2012 40 Under Forty: Michael Clark

Clark

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FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT, Cinch IT and Status Ride

Company location: Worcester

Residence: Sutton

Favorite movies: "Team America," "Office Space"

Career highlights: Buying the first Lamborghini for Status ride. It has been my dream since I was a little kid to drive one of those, never mind own one. For Cinch IT, it is consistently being able to change people's perception of an IT company. I love knowing that people look forward to seeing my staff come in to their place of work.

Community involvement: Growing up in Worcester has given me a sense of community and because of this, I ensure that both of my companies are supportive of the local community whenever possible. This year, we offered the local animal shelter computer support services free of charge to help their system run smoother. We held our second annual Police and Firefighter Appreciation Day, where our local heroes were able to drive our exotic cars free of charge.

Biggest success: Both my businesses were startups, ideas that I had and nothing else. Taking each one of my companies from an idea to where they are today is something I am very proud of.

Biggest challenge: When I was first talking about the idea of Status Ride, everyone told me I was crazy and a business like that would never work in today's economy. Funding was impossible to get and I had to personally figure out ways to finance everything. Even though growing the company and a fleet of cars took much longer that way, it still came together and the company is stronger because of it.

For Cinch IT, people are so used to a negative feeling associated with IT companies that getting them to give us a shot is the hardest part.

Mentors: I like to take a little advice from each person I meet, positive or negative, and use it to motivate me.

Hidden talent: I have played the drums since I was 10.

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