2007 40 Under Forty Winners

Click here to view the class photos of the Worcester Business Journal's 40 Under Forty winners for the year 2007 and scroll below to find out where many of them are now (listed alphabetically by last name):

Michael Badger
Current Job: Owner, Badger Legal Group

What was your job when you won?
Same

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
I have learned that having an ongoing positive presence in the community is the most important thing to being successful in business.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Invest in yourself professionally. Thinking for the future will pay off faster than you can imagine.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It was a wonderful recognition at a time when I was changing my career and it gave me a great deal of confidence. It also taught me that you should thank your parents for any award you receive. (Well, to be honest, my mother taught me that after I failed to mention my parents in the 40 Under Forty interview.)

Kelly Bishop
Current Job: Regional membership director, Associated Industries of Massachusetts, Marlborough

What was your job when you won?
Same

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It was such a honor to share the award with the other winners. Being recognized has helped me build more relationships with other business leader. It also encouraged me to become even more active in my community.

Brett A. Bouvier
Current Job: District sales manager, Office Depot

What was your job when you won?
Same

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
I wouldn't say my outlook has changed since winning the award. I feel my philosophy has stayed the same and I continue to try new plans and ideas that allow me to work smarter and not harder.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
I would tell them to have a plan in everything they do and stick to that plan. It is ok to adjust your plan, but the basic parameters need to stay the same. If you work smart and are willing to listen you will always be successful.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
Winning the 40 Under Forty was important to me in a couple of ways. The first of which is being nominated for the award from one of my Account Reps showed that I was making an impact on them. It shows that I can provide the leadership that they are looking for. It has always given me a sense of accomplishment in the community. It allows me to be proud of where I have been and how hard I have worked to get to where I am now.

Mark Carlson
Current Job: Senior vice president, The Suburban Group Inc., Westborough

What was your job when you won?
Same

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
Yes, economic conditions have made doing business tougher, but that hasn't changed my views of always moving forward.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Be unique but valuable to your prospective clients.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It was a tremendous honor to me to be recognized among so many great winners that year. It has caused me to try to live up to this award even more so!

Kerry Castorano
Current Job: Director of development and branding, Fruitlands Museum, Harvard

What was your job when you won?
Higgins Armory Museum, campaign coordinator

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
Thanks to the many new friends and peers I have made since winning the 40 Under Forty award I have had a chance to strengthen many relationships and meet amazing people. I set out from graduate school with a specific goal in mind, and I am moving ahead on that path - this progress has made me more confident in my own abilities, and not afraid to try something new.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Find a good mentor and learn from them! It is one of the fastest ways to grow.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It is an honor to be recognized in the same group as so many "movers and shakers." It has been a wonderful experience all around!

Sheenu Chacko-Thomas
Current Job: President, Nu Marketing Inc., Worcester

What was your job when you won?
Same

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
My outlook has not changed from when I received the award.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Every day will not be a bed of roses, nor will you always have the answers. You will do more than you had "signed up" for, but if you are truly an entrepreneur you will learn and embrace the challenges before you. Learn from each struggle, relish in each achievement, continue to further your area(s) of expertise. Enjoy every moment and find a way to use your skills/talents to give back to your community. Let your vision and your passion lead and guide you through the everyday grind...and at the end of the day, you will find it is all worth it.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
Winning the 40 Under Forty was a special recognition for me. To be acknowledged by my peers and clients along with the local business community demonstrated an appreciation for what I work so hard towards every day.

Mary Dean
Current Job: Vice president/cash management and commercial loan officer, Commonwealth National Bank, Worcester

What was your job when you won?
Same

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
One of your most valuable assets is your integrity.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It was an honor to be nominated by my organization and it was a great opportunity to meet some of my contemporaries in the Worcester business community.

Richard Domaleski
Current Job: CEO, World Energy Solutions, Inc. Worcester

What was your job when you won?
Same

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
My outlook has not changed from the time of the award. I am still persistently executing the same business strategy from the time I won the award.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Persistence is the key to success in life and business.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It was a great honor and raised my profile in the New England business community.

Tylden B. Dowell
Current Job: Managing partner, Marlborough Office Center Inc., Marlborough

What was your job when you won?
Key Executive Offices Inc., president

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
The biggest difference between the time when I won the award and today has to be the economy and business landscape in general. When faced with adversity during the course of 2008 I chose to "take the bull by the horns" and open a brand new location. My outlook today is less cautious and more aggressive (with regards to business) as a result. Today's conditions dictate no time for complacency!

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
The difference between "young" entrepreneurs and those who are more established is time. Young entrepreneurs have the luxury of time: time to learn and perhaps even time to fail. There are many years ahead, and a setback now doesn't necessarily spell disaster for the rest of a career. It's a great time to learn - and if you can make it here and now you can make it anytime, anywhere.

Keith DuBois
Current Job: General manager, Sunshine Sign Co. Inc., North Grafton

What was your job when you won?
Same

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
Not too different: Work hard and the rewards will follow.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Be well planned and patient, work extra hard and realize that service is what sells, not always product.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It is a great accomplishment and nice for the resume.

Melissa Fetterhoff
Current Job: Executive director/CEO, Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce, Devens

What was your job when you won?
Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce, interim executive director

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Make time to network and build relationships with the people you network with. Don't be nervous - remember that everyone was once a young professional. Seek (and take!) advice from those that you admire and respect.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
A lot! I am honored to be included in the long list of many wonderful recipients before and after me!!

Susan Feeney
Current Job: Founder, Direct Associates, Northborough

What was your job when you won?
Direct Associates, founder

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
My outlook is really the same. I continue to feel blessed each day that I have a successful business with long-standing client relationships.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Expect to get what you give. If you work hard and smart, success will come.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
Winning the 40 Under 40 Award was extremely fulfilling. It confirmed my success as a business owner.

Eric Guerin
Current Job: Executive producer/CEO, SmartMarket Media Inc.

What was your job when you won?
Same

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
My outlook is much the same. I still really enjoy being involved in my community and staying "ahead of the curve" when it comes to conducting business online.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Do what you love and are passionate about, regardless of the economy. That passion and drive will get you through the bad times. If you aren't whole heartedly getting into business for something you love, failure is more likely.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
Winning the 40 Under Forty Award was great for me. With the promotional video we created for it, we were seen by many businesses in the Central Massachusetts community and beyond. Several attendees from the year I received the award have become loyal customers of ours.

Meghan Hallock
Current Job: Grant writer, Worcester Housing Authority

What was your job when you won?
Bowditch & Dewey, associate attorney

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
In the two years since winning the award, I have become far more involved with the Worcester nonprofit community. I was happy to make a career change that allowed me to work in the public service sector and help the community.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
The award was a recognition of hard work and an opportunity to meet some fantastic people in the Worcester area; some of whom I now call friends.

Joshua LaPan
Current Job: Manager, Shepherd & Goldstein LLP, Worcester

What was your job when you won?
Same

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
There is a much greater sense of urgency to ensure that we bring added value to our customer relationships.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Differentiate yourself and your business. Set, monitor and achieve the goals that are most important to your success.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It was an honor to stand next to many current and future leaders.

Christina Lashua
Current Job: Financial advisor, Edward Jones, Leominster

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 today as it was when I won the award: Optimistic about the future!

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
The harder you work, the luckier you are.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It was an amazing honor.

Richard Leveillee
Current Job: President, Leveillee Architectural Millwork Inc.

What was your job when you won?
Same

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
My outlook remains positive. Though, like many others are experiencing, 2009 has been and continues to be a very challenging year in business.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Be patient, be persistent, take time to appreciate your success, but do not become complacent. Always remember to give back. Doing so is very rewarding.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It was quite an honor to be chosen for this award and to learn that I was being recognized for achieving a level of success in business and in giving back to my community.

Timothy Loew
Current Job: Director of academic planning and operations, Becker College, Worcester

What was your job when you won?
Same

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
My outlook now and my outlook of two years ago are exactly the same. The future, despite our current economic woes, is as bright as it has ever been.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Clearly, today's business climate presents many challenges - along with many new opportunities. Smart ideas are always in demand.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
Being named one of the 2007 40 Under Forty was a wonderful and greatly appreciated honor.

Brian Lovett
Current Job: Co-founder, general manager, Computer Recycling USA, Holliston

What was your job when you won?
Same

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
Today we are in a tough economy. That means there are additional opportunities for those who can think differently and capitalize on it. My outlook today is different only in the aspect that we must do business differently in a changing world.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
1. Find a way to sincerely help someone else as part of your business offering 2. Make sure you know your costs and manage your overhead first. 3. Understand the value of a quick buck versus the lifetime value of a client. 4. Make sure you are OK with changing everything after you set it in stone. 5. Document your process, measure it, improve it, measure it, improve it, measure it, improve it...

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It meant that others recognized my effort. It feels good when others tell you that you have made an impact.

John Martin
Current Job: President/owner, HomeQuest Mortgage Inc.

What was your job when you won?
Same

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
The recent economic turmoil has definitely changed my outlook on business. It made me go back to the basics and appreciate my customers...never taking anything for granted.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
You have to be 100 percent committed to do whatever it takes to make your business successful.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It gave me something tangible, like a trophy. It recognizes how much was accomplished. I share the award with my team, since I couldn't have done it without them.

PJ McDonald
Current Job: Headmaster, Eagle Hill School, Hardwick

What was your job when you won?
Same

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
I believe that the current economic climate provides organizations with the unique opportunity to look inward to further strengthen and differentiate their products. Our goal at EHS is to emerge from this recession having further distanced ourselves from our peer schools and fully prepared from both a strategic and relationship standpoint to take advantage of the prosperity that lies ahead.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs it to lead with passion, manage with integrity, and work indefatigably.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It was truly an honor to be recognized within the Central Massachusetts community as a 40 under 40 award winner. I hope to some day earn the privilege of being one of the 90 under 90 winners!

David McLaren
Current Job: Owner and president, McLaren & Associates CPAs, Shrewsbury

What was your job when you won?
Same

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
My outlook today is even better. We are experiencing 45 percent growth.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Helping others will bring back much more in return for you. Make your career rewarding and do the right thing by people.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
A milestone of success and recognition for work done.

Dennis O'Connor
Current Job: President, Superior Waste and Recycling, Worcester

What was your job when you won?
Waste Management, district manager

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
Extremely different. So much has changed. As consumers we expect more responsibility from the companies we do business with both in the way of price and service.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Now is about giving the customer what they want for a price that is lower than they expected.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It is one of my greatest accomplishments. It has opened a lot of doors. Created some strong personal and business relationships.

Heidi Paluk
Current Job: Vice president of external affairs, United Way of Central Massachusetts

What was your job when you won?
United Way of Central Massachusetts, vice president of marketing and communications

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
I am more confident in my role within my organization and in my sense of self.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
To treat every meeting, event and function as a possible job interview. You never know who else in the room has an opportunity that might be perfect for your skills.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
It meant that I was in the company of many other respected members of our community and colleagues who had won the award.

Tom Smart
Current Job: President/owner, Craftech Restoration

What was your job when you won?
Same

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
A little older, hopefully a little wiser. Just as happy doing what I am doing now as when I won the award.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Keep after whatever goals you set for yourself. Business and life is like a flywheel - every good decision is a push on the wheel in the right direction, every bad decision slows it down. The wheel eventually gets larger and gains momentum if you consistently make good decisions. Read the books "Good to Great" as well as "Built to Last" by Jim Collins (flywheel concept is his).

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
What meant the most to me was that my mentor, John Rainey, (from the MSBDC) thought enough about my accomplishments to nominate me for the award. I am eternally grateful to him and his organization for his help throughout the years owning my business.

Carol Southworth
Current Job: Senior vice president, Leominster Credit Union

What was your job when you won?
Same

How is your outlook today different from your outlook when you won?
Clearly, I am more concerned with the economy and the state of the country.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs?
Be cautious.

What did winning the 40 Under Forty Award mean to you?
A great deal. It was very nice to be recognized in the community.

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