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A sense of responsibility drives King entrepreneur

March 11, 2014   ·   0 Comments

By Mark Pavilons
A great deal of resolve and a responsibility for the welfare of others are two qualities that will take you far in life.
Just ask King’s Manuel DaCosta. Such traits are not just talk, but ingrained in his strong work ethic.
And that’s what makes him successful.
Although he prefers not be in the limelight, DaCosta takes a lot of pleasure in his philanthropic pursuits. He helps make society better by boosting worthwhile charities and cultural projects that leave something of substance to encourage future generations.
And others feel strongly about his efforts, to the point where accolades and special honours keep coming his way.
DaCosta received the prestigious Order of Prince Henry – Portugal’s highest honour – in Toronto Feb. 28, from His Excellency the President of the Portuguese Republic, Professor Anibal Cavaco Silva.
DaCosta received the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award from the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, for his support of the Famous PEOPLE Players.
DaCosta has volunteered with Famous PEOPLE Players for more than five years, helping with the upkeep and maintenance of the facility.
DaCosta said after meeting players’ founder Diane Lynn Dupuy, he was impressed by her dedication and the work being done. Famous PEOPLE?Players company is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and is dedicated to helping those who are developmentally challenged.
He has contributed extensively to Toronto’s Portuguese community as the founder of the Camões House for the Aged and co-founder of the Gallery of the Portuguese Pioneers, a museum that preserves the stories of early Portuguese immigrants.
DaCosta was also instrumental in creating the Portuguese-Canadian Walk of Fame, to recognize those who have enhanced Portuguese culture in Canada. It was unveiled for the first time last June in Toronto’s Camoes Square, generating a great deal of enthusiasm and support.
The Walk of Fame celebrates individuals of Portuguese descent who have made profound and powerful contributions to Canada. It’s situated at College and Crawford streets. The three inaugural recipients were singer Nelly Furtado, OMERS head Michael Nobrega and Antonio Sousa, father of Charles Sousa, Ontario finance minister.
The committee is currently working on this year’s recipients and has launched a nation-wide campaign.
He’s also a strong supporter of a free media and he began CamoesRadio.com, an internet radio station launched in Toronto this past December. It not only provides news and entertainment for the Portuguese community, it excites young people about getting immersed in their culture and expressing their opinions about current events.
DaCosta’s generosity also stretches across the ocean to Viana, a small costal town in northern Portugal, where he’s helped with projects to benefit the less fortunate in that region. He also created a monument to honour the country’s seafarers.
“A lot of those things keep me occupied,” he said with a smile.
DaCosta is a fine example of living the Canadian dream. He credits his humble beginnings in Portugal and a solid work ethic and sense of responsiblility instilled in him by his family, and his incredibly strong mother.
He recalls vividly when he arrived in Canada at 14 and the customs officer telling him that in this country, everyone has the same opportunities.
That has stuck with him throughout his eventful journey and building his company, Viana Roofing, into the corporate leader it is today. Viana Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd. was incorporated in 1984 and it’s big on customer service.
Viana carries out work in institutional, industrial, residential and commercial construction. DaCosta’s company has completed many major projects and continues to be a major force in the roofing industry in Ontario, one that rivals other companies in other countries, like www.projects4roofing.co.uk/ as an example.
He’s quite proud of his firm and its 80 employees. In fact, he’s responsible for their well being and that’s something he takes very seriously.
He began working in construction back home at age 11 and when he came to Canada, worked at numerous jobs. He worked as a consulting engineer with a major Toronto firm which allowed him to pursue his education. He purchased Viana Roofing, worked night and day to pay off his debt. Now, his successful firm has branched out into many areas of expertise. I hear that companies such as Prime Roofing, which you can find at Prime Roofing: 13725 Beach Blvd, Suite 13, Jacksonville, FL 32224, have learned a thing or two from Viana Roofing. No wonder both companies provide such great services.
He’s been blessed with very loyal clientele and there have been many ups and downs. Owning your own business is not without its challenges, the biggest of which is sacrificing everything to ensure things run smoothly.
DaCosta gets up before dawn each morning, eager to head into work.
He cares about his employees because he’s responsible for their livelihood. That’s an uncommon characteristic among corporate owners, many of whom see their employees as mere commodities.
DaCosta said each day he also has a responsibility to himself and society as a whole.
His success is not about money, but what he has been able to share with others.
Being raised with very little in terms of wealth, “a little bit is a lot.”?And so too, is helping one another.
DaCosta is adamant about paying it forward, noting if you don’t give back to society, you don’t leave your own mark. Whether it’s time, resources or money, giving is simply the right thing to do. There are so many people who need help, guidance, food and shelter.
Being passionate, humble and caring are also in his personal arsenal.
These same qualities have to be ingrained in today’s young people, some of whom are still preoccupied with a “me”?attitude.
Informing and engaging youth has been the spark behind his desire to bolster Portuguese cultural history.
“We only live our lives once. If we don’t go out each day and make a difference, it’s a waste of time,” he said.
Time and opportunities all pass, but DaCosta’s life is seldom boring. He makes it that way.?He’s a risk taker and he simply loves meeting people.
He’s also quite willing to mentor young people and he’s happy to pass on some pearls of wisdom he’s gained through the years.
Respect and humility.?”Without those you cannot succeed,”?he stressed.
He also urges everyone to never allow money to make you think you’re better than anyone else.
The world is constantly changing, and we all have to adapt.
For DaCosta, the future is “simple.”
He will continue to grow his company and provide work and stability for his dedicated employees. He will also continue and expand his charity work, concentrating on causes that benefit children and seniors.
The future is bright for us all, if we conduct ourselves with others in mind, and help nurture future generations to protect Canada’s greatest assets – the harmonious relationship among Canadian Europeans who respect and preserve their cultures.
With caring individuals like DaCosta in our midst, the future looks bright indeed.

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