2005 40 Under Forty Winners

Click here to view the class photos of the Worcester Business Journal's 40 Under Forty winners for the year 2005 and scroll below to find out where many of them are now (listed alphabetically by last name):

Jennie Allen
Current Job: Principal/creative director, Allen Creative Group, Millbury

What was your job when you won?
Jennie Allen Advertising Design, owner & art director

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
I feel more confident as a small business owner merely due to experience. My outlook is more positive with every day. Despite the down economy I still feel that running my own business and fulfilling my dream is right where I am supposed to be.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Use your experience and skills to help others whenever possible.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It gave me a sense that my career was headed in the right direction. Owning my own business was always a dream, but of course a risky one. Being recognized by my local community gave me a sense of support and confirmation.

A.J. Andreoli
Current Job: Vice president/principal, Sullivan Group, Worcester

What was your job when you won?
Same

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
With time comes experience. When I won the award I still felt young and a bit inexperienced in my career. My confidence increases every day.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
It's not a sprint, it's a marathon. There is no short cut to the top. You have to start at the bottom and work your way up. Base what you want to accomplish now on what you want to accomplish in the future.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It gave me a sense of confidence and a feeling that what I am doing is making a difference.

Donald Cargill
Current Job: Senior helpdesk support specialist, IDC, Framingham

What was your job when you won?
Computer Connection, owner

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
As part of winning this award it enabled me to move from owning my own business to being offered a lucrative position within IDC.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Always set attainable goals and try to meet them. It's important to work hard and never listen to those who want to distract you from what you know is possible.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It meant I was finally recognized by my clientele and the Worcester Business Journal for all the hard work I'd put in making a name for my company and reputation. I was honored and cherish the award. I have the plaque hanging at my desk here at my new job. It is noticed and commented on regularly

Leslie DelMonaco
Current Job: Broker associate, Century 21 Realty Team, Leominster

What was your job when you won?
Century 21 Realty Team, sales associate

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
There are so many more possibilities out there if you just open your eyes!

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Keep a smile on your face and a positive attitude, no matter what. Be willing to face a challenge and don't give up. One step at a time is all it takes!

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It was a great honor, and I continue to use the printed page of the award in my "Brag Book" as I meet with prospective clients! Thank you so much!

Heather Elster
Current Job: Vice president of business operations, Whitin Community Center

What was your job when you won?
Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce - Director of Member Services

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
I was new to the Blackstone Valley and the nonprofit world when I won the award. I had come from the private sector. I have since learned a great deal about working in this region and about navigating the nonprofit world.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Networking is key to success. Don't underestimate the necessity to build relationships with people in your community.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It was a great honor given all the talented, successful, and committed people in this area. It also gave me recognition beyond my circle of contacts at the time.

Allison R. Lane
Current Job: Attorney, Fletcher, Tilton & Whipple PC

What was your job when you won?
Fletcher, Tilton & Whipple PC, associate

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
I have learned more about the Worcester community and have become more active and involved. This has led to a recognition of what a great community this is and how connected people are in Central Massachusetts.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Every few years, you should evaluate where you are professionally, where you want to be in five years and figure out, with the help of others, how to achieve your goals.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It was wonderful to be recognized by the Worcester Business Journal and people in the community as someone who is having an impact on Central Massachusetts. It made me more motivated to be active and involved with the business community.

Christopher W. McCarthy
Current Job: SVP, Institutional Trust and Retirement Plan Services, TD Wealth Management

What was your job when you won?
TD Banknorth Wealth Management, regional director

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
I am still very positive. My career continues to advance and I think the future is very bright.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Be patient. That is not always easy, but if you put in your time and work hard (and get results) then career opportunities will come your way.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It was a terrific honor to be recognized for my efforts and accomplishments.

Patrick J. McShane
Current Job: Vice president of corporate communications, Masonic Health System of Massachusetts, Charlton

What was your job when you won?
The Overlook Life Care Community (a subsidiary of Masonic Health System), marketing director

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
My outlook is relatively close to what it was in 2005. A falling economy can make everyone more cautious, however, I am with an organization that truly cares for the individuals who trust us with their care. We continue to make a significant impact in health care throughout the commonwealth and I have the tremendous advantage of working with highly intelligent professionals every day. I would have told you the same thing four years ago; the future is very bright for Masonic Health System.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Nothing is beneath you. My apologies if that sounds cold. Look at what you are offered as an opportunity to get into an organization to prove yourself. If you cannot find employment in your chosen path...choose another path and get some experience. I don't look upon my years of work in retail and as a stringer (a freelance reporter making $25 per story) for local newspapers as wasted years. They were very valuable years, learning skill sets that I am able to utilize to this day.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It was a great honor to be recognized by Worcester Business Journal as one of 40 individuals to watch. It was also a tremendous honor to be nominated by my staff for the award. This award meant (and means) so much because it is a direct reflection on the team that was assembled and their outstanding efforts in the build out of The Overlook Life Care Community.

Jonathan Myerov
Current Job: Senior proposal writer, iRobot Corp., Bedford

What was your job when you won?
SimplexGrinnell, proposal development manager

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
I am more focused on my family than before.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Be adventurous, passionate, and seek real interaction with all sorts of people.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
I was inspired by the inventiveness of everyone who had won. I felt honored to be part of it.

Erin Nano
Current Job: Vice president and commercial credit manager, Rollstone Bank & Trust, Fitchburg

What was your job when you won?
Marlborough Savings Bank, assistant vice president and commercial loan officer

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
Not much has changed.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Be aggressive. Network continuously. Take initiative and always strive to exceed expectations in whatever you do.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It was confirmation and an affirmation of my efforts to be an integral and contributing part of the Central Massachusetts business and charitable community. It demonstrated that people do notice when you give of yourself both professionally and personally. It was a special honor.

Robert Newton
Current Job: Managing director, The Cape Ann Community Cinema

What was your job when you won?
The MassBay Film Project & Festivals, creative director

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
Our local outlook has expanded to a global one, as we are now readying a community cinema template to offer the world in 2010.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Don't be afraid to self-promote and get ready to economize every aspect of your life until that magical year three.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
The 40 Under Forty Award was encouragement to continue on with our work when we needed the encouragement most, and I still use the glass distributed to the winners at the awards ceremony for my morning orange juice every day.

Nicole Valentine
Current Job: Director of emergency services and public affairs, American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts, Worcester

What was your job when you won?
Same

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
Since winning the award, our disaster response jurisdiction has grown as we merged with our neighboring chapter in North Central Massachusetts. With that merger came an additional 18 towns for which my department and staff are responsible. As I look back, at the time of the award, had anyone told me of the merger and new responsibilities, I would have "frozen in fear" and dreaded taking on more than I could handle. Yet, in reality, the new challenge excited me, tested me and has given me the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
From early in my career, I have focused my efforts on learning as much as I can from those who surround me. Inexperience quickly turns into learning opportunities when you take the time to listen to and learn from those who have already walked your path. I truly believe in mentors, as I owe much of my success in the past 14 years at the Red Cross to both my CEO Lisa Piehler and my current chief operating officer who, from the beginning, believed in me and continues to encourage me to take chances, celebrate my success and learn from my mistakes.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
Being in the nonprofit world, I did not often put myself in the ranks of the "business men and women" in our community. I am often asked, "Why do you work at a nonprofit? You could be making so much more in the "real world.'" Being selected as a 40 Under Forty winner helped me to realize that not only did the Worcester Business Journal recognize the importance of those of us in the nonprofit sector, but it solidified my beliefs that we create our own "real-worlds." Sure, we would all like to be making six figures, but the real reward comes at the end of each day when I know that the work of the Red Cross and my peers has changed, and in many instances, saved the life of a neighbor in need.

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