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40 Under 40

Joseph Popielarczyk

By
Class of 2021

Project Manager, Tighe & Bond; Age 30

Joe Popielarczyk always liked math and science, and became exposed to the world of engineering in high school and as a student at UMass Amherst. But it was his uncle, a civil and environmental engineer, who helped him narrow his interest.

“I chose civil engineering and enjoyed it right from the beginning,” he said, adding that he interned at Tighe & Bond as an undergrad and joined the firm full-time upon earning his master’s degree.

Since then, his contributions to the region’s quality of life have included design and construction services for water-system improvements along College Highway in Southwick, design of a wastewater treatment plant conversion in Northampton, improvement design for a wastewater pumping station in West Springfield … the list goes on, really, each project building on — and growing — his expertise.

“I’m a total people person,” he said. “I really enjoy personal interactions, whether it’s with clients, co-workers, or regulators. I enjoy the personal aspect of engineering. And in my role at Tighe & Bond, I’m always learning from people.”

Popielarczyk says he’s fortunate to be in a field where he can constantly learn and grow, but he’s especially grateful for the impact his work has on entire communities.

“I love the idea that it’s helping people, even though it’s not something that gets recognized,” he said, adding that people often don’t think about why they have clean water, reliable sewer service, and streets that don’t flood during rainstorms, the same way shoppers buying food in a grocery store don’t often think about the farming, production, and transportation behind getting it there. “We’re not in the public eye, but we do impact a tremendous amount of people.”

His impact extends outside of work as well, including as a mentor to young people considering a career in engineering. After graduating from UMass Amherst, he returned for several years to speak with the student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and he regularly volunteers as a judge at local high-school science fairs, taking time to speak with teenagers about his career and where their STEM interests might take them.

“There’s always something to learn at Tighe & Bond, and a lot of great people willing to pass on their knowledge,” he said. “I take the same perspective with mentoring. It’s an opportunity to pass along what I know and pay it forward.”

 

—Joseph Bednar

 

Claudia Quintero

By
Class of 2021

Staff Attorney, Central West Justice Center; Age 32

Growing up in Los Angeles, Claudia Quintero saw plenty of disparities — by class, race and ethnicity, gender, and more — and wanted to do something about it.

“But I was undocumented,” she said. “So I didn’t know if I could go to college, much less law school.”

In high school, though, she met a lawyer who helped her attain legal status. “I was so inspired by this attorney — who was also a Latina, and was very kind and very effective in her advocacy — that I wanted to go to law school and do for others what she had done for me.”

That law school was at Western New England University, where she knew she wanted to focus on social-justice work. Fittingly, she landed a job with Central West Justice Center immediately after achieving her juris doctorate. “It seemed like the right fit … like work I was meant to do.”

As a subsidiary of Community Legal Aid, Quintero explained, “we provide legal civil services to indigent clients, people who can’t afford lawyers for things like eviction defense, state and federal benefits law, family law, wage-and-hour claims, immigration … that’s just a smattering of the different projects we have.”

Central West’s migrant seasonal farmworker project, her area of focus, provides holistic legal advocacy to farmworkers across Massachusetts on housing, work conditions, and other protections, while advocating for these workers on the state level. “A lot of farms are located in rural parts of the state where the workers might not even know we exist,” she noted.

The performing and visual arts are a big part of Quintero’s identity; she’s a classically trained pianist, was a Mexican folkorico dancer for 15 years, and is an amateur photographer. The work she performs today at Central West has become a critical part of that identity as well — and a continuing tribute to her journey and those who helped her along the way.

“It’s a really gratifying job. I feel like it’s kind of my responsibility, since I was given such an amazing opportunity getting legal status in the United States,” she explained. “That’s not an easy feat; not everyone is eligible to become a lawyer in the United States, and even to be a legal citizen is such a huge privilege for me. So I know I have to do something worthwhile. I know it’s an opportunity I shouldn’t squander.”

 

—Joseph Bednar

Michael Regan

By Contributor
Class of 2021

Owner and President, Clayton Insurance Agency; Age 38

Integrity means a great deal to Michael Regan.

As an insurance professional who had been steadily growing in his career, Regan was ready to pursue his next business goal: to run his own agency. He had heard that Martin Clayton, longtime owner of the Clayton Insurance Agency in Holyoke, was looking for a young person to carry on the legacy of his business.

While he appreciated Regan’s 10-plus years of experience with Goss and McLain Insurance Agency, Clayton was particularly impressed that the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce had honored Regan with the Henry A. Fifeld Award for Voluntary Service to the Chamber.

“It turns out Clayton knew Fifeld and told me, ‘if you won Hank’s award, you must be a pretty good citizen,’” Regan recalled, adding that the conversation was a key step toward eventually acquiring the agency.

Once he settled in as the new owner at Clayton, he admits he felt some pressure to uphold the integrity of the firm and to make sure customers receive the same quality service they always have.

“I gave Martin my word that I would continue the legacy of the agency,” Regan said. “I work very hard to always keep my word.”

He had the option to change the name of the agency or add his name to it, and Clayton even encouraged it. But Regan decided he didn’t need his name on the sign. “The Clayton Insurance Agency has such a good reputation, I didn’t feel the need to mix that up and add my name. It’s not about me, it’s about continuing the agency and taking care of employees and customers.”

Since Regan took the helm in 2019, the agency has grown by just over 30%, a trajectory he hopes to continue for years to come.

“We’re looking to bring on more staff in the next couple of years and to keep the agency moving forward,” he said.

Regan is extremely community-minded, from funding scholarships to running food drives; from collecting donations for youth sports in Granby to volunteering with the First Tee program to teach inner-city kids about golf, a sport he’s also introduced to his four daughters.

Meanwhile, he hopes to continue the legacy of his agency until he’s ready to pass it along. “Fast-forward 50 years, I want to look back the same way Marty did and find a successor who can continue the Clayton Insurance Agency even further.”

 

—Mark Morris

Yadilette Rivera Colón

By
Class of 2021

Assistant Professor of Biology, Undergraduate Science Program Research Coordinator, Bay Path University; Age 35

It may have taken Yadilette Rivera Colón a while to find her passion — but she’s certainly been a force in helping other young women find theirs.

Growing up in Puerto Rico, she first enrolled in a nursing program, but soon decided she’d prefer to become a medical doctor. After a tough first semester of study, she worked at a dental office but found the work tedious.

Then she interviewed for a summer internship with Craig Martin, professor of Chemistry at UMass Amherst. The program was already full, but he saw something in her and brought her on anyway. As it turned out, she recalled, “he had wanted to be a dentist, too, and realized it wasn’t for him, and he thought I should have a backup plan.”

Rivera Colón was hooked when she helped conduct and publish research through the program, experiencing the thrill of sharing new knowledge with the world. “I gave everything else up to go into research,” she said, and eventually earned a doctorate at UMass in molecular and cellular biology.

Her role at Bay Path is multi-faceted, and her impact extends well beyond campus. In addition to helping students navigate a path to careers in science, her outreach in the community, especially in Holyoke, helps young people, especially women of color, discover the possibilities of STEM.

“It’s a leaky pipeline,” she said, partly explaining why women remain underrepresented in the sciences. “They don’t always have the support and resources in place. Or they hear, ‘you’re not good at math,’ or ‘you’re not good at science.’ But it’s a skill — you can get better, and I’m going to show you how.”

Rivera Colón creates bridges in other ways, too. She co-advises the Women in STEM organization at Bay Path and co-organizes its speaker series, and also facilitates training sessions that focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the STEM field. Through volunteer work with Girls Inc. of the Valley and the Latino Scholarship Fund of Western Massachusetts, she helps girls pursue their college and career goals. And she has led anti-racism trainings for colleagues and students at Bay Path, as well as for staff at MassHire Holyoke.

In short, she’s passionate, and it all started with finding that initial spark. “I tell girls, ‘if you decide to pursue a career in science, you’ll never be bored.’”

 

—Joseph Bednar

Victoria Ann Rodriguez

By Contributor
Class of 2021

Litigation Paralegal, MassMutual; Age 30

When Victoria Ann Rodriguez says she likes to stay busy, she’s not kidding.

In addition to her work as a litigation paralegal for MassMutual, she chairs the Puerto Rican Parade Committee, serves on the board of the Springfield YWCA, and on nights and weekends helps clients find their dream homes as a part-time real-estate agent.

Back when she was looking into colleges, Rodriguez considered majoring in criminal justice with the hope of eventually becoming an FBI agent.

“Once I realized there was blood and other things involved, I was no longer interested in the FBI,” she said with a laugh. Instead, she decided to pursue legal studies and has just begun studying for the LSAT exam. “I love the law, and I hope to one day become an attorney.”

Passionate about giving back, she formerly chaired the community responsibility subcommittee for the Assoc. of Latinos at MassMutual and Allies, and she’s heavily active with the Girl Scouts as a decorated alumna, troop leader, and tireless advocate. Before COVID-19, she served as a mentor to students from her alma mater, the High School of Commerce, in weekly sessions at MassMutual.

“We taught them skills such as budgeting, how to prepare for an interview, and how to draft a résumé,” she recalled. “I enjoyed the sessions because I saw myself when I was in high school and would have loved to be part of this type of program.”

The Rodriguez family has always been civically active. In fact, two decades ago, Victoria’s mother was chair of the Puerto Rican Parade Committee.

“I remember helping out my mom when I was younger, and now here I am, 20 years later, as the chair of the parade committee, so it’s come full circle,” she said.

With the pandemic still lingering, the committee is weighing its options for the next parade, always with the safety of the community in mind. But she can hardly wait to step off once again. “The parade draws folks from all ethnicities, and everyone is so excited on that day. I just love it.”

The idea of persistence motivates Rodriguez; when times get tough, she calls on her courage and strength to keep “leveling up.” And through it all, she still appreciates the journey.

“Sometimes I can’t believe I’m here,” she said. “I have my own place, my own car, I even have my own dog. I’ve grown up. It’s crazy.”

 

—Mark Morris

Elizabeth Sauer

By
Class of 2021

Project Manager and Estimator, Chicopee Industrial Contractors Inc.; Age 32

Liz Sauer says she’s getting used to it. Sort of. At least in some respects.

She’s referring to her responsibilities in a field — rigging, moving machinery, and related work — still heavily dominated by men, and, more specifically, to the annoying questions she gets, almost exclusively from men.

“They’ll ask how long I’ve been doing this kind of work,” said Sauer, adding that the implication is that she hasn’t been doing it very long, and thus her credentials are in question. “And they’ll ask if my father owns the company.”

Sauer says she never wants to appear fazed or upset with those questions, and has worked overtime to make sure she isn’t. Better still, she has developed an intriguing response mechanism, one that essentially turns the tables on those questioning her.

Indeed, while she says she hasn’t become “sassy enough” to ask any of her inquisitors if their father owns the company they work for, she will ask them how long they’ve been doing what they’re doing.

“The responses often lead to lively conversations and relationship building in a business — and industry — where that’s very important,” said Sauer, who is now a proud member of an all-female leadership team at Chicopee Industrial Contractors, one that has steered the company through the many challenges presented by COVID-19.

But there is much more to her résumé than her duties at CIC. Indeed, Sauer is the founder of Route to Rise Yoga and currently offers classes at a Windsor, Conn.-based studio called Wabi Sabi Yoga & Wellness Center. She also advocates for yoga and wellness in the workplace at the Eversource Health and Wellness Fair, and facilitates small-group active workplace chair yoga for the Commonwealth Care Alliance.

Sauer, who holds a master’s degree in fine arts from the University of Florida, is also a mixed-media artist with a strong emphasis on fiber arts, sculpture, and figure drawing. Meanwhile, dance has been a constant passion throughout her life, and, with her partner, Gregg Todd, she offers workshops involving yoga, dance, and couples connectivity through shared movement. Both professional dancers, the duo perform a fusion of Latin-inspired modern dance.

When asked how she finds time for all that, she said she makes time — somehow — while also saving a few moments to offer a defiant ‘no’ when asked if her father owns the company.

 

—George O’Brien

Deepika Bains Shukla

By Contributor
Class of 2021

Chief, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Springfield; Age 39

Deepika Shukla always savors the moment in court when she states her name and declares her representation of the United States of America.

“I don’t just rattle off my name because for someone like me to stand up and represent the United States is a real honor,” she said.

A naturalized citizen who was born in Canada and lived in Chelmsford before moving to Western Mass., Shukla is chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Springfield — the first woman of color to run the Springfield office and the youngest to attain the chief’s position.

In a normal legal setting, a lawyer’s job is to always try to win a judgment for the client. Working for the Department of Justice had a strong appeal to Shukla because a U.S. attorney takes a different approach to the law.

“At the DOJ, your objective is to pursue justice,” she said. “It’s not about winning, it’s about doing the right thing.”

Shukla oversees eight U.S. attorneys and five staff members in the Springfield office, which covers the four counties of Western Mass. While many cases involve prosecuting federal crimes, the Springfield office also brings civil-rights actions against various entities. Shukla takes a special interest in these cases.

“I have experienced discrimination in my life, and I feel that’s an important perspective to bring to the job,” she said, adding that she has also successfully prosecuted hate-crime cases.

While in college, Shukla became a U.S. citizen, calling it one of the greatest days of her life. The day was September 6, 2001, when she and a roomful of people all rejoiced in becoming Americans. The sense of elation was short-lived when, five days later, the tragic events of 9/11 took place.

“Suddenly, I found that people who look like me and my family were being targeted as victims of hate crimes because of the way we looked and just for being ourselves,” she said — an experience that motivated her to give a voice to people who are not often heard from in the justice system.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” Martin Luther King Jr. once declared, a quote that resonates strongly with Shukla.

“Wherever we see injustice, it’s our job to correct it,” she said. “If we let it go, it becomes a threat to our whole justice system.”

 

—Mark Morris

Christopher Thibault

By
Class of 2021

Owner, Filmmaker, and Director, Chris Teebo Films; Age 38

“His camera was his paintbrush, and his canvas his screen.”

That’s how Judy Matt, president of the Spirit of Springfield, chose to sum up the life and work of Chris Thibault, who created some stunning videos for the agency and its Bright Nights holiday lighting display in Forest Park. As she did so, one could sense the pain of having to use the past tense — a pain felt by all who came to know him, even if only for a short while.

Thibault is BusinessWest’s first posthumous 40 Under Forty honoree. He passed away in February, during the nomination period, and the many who nominated him felt firmly that, because of his body of work, his professionalism, the manner in which he touched those he worked with and for, and the way in which he took a long and difficult cancer battle public and inspired countless people in the process, he earned a place within the class of 2021.

And they’re right.

Thibault was an entrepreneur, launching his production company, T-Bo Productions, in 2004. But while he was a businessman, he was, to most, an artist — one who took ideas and goals and turned them into video works of art. Over the years, he worked with a number of area clients, including Spirit of Springfield, Big Y, Mercedes-Benz of Springfield, the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, Health New England, and many others.

There were no small projects in his mind, said his wife, Missy, and he approached every project with passion and energy.

“Some people can immerse themselves in their work, and it can have a negative effect — like it was too much,” she explained. “With him, it seemed like a very natural balance. He put everything he had into each and every project. That’s how he did things.”

He kept doing things that way even as cancer ate away at his body and made it more difficult to work and create, and this was just one of the many ways he inspired others. Another was the way he and Missy shared their cancer battle with the world.

“That just came naturally to us because we love to document,” she explained. “He always said, ‘the story is king,’ and he had a story of his own that he felt he had a responsibility to tell.”

By telling it, he took his already-considerable talents as an artist to an even higher level.

 

—George O’Brien

John Thomasian

By Contributor
Class of 2021

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer, North Brookfield Savings Bank; Age 34

“There’s no place like home” is more than a sentiment for John Thomasian. The North Brookfield native was 3 years old when his parents opened a savings account with North Brookfield Savings Bank. Back then, no one could have predicted he would return someday as the bank’s chief financial officer.

Representing the fifth generation of his family to live in town, Thomasian joined North Brookfield Savings last March. “The opportunity to come back to my hometown savings bank was just too good to ignore,” he said.

During his career, Thomasian appreciates what he’s learned from working closely with successful CEOs, but his biggest inspiration comes from days spent with his late grandfather, longtime North Brookfield Chief of Police Harbig Thomasian.

“I remember driving around with him and seeing how everyone liked and respected him,” he said. “I thought I could carry on his legacy and the family name by coming back to town.”

The return to his hometown is not simply nostalgia, but, rather, a look ahead. After a decade in the financial industry in roles of ever-increasing responsibility, Thomasian understands that banking business models of the past will not work going forward, so he has brought a data-driven approach to North Brookfield Savings.

“Since joining the bank, I’ve implemented several new strategies that will put us in a position to succeed in the future,” he said.

Along with innovative approaches, he also understands the importance of the personal touch. “I’ve had the chance to reacquaint myself with lots of old friends. That’s good for the bank because people like to do business with someone they know and can trust.”

Thomasian also made clear there are no limits to his ‘banker’s hours.’

“My cell-phone number is on my business card, and I tell people they can call me personally any time of day,” he said. “If a customer has an issue with any of our products or services, I want to be the first to know.”

It’s always a good situation for a bank when its customers are, literally, friends and neighbors, Thomasian said, adding that returning to his hometown is more than just business — it’s personal. “North Brookfield has always had a special place in my heart.”

 

—Mark Morris

Erin Zwisler

By Contributor
Class of 2021

Clinical Director, Autism Learning Partners; Age 35

To hear Erin Zwisler tell it, working with autistic children every day is challenging and, at the same time, very satisfying.

“Every day is different,” she said. “The children are teaching us just like we are teaching them.”

She joined Autism Learning Partners in 2018 and has been credited with growing its clinician team and client base, as well as expanding the group’s locations into Connecticut, with offices in Hartford and New Haven.

Within the Western Mass. autism community, Zwisler is known as an ally and an advocate for families. In that role, she has forged dynamic and diverse partnerships in the larger community.

As a board-certified behavior analyst, she was drawn to her career choice by a fascination with applied behavior analysis (ABA), a scientific approach to behavior proven to work well with autistic individuals. Unlike other approaches, she noted, ABA helps those with autism to achieve at higher levels.

“Let’s say we want to encourage a particular behavior from a child,” Zwisler said. “We look at the environment to understand what barriers they are facing, then change one thing in the environment, and we begin to see progress.”

As an example, if a child sees a toy on a shelf and expresses they want it by crying, a clinician will help the child communicate what they want and model how to say it.

“So, the next time the toy is out of reach, the environment you’ve set up and the prompts you’ve exposed the child to make it possible for them to request it on their own,” she said.

COVID-19 presented a challenge to Zwisler and her staff because so much of their services are provided in the home. In addition to nervous parents who feared letting outsiders in, the children suddenly saw clinicians wearing masks and could no longer give high-fives or hugs.

But she said her team treated living with COVID like any new skill they teach their clients. “We meet them where they are, then slowly and surely increase the demands and provide positive reinforcement as they achieve each step in what they’ve learned.”

Zwisler remains passionate about her work because every small success helps build behaviors to promote independent living in the long run.

“A child’s progress can be amazing,” she said. “From holding a fork to speaking their first words, we see big accomplishments from them.”

 

—Mark Morris

2021 40 Under Forty

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2021 Events

As our judges select the 2021 Class of 40 Under Forty, we encourage you to subscribe to BusinessWest so you may receive the May 12, 2021 issue of BusinessWest that will include the stories of our 40 amazing winners. Click HERE to subscribe! The event honoring the 2021 Class of 40 Under Forty is slated to take place on June 24, 2021. Stay tuned for more information about the event!

Meet This Year’s 40 Under Forty Judges

BusinessWest launched its 40 Under Forty program in 2007 to recognize the area’s rising stars, and it has since become a coveted honor throughout Western Mass., shining a spotlight on individuals who have excelled professionally, but also in their service to the community.

The judges are hard at work evaluating 170 unique nominations — close to a record, and an indication that the pandemic has not slowed this program’s energy or importance to the region.

The class of 2020 — who will be profiled in the May 10 issue of BusinessWest and honored at the 40 Under Forty Gala on June 24 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke — will, as usual, be chosen by five independent judges, who bring broad experience in entrepreneurship, business development, and civic engagement, among other traits. Here’s a quick look at each of them.

Kim Alli is a vice president and commercial loan officer at Greenfield Savings Bank and is also a member of the GSB PPP loan task force and the bank’s contributions committee. She serves on several community boards, including the Hospice of the Fisher Home, the United Way of Hampshire County community investment committee, and the Cooley Dickinson golf committee. She is also a member of the GCC Foundation campaign team, ambassador for the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, and a Rotarian for Amherst and Northampton.

For the past two decades, Paul Bailey has been the executive director of Springfield Partners for Community Action, the federally designated community action agency serving the Springfield area. Previously, he worked at the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development for 11 years, where he oversaw the state’s 252 public-housing authorities. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from UMass Amherst and serves on the board of directors of the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Hampden County Workforce Board.

For the past nine years, Pia Sareen Kumar has been co-owner and chief strategy officer of Universal Plastics Group, representing a family of plastics-manufacturing businesses headquartered in Holyoke and stretching into in New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. She started her career as an investment banker at JPMorgan Chase and was a global director of strategic partnerships at American Express. She holds an MBA from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business and a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University.

Lenny Underwood launched Underwood Photography in 2004, providing an array of services ranging from headshots, parties, and weddings to photo shoots, slideshows, and photo-booth rental. He is also a certified personal fitness trainer. He then founded Upscale Socks in 2016, which supports local nonprofits and schools with the Suit Your Soles campaign, which matches a sock donation for every purchase. He is a member of St. John’s Congregational Church, the Brianna Fund for Children with Physical Disabilities gospel concert planning committee, and the Way Finders board.

Peter Wirth

Born and raised in Germany, Peter Wirth started working for Mercedes-Benz straight out of college. After holding several positions in marketing and product management, her relocated to the U.S. and took a job with Mercedes-Benz USA. After successfully launching the SLR McLaren and the new C-Class for the U.S. market, he transitioned into retail and managed sales operations for two large New York Metro Mercedes-Benz dealers. In 2017, he and his wife, Michelle, started their own business and opened Mercedes-Benz of Springfield.

Presenting Sponsor

PeoplesBank_line

Sponsors

40 Under Forty Alumni Achievement Award

Nominate your choice for an outstanding BusinessWest 40 Under Forty Alum!

We are still taking nominations for the 2021 Alumni Achievement Award. Nominate a previous honoree who is continuing to go above and beyond in their field and making an impact in our region! Click HERE to find the nomination form. The deadline for nominations is April 23, 2021 at 5pm.

For your convenience, an online nomination can be found HERE.

About the nomination form:
• Candidates must be from 40 Under Forty classes prior to the year of the award, in this case, classes 2007-2020.
• Only nominations submitted to BusinessWest on this form will be considered.

2021 Alumni Achievement Award Presenting Sponsor

40 Under Forty Judges

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2021

Meet This Year’s 40 Under Forty Judges

BusinessWest launched its 40 Under Forty program in 2007 to recognize the area’s rising stars, and it has since become a coveted honor throughout Western Mass., shining a spotlight on individuals who have excelled professionally, but also in their service to the community.

Nominations for the 15th annual celebration have closed, and the judges are hard at work evaluating 170 unique nominations — close to a record, and an indication that the pandemic has not slowed this program’s energy or importance to the region.

The class of 2020 — who will be profiled in the May 10 issue of BusinessWest and honored at the 40 Under Forty Gala on June 24 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke — will, as usual, be chosen by five independent judges, who bring broad experience in entrepreneurship, business development, and civic engagement, among other traits. Here’s a quick look at each of them.

Kim Alli is a vice president and commercial loan officer at Greenfield Savings Bank and is also a member of the GSB PPP loan task force and the bank’s contributions committee. She serves on several community boards, including the Hospice of the Fisher Home, the United Way of Hampshire County community investment committee, and the Cooley Dickinson golf committee. She is also a member of the GCC Foundation campaign team, ambassador for the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, and a Rotarian for Amherst and Northampton.

For the past two decades, Paul Bailey has been the executive director of Springfield Partners for Community Action, the federally designated community action agency serving the Springfield area. Previously, he worked at the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development for 11 years, where he oversaw the state’s 252 public-housing authorities. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from UMass Amherst and serves on the board of directors of the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Hampden County Workforce Board.

For the past nine years, Pia Sareen Kumar has been co-owner and chief strategy officer of Universal Plastics Group, representing a family of plastics-manufacturing businesses headquartered in Holyoke and stretching into in New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. She started her career as an investment banker at JPMorgan Chase and was a global director of strategic partnerships at American Express. She holds an MBA from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business and a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University.

Lenny Underwood launched Underwood Photography in 2004, providing an array of services ranging from headshots, parties, and weddings to photo shoots, slideshows, and photo-booth rental. He is also a certified personal fitness trainer. He then founded Upscale Socks in 2016, which supports local nonprofits and schools with the Suit Your Soles campaign, which matches a sock donation for every purchase. He is a member of St. John’s Congregational Church, the Brianna Fund for Children with Physical Disabilities gospel concert planning committee, and the Way Finders board.

Peter Wirth

Born and raised in Germany, Peter Wirth started working for Mercedes-Benz straight out of college. After holding several positions in marketing and product management, her relocated to the U.S. and took a job with Mercedes-Benz USA. After successfully launching the SLR McLaren and the new C-Class for the U.S. market, he transitioned into retail and managed sales operations for two large New York Metro Mercedes-Benz dealers. In 2017, he and his wife, Michelle, started their own business and opened Mercedes-Benz of Springfield.

Celebrating the 2020 40 Under Forty

By
Class of 2020 Event Galleries Special Coverage

2020 40 Under Forty Virtual-Hybrid Celebration
Tues., Oct. 13 & Wed., Oct. 14, 2020

Scenes from Tuesday's 4 PM Event

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Scenes from Tuesday's 6:30 PM Event

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Scenes from Wednesday's 4 PM Event

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Scenes from Wednesday's 6:30 PM Event

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Photography by Leah Martin Photography

Amid new restrictions imposed by the governor on large gatherings and with a strong desire to keep everyone safe, it was decided that the most prudent course was to instead celebrate our honorees’ accomplishments with a hybrid platform.

The hybrid event has been spread out over two days on Tues., Oct. 13 and Wed., Oct. 14. Each “mini-event” will allow 10 honorees to celebrate in person at the Upper Vista of the Log Cabin. For those who can’t join us in person, we’ve created a livestream option so friends and family can cheer on the Class of 2020 from the safety and comfort of their home. The new two-night ‘Virtual Access Pass’ allows you to see all 40 of this year’s honorees accept their awards on Tuesday, Oct. 13 and Wednesday, Oct. 14!

The 40 Under Forty program for 2020 is sponsored by PeoplesBank and Health New England (presenting sponsors); Comcast Business, Isenberg School of Management, and Mercedes-Benz of Springfield (sponsors); the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield (partner); and WWLP 22 News/CW Springfield (exclusive media sponsor).

Please refer to the below list to see when your 40 Under Forty honoree will be accepting their award.

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020; 4:00-5:30 p.m.

Amy Rediker Anderlonis
Amanda Babinski
Marco Basile
Danny Deane
Sarah Goff
Brendan Greeley
Jacob Lauzier
Karen Ruiz León
Andrea Luttrell
Katie Manzi McDonough

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020; 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Julio Carrasquillo III
Brian Fournier
Jacquelyn Guzie
Paul Hake
Kristina Healey
Shannon Hicks
Dan Holmes
Melissa Knowles
Peter Leonczyk
Evan Ross
Saba Shahid

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020; 4:00-5:30 p.m.

Conor Bevan
Dave Lipke
William Lynch
Andrew Mankus
Andrew McConaha
Ronald Molina-Brantley
Modesto Montero
Tom Naro
Kelly Partridge

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020; 6:30-8:00 p.m.

 Ryan Barry
Benjamin Lamb
Aisha Pizarro
Lee Pouliot
Kyle Rodrigues
Amanda Sbriscia
Melissa Sippel
Lenny Underwood
Kimberly Williams
Marcus Williams

 

2020 Sponsors Videos

2020 Presenting Sponsors

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2020 Sponsors

2020 Partner

2020 Exclusive Media Sponsor

40 Under Forty Two-night Celebration

By
40 Under 40 Cover Story

2020 40 Under Forty Virtual-Hybrid Celebration
Tues., Oct. 13 & Wed., Oct. 14, 2020

2020 strikes again.

Due to high wind warnings in the region for tonight and tomorrow, Oct. 7 and 8, BusinessWest’s highly anticipated, two-day 40 Under Forty celebration has been postponed to next week: Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 13 and 14, at the Upper Vista of the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke. People who have already signed up can use their existing username and login.

After consulting with meterologists and Log Cabin staff, the move was made out of an abundance of caution and concerns for the safety of attendees.

The hybrid event will still take place at four ‘mini-events’ over two days, allowing 10 honorees to celebrate in person at each event. For those who can’t join us in person, we’ve created a livestream option so friends and family can cheer on the class of 2020 from the safety and comfort of their home. A two-night ‘virtual access pass’ allows participants to see all 40 of this year’s honorees accept their awards on Oct. 13 and 14.

The 40 Under Forty program for 2020 is sponsored by PeoplesBank and Health New England (presenting sponsors); Comcast Business, Isenberg School of Management, and Mercedes-Benz of Springfield (sponsors); the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield (partner); and WWLP 22 News/CW Springfield (exclusive media sponsor).

Click Here to Log-in to Event

Purchase virtual event tickets below:

Amid new restrictions imposed by the governor on large gatherings and with a strong desire to keep everyone safe, it was decided that the most prudent course was to instead celebrate our honorees’ accomplishments with a hybrid platform.

The hybrid event will be spread out over two days on Tues., Oct. 13 and Wed., Oct. 14. Each “mini-event” will allow 10 honorees to celebrate in person at the Upper Vista of the Log Cabin. For those who can’t join us in person, we’ve created a livestream option so friends and family can cheer on the Class of 2020 from the safety and comfort of their home. The new two-night ‘Virtual Access Pass’ allows you to see all 40 of this year’s honorees accept their awards on Tuesda, Oct. 13 and Wednesday, Oct. 14!

The 40 Under Forty program for 2020 is sponsored by PeoplesBank and Health New England (presenting sponsors); Comcast Business, Isenberg School of Management, and Mercedes-Benz of Springfield (sponsors); the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield (partner); and WWLP 22 News/CW Springfield (exclusive media sponsor).

Please refer to the below list to see when your 40 Under Forty honoree will be accepting their award. Paid virtual guest may view any of the live-streamed sessions:

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020; 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Amy Rediker Anderlonis
Amanda Babinski
Ryan Barry
Marco Basile
Conor Bevan
Julio Carrasquillo III
Danny Deane
Brian Fournier
Sarah Goff
Brendan Greeley

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020; 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Jacquelyn Guzie
Paul Hake
Kristina Healey
Shannon Hicks
Dan Holmes
Melissa Knowles
Benjamin Lamb
Jacob Lauzier
Peter Leonczyk

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020; 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Karen Ruiz León
Dave Lipke
Andrea Luttrell
William Lynch
Andrew Mankus
Andrew McConaha
Katie Manzi McDonough
Ronald Molina-Brantley
Modesto Montero
Tom Naro
Kelly Partridge

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020; 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Aisha Pizarro
Lee Pouliot
Kyle Rodrigues
Evan Ross
Amanda Sbriscia
Saba Shahid
Melissa Sippel
Lenny Underwood
Kimberly Williams
Marcus Williams

2020 Sponsors Videos

2020 Presenting Sponsors

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2020 Sponsors

2020 Partner

2020 Exclusive Media Sponsor

Announcing the 2020 40 Under Forty

By
Class of 2020 Cover Story

40 Under Forty Class of 2020

Amy Rediker Anderlonis
Amanda Babinski
Ryan Barry
Marco Basile
Conor Bevan
Julio Carrasquillo III
Danny Deane
Brian Fournier
Sarah Goff
Brendan Greeley

Jacquelyn Guzie
Paul Hake
Kristina Healey
Shannon Hicks
Dan Holmes
Melissa Knowles
Benjamin Lamb
Jacob Lauzier
Karen Ruiz León
Peter Leonczyk

Dave Lipke
Andrea Luttrell
William Lynch
Andrew Mankus
Andrew McConaha
Katie Manzi McDonough
Ronald Molina-Brantley
Modesto Montero
Tom Naro
Kelly Partridge

Aisha Pizarro
Lee Pouliot
Kyle Rodrigues
Evan Ross
Amanda Sbriscia
Saba Shahid
Melissa Sippel
Lenny Underwood
Kimberly Williams
Marcus Williams

‘The class of 2020.’

That phrase will forever have special meaning at colleges, high schools, and even grammar schools across this country. Indeed, 2020 has been a different year in every way imaginable.

And the same is true of BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty class of rising stars. When the JUDGES received their six-inch-thick packets of nominations — which detailed the credentials of more than 200 candidates — in February, COVID-19 hadn’t yet arrived in Western Mass. By the time the scores were tabulated and the winners were sent their letters of congratulations, the world had changed in a profound way.

These changes are reflected in this special edition of BusinessWest, and also in the scheduling of the gala to celebrate this year’s class. Traditionally slated for late June, it is now scheduled to be held Oct. 8 with location TBD.

As for this section, the biggest difference is the photographs. In past years, they were taken in the studio of photographer Leah Martin. With social-distancing guidelines in place and non-essential businesses (like photo studios) closed, that wasn’t possible.

So we improvised. Many members of the class of 2020 took their own photos, while Martin took to the road and photographed several honorees on their front porches and in their backyards — from a safe distance. Collectively, these photos speak not only to how different these times are, but to how people have used their imaginations and creativity to cope.

Overall, while the class of 2020 has had, and will continue to have, a different experience than those who preceded it, it is like those other classes in how it reflects the high levels of young talent now emerging in this region. And it paints an impressive picture of leadership for decades to come.

Let’s salute the class of 2020!

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2020 Partner

2020 Exclusive Media Sponsor

Amy Rediker Anderlonis

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2020

Director of Corporate Communications, Treasurer, and Owner, Rediker Software; Age 36; Education: George Washington University (BA)

A vital force in the success of Rediker Software, Anderlonis has helped increase international sales, increased brand awareness, developed the company’s social-media presence, and founded Rediker Cares, organizing and serving as the liaison for many volunteer events to benefit local nonprofits.

Amy Rediker Anderlonis

Amy Rediker Anderlonis    Photo by Leah Martin Photography

What did you want to be when you grew up? When I was younger, my dream job was to work for the United Nations. I used to think that, in order to make a difference in this world, I had to work for a large, international organization. However, I now know you can also make a big difference by simply being a leader in your own community, whether through work, volunteering, or both.

What goal do you set for yourself at the start of each day? Balance. I wear many hats, not just at work, but also in my personal life. In addition to Rediker Software, I am a mom of two young children and a puppy, as well as a wife, sister, daughter, granddaughter, friend, and community volunteer. Through time management and prioritization, I try to fulfill all of my roles the best I can while still finding time for my own health and wellness. There are only so many hours in the day, and it’s impossible to get everything done. Often tasks aren’t completed, e-mails aren’t answered right away, and laundry goes unfolded — and that’s OK.

What do you do for fun? I love to find cool events in the area. There is so much to do in Western Massachusetts; you just have to look. My friends and I recently went to a fun wine-and-chocolate pairing at Black Birch Winery in Hatfield, and we are planning to attend a concert this summer at Tanglewood. My husband and I are big foodies, so we like to visit highly rated restaurants and attend specialty dinners. I also love to travel with my family and explore other parts of New England and the world.

What will work colleagues say at your funeral? I hope I am remembered for my work in our community — that I worked hard to improve it and make it a better place, and that I gave colleagues the opportunity to do so as well. I also hope to be remembered as a good friend and mentor who saw the best in people and helped them reach their own goals.

Amanda Babinski

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2020

Director of Finance & Operations, Palmer Public Schools; Age 37; Education: Elmira College (BS)

After losing her husband to cancer three years ago, this mother of two earned her business administrator’s license in 18 months and landed the open position overseeing finance and operations for Palmer’s school system. There, she has created a new budget process, helped balance a fiscally conservative budget to meet the needs of students, simplified benefits, and helped transform the central office into a 21st-century work environment, as well as creating a before- and after-school program for students in pre-K through grade 5. In addition, she coaches multiple youth sports, supports Rick’s Place, and teaches CCD at her church.

Amanda Babinski

Amanda Babinski

What goal do you set for yourself at the start of each day? At the start of each day, I set out to be the best I can be in each role I play. I want my kids to get the best of me and my job to get the best of me. I always want to have my best foot forward. I am really proud of the fact that I was able to successfully enter into the business manager licensure program, complete the course, and obtain my license through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. My kids have been incredibly supportive of how busy mom has been, and always ‘help’ me with my homework. I have a strong work family as well and feel lucky to be a part of the Palmer schools family.

What are you passionate about? Public service. In every job I have held, I have served others, and I am always proud to do good work for other people. I am inspired by the underdog and always want to do my part to help everyone to be successful. For fun, I love spending time with my children. We like to be outside, playground hopping, shopping, or spending time with our extended family. Time spent with my family is the best stress reliever I can think of.

What person, past or present, would you like to have lunch with, and why? If I could have lunch with anyone, it would be my husband. He was an amazing man, who passed away in 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer. My children and I miss him every day, and I would love to have lunch with him to check in and see how he feels about all we have accomplished since he passed.

Ryan Barry

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2020

Partner, Bulkley Richardson; Age 37; Education: Colorado College (BA), Northeastern University School of Law (JD)

Barry’s law practice focuses on advising businesses, charitable organizations, healthcare organizations, and educational institutions on the legal issues that affect them.

Ryan Barry

Ryan Barry    Photo by Leah Martin Photography

What did you want to be when you grew up? A ski bum. I accomplished that goal in my 20s, living in Crested Butte, Colorado, skiing every day and working as a chef at night.

What do you do for fun? I love backcountry skiing, fly fishing and fly tying, cooking, reading, watching British mystery shows, and being outside with my family.

How do you relieve stress? My 3-year-old running full-speed into my arms for a hug is the best stress reliever I know. A long walk or ski in the woods does the trick, too.

What’s your favorite hangout or activity in Western Mass., and why? Some of my favorite spots include Mt. Greylock, Mt. Tom, the Deerfield and Westfield rivers, and the bike paths, playgrounds, breweries, and restaurants in my hometown of Easthampton. I love the mix of nature and community here in Western Mass.

What fictional character do you relate to most, and why? I at least aspire to be like Gus McCrae from Larry McMurtry’s Lonesome Dove. He doesn’t take himself too seriously, but is also the kind of person you can rely on when you’re in a tight spot. I also admire characters who react to hardship with good humor, like Sully in Richard Russo’s Nobody’s Fool.

What person, past or present, would you like to have lunch with, and why? John Adams. I recently finished David McCullough’s great biography of him. He lived an extraordinary and adventurous life and was a fearless and principled attorney. I’d love to hear his thoughts on modern-day America over lunch and a hard cider (which Adams apparently drank every day, including at breakfast).

What actor would play you in a movie about your life? Even though he often plays bad guys, the late, great Alan Rickman.

What will work colleagues say at your funeral? As John Cleese said at the funeral of one of his fellow Monty Python members, “Good riddance to him, the freeloading bastard! I hope he fries.” Hopefully, my colleagues will also be saying it just for shock value, but only time will tell.

Marco Basile

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2020

CEO, Dreamscape Designs Landscaping/Rent A Tent; Age 27

At age 13, Basile started his first company, Rent A Tent, which is a party-equipment rental company he still owns and operate today. At 17, he started a second company, Dreamscape Designs Landscaping, and continues to grow that enterprise today as well.

Marco Basile

Marco Basile  Photo by Leah Martin Photography

What three words best describe you? Passionate, driven, dependable.

What’s been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? Over the past 10 years, I have grown Dreamscape Designs Landscaping from a one-man operation to a company that has multiple crews servicing hundreds of commercial and residential clients weekly.

What are you passionate about? Being the best version of myself and helping the people around me succeed. I am also passionate about inspiring youth, and as the head coach of the East Longmeadow High School wrestling team, I am able to change the mindset of so many.

What goal do you set for yourself at the start of each day? Every night, I create a checklist of things that I need to do the next day. My goal each day is to complete that checklist.

What’s your favorite hangout or activity in Western Mass., and why? As a small-business owner, it is important to support other local businesses. I have a lot of family and friends who own many great local restaurants; it’s hard to list them all. If I had to choose one place I really enjoying spending time at, it would be Nathan Bill’s. I admire how they are always giving back, and I feel good about spending my hard-earned money at places where I know that they will pay it forward.

What will work colleagues say at your funeral? I’ll admit I had to get a little help on this one, so I asked a friend. He said, “Marco is someone you can truly count on. He is someone who genuinely has your back and would do anything for a friend while expecting nothing in return. Marco is also one of the most hardworking people I have ever met. He is always going above and beyond in everything he does.”

What person, past or present, would you like to have lunch with, and why? Elon Musk. I love his optimism — we both see the world as a place where nothing is impossible.

Conor Bevan

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2020

Director of Program Development, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke; Age 33; Education: Skidmore College (BA); New York University (MBA)

As a child, Bevan spent plenty of time at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke, crediting it with helping him reach his full potential. Today, he oversees the club’s annual $1.6 million programming budget and helps supervise three full-time staff, 35 part-time support staff, and 200 volunteers.

Conor Bevan

Conor Bevan

What did you want to be when you grew up? For as long as I can remember, I wanted to give back to the community that invested so much in me. Outside of school, I spent my days as a kid walking back and forth between the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke and the Greater Holyoke YMCA, participating in various sports in the city and learning the impact of volunteerism. Along my journey, I built lasting relationships and developed valuable character-development traits. Whether it was a teacher, coach, out-of-school-time program, or mentor, each day I was given a new tool to grow into a productive, caring, and responsible adult. I came to realize that I will never be able to truly pay it forward, but I will try my best to do so. My passion for community development and volunteerism translated into a dedication to connecting people to resources. Looking back now, I am doing the exact work I dreamed of when I was a kid.

What do you do for fun? In my free time, you will find me in love with being a husband and father while enjoying the beautiful outdoors of Western Massachusetts. Whether it’s hikes in the Berkshires, listening to music at Tanglewood, cookouts at Mt. Tom, or running around Ashley Reservoir, my family and I love spending as much time as we can enjoying the fresh air.

What person, past or present, would you like to have lunch with, and why? My mom, Marlyn Bevan. I knew at a young age I was the luckiest person alive to have her in my life. She was my guiding north star for 28 years. She was a mother, teacher, coach, role model, and best friend. She taught me love, loyalty, compassion, respect, gratitude, resilience, and much more. One more lunch with my mom would be the gift of a lifetime. Outside of one more chance to gain endless wisdom, I would have another opportunity to thank her for making me the husband, father, and man I am today.

Julio Carrasquillo III

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2020

Area Retail Leader, KeyBank; Age 36; Education: Southern New Hampshire University

Carrasquillo joined KeyBank in 2018, taking over a branch at the bottom in performance and quickly driving that branch to the top of the company. A graduate of the bank’s fast-track program, he now mentors many KeyBank employees.

Julio Carrasquillo III

Julio Carrasquillo III   Photo by Leah Martin Photography

What’s been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? Leading a team of 11 great branch managers who were once my peers, and helping them make a difference in the communities we serve by delivering financial wellness and impacting peoples lives. I’ve been in banking since 2005, holding every role from teller to personal banker to branch manager. It definitely helps me to have been in the place of so many of my colleagues and can relate to what they need to be successful. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate enough to work in low- and moderate-income communities, and, having come from one, it’s been so gratifying and rewarding to help as many people as possible meet their goals with proper financial planning. Two years ago, I reassessed where I was as a leader. Helping more of my colleagues deliver sound financial advice to clients in the role of area retail leader was my target, and I executed that plan. Now I get to help other leaders grow and achieve their career goals.

Who inspires you, and why? My father inspires me. He’s had to work hard for everything he’s had, coming from very little in Puerto Rico. In his family life, he’s tireless in his pursuit of a respected and happy family legacy. In his spiritual life, he’s been the blue-collar, roll-up-his-sleeves, church deacon turned pastor. He takes on the challenges nobody else volunteers for, delivers great guidance and leadership, and is loved by the people in the congregations he’s ministered to. He’s developed a reputation of a ‘fixer,’ and I have done the same in my career. Making him proud is a daily thought for me.

What’s your favorite hangout or activity in Western Mass., and why? Eating and drinking! Whether it’s grabbing a bite to eat at Lattitude, the Federal, or Big Mamou’s or a cigar at Cigar Room 2 and brewery hopping, there’s such a rich and diverse culture in Western Mass. that you could never do the same thing twice and still have a great time.

What will work colleagues say at your funeral? Julio helped me help my clients, and we had a ton of fun doing so!

Danny Deane

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2020

Owner, F45 Training Hampshire Meadows and F45 Training Riverdale; Assistant Business Agent/HSMO, Local 455/FirstLight Power; Age 35

After completing an eight-year millwright apprenticeship program through Local 1121 out of Boston, Deane quickly rose to the top of the ranks, ultimately managing crews of 60-plus as a keyman for APM and General Electric, then serving as a superintendent on several high-stakes outages throughout the country. In 2013, he accepted a position closer to home and joined IBEW Local 455 as an in-house mechanical maintenance operator with FirstLight Power, where he oversees all maintenance projects and control of the power plant’s three hydro stations and 11 generators, and has since become assistant business agent for Local 455. He later launched a franchise of F45 Training in Hadley, where he oversees 14 employees, and is opening a second franchise in West Springfield.

Danny Deane

Danny Deane

What three words best describe you? Positive, motivated, dad.

What’s been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? Navigating my side business from a single startup to two remunerative, life-changing fitness companies while simultaneously maintaining a full-time career, negotiating a CBA for my union peers, and raising three kids under 5.

What are you passionate about? Positivity and fun. I approach every situation, each day, with a positive attitude. Making sure everyone in the room has a smile on their face is paramount to me. I literally sing the chorus of “Live Like You Were Dying” to my children every night before bed.

Who inspires you, and why? My wife, Jessye. She sets out every day with the intention to make the world a better place. She is the kindest person I know and my most trusted advisor. She inspires me every day to work harder, be more thoughtful, and polish my sense of humor so I can stay funnier than she is.

How do you relieve stress? Exercising, working overtime, and enjoying craft beer — pretty much in that order.

What’s your favorite hangout or activity in Western Mass., and why? A Saturday-morning Hollywood session at F45 Training. It’s a party with a lot of sweat, a DJ, and a bunch of amazing people who have become like family.

What person, past or present, would you like to have lunch with, and why? I would like to sit at a table for three with Nikola Tesla and Post Malone. I am fascinated by the knowledge and innovation that an individual could have inside one mind. Plus, Tesla would be cool to meet, too.

Brian Fournier

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2020

General Manager, Ernie’s Towing; Age 37

Fournier joined the family business, Wayside Auto, and its towing and recovery division, Ernie’s Towing, straight out of high school. Starting as an operator, he worked his way up through the ranks, eventually taking over management of that division. He opened a second location in Amherst in 2009, creating new jobs in a down economy. Now a standalone entity owned by Fournier, Ernie’s Towing continues to operate two locations with 35 employees. He has continued to grow the company, expanding its services to include becoming a premier AAA provider, entering into the long-distance transportation service, and securing more than a half-dozen local and state agency emergency contracts. With the Massachusetts Statewide Towing Assoc., Fournier has served as Western Massachusetts director for more than 10 years and sits on its legislative steering committee, aiming to professionalize and standardize the towing and recovery industry while advocating for the safety and well-being of consumers and industry professionals. He was vital in passing the Slow Down Move Over Law in Massachusetts, making police, firefighters, paramedics, tow-truck operators, and roadside emergency and maintenance professionals safer on the job.

Brian Fournier

Brian Fournier

What did you want to be when you grew up? Law enforcement.

What three words best describe you? Determined, thoughtful, honest.

What’s been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? Expanding the business from a small, six-employee company to more than 35 employees today.

What goal do you set for yourself at the start of each day? To better improve my business while also keeping my employees safe.

What are you passionate about? Family.

Who inspires you, and why? My father. He is my biggest role model. He is a hardworking and very smart businessman.

What do you do for fun? I enjoy traveling, snowmobiling, and also spending time on the UTV with family and friends.

How do you relieve stress? Spending time outdoors with my family.

What will work colleagues say at your funeral? He was a great leader and a thoughtful and helpful person, always concerned about his employees and leading by example.

Sarah Goff

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2020

President, Unify Against Bullying; Age 39; Education: Westfield State University (BA)

An assistant store manager for Kohl’s with a heart for the community, Goff has long organized volunteer opportunities for the Kohl’s Cares program. This work began 17 years ago when she started with the company as a sales associate, and she was soon recognized as a top volunteer. She has since taken charge of coordinating events — and attending many of them outside her work hours — and has been recognized as the Volunteer Champion for organizing the most volunteer opportunities in her store’s region. Meanwhile, she found a specific organization that focused on an issue near to her heart, and began working with Unify Against Bullying four years ago. During her time with this organization, she has been a volunteer coordinator and part of the fashion show committee, one of Unify’s biggest fundraising events. Seeing the impact this organization was having on today’s youth, Goff chose to get more involved, serving as board secretary and recently being named board president, a role through which her vision will help lead this organization into the future. Goff’s passion for volunteering has spread to her family and friends. She and her husband, Jeremy, are founding members of the Red Thread Network (formerly Terriers Around Town), an organization that increases art opportunities for the West Springfield community and surrounding areas. Many of her family members and friends have attended and volunteered at events, most notably the Unify Against Bullying fashion show and Red Thread Network’s Yuletree Jubilee.

Sarah Goff

Sarah Goff    Photo by Leah Martin Photography

What three words best describe you? Passionate, determined, caring.

What’s been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? Becoming the president of Unify Against Bullying.

What are you passionate about? Family and friends, and anti-bullying initiatives.

Who inspires you, and why? The Unify Against Bullying family. They are an amazing group of individuals who truly believe what makes everyone unique is what makes them amazing people.

What do you do for fun? Disney World is my happy place. When I’m not going to Disney, I make sure to have a little bit of Disney in my daily life.

What person, past or present, would you like to have lunch with, and why? Walt Disney, of course. Walt never gave up on his dreams, and he inspired those who worked with him to be more than they ever knew they were capable of.

Brendan Greeley

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2020

President, R.J. Greeley Co. Inc.; Age 39; Education: Saint Michael’s College (BA)

Over the past 15 years, Greeley has represented many local and national corporations with their real-estate needs, and now leads the company his father founded more than 35 years ago.

Brendan Greeley

Brendan Greeley   Photo by Leah Martin Photography

 

What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a rock star. I sang in a band with a group of friends from high school for years. Now I settle for an occasional karaoke, but I’d love to do it again someday.

What three words best describe you? Ready, thoughtful, steadfast.

What’s been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? I could mention a big deal I helped put together or how I helped someone who really needed it, but in general, I would say my biggest professional accomplishment is all the friends I have made along the way. For me, my personal life blends together with my professional life, which makes it easy to go to ‘work.’

What are you passionate about? Finding balance. While it’s really important for me to put 100% into work, it’s even more important to put 100% into living. So how do I put everything into everything? Passion. Passion for life is the superpower necessary to output more than 100% to satisfy the demands of finding success and living a purposeful life.

How do you relieve stress? I joined a hockey team and became a hockey goalie at age 36. I was on sports teams my whole life until things started to get in the way of being able to participate, like work and family. Nothing relieves stress for me quite like being competitive and celebrating victory.

What’s your favorite hangout or activity in Western Mass., and why? I’m originally from Amherst, and there’s a short hike I used to do up in Sunderland on Mount Toby that leads up to a fire tower. It’s a place I’ve gone for many, many years. It’s a place I’ve frequented with many friends and family, and it’s always a peaceful place for me.

Who inspires you, and why? I’m most inspired by my children. My wife, Amy, and I have two boys, and I’m eager to show them the world. They inspire me to work hard, to be active with them, to teach them fun things, and to be the best role model I can be for them, like my parents and grandparents have been for me. They make life really fun.

Jacquelyn Guzie

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2020

Assistant Vice President, Regional Manager, PeoplesBank; Age 38; Education: New England College of Business and Finance (BS)

Not only does Guzie oversee the growth and development of four banking centers in North Central Connecticut — most recently helping bring together the corporate cultures of PeoplesBank and First National Bank of Suffield after a merger — but she also volunteers 20 hours a week with Suffield Volunteer Ambulance Assoc. as an EMT.

Jacquelyn Guzie

Jacquelyn Guzie

What did you want to be when you grew up? When I was a little girl, I loved babies. Any chance I got to interact with a baby, I took it. This prompted my dream job — to be an obstetrician. Later in life, I found banking was better suited for me.

What three words best describe you? Fun, selfless, passionate.

What are you passionate about? My absolute passion is my volunteerism as an emergency medical technician. It is extremely rewarding to know I can be on the front line, saving lives in an emergency situation.

Who inspires you, and why? My mother. My mom has raised me to believe that you can achieve whatever you desire and overcome any challenge that you want to take on. I have lived by this rule throughout my life as one of the best lessons learned.

What do you do for fun? Being a mom! The most fun I have in life is spent with my 4-year-old daughter, whether it is doing crafts or playing hide and seek or simply just cuddling on the couch watching Lady and the Tramp — five times in a row!

How do you relieve stress? Taking ‘me’ time at the nail or hair salon or an appointment with my massage therapist, Mary.

What’s your favorite hangout or activity in Western Mass., and why? Obviously, who doesn’t love a good time at the new MGM?

What person, past or present, would you like to have lunch with, and why? I would give anything to be able to have lunch with my grandfather today. He passed six years ago, and I would love to just talk to him about my accomplishments in life and mostly to have him meet my daughter — he would love her.

What will work colleagues say at your funeral? Well, hopefully they will say that I have impacted their life in a good way along the journey.

Paul Hake

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2020

CEO, HitPoint Inc.; Age 37; Education: UMass Amherst (BDIC)

Not only does Hake lead HitPoint, one of the largest independent game studios in New England, with offices in Greenfield and Los Angeles and a business team in Scotland, he’s also CEO of LuckyPoint Inc., a gaming platform company; co-founded the Another Castle workspace in Greenfield; and has developed games for Disney, Ellen DeGeneres, Niantic, EA, Microsoft, Hasbro, and many others.

Paul Hake

What did you want to be when you grew up? Having an entrepreneurial mother who ran a successful business and a computer-programming father who taught me coding at a young age, it was almost inevitiable I would end up where I am. In junior high, I was already contemplating starting my own company. I knew my business was going to be something computer-related, and, in eighth grade, I started a computer-repair business and got my first taste of running a business. Admittedly, I had a lot of support from my parents in this venture, mostly around driving me to the homes of clients. The decision to run a software company dawned on me after being stumped on too many hardware-related repair problems. Around the same time, we started getting PC games at our house (no consoles were allowed in the house), including Myst and Civilization. That’s pretty much when I decided I’d start a game studio after college.

What three words best describe you? Grit, high-energy, hangry.

How do you relieve stress? For me, there is nothing like going for a long run or bike ride to reset my thinking, reduce stress, and feel refreshed. In addition to reducing stress, some of my most creative thinking happens out on the road.

What’s your favorite hangout or activity in Western Mass., and why? There are so many fantastic places to have fun in Western Mass., it’s not possible for me to pick a favorite. However, some of my favorite places to go with my wife, Kim, and our two kids include the People’s Pint, the front porch at Magpie, and hanging out at one of the many swimming holes on the Green River.

What fictional character do you relate to most, and why? 30 Rock’s Liz Lemon. There are many reasons I feel like I relate to Lemon, though moreso in her work life than personal life (for example, I haven’t slept with James Franco). But we’re both running creative entities, working more than we should, loving cheese, and really just trying to have it all.

Kristina Healey

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2020

Patient Experience Manager, Baystate Health Inc.; Age 28; Education: Springfield College (BS); Columbia University (MPH)

Healey leads a team of patient-experience specialists across the entire Baystate Health system, providing leadership and guidance for directors and managers, addressing both barriers to care and best practices, and supporting staff development through coaching, mentoring, and leading by example, among other roles.

Kristina Healey

Kristina Healey

What did you want to be when you grew up? When I was growing up, I always wanted to be a ballerina. I grew up dancing at the Hackworth School of Performing Arts (HSPA), and, being the daughter of a dance teacher, I shared that passion for dancing and performing with my mom. Even though I didn’t become a professional ballerina, I am continuing to share my love of dance as a member of the faculty at HSPA, as well as being an adjudicator at dance competitions across the Northeast.

What three words best describe you? Passionate, kind, determined.

What person, past or present, would you like to have lunch with, and why? I am a Disney fan through and through. Sure, the movies and theme parks are amazing, but it all started because of one man’s dream. Walt Disney was not only a visionary leader, but he inspired people across generations to believe and accomplish the impossible. I’ve read so much about him over the years, but I still have so many questions to ask him about his leadership strategies and his pride in the accomplishments of the Walt Disney Company since his passing.

What fictional character do you relate to most, and why? If you asked me this question when I was a kid, the answer would have been Ariel from The Little Mermaid. Why? Because she’s a mermaid, duh. Now, as an adult, I relate most to Tiana from The Princess and the Frog. She is a hardworking woman with big goals, a vision, and a supportive family by her side. What’s even more relatable for me is that Tiana also lost her dad at a young age, and her desire to make him proud fueled her passion for becoming a girl boss. She didn’t let any excuses or barriers stop her from accomplishing her goals, and ultimately she persevered.

Who inspires you, and why? A lot of people in this world inspire me. My family, my dad, the patients and employees of Baystate Health, my dance students and colleagues — they all inspire me every day to be the best version of myself.

Shannon Hicks

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2020

Clinic Director, Center for Human Development; Age 36; Education: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (BA), Springfield College (MSW)

Hicks has immersed herself into the communities she serves. She saw firsthand the destruction the opioid crisis brought to the region and has kept the Center for Human Development (CHD) on the front lines of that fight for the last five years. As a member of various prevention and solution initiatives, she contributes a wealth of knowledge and advocacy to various coalitions throughout the western part of the state. As a licensed independent clinical social worker, certified as a dialectical behavior therapist and a recovery coach supervisor, she oversees and supervises large clinical operations at CHD’s Easthampton Behavioral Health Outpatient Clinic and the Greenfield Center for Wellness, and is also the director of the agency’s Dialectical Behavior Therapy Clinical Internship Program — a program she designed to create an opportunity for the next generation of master’s-level social workers to enter the field trained in what’s considered a cutting-edge, evidence-based practice. She also leads dialectical behavior therapy groups for adolescent girls and adult women in the community who are struggling with maladaptive behaviors. Hicks also helped launch CHD’s integrated behavioral-health and wellness center in Greenfield, acting as the liaison between CHD and the Community Health Center of Franklin County to ensure that the most vulnerable people in that community are cared for. Her leadership has helped create a unique setting that co-locates primary, dental, and mental healthcare, removing barriers to care and providing a welcoming setting to all who enter.

Shannon Hicks

Shannon Hicks     Photo by Leah Martin Photography

What did you want to be when you grew up? I always wanted to have a job where, if people came to me for help, I could help. I was unsure of what that job would be, exactly, but that passion and desire led me in the direction of social work.

What three words best describe you? Motivated, loyal, compassionate.

What’s been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? The development of the outpatient clinics I oversee in both Franklin and Hampshire counties.

What goal do you set for yourself at the start of each day? To do the best I can.

What are you passionate about? My family and providing support to those who are in need.

Who inspires you, and why? My two children and my husband, because they are the reason I do what I do.

What will work colleagues say at your funeral? That I was dedicated to the work we do and always there for them.

Dan Holmes

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2020

Senior Project Manager, Tighe & Bond; Age 37; Education: Springfield Technical Community College (AS); Central Connecticut State University (BS)

Since starting with Tighe & Bond in 2007, Holmes has worked with a diverse team of engineers to develop solutions for wastewater, drinking water, transportation, and site projects. In 2019, he successfully managed seven construction projects throughout the state with a total construction value of nearly $11 million.

Dan Holmes

Dan Holmes

What did you want to be when you grew up? I didn’t want to be a civil engineer. As a youngster, I was really focused on sports and aspired to build a career in a sports-related field. In seventh or eighth grade, I recall our school hosting a career fair. Essentially, parents of students would talk with different classes about their careers. One of the speakers was a civil engineer, so I attended. The speaker talked about drain pipes, rain events, and how to convey water, which was all quite boring at the time. I walked out of the room very confident I would never be a civil engineer. In high school, I took a drafting class, where I was introduced to hand drafting and the early stages of computer-aided drafting. I enjoyed that class and decided to sign up for an architectural certificate program at Springfield Technical Community College. I quickly learned I wasn’t going to be an architect, but I enjoyed many of the civil-engineering-related classes and transferred to the civil engineering program. The rest is history.

What goal do you set for yourself at the start of each day? Survive. As long as I meet that goal daily, then I’ve given myself the opportunity to achieve my ambitions.

How do you relieve stress? Fishing. It’s an activity that puts me in a good place mentally. Spending the day with my son on the Connecticut River fishing for stripers during their spring migration eliminates all my stress.

What do you do for fun? I enjoy spending as much time with my family as I can. I coach multiple sports teams for both my children, which is fun and rewarding. It has allowed me to develop a deep bond with them and watch them grow as athletes and little humans. I also have fun when we travel and explore different places as a family. The memories and experiences gained while traveling have been amazing and are irreplaceable.

What will work colleagues say at your funeral? We will miss waiting for him to review those documents.

Melissa Knowles

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2020

Principal, Veterans Park School, Ludlow; Age 37; Education: St. Michael’s College (BA), Springfield College (MA), American International College (CAGS)

Among her many achievements, Knowles has developed standards for academic achievement, incorporated more arts into the curriculum, developed mentoring programs for students, and introduced Grow the Good, a program in which students and staff perform acts of kindness for Ludlow residents.

Melissa Knowles

Melissa Knowles

What did you want to be when you grew up? Since I was a little girl, I always wanted to be a teacher. I used to force my younger brother to play school at home when we were kids. I would write on the chalkboard and take every opportunity to take charge and tell him what to do. And I always loved school supplies! When I was about 11, I started my own birthday-party business with a friend, and we would plan games and activities at birthday parties. It was my first experience actually leading a group of children, and I never stopped after that.

What’s been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? Being awarded the job as principal at 28 years old. Although I wasn’t sure I was ready to leave the classroom so soon, I have no regrets and am proud of all I have accomplished with my staff and students in my nine years as principal.

What do you do for fun? As the mother of two very happy and excitable boys, most of my fun revolves around spending time with them. I enjoy watching my oldest play sports, spending time outside, going on adventures or getaways with my husband and kids, and getting together with family and friends. I also appreciate when I can sneak some time on my own to shop, especially at Target or HomeGoods.

What will work colleagues say at your funeral? Hopefully they will say I was a leader and role model, that I was passionate about kids and education, and that I had a big heart and put everything I had into everything I did. I hope they will say I was creative and had an ability to think outside the box, not afraid to take risks, but willing to try something new or innovative — and always encouraged others to do the same. I hope they will say I was kind and compassionate and valued each and every person for who they are, that I showed everyone respect, regardless if we always agreed, and that I truly was so proud of everything we accomplished together.

Benjamin Lamb

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2020

Director of Economic Development, 1Berkshire; Age 34; Education: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (BA), the College of Saint Rose (M.Ed.), University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Ph.D.)

Lamb’s work focuses on what he calls ‘wraparound economic development,’ which creates connective tissue between traditional and non-traditional participants in the region’s economic ecosystem — most notably through his development and launch of the Berkshire Blueprint 2.0, an economic-development imperative for the region’s next decade.

Benjamin Lamb

Benjamin Lamb       Photo by Leah Martin Photography

What did you want to be when you grew up? A rock collector.

What three words best describe you? Eclectic, dad, caffeine.

What goal do you set for yourself at the start of each day? Get it done.

Who inspires you, and why? My two-and-a-half-year-old son. His passion for things he loves, his intense focus when he is learning something new, and his celebration of success make me see how even small actions and achievements can have meaningful impacts and reasons to be excited.

What person, past or present, would you like to have lunch with, and why? I’m torn between Nikola Tesla and Bill Nye. Nikola’s mind was so incredible that I would just want to glean from his brilliance. Bill Nye has inspired me since I was a child watching PBS. He made science and learning digestible, regardless of age, and has continued to be someone I deeply admire.

What do you do for fun? Find new and funky ways to celebrate the city I live in and the community I surround myself with.

What’s your favorite hangout or activity in Western Mass., and why? I just love getting outdoors with my family, even if it’s just in the backyard. It helps to remind me of the quality of life I get to enjoy in the Berkshires and the value of our natural surroundings here.

What fictional character do you relate to most, and why? Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation. She somehow fits 25 hours into the day, has a deep and unmatched love for her community and work, and is obnoxiously positive in her outlook 90% of the time. I think most who know me would recognize those qualities in what they experience with me.

How do you relieve stress? Gardening.

What will work colleagues say at your funeral? Who’s going to water his plants?

Jacob Lauzier

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2020

Chief Technical Officer, MachineMetrics; Age 35; Education: UMass Amherst (BS)

As a co-founder of MachineMetrics, Lauzier has helped build a successful startup in Western Mass. that now employs more than 50 people. MachineMetrics has received multiple awards, including from Forbes, and its Boston office was named a top-100 place to work in Boston. Lauzier has led and grown the largest team in the company and built an award-winning product that has been recognized globally as Smart Manufacturing’s Industrial IoT Product of the Year. Active outside of work as well, Lauzier is involved with Northampton Young Professionals, Hack for Western Mass., and MTConnect’s Tag Committee, where he helped develop open specifications for his industry.

Jacob Lauzier

Jacob Lauzier            Photo by Chattman Photography

What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to build Legos. I got my wish — but my Legos are zeros and ones.

What are you passionate about? I’m passionate about building experiences. For a long time, I was passionate about building software and the experiences that users have with interacting with that software, from the flow that they go through to make their lives easier to the joy they had with how the pixels were laid out on the screen. Now, I’m passionate about working with others to build a successful team that creates those experiences for our customers.

What person, past or present, would you like to have lunch with, and why? I wouldn’t be honest with myself if I didn’t say Steve Jobs. He was an incredibly flawed character — someone who didn’t actually build any of the technology that he’s credited for, and a person that often led through fear in ways that go against my core values. But he did inspire legions of people to design a new future, and I can’t take that away. He did this through storytelling, and I would love to just listen.

Karen Ruiz León

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2020

Community Outreach Coordinator, Berkshire Commuity College; Age 35; Education: Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo, Ecuador (BA)

Ruiz Leon’s job is multi-faceted, to say the least. Among her myriad roles, she conducts recruitment initiatives in the community and helps underserved populations — such as international, ESOL, and immigrant students, students of color, students with disabilities, and veterans — access a college education, while developing programming to recruit, retain, and promote the success of these populations. She also assists with Admissions Office enrollment efforts, processes visa requirements, and administers financial programs and benefits that these students can utilize. Meanwhile, her community involvement goes well beyond BCC; for instance, she has been involved with Berkshire Immigrant Stories at the Norman Rockwell Museum, and also serves as a mentor in the Rites of Passage and Empowerment program in Pittsfield, which celebrates and honors the entry of adolescent girls into womanhood and provides them with skills and knowledge they need to be successful, independent, and responsible women. She also co-chairs the steering committee for the 1Berkshire Youth Leadership Program, administering the leadership-development and career-exploration program to a new class each year.

Karen Ruiz León

Karen Ruiz León    Photo by Leah Martin Photography

What did you want to be when you grew up? Wonder Woman.

What three words best describe you? Loyal, funny, hungry.

What’s been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? Being there for my students and witnessing the transformational power education brings to the lives of the people we serve.

What goal do you set for yourself at the start of each day? It starts with asking myself how can I be of service in someone’s life, whether it’s helping a student, a friend, or a co-worker. At the end of the day, having a positive impact on people’s lives is so rewarding.

What are you passionate about? Social justice and equity.

Who inspires you, and why? My parents. They worked and continue working hard to provide me and my brother everything we needed to thrive, especially an education that will afford us better careers.

What do you do for fun? Karaoke.

How do you relieve stress? Snuggling with my kitty.

What’s your favorite hangout or activity in Western Mass., and why? Anywhere with my Massachusetts family — wherever they are, there is always laughter, joy, and food!

Peter Leonczyk

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2020

Financial Advisor, Pioneer Valley Financial Group; Age 36; Education: Westfield State University

Since joining PV Financial Group in 2013, Leonczyk has grown his book of business by 150%, and is now responsible for 16% of the firm’s total revenue, while finding time to volunteer with organizations like the Ludlow CARES Coalition and Junior Achievement.

Peter Leonczyk

Peter Leonczyk

What did you want to be when you grew up? I always dreamed of becoming an environmental police officer. My parents instilled in me a deep appreciation for the outdoors very early on. From camping throughout New England to fishing in every body of water I could find, I’ve always felt a duty to protect and preserve the environment. As I grew up, my desire to connect and serve with my community and interest in economics and finance led me down the path of becoming a financial advisor. My desire today is to instill in my children that same love of the outdoors and serving others, creating special memories that impact the individuals they grow up to become.

What are you passionate about? I’m passionate about serving my community because I care deeply for everyone in it. Coaching youth football is just another example of how my past and present interests have converged. It comes naturally for me to build strong connections with friends, community members, teammates, and clients because I’m interested in their lives and their families; I’m fueled by their stories, passions, hopes, and dreams.

What will work colleagues say at your funeral? I’m passionate, slightly dramatic, and I know how to deliver a good one-liner. I make friends easily, and I’m as sappy as I am sarcastic. I’m deeply committed to my family, my friends, and all the people I’ve met throughout my life.

What person, past or present, would you like to have lunch with, and why? I think about my grandfathers a lot. My mother’s father was an Air Force pilot in World War II and a helicopter pilot in the Korean War. He instilled in our family a deep respect and admiration for giving back through his 30 years of military service. My mother speaks to his honor and integrity, passing down the belief system that you should always do the right thing even when no one is watching. My father’s father served in the Navy and went on to become a master electrician. I would be honored to sit across from these men and learn more about the experiences that shaped them.

Dave Lipke

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2020

Head of Financial Insights, MassMutual; Age 34; Education: College of the Holy Cross (BA); Boston University (MBA)

As part of the Corporate Finance team, Lipke has worked to help MassMutual serve more Americans by designing a solution for Main Street investors to gain access to private equity, and has spoken in Washington on ways to expand investment access to private assets. Among his community efforts, he volunteers at Friends of Children Inc., mentoring a young adult transitioning out of the foster-care system.

Dave Lipke

Dave Lipke

What did you want to be when you grew up? When I was growing up, I never could decide what I wanted to be. I often thought of being an architect, to design new buildings, or an engineer, to build new cars, or an entrepreneur, to launch new products. When I applied for colleges, I mostly applied to liberal-arts colleges, so I could take a variety of classes. In fact, I wrote in my college admission essay that, if I could live at any time in history other than today, that I would choose the Renaissance, so that there would not be such pressure to specialize in any one particular field of study.

What’s your favorite hangout or activity in Western Mass., and why? When I want to relax, I often read a thriller, which is one of the few things that helps me to unplug. When I am looking for inspiration, however, I usually pick up a biography, where I can learn about people who have accomplished amazing things in very different walks of life. Some of my favorites include Steve Jobs and Unbroken. While I haven’t found the solution yet, I am passionate about helping to revitalize the economy of Western Mass. Our kids are young — only 2 and 4 — but when they graduate from college, I want the Pioneer Valley to be an area they can return to without giving up any of their dreams. Hopefully we can celebrate their college graduation at the Student Prince, one of our favorite restaurants in the area.

What actor would play you in a movie about your life? I would choose Daniel Craig. I work in finance — not the emergency room or statecraft — so picking the leading actor from the James Bond series would infuse some excitement into the story. While I have done nothing to deserve a movie about me, I hope it would portray someone who led change or development of an innovation that made a difference in people’s lives.

Andrea Luttrell

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2020

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Big Y Foods Inc.; Age 36; Education: Holyoke Community College (ABA), UMass Amherst (BS)

As the face of Big Y’s nutrition outreach programs, Luttrell takes on myriad roles in the chain, such as participating in more than 25 community presentations each year — in settings like libraries, schools, senior centers, and cancer-survivorship meetings — where she reaches more than 5,000 people with positive nutrition and lifestyle messaging. She also writes food and nutrition columns for local media, helped create Big Y’s Kids’ Fruit Club, which provides kids with a free piece of fruit while shopping with an adult, and has expanded community partnerships with regional wellness organizations.

Andrea Luttrell

Andrea Luttrell   

What’s been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? I’ve always been introverted and would rather be working behind the scenes rather than in the spotlight. However, working with Big Y has enabled me to push beyond my comfort levels to become confident in myself, whether in front of a camera doing a media interview or speaking to a large group during a community presentation. This personal and professional accomplishment has helped me become the registered dietitian I am today — and I think my story can help inspire others that, with hard work and determination, anything is possible. If you’re not uncomfortable, you’re not growing!

How do you relieve stress? My favorite way to decompress is through baking. There is something calming about it, and I love experimenting with new recipes. Then, I also get to share what I’m making with family and friends — and that brings me a sense of happiness as well. Besides baking, I center myself through reading or simply getting away in nature. You’ll find me taking walks with my boys, spending time at our camp, or out in a kayak. Most recently, I started knitting with a group of girlfriends. This is proving to be a great way to relieve stress.

What person, past or present, would you like to have lunch with, and why? If I could pick one person, it would by my memere, Yolande Croteau. I was extremely close to my grandmother, and she always believed I would be accepted into a dietetic internship program, which is something that is extremely competitive but also necessary in order to become a registered dietitian. She passed away before I was able to share the news that I did get into my first-choice program, and she would have been so incredibly proud. I would love for her to see where I am today.

William Lynch IV

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2020

Deli and Bakeshop Regional Sales Lead, Stop and Shop; Age 38; Education: Holyoke Community College (AS)

Lynch has worked for Stop and Shop since 1998, starting in high school as a bagger and working his way up to his current role as Deli and Bakeshop sales lead for 138 stores in the Central Region. In 2015, he was recognized as Specialist of the Year, an award Stop and Shop gives annually to a single individual who leads and develops teams and drives sales through detailed planning and execution strategies. In 2019, Lynch was elected to the Easthampton City Council, where he serves on the finance and appointment committees. In short, he’s passionate about ensuring financial rigor and sound fiscal decision making in both his career and as a councilor. Active in the community, he has been a committed volunteer with the Holyoke Saint Patrick’s Day Parade and Road Race committee since 2015, and he sits on the Easthampton Media board of directors, helping to guide the direction of public-access television locally. Lynch is also actively involved in Boys and Girls Clubs and the YMCA, and he often volunteers for his city’s Parks and Recreation department.

William Lynch IV

William Lynch IV

What did you want to be when you grew up? I always wanted to be an actor, and my dream was Saturday Night Live. Acting has helped me adjust to any situation, think creatively, and adjust at a moment’s notice.

What are you passionate about? I’m extremely passionate around music. I love going to live concerts and watching talented musicians share their craft. I have a lot of friends in the industry, and seeing them play live and create music helps fuel my passion.

What do you do for fun? When it rains, I play with my kids and build Lego creations. If it is nice outside, I enjoy geocaching in the woods.

What actor would play you in a movie about your life? I feel I would be played by Chris Pratt. He is very versatile and has taken on many different styles of characters in his career. I feel he would capture the range of roles I take on in life, from silly dad to business manager to city councilor. He could hit the full spectrum of those characters well.

Andrew Mankus

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2020

Director of Residential Dining Operations, UMass Dining; Age 35; Education: Western New England University (BS)

A key part of the region’s university dining scene for the past decade, Mankus spent six years at UMass Amherst before successfully managing Westfield State University’s transition from Sodexo to self-operated. Three years later, he returned to UMass, where he oversees employee management and budgeting and conceptualizes creative and sustainable ideas for a dining program that generates 20,000 meals a day — and regularly ranks first in the nation in the Princeton Review. He’s also active in the community, running 5Ks to benefit various nonprofits as well as volunteering for groups like the Zoo in Forest Park and the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.

Andrew Mankus

Andrew Mankus

What goal do you set for yourself at the start of each day? I actually set myself up for a successful day the evening before. I go through all e-mails, read them, and either close that task out for the day, or add to my to-do list for the following day. This gives me a fresh start in the morning and helps me stay productive throughout the day. Within my position at UMass, I set a goal for myself to interact with at least 50 team members and 50 students each day. I enjoy the opportunity to interact with such a diverse group of people on a daily basis.

What do you do for fun? I love to go on walks and hikes with my wife and dogs. In the warmer months, I love to go on a bike ride to the local brewery scene here in Western Mass. I am a foodie at heart and love to experience the great local food scene we have in our area as well.

How do you relieve stress? Any workout is a great way for me to relieve stress. I also enjoy getting outside when the weather is nice to play a round of golf or recreational softball. During the colder months, a competitive game night with friends can really take my mind off stressful situations, even though I am known to be highly competitive.

What fictional character do you relate to most, and why? Bruce Banner/the Hulk. Friends, family, and collegues would agree. I didn’t have any gamma radiation exposure or anything. I don’t think any further explanation is needed.

What actor would play you in a movie about your life? For no other reason than my wife would insist on it … Robert Downey Jr., but as Tony Stark. I’ll go with it.

Andrew McConaha

By
40 Under 40 Class of 2020

Owner and Head of Strength and Conditioning, Train for Life Inc. Age 34; Education: UMass Amherst (BS)

McConaha has built his business from rented-out space at Wilbraham Soccer City to his own recently expanded facility, where he brings his passion for life and vitality to hundreds of members. From that platform, he also organizes fundraising events that give back to nonprofits and families in need.

Andrew McConaha

Andrew McConaha   Photo by Leah Martin Photography

What did you want to be when you grew up? When I was young, I remember wanting to go to school for marine biology and then work at Sea World, training seals. I was fascinated by science early on; I had a microscope in elementary school and was always looking at anything I could find underneath it. I always knew I’d be doing something related to science, and later on, I definitely knew it would also involve helping people smile.

What three words best describe you? Inspiring, vulnerable, compassionate.

What are you passionate about? I’m most passionate about uplifting others. From my work life to my friends and family, I always try to be a positive and motivating individual. As someone who has battled anxiety and depression for as long as I can remember, finding the positive in every situation is something that has helped me, and I try to do for others as much as I can.

Who inspires you, and why? My mom has always been one of the biggest inspirations in my life. As a single mom, she did everything she could to be present in my life. I can’t remember a single game or event growing up that my mom wasn’t in attendance for. That’s something I’ll always cherish — that she made it a point to be present and proud of me for all that I’ve done.

What actor would play you in a movie about your life? If I had my pick, I’d have to go with Matt Damon because he is my favorite actor of all time.

What fictional character do you relate to most, and why? One of my favorite books is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. The main character embodies someone that always pursues their dreams by following what the heart desires most. Throughout the story, there are many failures and lessons, and as someone who feels that I’ve been through a lot for the sole purpose of helping others, I always hope to continue to be able to follow my dreams and help as many people as I can along the way.

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