NSU College of Business Alumnus and Entrepreneur Makes Generous Impact During The COVID-19 Pandemic

Thomas DeSernia (B.S. ’12) is the CEO and Owner of SA Company, a sports apparel and outerwear business based in Boca Raton, FL. The company has donated over 100,000 FACE SHIELDS® in South Florida since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States in March of 2020.

Once the COVID-19 pandemic started affecting the U.S., Thomas was determined to “put FACE SHIELDS® on every person in Boca Raton.”

This initiative resulted in a drive-through handout of 100,000 FACE SHIELDS® at the company’s facilities, which was then moved to other drop-points throughout the city.

“These are challenging times but we, at SA Company, have a product that is helping people. There’s a sense of urgency, that’s what keeps us going,” Thomas said.

DeSernia has worked tirelessly to develop SA Company and to be able to assist the community and make an impact. He has also founded other SA, Co. branches, companies, and business partnerships along the way.

Thomas remembers his time at NSU as deeply motivating and nourishing.

“NSU played 70% of the role for me to be successful in what I do,” Thomas said. “They teach as if you are the employer, not the employee.”

“NSU moved me to always look to fix problems, 360-degree sustainable solutions, […] it always ran at a high velocity and because it kept me going at that speed, I was able to adapt fast and accelerate my business to where it had to go,” he continued.

SA Company has also been impacted by new health and safety measures for their employees because of the pandemic.

“We do temperature checks and sanitize constantly, while also doing a good job providing supplies, timely fulfilling orders, and keeping our team safe,” Thomas said.

Thomas’ company has been recognized by the Office of the Mayor of Boca Raton with the Business Award for creating significant employment opportunities in this city. He was also honored with a profile in the “30 Under 30 Edition” of Forbes Magazine.

“If you want to be successful in life, you have to make sure you’re happy and making an impact. Everything else is a byproduct,” he concluded.