Sousa Realty & Development started by building a few homes and actually taking on some projects for the FDIC in the early 90's when the economic conditions were bad. Under the direction and determination of Dad and Mom the business continued to prosper. Dad loves the business, sometimes working 120 hours a week to be on the building sites. As economic times got better the Sousa name became well known and people started to approach them with property.
At one point Sousa Realty was building 80 - 100 homes a year in Hudson and have done well over 600 homes and condominiums to date.
We're trying to stay as much as we can in the local area; we know this area well. We have recently expanded to Pelham and Litchfield as Hudson is becoming a little land locked.
We have new projects in Hudson that are on the horizon; we should be paving a road shortly. We have some condominium projects going in Hudson. We've done a little bit more of investment in commercial real estate than we use to do and that's more because the new construction is not selling as fast; when new construction slows down commercial speeds up. We work to be the premier provider in the greater Hudson area.
A conversation with Manny Sousa, Jr.
We like this area; we all live in town and we know the routines of the town. I know my way around. We know what the planning board requires, and what the building inspector is looking for and we meet those requirements. We have almost a family-like relationship with them and we communicate well, which helps to get things done.
Regarding our community, we did a project in Hudson that was called Pond View Estates, 105 homes. Part of the agreement with the town was that if within one year of the project being built out, if the town found a location, we would build a baseball field for the town. Well 6 to 8 years later the town still had not found a spot, however when they approached us we built the ball field for the Hudson Youth Baseball.
Nicely enough the town named it after us; its located behind the Jetty Field. We stuck to our agreement because this is our town; we all have kids in town, I have kids, Todd has kids, my parent's grandchildren are all here in Hudson.
Its just good for the town; our ball fields were a little dilapidated and it was nice to get a new one. I think the goal of the Town is to get that field certified as a Little League World Series field. That could really bring a draw in which would be really good for the town economy. We're trying to do everything we can to stay in business obviously, but also to benefit our town of Hudson, too.