YORKTOWN- The York County Chamber of Commerce recognized its Small Business of the Year: Pappas Orthodontics. The business was selected for its support of and its commitment to the local and worldwide community.
Pappas Orthodontics was established in 2021 by Dr. Nick Pappas. Pappas grew up in Poquoson and earned his Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Virginia. He completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at Virginia Commonwealth University and later, after serving three years in the United States Air Force, completed his orthodontic residency and Master of Science at the University of Iowa.
But all the while, the Tidewater native dreamed of returning home one day to open his own practice.
“I was beyond excited when the opportunity came along to purchase an existing office in my hometown area,” said Pappas. “I bought my childhood orthodontist’s practice. I think it is so neat that I sat in these very same chairs when I was younger.”
Pappas said his practice is committed to providing the best orthodontic care to its patients, by always going the extra mile and focusing on personal touch. He explained how he
relies heavily on his amazing staff to help reach this goal.
“We focus intently on making the full patient experience a positive one,” Pappas said. “We want to be the Chick-fil-A of orthodontics by giving our patients whatever they need to have the best overall experience with what could be a scary situation to some.”
“Pappas Orthodontics was awarded the Chamber’s 2023 Small Business of the Year award for Nick’s service to the community and commitment to his patients and staff,” said Snap Troeschel, president of the York County Chamber of Commerce. “We’re proud to support Pappas Orthodontics, as they focus on our community. Small and home-based businesses are the heart of York County.”
Pappas supports numerous community initiatives, from children’s sports teams to the Junior League of Hampton Roads. He said he especially enjoys family events, such as the Junior League’s Tour of Trucks and the YMCA’s Victory at Yorktown Family Fun Run. Pappas
currently serves on the board of directors for the Victory Family YMCA in York County, under the leadership of Executive Director Chris Sapp.
“Nick has been such a strong supporter of the Victory YMCA over the past few years,” said Sapp. “He and his staff have been so helpful in supporting and promoting the Victory at Yorktown Family Fun Run, one of our biggest fundraisers each year.”
Pappas said he feels grateful to have been chosen for the Chamber’s Small Business of the Year Award. He thanked his staff and family for the success that the business has experienced over the past two years.
“None of this would be possible without them,” Pappas said. “My wife and father have been
instrumental in getting the business set up and helping it grow, running so much of it in the background. My dad is my best friend!”
When asked what makes him feel most fulfilled about his business, Pappas said it was the ability to serve the community that has been so supportive of him and his business.
“Being involved in the community that I live in is important to me,” Pappas said. “I love living in such a small, close-knit community, where I get to see my patients out and about. It’s so rewarding to see their healthy smiles and know that I helped them achieve them.”
