James Krupienski

Partner at Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C

It’s called ‘Barrett’s Barracks.’

It’s named after the late Jim Barrett, long-time managing partner at Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C., and it’s actually his former office.

It’s where the tax interns hang out, and this past year, the space had even more meaning for James Krupienski, one of the firm’s partners, who works closely with those interns. That’s because his son, Jimmy, was one of those who called the space home this past year, following a stint as an audit and accounting internship.

“It was nice to have him here and work with him,” said Krupienski, adding that Jimmy, who graduated earlier this month from Westfield State University, worked with some of his clients and had the chance to offer feedback on the job. “Your family thinks they know what you do, but they really don’t, and he really got a chance to see what I do, and having him at home go to bat for me for me when my wife asks me why I was working so late … that was helpful.”

Jim Krupienski when he was named to the 40 Under Forty class of 2010, and today (top)

Jimmy’s tax internship is poignant for many reasons, starting with the old ‘how time flies’ adage. Indeed, Jimmy is front and center in his father’s 40 Under Forty photo from 2010, wearing his ‘Westfield T-ball’ T-shirt.

He’s come a long way since then, and so has his dad, who is making a return appearance as an Alumni Achievement Award finalist after first achieving that honor last year. The award is given to an individual has built upon their résumé — as a professional, a leader, and someone who gives back — and Krupienski has done that on those fronts and many others, as we’ll see.

At the firm, he has grown into a respected leader, a partner focused on areas such as marketing and professional development, including work with the interns, while also setting a tone for community involvement. He does this through his own work within his hometown of Westfield — he’s been involved with everything from Little League (as coach and treasurer) to the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce; from the YMCA of Greater Westfield, where his daughter, Hayley, will be working this summer, to the Westfield State Foundation, which he now chairs — but also through support of firm-wide initiatives to back causes and agencies ranging from A Bed for Every Child to Habitat for Humanity to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.

“Jim’s philosophy highlights that, while an individual’s contributions are great, developing a strategic plan for firm-wide involvement compounds those efforts, creating a multiplier effect,” wrote Howard Cheney, another of the partners at MBK, who nominated him for the Alumni Achievement Award.

“Beyond individual contributions, Jim has played a pivotal role in his firm’s community involvement, leading monthly initiatives that encourage team members to engage with local organizations,” Cheney added. “Through sponsorships, Jim and his firm have supported more than 75 local organizations per year, with personal donations to many of them, highlighting his dedication to making a lasting impact in his community.”

“Jim’s philosophy highlights that, while an individual’s contributions are great, developing a strategic plan for firm-wide involvement compounds those efforts, creating a multiplier effect.”

Meanwhile, Krupienski has also grown as a respected leader and the mentor at the firm, one whose best talent might be the ability to listen.

“Jim leads from intention, rather than from ego,” wrote Sarah Rose Stack, a marketing consultant for MBK and formerly its director of Marketing and Recruitment, who wrote a letter to the AAA judges supporting Krupienski’s nomination. “He makes the final call, but only after thoughtfully considering professional input.
I never felt small or unimportant working for him. Not every idea I brought forward was the right one, but I always felt safe presenting it. We arrived at the best solutions together.

“At the end of the day, what defines a leader is whether people feel seen, respected, and empowered in their presence,” Stack went on. “Jim makes people feel important. He makes them feel capable. He makes them feel safe to stretch and grow.”

When asked what he likes most about what he does, Krupienski paused a moment before listing client work and how he can help individual business owners with their issues, challenges, and growth opportunities, but also professional development and helping others get to … well, where he is right now.

“I’d love to retire at some point — I don’t want to be doing this when Im 75,” he said. “And the only way that’s going to happen is if we have a great team behind us. To see people grow and develop and how I can help with that in different ways, that’s very rewarding.”

As for Jimmy, he’ll be wrapping up his internship soon and then starting another one at the Hartford-based accounting firm CohnReznik.

“I wanted him to spread his wings a little bit … they’re a competitor, but not really a competitor,” said Krupienski, adding that the experience with the larger firm will provide another layer of experience and perhaps guide the direction his career takes.

That step is another example of the way Krupienski balances work, family, and community, taking leadership roles in each case. And it’s yet another example of why he is again a finalist for the Alumni Achievement Award. 

—George O’Brien