TWINSBURG: Business leadership is not just about rising stocks or a successful bottom line, says 2015 Twinsburg Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year Peter DeSouza.
It is about extending a welcoming hand, then paying it forward through community service, leaving a similar lasting impression on others.
When DeSouza and his wife, Dr. Violet Barbosa of Violet Orthodontics, opened their office at 9630 Ravenna Road in Creekside Plaza in 2007, a city leader reached out to them.
“I still go back to that new business proclamation given to us when we opened by [then] Mayor Katherine Procop, supporting our business and welcoming us,” DeSouza said. “I took that to heart. I took it very seriously and tried to make it real.”
The prestigious award, issued every year at the holiday luncheon by the Twinsburg Chamber of Commerce, drew about 140 people to the Hilton Garden Inn Dec. 17, including city and school officials and local business leaders.
DeSouza, 57, who serves as business manager for Violet Orthodontics, won unanimous approval for the award from the Chamber Board of Directors, following a round of submissions from Chamber members. The award was accepted by his wife, Dr. Violet Barbosa, as DeSouza could not be present.
“Peter has all … of the leadership criteria necessary,” Board member Rob Strachan said during video testimonials. “Congratulations, Peter.”
“Considering all you’ve done for the Chamber and community, this is well-deserved,” said Board member Scott Tincher.
DeSouza, a past Twinsburg Chamber of Commerce president, Rotary Club of Aurora member and Twinsburg Toastmaster, was notified of the award at a Rotary function Nov. 15.
“The Browns were playing the Steelers, but the Steelers weren’t the only ones stealing the show,” DeSouza told the room during his own taped speech. “I was just overwhelmed, in shock and disbelief.
“As Toastmasters we train for this … and in no way did that training help,” he joked
At Violet Orthodontics, DeSouza says he is focused on relationship-building in the industry, forging partnerships with schools and media organizations and working with community groups through grassroots tactics.
“Referrals are the engine of growth in our industry,” DeSouza said. “The effect of networking is both direct and indirect. It can help build a brand.
“But being involved in the community and giving back is what’s important.”
In 2005, DeSouza founded United in Diversity, a marketing consulting firm in partnership with Marcus Thomas LLC. The firm specialized in helping companies increase brand recognition. Previously, as senior vice president at Admerasia, he led strategic planning and business development.
