Business visionary, master salesman and consummate deal maker, British-born Peter Thomas is a goal-oriented achiever. He applies his business knowledge, personal energy and salesmanship zeal with unparallel discipline. Thomas's exceptional career has spanned three decades in the investment and real estate fields.

Caring, giving and nurturing are second nature to this dynamic man. Founder and chairman of Century 21 Real Estate Canada Ltd., Peter Thomas moved south to develop the Four Seasons Resort at Troon North. Thomas's company completed the $108 million, 210-room luxury resort in late 1999.

His outstanding business successes have led to community involvement in a number of areas - both causes and cities. He is chairman of the board of trustees for the Thomas Foundation, a privately endowed foundation that financially supports the activities of children's causes throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Tragedy struck in February 2000 with the loss of his son, Todd, to suicide. To honor his sun's life and help others facing mental depression, he formed The Todd Thomas Foundation. The foundation is committed to funding research that will provide medical advances and/or medication to prevent people from taking their own lives. It also seeks to raise awareness in the United States and Canada of the seriousness of mental depression throughout the world.

The Todd Thomas Foundation will give back to charitable organizations in each city in which it fund raises. In January 2001, the Valley of the Sun became the first community to host a spectacular annual gala raising funds for mental awareness. Several Valley charities will be beneficiaries, and many, many people will be helped.

Because making things happen and helping people seem to go hand in hand for Peter Thomas, Today's Arizona Woman is pleased to honor him with a Golden Heart of Business Award.