2011/2012 Inspiring Small Business Page 15

After Business Of Year Win In 1985, Pediatric Dental Continues Success

For more than 35 years Dr. W. Edward Gonzalez has been doing what he loves every day at work, and he does not plan to stop doing what he loves any time soon. Gonzalez, a Tampa native, earned his B.S. from St. Leo University and graduated from University of Louisville School of Dentistry. He did his residency at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, where he was Chief Resident. After graduation, he returned with his family, wife and dental hygienist Mayling, whom he met at St. Joseph Catholic School in Tampa and started dating in 9th To me, the ultimate grade and two children. The famicompliment is that former patients ly, including daughter Frankie who manages the South Tampa like and trust me enough to let me office, and son Sean, owner of do dental work on their children, Dr. Vinyl of West Central Florida, Dr. W. Edward Gonzalez selected the Brandon area to Owner, Pediatric Dental Center start Pediatric Dental Center. I DR. W. EDWARD GONZALEZ WON THE always knew I wanted to start my who continues to run the business with very beginBRANDON CHAMBER SMALL BUSINESS OF own business and came to Mayling, now general manager. Thats THE YEAR AWARD IN 1985, AND HIS SUC- ning. On CESS HAS CONTINUED FOR HIS PRACTICE, Brandon because while at the what inspired me to put another locaour first day PEDIATRIC DENTAL CENTER. time it was a small area, but it tion in Tampa, which opened in 2001. open, I think was a growing area, he said. Proof of Pediatric Dental Centers we had 10 patients and weve been Back in 1970s, pediatric dentistry success can be found simply by looking growing ever since, he said. Weve was an up-and-coming field that wasnt at their patient history; Gonzalez is managed to grow along with the growth widely known, so much so that he even of the community. starting to see second generations and had some difficulty trying to get a loan even some third generations of When it first opened, Pediatric to start up his business. The bankers patients. To me, the ultimate compliDental Center was located at didnt know what a pediatric dentist was Robertson and Parsons but it quickly ment is that former patients like and and they had concerns about whether trust me enough to let me do dental grew and in 1984, the practice moved or not I would even be successful. work on their children, he said. It to its current location on Corner Dr. We Gonzalez, got the last laugh, means that I must have done someused to have a lot of patients come in though, because Pediatric Dental thing right and it makes me feel great. from Tampa; they would take the Center has been a success from the In addition to patient success, Crosstown to get here, said Gonzalez
Home-Based B&W PC Consultants - Bill Thomas Immaculate Janitorial Service, LLC - LaShunda & Jerald Mangum Yard Guards on Doody, LLC - Cheresee Rehart Minority & Women Owned Campbell's Dairyland, Inc. - Jill & Jay Paules/ James & Leesa Lee Leonard's Academy of Dance & Centre for the Arts - Leonard Mardis Tutoring Club of Valrico - Susan Prestridge 1-5 Employees Community Insurance Group - Bill Puckett Green Lizard Lawn Care, LLC - Nicole Davis Hi Tech Automotive - Joe and Melissa Canfield 6-15 Employees Busciglio Orthodontics - Dr. Derek Busciglio Park Square Cellar - Shawn & Mary Sarkisian & Kevin Fulcher Valrico Animal Clinic - Dr. David Thomassy 16+ Employees Hess Orthodontics - Dr. Michael A. Hess, DMD, MS KnowledgePoints - Rod Burkhardt Superior Residences of Brandon Memory Care - Jill Andrew

By Alissa Bridges

Pediatric Dental Center was named the Small Business of the Year by the Brandon Chamber of Commerce in 1985 and has continued its momentum ever since. This year alone, Pediatric Dental Center was named the Best of Brandon 2010-2011 by the Tampa Tribune readers poll and in February, Gonzalez was awarded recognition by his peers with a special accolade. He was the recipient of the American Orthodontic Society's Dr. Richard L. Moore Lifetime Achievement Award, named for the societys founder. Much of his success can be attributed to the example and support his parents gave him. My parents helped me tremendously. My dad always used to say I dont care what you turn out to be, whether youre a plumber, an electrician or a doctor, just be the best you can be. So thats what I did, I told him Id be the best I could be. Thats how I got to where I am today. After winning the Small Business of the Year award in 1985, Gonzalez said, It was truly an honor to be recognized. You strive at all times to have a business that people like and and we have worked hard to live up to that standard. Gonzalez truly understands how to make a business a success and is very happy to share what he has learned throughout the years. Its important to be innovative, keep up with the times and try to stay ahead of your peers, he said. Start every day with a smile. Pediatric Dental Center is located at 517 Corner Dr. in Brandon. Visit www.kidtooth.com or call 685-0804.

2004
"1-5" "6-15" "16+" Home-Based Business

2003

Darren Denington Lela Lilyquist J. Floyd Hall Chuck and Terri Long Pat Magruder Ken and Susan Fearnow Rufus Ashby Carole Gill Dr. Tim Russin Jack Ratcliffe Mathew Peeples Chris Tucker Doug Tibbits Taffy Coleman Dr. John McCoy Tony and Fran Harring Bruce Waterman Ron Glass and Barrett Smith David Combs Janet Costarell and Sharon Mulligan Janine Nickerson Sharon Kelly and Kelly Kenny Wingfield Hughes LeAnne Crabtree Jim and Sue Harbridge Gene Smith Kevin Donofrio Bill Wimble

Service With Style Nature's Health Foods, Inc. Sunshine State Fed. Sav & Loan Ice-Pro Mechanical Magruder Agcy-Nationwide Ins. Fearnow Insurance, Inc. Flooring America CRG Training & Consltg, Inc. Tim Russins, DDS Pro Golf Superstore Advanced Marketplace AAA Apple Roof Cleaning Premier Outdoor Lighting, Inc. Bloomingdale Travel Hawthorn Village A Quick Sign Bruce Waterman, DMD, P.A. Brandon Paint & Body, Inc. David Andrew Hair Salon Welcome Newcomer, Inc. Brandon-Valrico Journal Network Credit Services Forrester Smith, Inc. LeAnne's Old Fashioned Cookies Mail Boxes, Etc. Brandon Business Machines Athletic Club of America Redstone Resources

"1-5" "6-15" "16+" Home-Based Business

2002

"1-5" "6-15" "16+" Home-Based Business

2001

"1-5" "6-15" "16+" Home-Based Business

2000

2010
"1-5" "6-15" "16+" Home-Based Business Minority or Woman-Owned

2009

Dr. Michael Sip Dave & Karen West Greg Celestan & Lewis Jolly Dave Kemp & Barbara Kemp Rinky Parwani Jay Polizi Scott and Gay Lynn Love Lori Bukaweski Sherry Leybovich Emma Hemness Betty Huth and Ed Booth Frank Fiume Ron and Jamie Seagren Mary Owens and Lisa Huetteman Rohini Rustogi Jeff Sheffer Marie Gilmore Jon and Lisa Yob Jake and Debbie Piascik Tim Kilpatrick Bobby Slate Anne Nymark James Young Rich Carey Melissa Snively Tracy Halfman Michael Wick Heather Ochalek Jana Broder

Signature Dentistry Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium Celestar Corporation Kemp Design Services Parwani Law, P.A. Electric Today, Inc. Loves Tire & Service Center, Inc. Brandon Sports & Aquatic Center Cruises For U / Cruise Planners Law Offices Of Emma Hemness, P.A. Huth & Booth - The Portrait Gallery i9Sports Corporation ServiceMaster 24 Hour Black Diamond Assoc., LLC The Brandon Montessori School I.T. Computer Solutions Osprey Observer Creative Recycling Systems Dream Limousine, LLC Kid's Community College

"1-5" "6-15" "16+" Home-Based Business

1999

"1-5" "6-15" "16+" Home-Based Business

"1-5" "6-15" "16+" Home-Based Business Minority or Woman-Owned

1998

"1-5" "6-15" "16+" Home-Based Business

2008

1997 1996 1995

"1-5" "6-15" "16+" Home-Based Business Minority or Woman-Owned

"1-15" "16-29" "30+" "1-19" "20-49" "50+" "1-10" "10 +"

Judy Gettle Deja'vu Laser Services Dr. Sanford Schwartz & Dr. Craig Oldham Family Dentistry Michael T. McEnany McEnany Roofing, Inc Amy Kowalski Paul Senory Paul Fournier Donald B. Pate Dr. Richard Kane Sandy MacKinnon Marilyn Kitman Vincent Ferraro John Lynch Clifton C. Curry James Taylor Ed West Jack Bishop Bob Dykes Dr.W.Edward Gonzales Julian Craft Phillip Reed Dick Stowers K2 Engineering, Inc. Sencommunications, Inc. ReMax Realty, Unlimited Donald Pate & Associates Care Animal Hospital Yale Industrial Trucks Medical Billing Specialists Ferraro & Associates Flags Unlimited, Inc. Curry & Associates, P.A. Trennex Enterprises Little Ceasers Pizza Bishop Insurance Agency Dykes, Johnson Architects Pediatric Dental Care Craft Equipment Co. Phil Reed Equipment Stowers Funeral Home

2007

"1-5" "6-15" "16+" Home-Based Business Minority or Woman-Owned

2006

"1-5" "6-15" "16+" Home-Based Business Minority or Woman-Owned

2005
"1-5" "6-15"

"16+" Home-Based Business

1994 1993 1992 Mr. Electric of Tampa Bay, Inc. 1991 Professional Accounting & Consulting Services 1990 Golden Corral/Brass Bell Catering 1989 Lionheart.net 1988 State Farm Insurance/ Melissa Snively 1987 1986 Drug Screen Solutions 1985 Serenity Meadows Memorial Park 1984 Funeral Home & Creamatory 1983 Music Showcase 1982 Drum Magic

*merged with Bobcat of Central Florida