Architect-turned-remodeler Mason Hearn earns the 2001 Pinnacle Award with a commitment to his company, industry and community.

Crucial questions guide Mason Hearn in his work and his personal life: What is success? Is it a job that provides financial security and maybe some luxuries? Recognition within a chosen profession? Work that will benefit the community now and for years to come?

Hearn’s answer to each of these questions is a heartfelt “yes.” As co-owner and president of a 9-year-old remodeling company, McGuire Hearn & Toms Inc. in Manakin-Sabot, VA., he spends almost 60 hours a week building a company that creates beautiful projects for clients and a dynamic environment for employees.

Reaching sustainability is the firm’s focus. In the past year alone, Hearn has lead a renovation of the web site, launched an e-mail system, switched from hand drawing to computer-aided design and drawing, and hired a designer/CADD operator. Hearn and Toms wrote an employee handbook, added benefits such as dental insurance and a tool-purchase plan, and developed a program to reward field employees for exemplary attendance, safety and innovative thinking. They’ve joined a Business Networks peer-advisory group and implemented a new cost-tracking and accounting system.

In short, they’re looking at the long run.