2004 40 Under Forty Winners
Click here to view the class photos of the Worcester Business Journal's 40 Under Forty winners for the year 2004 and scroll below to find out where many of them are now (listed alphabetically by last name):
Kim Bent
Current Job: Founder, Catch the Science Bug Foundation, Worcester
What was your job when you won?
Same
How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
At the time the award was given, the science traveling programs in schools were in full swing but we were just in the planning stages of the PBS science series for Rhode Island. At this point in time, we have completed eight episodes that are airing on PBS Rhode Island and are getting ready to launch a new web site at www.sciencebug.org. I have learned that taking an idea and making it a reality is a process and it takes time.
What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Learn to better understand your gut feelings about situations, and incorporate that understanding into the decision making process.
What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
Winning the 40 Under Forty award meant that the community understood the value of the services that Catch the Science Bug provides. It was an honor to feel so appreciated.
Diana Casavecchia
Current Job: Convention sales manager, Destination Worcester
What was your job when you won?
Four Points by Sheraton Leominster, senior sales manager
How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
As a young professional in my late 20s, I saw the world in general through different eyes. In 2004, the economy was rebounding from the bottom dropping out of the high-tech industry of 2000 and the tragedy of 2001. We were seeing better times. Businesses and groups were holding meetings without having to consider consequences or budgetary constraints. The experiences of the last five years in the hospitality industry have taught me a lot about needing to always have a positive outlook, be out in the world networking with everyone (you never know who your next client will be), and try to be creative in what you do. Also, I have always strongly believed you must be involved in the community and give what you can to those that do not have or cannot do.
What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It flattered me to know that at 28 years old, my peers and other professionals thought that I was one of the top 40 professionals in Worcester County under 40 that deserved this award. The award showed me that the passion for my job and the importance of giving back to the community was recognized by others. In the professional arena, this award is perceived and respected as an accomplishment. It has added a great value to my career and I thank you for it.
Matthew Cote
Current Job: Executive director, Fletcher, Tilton & Whipple PC, Worcester
What was your job when you won?
Same
How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
Concerned about our employees and their families in this very difficult economic climate. Several of our employee's spouses have lost their jobs.
What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
If it looks too good to be true, it is.
What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
Recognition as a young business leader.
David Desmarais
Current Job: Tax partner of private client services, CCR LLP
What was your job when you won?
CCR LLP, tax manager
How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
My outlook is just as promising as it was then.
What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Work hard and don't forget to treat yourself every once in a while.
What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It meant a great deal to me. It showed that my firm truely appreciated my efforts enough to want to recognize me for them.
Dino Farina
Current Job: CEO, Proveris Scientific Corp., Marlborough
What was your job when you won?
Image Therm Engineering, CEO (Image Therm became Proveris Scientific in 2006)
How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
Outlook is about the same. Very optimistic!
What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Be very careful of the market you want to serve and be sure to have a solid business model in place BEFORE you go to market.
What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It meant being recognized for a lot of hard work that goes into running a company while staying sane!
Lynn Gillespie
Current Job: Director of operations, Worcester Fitness at Worcester Medical Center
What was your job when you won?
Same
How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
My outlook for the company is broader and my goals are bigger for the company and myself.
What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Think like an owner not just a worker.
What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It was a great recognition to have and a meaningful achievement for me and my company.
Marc Huaman
Current Job: BMW pre-owned sales manager, Herb Chambers BMW, Sudbury
What was your job when you won?
Foreign Motors West
How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
When I won the award, BMW new car sales were great, we were really growing and it looked like the sky was the limit. As the economy changed and sales dropped, my outlook was redirected and is now focused on growing pre-owned sales. We have nearly doubled our pre-owned sales over the last four years and there have been a few months this year where pre-owned actually outsold new car sales.
What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Never be afraid to learn something new - even it doesn't have anything to do with your current job function. You never know when extra skills will come in handy and the more skills you have the more valuable you are to your company.
What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It meant someone noticed my hard work and appreciated what I was doing - enough to pass along my name for consideration for the award. On top of making me feel good about myself, it also gave me the motivation to pass along that energy to my team and the people that work with me.
Tracey Ingle
Current Job: Principal, Ingle Law, Southborough
What was your job when you won?
Same
How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
Today I know Ingle Law will be a long-lasting fixture in the Southborough community. The business continues to grow in size and strength. I trust more that it will continue in that direction. It's much less a house of cards now.
What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Network, network, network. Find a mentor. Find your peers. Don't go it alone. You don't have to. There's no need to recreate the wheel. Someone has come this way before you. Whether they were successful or not, there's something to be learned from their experience.
What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
Validation that I was actually creating and growing a viable business, not just working a hobby.
Brendan J. King
Current Job: Founding partner, Estate Preservation Law Offices
What was your job when you won?
Fusaro, Altomare & Ermilio, partner
How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
Today I have a wealth of knowledge that experience brings. I feel that I am practicing at the top of my field. The area of estate preservation and planning is constantly changing, however, so there is a need to stay educated. I want my clients to feel confident that our approach and ideas are cutting edge and in keeping with the current economic challenges. On a personal level, I have to work harder to balance a new law practice, volunteer opportunities, and a growing family. I am excited about my practice with my partner, Linda Cammuso. Our decision to create a firm that specializes in asset preservation and estate planning is unique to the Worcester area. I look forward to developing our practice and serving the community.
What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
I would advise an entrepreneur to take every opportunity to meet other business people and understand what they do. I have found my relationships with business people in the community to be an invaluable resource.
What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
I was humbled to win the 40 Under Forty award. I found myself in good company among professionals and business people who excelled in their field and gave back to their community in impressive ways. It was an honor to be recognized.
Kevin Kozak
Current Job: Design project manager, Cutler Associates Inc., Worcester
What was your job when you won?
Same
How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
The recent economy has made me more aware of the problems that we face, not just business, but everyone.
What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Always look for ways to improve yourself and your company. Whether that is more training, new technologies, anything that can better position yourself will help you succeed.
What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It was a tremendous honor to be named to the 40 under Forty award. There were so many talented people who were nominated and awarded, and I was flattered to be one of them.
Richard Suitum
Current Job: President, Exsel Advertising Inc., Spencer
What was your job when you won?
Exsel Advertising Inc., vice president
How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
I would say the biggest difference is assuming much more responsibility for the overall success of the agency. Steering us through this economic climate is my priority.
What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Focus on a career for which you have passion. Set realistic goals and be persistent.
What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
There was certainly a sense of pride, but more importantly I was able to establish a number of great business and personal relationships.
Henry Tessman
Current Job: Director of sales and marketing, Doubletree Hotel Westborough
What was your job when you won?
Wyndham Hotel, Westborough
What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Stay focused on the end result of your goals. Don't sweat the small stuff. Make the best of every day and have fun doing it.
What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It was a great accomplishment to look back on. I meet people all the time that have also won the award. People recognize the plaque in my office and it is a fun story piece to speak about. Thanks again.
Kelsa Zereski
Current Job: Director of fundraising and development, Fallon Clinic, Worcester
What was your job when you won?
Mass. College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, director of alumni and development, Worcester Campus
How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
I have always maintained a positive outlook on my career and on life.
What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Be relentlessly positive and never give up on your dreams. Be persistent.
What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
I appreciated being recognized as someone who was succeeding in the community and in the progression of my career. It was a wonderful award to receive.
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