Gregory Schmidt

Gregory Schmidt

Age 29: Associate Attorney, Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy, P.C.

Gregory Schmidt loves Western Mass.

“I came back here after college because of the quality of life. Eveything is fantastic about this region, and I want to see it thrive and be the best place it can be,” he said.

That’s why the member of the Young Professionals Society of Greater Springfield is intensely devoted to volunteer work and his job as an attorney specializing in commercial financing, secured transactions, and real-estate law.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of the community. I chose my field so I would be able to help others accomplish their goals and dreams,” said Schmidt, adding that he works with banks to help facilitate the establishment and growth of businesses.

The father of 11-week-old William is a member of Springfield Technical Community College’s Scibelli Enterprise Center Advisory Board and works with clients in the Springfield Business Incubator.

“I feel I’m in a unique position to offer advice and services to small businesses. The center is a fantastic venture, and I am proud to be part of it. It helps the whole Western Mass. economy,” he said, adding that growing businesses provide jobs for local people.

Helping is high on Schmidt’s list, especially when it comes to cancer research and programs. His wife had Hodgkin’s disease when she was in high school, and his grandfather and a college friend survived it. “Any dollar raised to combat this is a worthwhile venture,” he said.

Schmidt has been involved with the Jimmy Fund since his college years in Boston. “I did anything I could to help them make their events a success,” he said.

He’s also on the planning committee for the American Cancer Society’s 2009 Evening of Hope Gala, an event he called “a very worthwhile venture.”

It’s the way he feels about everything he does to make the Pioneer Valley the best it can be.

—Kathy Mitchell