This year, NH Business Review marks the 21st anniversary of our Business Excellence Awards, which celebrate the initiative, creativity and tenacity of the Granite State’s business community.
In all of those years, the Business Excellence Awards have been presented to almost 270 exceptional Granite Staters — people from across the state whose accomplishments can inspire others to make their own mark on New Hampshire’s future. This year, we recognize 16 businesspeople who embody the resilience and passion needed to defeat the odds and build a successful business.
Each of them has a unique story to tell, but what they all have in common is ambition, industriousness, the ability to cultivate innovative solutions, and respect for their employees, vendors, customers and clients. And each shares a commitment to serving their communities that will impact our state for generations to come.
And again this year, we celebrate the induction of another member of our Business Excellence Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame honors people whose entire careers have been devoted not just to the business community of New Hampshire, but the whole state, and often beyond our borders.
This year’s winner, Mary Jo Brown, is the embodiment of that description. We’re thrilled to honor and thank Mary Jo for her accomplishments and contributions to New Hampshire, and beyond.
Finally, we’d like to acknowledge all of the 2023 nominees, the hundreds of people who have nominated business leaders over the past 21 years, the judges who have graciously given their time to select our honorees and, of course, all of our past and present Business Excellence Award winners, who have set the standard for business success in New Hampshire.
MEET THIS YEAR’S WINNERS >>
Consumer Services – Large
Brad Pernaw, Managing Partner, Common Man Roadside
Brad has significant experience in managing public-private partnerships with an extensive background in business development, operations and financial management. He successfully led large teams through new account openings with the Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Bears and Live Nation Entertainment. As the managing partner and owner of the Common Man Roadside, he operates the Hooksett Welcome Centers through a public-private partnership with the NHDOT and NHLC. The Common Man Roadside also develops, owns, and operates convenience stores and restaurants with multiple locations in Plymouth and Manchester with additional locations being developed throughout New Hampshire.
Consumer Services – Small
Laura Rios, Sole Proprietor, What a Wood Work
As an entrepreneur, Laura is passionate about sustainable business practices and operates two businesses simultaneously in two different countries. In 2021, Laura founded What a Wood Work (WAWW Puzzles), a brand that specializes in crafting artisanal, eco-friendly and customizable wooden jigsaw puzzles, which created job opportunities for individuals in both countries. Laura seeks to collaborate with local artists, helping them grow their businesses and connecting with brick-and-mortar stores to cater custom-made puzzles for their specific clientele. As a driven mother of two, she balances her role within the community while pursuing her passions.
Financial Services – Large
Lori Cote, Small Business Team Leader, Service Credit Union
Lori Cote is the team leader for small business lending at Service Credit Union, the largest credit union in New Hampshire. The small business group formed under her leadership is dedicated to supporting small businesses and providing creative financing options. Lori has distinguished herself as an SBA Lender, playing an instrumental role in Service Credit Union’s being named the 2021 Credit Union of the Year and the 2022 Leading 7(a) Microenterprise Lender for supporting the smallest businesses throughout New Hampshire. Recently, Lori partnered with the SBA to launch a loan option specifically for veteran-owned businesses (SERV – SBA Express Reserved for Veterans). She is a graduate of Leadership MWV, Rising Stars, and has earned the NAGGL Fundamental Lender Diploma.
Financial Services – Small
Nichole Raftopoulos, CEO, Nvest Financial
Nichole began her career in the financial industry in 1993, and ultimately founded Nvest Financial in 2003 — a financial planning and investment management firm that is women owned and co-managed with her spouse. Nichole is a certified financial planner practitioner and holds a master planner in advanced studies as well as an accredited investment fiduciary.
Healthcare – Large
Jason Smith, Senior Director of Long-Term Care Services, Rockingham County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and Assisted Living Community
Jason has over 25 years of experience leading health care organizations, with a proven track record of transforming vision, culture and strategy. Two years into his tenure at Rockingham County, Jason received the NH Nursing Home Administrator of the Year Award for guiding the community from a 2-star rated nursing home to a 5-star. With his focus on resident-centered care, he has partnered with community agencies to add resources and improve delivery of care and services. Prior to joining his organization in 2020, Jason served as the director of health care services at Kendal at Hanover, where he led operations for primary care, home care, skilled nursing, assisted living and memory care. Jason was the past president of the NH Chapter of American College of Health Care Administrators and currently services on the Board of Trustees for River Woods Continuing Care Retirement Community.
Healthcare – Small
Nick Mercuri, Dept. Chair and Professor, Lakes Region Community College
Nick Mercuri is the department chair of the Fire Science and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program at Lakes Region Community College and the lead instructor at the UNH’s Fire Service Administration program. He has over 34 years’ experience serving as an on-call firefighter, emergency medical technician in the Boston area, career firefighter and lieutenant/paramedic, as well as chief of EMS for the state of New Hampshire, and chief of strategy and planning for the NH Fire Academy.
Nick led change in the EMS system and Fire Academy including the implementation of federal background checks for EMS providers and a statewide EMS medical director as well as coordinating an over three-million-dollar federal grant for community paramedicine. During the state COVID response Nick was part of the safety team, as well as the safety and wellness officer for the Incident Planning and Operations Center.
Manufacturing – Large
Jamie Byrd, President/Founder, New England Mechanical Overlay
New England Mechanical Overlay was founded in 2005 by Jamie Byrd, who started his career as a welder in 1998, and, in 2010, built its current headquarters and 6,000-square-foot fabrication shop in Pittsfield, N.H. Working in the industry while attending Tulsa Welding School and obtaining his master welder’s certificate, Jamie guided the company towards specialization in industrial boiler repair, corrosion-resistant overlay, power plant maintenance, pipe fitting, shop fabrication and other field-specific services. Its sister company, NEMO Fabrication, the manufacturing segment of the company, is a full-service design and fabrication shop specializing in custom ASME tank design and fabrication as well as power and process pipe fitting. More recently in 2018, New England Mechanical Overlay acquired Connecticut-based Harvard NDE.
Manufacturing – Small
Peter Richard, General Manager, XMA Corporation
Peter Richard is the general manager at XMA Corporation, a manufacturer specializing in high-tech components critical to global connectivity across industries including space exploration, military applications, telecommunications and quantum computing. In his nearly two-decade tenure with XMA, Peter has led transformational growth by redefining operational strategies and fostering a culture of innovation. As an advocate for continuous improvement, Peter’s expertise has not only accelerated XMA’s global footprint but has also paved the way for sustainable and impactful contributions to the world of high-tech manufacturing. He is the immediate past president at the Manchester Area Human Resources Association and is also a valued member of the board of directors for several organizations, including the Webster House Children’s Home, Manchester Heritage Commission, Manchester Historical Association and the NH Tech Alliance. Peter also serves as the chair of Leadership Greater Manchester and is a member of the advisory board for The Palace Theatre in Manchester.
Nonprofit – Large
Jennifer Haskins, CTE Director, Pinkerton Academy
Jennifer Haskins, a seasoned educator with over two decades of experience, is dedicated to shaping the future of Career and Technical Education (CTE). She started in education as a secondary mathematics teacher, and after 10 years she transitioned into CTE administration, attempting to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical skills. Currently, she leads initiatives that enhance educational opportunities through collaboration among educators, administrators and industry partners. Jennifer also contributes her expertise as a member of the SkillsUSA NH Board, empowering students in leadership and technical skills. She is a member of the Association for Career and Technical Education regional policy committee, and serves as president of the Pines Community Center Board and VP of the Winnisquam Youth Softball Board.
Nonprofit – Small
Phil and Julie Taub, Co-founders, Swim With A Mission
In 2017, Phil and Julie Taub started Swimming With A Mission, Inc. (SWAM), and in just six years, SWAM has raised more than $12.5 million, creating critical funds needed to strengthen local veteran service organizations, that together have provided tens of thousands of veterans additional access to food, shelter, jobs, scholarships, service dogs, art therapy programs, equine immersion programs and recreational retreat therapy. Under the Taubes’ leadership, SWAM has partnered with Governor Sununu and organizations like Easterseals to create a campus of affordable housing in Franklin, NH, that will also house many of NH’s veteran service organizations. SWAM published a book about the sacrifices of our veterans called “Portraits of Sacrifice and Bravery,” and has created a “Never Forget” campaign to honor New Hampshire warriors and their Gold Star families.
Business/Professional Services – Large
Jim Aguiar, Vice President of Technology, Absolute Title
Jim Aguiar is a visionary technology executive with expertise in enterprise-wide cybersecurity, personnel training, and enhancing productivity. Jim’s dedication and passion extends to the community where he has served as an elected official, is a founder of Polaris Charter School in Manchester, and actively contributes to the BJC Memorial Fund, ensuring charitable causes receive essential support. An entrepreneur at heart, Jim has been at the forefront of technology-driven solutions, founding and leading businesses that streamline operations and enhance user experiences.
Business/Professional Services – Small
Donna Buxton, Owner, Buxton Water
Located in Exeter, Buxton Water serves New Hampshire with clean, fresh water for swimming pools, aquatic research, ice rinks, drinking water for hospitals, condominium associations as well as drought resource assistance. Donna owned Buxton Oil and Water for 40 years, helping to process and store over 250,000 gallons of clean fresh water for the community, and generating over 125,000 gallons of heating for local homes, with water also being donated to homes and farms. Donna is a member of the Exeter Rotary Club, a member of New Hampshire Extension 4-H for 55 years, recipient of “Champions for Children” Award, named Business of the Year and Business of the Decade in 2010. Donna also donates food to local food banks, runs charity 5k’s, and has participated in road-side cleanups for Earth Day for the past 30 years.
Real Estate and Construction – Large
John Stebbins, CEO, PROCON
John is the fourth generation to lead the family business in its 87-year existence. When John took the leadership position at PROCON, the company had become the largest design and construction company in the Northeast, with 50 design professionals and 90 construction professionals. John is also a partner of XSS Hotels, one of the largest hotel development companies in the Northeast, helping to develop over 30 hotels and gaining critical real estate development experience including site selection, project budgeting, schematic design, municipal permitting, design development, estimating, value engineering, construction drawings, construction management, interior design, procurement and construction closeout and turnover. In 2022, John co-founded Tidemark, a commercial real estate development and investment group focused on multifamily and industrial projects in Northern New England.
Jen Stebbins Thomas, Managing Director, PROCON
Alongside her brother, John, Jen is responsible for the company’s strategic direction and critical partnerships. Jen is also a partner at XSS Hotels, where she leads the firm’s financial and legal strategy. Over the last decade, Jen has been responsible for securing financing for over $1 billion of hospitality projects and currently manages a portfolio of over $700 million in loans. In 2022, Jen co-founded Tidemark with her brother, and serves on the Board of Trustees for Waypoint. She also holds positions on the Greater Boston Directors Advisory Counsel at M&T Bank and as a corporator of Bangor Savings Bank.
Real Estate and Construction – Small
Gary Thomas, President/CEO, NorthPoint Construction Management
Prior to forming NorthPoint, Gary served as director of design and construction for TeamCon Construction Management Corp., and Wall-Tech Systems Inc., as well as a team captain, construction site administrator and project manager for architectural firms in Boston, Mass., and Portsmouth, NH, and Kittery, Maine. As president/CEO of NorthPoint, Gary is dedicated to mentoring and informing the younger generations about the design and construction industry. He currently sits on the board of directors for Associated Builders and Contractors (NH/VT Chapter), the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua, the Governor’s State of NH Workforce Development, The Founders Academy, and NOCA Beverages.
Social Equity – Large
Jay Wolter, President, Moosilauke Visions
Starting with a small nonprofit residential treatment school located by Mount Moosilauke in Haverhill, N.H., Jay has overseen the development and/or resuscitation of numerous sustainable nonprofit ventures throughout New England and beyond. While most of these ventures serve struggling learners, at-risk youth, the developmentally disadvantaged and individuals struggling with mental health challenges, other areas of focus include agriculture, wilderness treatment, outdoor recreation and land management. A graduate of Fairfield University and Georgetown Law School, Jay practiced health law for several years, helping hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and mental health programs navigate legal challenges ranging from regulatory issues, to financing, to mergers and acquisitions.
Social Equity – Small
Nicole Sublette, Owner/Founder, Therapists of Color
Nicole is a licensed psychotherapist in New Hampshire, and is the owner and founder of Therapists of Color New England, the first BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) psychotherapy group in New Hampshire, which provides services such as psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, somatic treatment, neurofeedback and integrative medicine for mental health. In partnership with the NAACP, Nicole is bringing racial healing circles to the state of NH, to support folks in healing from incidents of racism. Nicole serves as a board member of NAMI NH, and recently won a scholarship from Harvard Kennedy School’s Social Innovation and Change Initiative to attend Harvard Business School’s Power and Influence for Positive Impact. She has been featured as a guest on WMUR, NHPR, several national podcasts, and a highlighted therapist in Counseling Today. Nicole also developed a culturally responsive training for behavioral health care providers in the Granite State.
Technology – Small
Kevin Davis, CEO, Allen Datagraph Systems
Kevin is a highly accomplished CEO and entrepreneur known for his expertise in leading organizations to success. With experience spanning from startups to large, publicly traded companies, he has a proven track record in business leadership. As the CEO of Allen Datagraph Systems (ADSI), Kevin focuses on guiding the award-winning company to new heights of growth. He was the founder of Ship Rock Capital and served as the CEO of Performance Sports Group, overseeing significant increases in enterprise value. Kevin has made impactful contributions to renowned brands like Nike, Gillette and Braun, and has global M&A experience from Boston Scientific. He holds CPA and CMA certifications and graduated magna cum laude with a double major in finance and accounting from UMass Lowell.
Hall of Fame
Mary Jo Brown, Founder/President, Brown & Company and Big Brown Books
An active community member, Mary Jo recently served on the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation board, and is founding chair emeritus of the New Hampshire Women’s Foundation. Mary Jo was named to New Hampshire Magazine’s “Remarkable Women” list in 2009, Business New Hampshire’s “Influence Index” in 2014, New Hampshire Magazine’s 2018 “It List” and was named as an “Outstanding Woman in Business” in 2018 by NH Business Review. She enjoys traveling, singing and gardening with her daughter, Haley.
