It was Stafford's generosity, commitment and sense of leadership that landed him a spot on the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce's list of local dignitaries and a special seat at the Chamber's June 17 Business Expo Luncheon. Stafford is the recipient of the 2003 Hank Tedesco Award for Small Business Excellence.

"I've never expected anything like this," said Stafford. "I'm just doing my job."

An active member of his community, Stafford has been involved in a number of organizations geared toward improving the quality of life for his tenants and the neighborhoods. He is currently the president of the Magliocco-Huff Property Owners Association, in which he organizes monthly meetings with other owners to discuss new apartment rules, effective screening processes and strategies on how to eliminate drug and gang activity. He also managed a smaller group of property owners in the San Jose Coalition for Safe Neighborhoods in 2002.

During his 30 years as a landlord, Stafford said, he's dealt with both good and unruly tenants. He noted one incident where he had to evict a drug dealer who later retaliated against another tenant by harassing her and damaging her front door.

"I've had my fair share of bad tenants in the past," said Stafford. "Some of those evicted for one reason or another end up stealing appliances, breaking down doors, putting concrete down the drain and smearing paint or oil on the carpet. It can be quite a disaster."

But Stafford said that there are three main advantages to his job: getting to know his tenants and forming professional relationships with them, getting a good return on his investments and having pride of ownership.

"The quality of the neighborhood improved immensely over the years," observed Stafford. "Thanks to the collaboration of those involved in the association, crime rates have decreased significantly while property values have been increasing."

Stafford said his secret to transforming a crime-ridden area into a safe and decent neighborhood lies not only in personally making sure that yards are cleaned up, Dumpsters emptied and grass cut and watered, but also in finding the right tenants. He has two main philosophies: Treat tenants the way he would like to be treated and fill rooms with good tenants while leaving others empty if needed. He said, "It's better to have vacant rooms and proper, law-abiding tenants than to have a fully occupied complex with bad tenants causing trouble."

Chamber Executive Director Kathy Tibido, who nominated Stafford, said she was not surprised when she learned about his award.

"Stafford is an admirable citizen," said Tibido. "He's great at taking the initiative and has strong leadership skills. He's the type of person other people can rely on. I couldn't think of a better person for this award."

Property manager Don Harr, who has known Stafford for 20 years, added that "he is one of the fairest and most honest" people he knows.

Helping others and fighting crime comes almost as second nature for the 62-year-old Saratoga resident. He started out as a probation officer for Santa Clara Juvenile Hall. He also served as a member of the Santa Clara County Drug Abuse Commission from 1975 to 1982 and was the vice president of the Santa Clara County chapter of the California Probation, Parole and Corrections Association from 1980 to 1985. In addition, he worked with rehabilitated individuals who have overcome drug and alcohol addiction in an organization called the Pathway Society.

Stafford also has a soft spot for the elderly and volunteered with the county's Council on Aging for seven years—shopping, wrapping and delivering Christmas gifts to the elderly.

His college sweetheart and wife, Elle, said Stafford is "always willing to help others." The two used to be heavily involved in community activities and taught Sunday school at St. Andrew's Parish. They now spend their time babysitting, dancing at social events and travelling.