2001 40 Under Forty Winners

Click here to view the class photos of the Worcester Business Journal's 40 Under Forty winners for the year 2001 and scroll below to find out where many of them are now (listed alphabetically by last name):

Kerry Conaghan
Current Job: Assistant vice president of community impact, United Way of Central Massachusetts, Worcester

What was your job when you won?
Greater Worcester Community Foundation, program officer

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
I've had the opportunity to take on additional leadership roles, and become more active in the community. If anything, my passion and commitment to philanthropy is stronger than ever! I firmly believe we all have a responsibility to help each other out to the fullest extent we are able.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Give back. Get involved with the nonprofit community and volunteer your time. You will meet people and make connections that will last a lifetime.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
This was a tremendous honor. I frequently meet people, either new or past recipients, who will make a connection from having also won this award.

Patricia L. Davidson
Current Job: Attorney, Mirick O'Connell, Worcester

What was your job when you won?
Same

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
Largely the same. Focus on client service, practicality and hard work.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Treat people well. Listen. Be reasonable, honest and attentive to details.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
Recognition for so many people doing great things in the community.

Brian P. Jette
Current Job: Certified financial planner, Patriot Financial Group, Shrewsbury

What was your job when you won?
Allmerica Financial Corp., AVP product manager

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
Ever the optimist, I believe now as I did then, that professionally and personally I continue to progress. I also believe that educating ourselves formally or informally is a lifelong process and can provide much-needed perspective and balance.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
I would urge young people to get involved in organizations unrelated to their profession that interest them: home health care, protecting the environment, etc. These efforts make you a well-rounded person and increase your visibility in the community, which can in turn help your professional standing as well.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It opened my eyes to how much community involvement people around us already have as well as the potential for others to increase their involvement, even a small amount. What a tremendous impact this could have on solving much of what ails us as a society.

Jennifer Lane
Current Job: Owner/president, Compass Planning Associates Inc., Boston and Newton

What was your job when you won?
Same

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
When I won the award, we were still a new company, trying new things and finding our way. Now we're established and growing steadily. I work with a wonderful team and I know we'll continue to help clients build financial security for many years to come.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Build your pool of candid advisors. Don't just pick people who will build you up and always agree. Find experts that have been there and will call it like they see it.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
Winning was a huge honor. My industry is very competitive; being on the list made me feel like I could stand out. Confidence is everything in business.

Charlene Leith-Bushey
Current Job: Director of communications, Day Kimball Healthcare

What was your job when you won?
UniBank AVP, Marketing manager

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
I got my 40 Under Forty Award the week of September 11, 2001. Of course, on a personal level I am sure I cherish family and friends more and want to protect them at all costs. On a professional level, I know that things can change at any time and I need to be able to change, too. This means broadening my skills, continuing to learn and working harder at achieving collaboration on projects that affect everyone.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
There's just so many things! Stay positive, work well with others, try always to say yes to those who need assistance. The world is small and there is always a connection where you least expect it. Be prepared to make a decision and be ready to explain why you did so, rather than make no decision at all. Things may be happening around you that you are not privy to, so don't make wrong assumptions.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It was an honor and I am still very proud of this award. There are a lot of remarkable people who have also received this and it's a privilege to be among them.

Ned LaFortune
Current Job: President, Wachusett Brewing Co

What was your job when you won?
same

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
It has not changed. Now that my company has become somewhat more successful, life balance is the most important thing to me.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Balance is tough starting a business. You need to be in a place where substantial dedication to your work will take up much of your time. The other components of you life will need to support this.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
When I looked at the other winners' credentials and accomplishments, I was very proud to be considered. It meant that I was in a league of young people for whom I have tremendous respect.

Paul Matthews
Current Job: Executive director, 495/MetroWest Partnership, Westborough

What was your job when you won?
Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce and the manager of Government and Public Affairs

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
As an executive director of a nonprofit, I'm very mindful of the economy's effects on nonprofits, as well as the importance of our initiatives during a downturn.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Be very mindful of the importance of building good long-term relationships with your funders, employees, clients, and suppliers.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It was a real honor to be recognized with community leaders from so many areas and walks of life. For instance, my class included Mike O'Brien, then parks commissioner, and Colin Novick, the director of the Greater Worcester Land Trust.

Thomas McNamara
Current Job: Vice president of institutional advancement, Worcester State College, Worcester

What was your job when you won?
Worcester State College, director of development

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
Having a bit more experience, and a family, my priorities have changed...still driven to succeed but I am better able to put things in perspective.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Build and maintain relationships with those in the business community.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
Provided a wonderful accolade that helped build my confidence.

Rita Moran
Current Job: Director customer policy and satisfaction, National Grid, Westborough

What was your job when you won?
Massachusetts Electric, vice president business services

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
When I won the award, I was focused making a difference in the Worcester community. Now, my focus is on all four states that we serve. What hasn't changed is that every day presents an opportunity to make a difference in lives of the customers that we serve.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Be passionate about creating the future while listening to and acting on the voice of your customers.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
I treasure the person who nominated me because she gave my whole family a chance to celebrate. Your career success - especially if you have children - is a real team effort. Winning an award is really recognition for your entire family's efforts, including grandparents!!!

Scott Najarian
Current Job: Owner, Park Avenue Pharmacy, Worcester

What was your job when you won?
Same

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
I have always been optimistic about flourishing as a small business in Worcester. My optimism has only increased as Worcester residents frequently choose locally owned businesses over large chains. Both our sales and profits have increased annually in double digits since I received the award.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Commitment is everything. Providing excellence over a long period of time will result in success. Too many business owners seek short-term gains at the expense of long-term stability.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
This award remains the only one I have displayed in my home. It uniquely recognizes charitable, community, and business successes. Often young people seek business success at the expense of contributing to the community. It can be challenging, yet rewarding to strike a balance.

Colin M.J. Novick
Current Job: Executive director, Greater Worcester Land Trust, Worcester

What was your job when you won?
Same

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
The scope and complexity of the goals I have personally and professionally are more ambitious than they were at the time of the recognition. My family is larger now than it was then. I have been able to devote even more time to the spiritual aspects of life since then as well and this helps to keep everything grounded and balanced.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Be clear about what matters most to you, invest yourself in that passion, and expect there to be some time (measured in years not days) before you gain momentum.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
The 40 Under Forty Award was a clear demonstration to my employers, peers, and family that the investments of time, energy, and resources we were making were being recognized as having value to the community.

Heather Roy
Current Job: Gallery director, Artana, Brookline

What was your job when you won?
Same

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
In 2001, Artana was a mere one year old. Looking back, I now view my business principles as elementary and my practices as static. I believed that my gallery would grow and prosper so long as I had a superior product, offered it at fair market value, and provided top-notch customer service. This approach worked great for eight plus years when paired with a strong economy. However, the new era has pushed me to think and react in addition to my fundamental belief simply to stay in the game. Like most independents, I have leaped out of my "known" comfort zone to better position my business for these hyper-active times.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
You've probably heard of lifestyle stores, right? Well, when you're in business for yourself, your business becomes your lifestyle! Unlike a job, the personal/career divide will miraculously disappear and you will float seamlessly between work, play, (and if you're lucky) home, and bed. If applicable, I recommend working first in your dream retail area or service industry before embarking on your own. Expose yourself to the routine, resident obstacles, sublime milestones, and the kind of people you'll engage with daily: peers, vendors, and customers. If the glam still sparkles through-go for it!

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It was an unexpected honor to be identified by my clients simply because I gave back to the community that supported my dream. I'm sure there is no lonelier place than to exist in a vacuum. Artana is my portal to staying connected.

Kimberly Rozak
Current Job: Partner, Mirick O'Connell, Worcester

What was your job when you won?
Mirick O'Connell, associate attorney

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
It's no different, except that the economy today makes it ever so important to maintain client relationships.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Hard work, professionalism, and reputation are key.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
I was very proud to be selected for this award, and I understand the award is becoming even more coveted as more people are being nominated and competing for the award.

Matthew Sosik
Current Job: President and CEO, Hometown Bank, Oxford

What was your job when you won?
Same

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
My vision for the bank's future has not materially changed and I remain bullish on the economic future in spite of the poor present economy.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Hard work is the single biggest ingredient to success.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It helped affirm that I was on the right track.

Christine Tieri
Current Job: Creative director/partner, Smith & Jones, Sturbridge

What was your job when you won?
Same

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
I've always been what I call a conservative risk-taker, that is, someone who is willing to try something new if it sounds appealing after calculating the pros and cons. In that regard, my outlook hasn't changed. This economy has made me tread a little more cautiously, however. Our agency has weathered two recessions without much incident, and I think we were prepared for this one because of the things we learned the last time around.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Do unto others...in life and in business.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It was very much an honor to be recognized for my career and charitable contributions at a fairly young age (especially since becoming 40 seemed so far off!) Sitting with 40 of my peers gave me a great feeling of success and pride. Thank you WBJ for recognizing the accomplishments of the area's young entrepreneurs!

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