BBB New Hampshire: Previous recipients

GSMS Air-Heating-Plumbing, led by owner Zak Downing out of Manchester, New Hampshire, has won the Torch Award in the large business category. The business demonstrates exceptional Character through humble leadership, strong family values, and a deep commitment to doing what is right, even when it is not the easiest or most profitable path. Their Culture reflects teamwork, gratitude, and a true investment in the people behind the work, creating an environment where integrity comes first. Their dedication to Customers is clear in the trust they build through honest communication and solution-based service. A commitment to Community shines through their “We Love Local” initiative, their support of local nonprofits, and their belief that a business should be a pillar of the community it serves. "My leadership character," Mr. Downing stated, "was forged in the passenger seat of a service van. At five years old, I wasn't just riding with my father, Mark; I was holding the flashlight so he could see to work." Together, these qualities make them a powerful example of what ethical leadership looks like in action, and a deserving recipient of this year’s Torch Award for Ethics.

Great North Woods Container Services, located in Berlin, New Hampshire, has won the Torch Award in the medium business category. 

Great North Woods Container Services, led by Travis Croteau, exemplifies Character through humble, hands-on leadership, personal accountability, and a deep commitment to doing what is right, even when it costs more time or effort. Their Culture is built on trust, mutual respect, and empowering employees to help shape the way the business operates each day. The business shows their dedication to Customers through transparency, fairness, and a proactive approach to service, always working to build lasting trust rather than simply complete a transaction. Their commitment to Community is especially strong, shown through generous support of local events, such as providing free containers and hauling services for Berlin’s annual River Fire event; they focus donations on school projects, events, local ball fields, and town celebrations; and they have a “Neighbor-in-Need" policy, where drivers are encouraged to stop and help residents, such as elderly neighbors struggling to move heavy items to the curb – all based on the belief that a business should help strengthen the place it calls home. To quote the owner, Mr. Croteau: "We live where we work, and we know that a small town like Berlin only stays strong if everyone pitches in." These efforts reflect a business rooted in service, guided by integrity, and deeply committed to strengthening the community it proudly calls home.

Hooksett Motors has won the Torch Award in the small business category. Hooksett Motors, led by owner Barbara Davey, demonstrates strong Character through leadership rooted in integrity, accountability, and a clear commitment to ethical decision-making. Their Culture is centered on teamwork, transparency, and giving employees a real voice in shaping the workplace. Their dedication to Customers is reflected in honest, customer-first service, including moments where they chose transparency over profit. Last but not least, their impact on Community is shown through hands-on local involvement, from free auto knowledge classes that teach people how to care for their vehicles, stay safe, and avoid unnecessary repair costs; offering family events like free pictures with Santa & the Grinch; youth sports support like sponsoring local soccer teams; and discounted or no-cost services for community members in need. These efforts reflect their belief that "strong communities are built through generosity, involvement, and genuine care." Hooksett Motors stands as a strong example of ethical leadership in action, showing how integrity, generosity, and genuine care can create lasting trust both inside a business and across the community it serves.

2024-2025

LNA Health Careers, Manchester, NH

Thompson Insurance Agency, Concord, NH

Randall School of Karate, Exeter, NH

2023

ALTOS, Bedford, NH 
Conde Roofing & Construction LLC, Merrimack, NH
Goedecke Design Center, Bedford, NH

*Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, BBB Serving New Hampshire did not hold Torch Awards from 2020-2022*

2019

Family Car Care & Tire Center, Penacook, NH 
Blackdog Builders, Inc., Salem, NH
Foxfire Property Management, Concord, NH

2018

Benchmark Home Improvements, Exeter, NH
Belknap Subaru, Tilton, NH
Mainstay Technologies, Manchester & Belmont, NH

2017

Financial Focus, Inc., Wolfeboro, NH
Phaneuf Funeral Homes, Manchester, Littleton, Boscawen, NH; Brattleboro, VT
Crucon Cruise Outlet, Moultonborough, NH

2016

KT Blue Board Plastering, Nashua, NH
Epping Well and Pump, Epping, NH
Littleton Coin Company, Littleton, NH


2015

New England Pest Control of NH
Buxton Oil Company
Visting Angels

2014

Russell Auto, Inc.
Elm Grove Companies
Polaris Direct

2013

Calling All Cargo Moving & Storage
Millennium Integrated Marketing
Globe Manufacturing Company


2012

RCD Components
Bill Trombly Plumbing, Heating and Cooling
Healthy Homes Today


2010

Senior Financial Resources
Favorite Foods
Devine Millimet


2009

Speer's Fine Jewelry
Paradigm Plumbing & Heating
Federal Savings Bank


2008

Cassandra Salon & Spa
Goedecke Decorating Center
Globe Transmissions


2007

Handyman Matters
Water Energy Distributors
Brady Sullivan Properties


2006

CA Hoitt Furniture
Community House Calls
College Bound Movers


2005

Direct Maytag
Bedford Village Inn
Blackdog Builders