2003 40 Under Forty Winners

Click here to view the class photos of the Worcester Business Journal's 40 Under Forty winners for the year 2003 and scroll below to find out where many of them are now (listed alphabetically by last name):

Nadia Beard
Current Job: partner, Bourgeois, Dresser, White & McGourthy LLP

What was your job when you won?
Bourgeois, Dresser & White, associate attorney

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
There's more of a sense of urgency in deciding how I give back to the community. The need is greater and I'm in a better position to contribute financially, so I do, as does my firm. I'm also more focused on doing some direct service, as opposed to sitting on boards. It allows me to see firsthand what the real needs are.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Make time for public service. You'll see the community and your role in it in a new context and you'll figure out how you can help. Also, take time to pat yourself on the back, but ALWAYS remember to express appreciation to those you work for and who work for you. Few of us would be successful without our professional support systems.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It meant that, title/profession aside, what mattered was what I was doing in the community; I knew it had an impact because someone noticed. You should never give back or work hard to be noticed, but it's a nice affirmation every once in a while.

John Day
Current Job: CRM manager, Chico's FAS, Chicos, Ft. Myers, Fla.

What was your job when you won?
BJ's Wholesale Club - marketing analyst

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
Outlook has always been positive. I moved from Boston to work for limited brands then on to Chico's, and made some great friends and acquaintances along the way.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Work as hard as you can. The economy will turn - keep bugging those HR reps - join LinkedIn, build a solid network. Find someone a job - you'll need one some day!

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It was great for the resume, and it is a great discussion even today in interviews. It was great to be seen by my peers and company at the time as someone who was working hard and trying to make things happen.

James Desrosiers
Current Job: President, GROWTHco.com, Groton

What was your job when you won?
Same

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
GROWTHco.com continues to help people, from kids to executives, achieve their goals and ultimate life they desire. We have moved from a paper-based curriculum and books to a complete goal and life management system online at GROWTHco.com.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Build your rolodex! Surround yourself with people who have already been successful doing something similar. I continue to be amazed at how many people want to help me succeed. Your rolodex should also contain "active money", meaning people who can financially support you AND help with business development and sales.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
Even though my motivation comes from the success of my clients, I appreciated the recognition of being chosen a 40 Under Forty award winner. Entrepreneurs can work so hard without ever knowing that anyone is taking notice. Thanks for noticing!

Walter Dwyer
Current Job: Senior vice president of lending, Spencer Savings Bank, Spencer

What was your job when you won?
Bay State Savings Bank, vice president

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
Obviously, the economy has taken a dramatic turn since 2003. I'm spending a lot more of my time dealing with miserable people in miserable circumstances.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
One step at a time. Walk before you can run. Don't bite off more than you can chew. These are all the same way of saying it's important to be patient and to make sure you've thoroughly addressed the current challenges before undertaking the next ones.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It's nice to be included in the group. I'm certainly humbled by the achievements of many of the other winners.

Tony Economou
Current Job: Realtor/broker associate, RE/MAX Advantage 1, Worcester

What was your job when you won?
RE/MAX Advantage 1, realtor/sales associate

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
My outlook has not changed much. If anything, my outlook has been strengthened to further treat people in the manner I wish to be treated. That has been proven this past year with the award I received from the Worcester Regional Association of Realtors, the Realtors Choice Award. Out 1,600-member association, 19 realtors were nominated for this prestigious honor and I was the recipient of the award. The Realtors Choice Award recognizes an individual Realtor member who has demonstrated the highest level of professionalism, courtesy, and cooperation in the listing and selling of real estate. The recipient is selected by the membership and honored for professional excellence.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Just be true to yourself and others. Even when things don't look as bright, you will always have people who are looking out for you! The glass is half full even when its empty.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It gave me a greater drive succeed.

Cheryl Eidinger-Taylor
Current Job: Chief operating officer, ERA Key Realty Services

What was your job when you won?
ERA Key Realty Services, regional vice president

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
I'm not sure it has changed, though this new economy has taught me that there are some things none of us have control over.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Find a career that feeds your passion - it gives you energy and that motivates others.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
I was on the cusp of hitting 40 so in some ways, it meant I was crossing a border, but in hindsight, I am feeling that it was a very nice gesture that someone noticed my hard work and nominated me.

Emily Greenwood
Current Job: President, EKG Networking Inc., Marlborough

What was your job when you won?
Same

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
My outlook is the same if not more so...working hard, being involved, giving back and having fun are sort of hard wired for me.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
The economy will always go through cycles. Find something you love to do even if it means volunteering for a while and things will happen. Get to know your neighbors, be involved in your community.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
Being associated with the other amazing people who won challenged me to do more and helped me realize how fun and rewarding being self-employed could be. Thank you for founding the award.

Tim Kane
Current Job: Executive editor, Turley Publications, Palmer

What was your job when you won?
Stonebridge Press/Southbridge Evening News, executive editor

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
The newspaper industry is a shrinking one. I was a victim of that change just after I first received this award. God willing, I found a family-oriented newspaper company at Turley publications who places extra emphasis on employees' home lives - even during tough times.
This opportunity not only has given my journalism career a second chance, it has also given me time to grow my family in a responsible way.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
We all need to wear more hats these days. We will survive.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
I am very grateful and humbled by the honor. I honestly did not feel like I belonged with such a prestigious group of honorees. The plaque still stands on my wall at home. Thank you.

Gary Leger
Current Job: Chief financial officer, Sullivan Insurance Group, Worcester

What was your job when you won?
Same

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
It really isn't much different. I believe in working hard every day. Treat everyone with respect, be honest and always keep an open mind. Especially today with our current economic conditions.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
What I said above really is the best advice I can give anyone today. It has been key to my success in everything I have achieved.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It was a wonderful honor and I was very humbled. But an award like that is only achieved with the help and support of family, friends and colleagues. Without all of them, it would not be possible.

Maria Lenti
Current Job: Full time mom to twin 3-year-old girls

What was your job when you won?
Workers' Credit Union - AVP, human resources

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
While I miss having a career, raising my children has become more important (certainly more tiring)!

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Work hard and be grateful for whatever you do achieve and/or receive.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It was wonderful to be recognized with others who have been successful at a young age.

Michele McGovern
Current Job: Director of clinical services, Salmon Hospice Care, Northbridge

What was your job when you won?
Salmon Hospice Care, director of adult day health

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
I have challenged myself in my management style and field, something I did not picture at that time.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Continued personal and professional growth.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It was an amazing opportunity to embrace and recognize what I had done in my professional career path.

Deanna (Palazzi) Mills
Current Job: Vice President, Hometown Bank, Oxford

What was your job when you won?
Hometown Bank, Assistant Vice President

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
Not much different...I still enjoy working with people within my community and encouraging sustainability and growth with their local businesses.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Discover what you enjoy doing and work towards a career that will allow you to use those "likes."

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It was a great honor! It's been brought up in a variety of occasions and has always has a positive "spin."

Christopher P. Provo
Current Job: President and CEO, Provo Financial Services Inc., Shrewsbury

What was your job when you won?
Same

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
Our outlook is incredible. Our business has grown 186 percent since 2003. We have grown from a team of three to a team of 15. I believe that every member of our team will see their income double over the next few years and I know that their families and community will prosper because of that. I am registered with the NFL Players Association and have partnered with Dr. Skip Lockwood, an 18-year MLB player who is directing our MLB division. We have a financial partner with Christopher Hynes in the estate planning field to allow us to focus solely on money management for high-net-worth clients. We have a strategic alliance with the Patriot Financial Group which allows us to leverage other financial services, which complements our wealth management team. And that is just the tip of the iceberg.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Drive is more important than intelligence and honesty and integrity is paramount. Patience and humility is key, but don't be afraid to take a chance and brag every chance you get regarding the people that you are associated with.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It was a great sense of pride and accomplishment. I was extremely thankful and humbled.

Pamela Provo
Current Job: President, Cash For Life Strategies, Shrewsbury

What was your job when you won?
Provo Financial Services Inc., vice president

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
Since winning the award I became a #1 best selling author. My outlook is brighter than ever. Three years ago I launched a nationally recognized financial firm that compliments my husband Chris's firm (who won 40 Under Forty in 2003 as well).

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Keep an open mind and be aware, opportunities are all around you. Always make sure to listen. Find a way to help others by connecting them to one another.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It was quite an honor that I was chosen when I am surrounded by so many amazing business people in this community who have helped me get where I am today.

Michael P. Sacco
Current Job: Owner, Sacco & Associates Tax Consultants and Business Advisors, Worcester

What was your job when you won?
Same

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
Same...Commitment to quality and dedication to client service.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Roll up your sleeves and dig in. With risk comes reward.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It was an honor and a privilege to be recognized amongst such other tremendously talented professionals.

Jonathan Sigel
Current Job: Partner, Mirick O'Connell, Worcester

What was your job when you won?
Bowditch & Dewey

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Don't let the state of the economy get in the way of pursuing your business dreams.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It was a great honor, which gave me exposure to and contact with a number of successful peers.

Troy B. Thompson
Current Job: Web design, Daedal Creations Inc., Worcester

What was your job when you won?
WPI, Daedal Creations

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
I'm running my own business full time now, so I'm a lot more established, but my philosophy is still the same.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Happiness and job satisfaction are more important than money.

Stephen M. Sycks
Current Job: Vice president of small business lending, Webster 5

What was your job when you won?
Commerce Bank, AVP

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
Same enthusiasm, tempered with experience.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Plan. Many entrepreneurs have great energy and passion for their chosen field, yet spend little time on planning. Spend time planning and preparing an annual budget - then review it.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It was a nice recognition from peers in the business community. To this day, I have the award framed and hanging in my office.

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