(ImaJenation Photo and Video)
The Better Business Bureau Serving New Hampshire began passing the torch as they recognized two outgoing individuals who played fundamental roles in launching and growing the organization over the past three decades. Founder and board chair Howard Brodsky and longtime executive director Robert Shomphe, who are both stepping down, were honored during the 20th anniversary BBB Torch Awards event on Thursday, October 19, at the Bedford Village Inn. This year’s Torch Award winners were also announced during the event.
Howard Brodsky led efforts to create the BBB Serving New Hampshire through a concerted effort to separate from a regional model with Greater Boston. His efforts included lobbying the national BBB offices to convince them of the merits of having a separate New Hampshire chapter. These successful efforts led to its founding more than 33 years ago. Since then, Brodsky has chaired the board of directors and helped the organization grow and effectively serve New Hampshire businesses.
“We owe our very existence to Howard,” said Jason Crayan, vice chair of the board. “Howard once said, the role of business is not simply to make money, it is also to make the community stronger, and it is to make the world a better place. Howard has brought these ideals to the Better Business Bureau and he exemplifies these ideals. Thank you for your excellence, for your dedication, for your kindness and your leadership. We would not be here without it.”
Brodsky co-founded CCA Global Partners, which comprises 14 divisional companies with annual sales of over $10 billion. A highly respected and recognized entrepreneur, he was named Business Leader of the Decade in New Hampshire and, in 2019, was the first American to win the International Rochdale Award, which is considered the Global Nobel Prize of Cooperatives.
“It's been an enormous privilege to serve all these years as chairman of the BBB in New Hampshire.” Brodsky said. “We do what consumers want us to do, which is to give really accurate information that's unbiased and that no other organization can provide. We don't take money from advertising. We don't take money from anything else. We try to tell the truth and what is good for ethical businesses and which ones are ethical. I'm very proud of everything we've done. I want to thank you very much for the opportunity to serve in this role.”
Robert Shomphe was hired by Brodsky 25 years ago as its first CEO. In presenting the award, he described Shomphe as smart and motivated with incredible values who always put the consumer first, all of which has helped make the New Hampshire BBB one of the leading BBB agencies in the country.
“In May of 1998 I accepted the position because it addressed three core criteria: that you respected and had loyalty in the organization, you expected excellence from your staff and yourself, and you had fun,” Shomphe said. “I have had a blast! I have full faith in the staff and new leadership and the board. BBB is a great way of doing business and I thank you for this opportunity.”
The 2023 Torch Award winners were also announced during the celebration. They are Conde Roofing and Construction of Merrimack for the small business category, The Altos Agency of Bedford for the medium business category and Goedecke Flooring and Design Center for the large business category.
“Torch Awards symbolize the light the ethical leaders bring to their communities and workplaces. At a time when questionable business practice and scandals seem definitely more prevalent in our society, the Torch Awards remind us that principles of honesty, responsibility, and fairness still guide success. These awards prove that business can truly be a force of good,” Brodsky said.
He announced the 2023 winners and highlighted what the judges believed were the most compelling reasons these companies deserved to be recognized as BBB Torch Award winners.
Conde Roofing and Construction was started in 2019 and specialized in roof replacement repair, including asphalt, rubber, and skylights. As we all know, roofing is not an easy business. Conde Roofing Construction has a mission to create an everlasting culture, a professional and personal success for the entire team, while providing an honest, trustworthy, quality service to all prospects and customers alike. They value when they put right in their mission, integrity, the trustworthy, and operating good faith even when nobody is watching.
The Altos Agency is an award-winning digital marketing company celebrating its 20th year. Altos has a 12 person team filled with incredible designers, developers, and marketers. They are not only talented individuals tirelessly pouring their hearts and souls to every detail of the work they, they firmly believe that continuous learning is the catalyst for growth. There's a belief shared throughout the team that fostering a culture of learning that is committed to employee empowerment by embracing the principles of servant leadership, which is reflected in an unwavering commitment to cultivating a culture of responsibility, growth, and ethical excellence.
Goedecke Flooring and Design Center was founded in 1923 and is being run by the family’s fourth generation. They offer exceptional interior design and building expertise. You'll find everything you need for your home projects, including paint, flooring, window treatments, cabinetry and remodeling service. They have a firm foundation of treating clients, suppliers and staff in the same way that they would like to be treated and have long believed in honesty and integrity, both professionally and personally. Transparency is essential to the foundation of the company. They're always honest with their employees and lead by grace and instruct that everyone should treat each other the same way.
The following six finalists were also recognized at the Torch Awards celebration: ALC Design of Londonderry, Benchmark Home Improvement of Newmarket, Blue Loon Bakery of New London, Cabinet Outlet of Amherst, Netlogic Computer Consulting of Nashua, and Palmer Gas & Oil of Atkinson. The 2023 judges were Liz Hitchcock, owner of Orbit Group, Sharron McCarthy, director of Girls, Inc., and Jeff Boufford, owner of the Boufford Insurance Agency.
“This is truly a moment to cherish as we honor nine finalist businesses who put integrity into action every day,” said Becca Friend, current COO and incoming president/CEO of Better Business Bureau Serving New Hampshire. “These accredited businesses are part of our BBB community. They have put further effort into their leadership character by fostering an authentic work culture, prioritizing customer relationships, and making an impact on their greater community.”
Going forward, and in recognition of their long-term leadership of the organization, the Torch Awards will now be called the Howard Brodsky Torch Awards, and the annual scholarship program will be called the Robert Shomphe Student Ethics Scholarship program.