2025 Business Excellence
Award Winners

The Board of the Stratford & District Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Marian deWever is the 2025 Business Leader Award Recipient. When envisioning a business leader, one thinks of someone who not only achieves professional success but leads and motivates their team to the same level, while also actively contributing to the local community. Few embody this spirit better than Marian deWever, owner of Home & Company Real Estate Corp Brokerage. With over 35 years of experience as a realtor, Marian founded Home & Company in 2013 with the simple, but ambitious belief that “things could be done better”. A boutique brokerage based on collaboration, exceptional customer service and a focus on local expertise, in Stratford, Ontario was born. Marian quickly became a standout leader in the business community. In addition to being a consistently top-producing agent, she led her team to achieve the largest market share, in terms of sales volume, in Stratford, for the past 2 years. Impact on the Community Beyond her professional success, Marian has made a profound impact on the Stratford community through her philanthropy and volunteerism. She strongly believes that with success comes a responsibility to give back, and her team all enthusiastically agree often hearing “We see you guys everywhere!.” Marian and the Home & Company team are actively involved in numerous community organizations and events, including: • Alzheimer Society Huron Perth Soups On and Walk for Memories • Stratford Perth Museum Innkeeper’s Dinner • United Way Perth Huron and Coldest Night of the Year • Rotary Hike for Hospice International Women’s Day Breakfast • The Local Hunters Banquet and 5K Run • Stratford Summer Music Opening Night • Stratford Pride Celebration Center Stage • Stratford & District Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards … and so many more. Marian’s dedication to ethical, progressive business practices, community engagement and social responsibility is truly inspiring. Through strong leadership, team-building, and diverse sponsorships commitments, she exemplifies what it means to be a community-driven business leader." Selection Process The Business Leader of the Year is selected through a three-step secret ballot process by the Chamber Board of Directors. After nominations are put forth and a curated list is created, the Board conducts multiple rounds of secret ballots until a clear winner is determined.