T-Bones/Cactus Jack's
Tom Boucher, director of marketing and a partner of T-Bones & Cactus Jack's Restaurants with various locations in Salem, Bedford, Hudson, and Manchester, nominated by fellow NH restaurateur, Brian Johnson, President and COO of the Shorty's, Cotton and Starfish Grill Restaurants.

What does a New Hampshire guy with a chemistry degree know about the restaurant business? Apparently enough to impress soda giant Coca-Cola. More of a market driver than a meal-maker, Tom created the slogan that eventually launched Coke's $900 million ad campaign, "Life Tastes Good."

Sometimes, however, the spice of life can be too spicy, as Cactus Jack's patrons told him back in 1995. He toned down the heat and turned up the Americana theme. Sales soared, exceeding $2.5 million just three years later, and have continued to grow, along with those of sister restaurant T-Bones, despite competition from chain restaurants.

New Hampshire's hospitality leaders know Tom's excellence goes beyond a clever catch phrase - all you have to do is ask Brian Johnson, president of the company that owns Shorty's, cotton and the Starfish Grill restaurants - competitors of Tom's. It was Brian Johnson who mominated Tom. As a competitor, he wrote, "it may seem odd that I have forwazrded his name, but if you knew him you would understand. I have the utmost respec5t for what Tom has done for his company and the industry as a whole."

Technology: Christopher J. Crane, TradePoint Systems LLC
Christopher J. Crane, President and CEO of TradePoint Systems, LLC of Nashua was nominated by colleague Cathleen Thomas and the employees of TradePoint Systems.

While competitors struggle and fail entirely, Chris' hands-on management style coupled with his in-depth knowledge of 2 IT industries - Information Technology and International Trade - has kept TradePoint on a steady course to success. Chris has an uncanny ability to anticipate problems and create solutions as well as to attract and retain top talent. More than 30 percent of TradePoint's employees have been with the company for more than 10 years. Chris also has "IT" when it comes to community service. Matching funds by raised by TradePoint's Charity committee support many local organizations like Webster House in Manchester, Marguerites Place in Nashua and both the Nashua and Manchester Soup Kitchens and Shelters.

Health Care: Dr. Neil Sullivan, Vasculart
Dr. Neil Sullivan owner of Vasculart in Hampton and nominated by Calypso Communications of Portsmouth.

When you are in the business of saving lives every day, how much higher can you raise the bar of excellence? By being innovative when it comes to serving your patients.

Neil is one of the few board-certified vascular surgeons practicing in Northern New England. Last year, he decided to focus on the field of vein removal and therapeutic vein care, in response to a market in which expertise, certification and training were lacking in the region - and made the quality of care the highest priority for his business.

He uses the Triveck procedure, which utilizes a special light to find the veins, making removal easier and more accurate so patients spend less time under anesthesia and in recovery.

Neil is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeon's, International Society for Endovascular surgery and a member of the New England Society for Vascular Surgery.

Construction: Dave Bryan, Blackdog Builders
Dave Bryan, President of Blackdog Builders of Salem, NH nominated by colleague Gail Butterfield.

Dave saw many home remodeling businesses come and go. He knew there had to be another way. And he found it. Blackdog Builders keeps projects in-house. That's almost unheard of in an industry that relies heavily on subcontractors.

In 1990, Dave started Blackdog in his home and closed with not quite $175,000 in revenues. A decade later, his business has grown to 43 employees, a 10,000-square-foot office and projected revenues of $6 million - and it was recognized as one of the 101 best residential construction companies to work by the industry publication, "Professional Re-modeler."

But it's not just employing his own tradespeople that helps Dave nail down business excellence - he offers his employees a flexible, family-sensitive working environment.