The Triangle's business community came together the evening of September 20 to recognize Triangle Business Journal's 2021 CEO of the Year & C-suite Awards winners. Amongst 21 local executives who were honored for their achievements and community impact this year was our very own CEO, Chandler Rose.

After an unprecedented year of adversity, The Triangle Business Journal  commended Chandler's achievements—culturally, financially, and philanthropically—in the face of COVID-19. Most notably were Chandler's initiatives to ensure the teams' mental wellness during the pandemic. Chandler dedicated 50% of Rosewood's weekly Executive Management Team meetings to focus on emotional intelligence. In doing so, the team focused on mental health topics, such as gratitude, hope, and optimism.

At a close second, Chandler was honored for his team successfully navigating all four Rosewood companies through the pandemic while experiencing one of our slowest periods to date. The brick-and-mortar retail industry faced a number of challenges during COVID-19, but Chandler takes pride in the management team's strategic leadership abilities which managed to turn things around on the backend of 2020 for one of the busiest seasons of its existence.

Finally, Chandler topped off these accomplishments with the launch of the Rosewood family of companies’ fifth company, Southern Concepts Design & Build, which included the acquisition of Homes by Ken Kiser. Despite the effects of the COVID-19, Chandler and the team emerged from the pandemic having expanded the Rosewood family of companies conglomerate.

While each of these achievements is impressive in its own right, Chandler's philanthropic efforts within the community are what stand out the most. Guided by our motto, "To multiply our blessings," the Rosewood Family of Companies utilized our profits this year to support individuals from all walks of life. Among our numerous charitable endeavors is Raleigh Rescue Mission, Rahab's Rope, I Like Giving, Samaritan's Purse, Project GRL, Wake Forest School of Law, Liberty University School of Law, and St. Augustine University.

For these reasons, Chandler was honored amongst an astonishing list of executives who achieved an equally successful year in business. This year's award recipients represented a variety of companies – from health care to construction and wealth management – that embody the same philanthropic beliefs that motivate Chandler's leadership style. The approach Chandler and his contemporaries take to business highlights the Triangle's growing diversity and thriving business environment.

Watch Chandler's acceptance speech below.