I wrote this article a few years ago for Intuit Small Business Blog. Since it’s so topical this week, I’m showing an excerpt of it and a link to the actual article…

The Fourth of July conjures up images of booming, skyrocketing, jaw-dropping fireworks displays that light up the night sky. If you’re lucky enough to see one at your county fair, in your city, or on TV, chances are Pyro Spectaculars by Souza produced it.

We asked Jeff Thomas, San Francisco Bay Area representative and Pyro Show Producer, about the national reputation that his California-based company has built.

ISBB: How did the Souza family get into fireworks displays?

Thomas: The grandfather, Manuel de Souza, came to San Francisco about 100 years ago and started creating fireworks for the Portuguese community celebrations. He was nicknamed “papagayo” (“parrot” in Spanish) for his colorful shows.