Home 40 Under 40 Archive by category The Class of 2019 (Page 2)

The Class of 2019

Ryan Watson

By
The Class of 2019

Vice President, Engineering Operations, Belcan Engineering; Age 39
Education: Western New England College (BSBA, MBA),
Quinnipiac University (MS)

Ryan Watson

Ryan Watson

What did you want to be when you grew up? When I was younger, I wanted to be a fireman. Unfortunately, I have a terrible fear of heights. Climbing up a 50-foot ladder was not going to be possible.

How do you define success? As I grew up, team sports played a large part in my development. Being part of a team, you quickly realize you can’t be successful unless the people around you work together. I continue to pull from these experiences in adulthood, and in my business and personal life. I always try to surround myself with positive, brilliant, and hardworking people. By doing so, not only can I be successful, but I can help others as well.

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

Whom do you look up to, and why? My parents. Not only have they always provided love and support, but they have an unwavering confidence in me. They are extremely hardworking and have an entrepreneurial spirit that I really admire. They married very young and never attended college, but own a successful business that was built from the ground up. They instilled in me the drive to be my best.

What goal do you set for yourself at the start of each day? My goal is to do one thing each day that has a positive impact. This could be an impact on someone within my organization, by mentoring them or providing guidance on a project. I have also made a conscious effort to give back and, through our company, have joined forces with Journey Home. This organization gives people a second chance, and we place them with jobs within Belcan. If I can make at least one impact each day, then it wasn’t wasted.

What person, past or present, would you like to have lunch with, and why? I would like to have lunch with any U.S. president, Republican or Democrat. I am in awe of the massive responsibility that a sitting president has, and I would love an opportunity to talk about the responsibilities and how they handle it all.

What will work colleagues say at your funeral? I would hope they would say I didn’t take myself too seriously. They would say I lived a full life, always put my family first, and was fair and honest in how I treated people.

 

Photography by Leah Martin Photography

Theo Theocles

By
The Class of 2019

Deputy City Procurement Officer, City of Springfield; Age 33
Education: Massachusetts Maritime Academy (BS), Western New England University (JD), Western New England University (LLM)

Theo Theocles

Theo Theocles

What did you want to be when you grew up? Either a police officer or JAG officer.

What three words best describe you? Loyal, passionate, driven.

What are you passionate about? Football, the law, music, outdoor/shooting sports, and rides around Western Mass. in my Jeep with my wife, Jenny, or my dog, Sadie.

Who has been your best mentor, and why? My best mentors would have to be my parents. I learned the values of hard work and perseverance from my father, and patience and stoicism from my mother.

Whom do you look up to, and why? I was hired as Springfield’s deputy Procurement officer at the age of 28, and have been one of the younger managers for the city ever since. I have looked up to many different managers and department heads in the organization for institutional knowledge and leadership advice along the way. I am extremely fortunate for that mentorship and career advice, as well as being part of the city during this exciting time.

What goal do you set for yourself at the start of each day? I am a firm believer that life is one big learning experience. I am also a very competitive person. Every day, I make it a goal to try and be better than the day before, and I try to apply this to my marriage, family and friends, legal skills, and career goals.

What person, past or present, would you like to have lunch with, and why? Either Theodore Roosevelt or my grandfather. I would want to hear their outdoorsman stories and perspectives on a variety of topics from both of them.

What fictional character do you relate to most, and why? I would probably have to go with Ron Swanson from Parks and Recreation. He has a libertarian streak I often identify with, and seems to always want to better himself as a well-rounded man. He also works in municipal government, and despite the tough-guy persona, he truly cares about his community.

What will work colleagues say at your funeral? “What are we going do with all these blue highlighters, and who is going to draft all these contracts?”

 

Photography by Leah Martin Photography

Peter Wirth

By
The Class of 2019

Owner, Mercedes-Benz of Springfield; Age 39
Education: University of Mannheim, Germany (MS)

Peter Wirth

Peter Wirth

What did you want to be when you grew up? An accountant. I even interned at a CPA’s office in high school. I’m not sure what went wrong.

What three words best describe you? Determined, detail-oriented, open-minded.

What are you passionate about? Spirited discussions and cars, obviously.

Who has been your best mentor, and why? My first boss, who ended up being one of my best friends and my best man. He commands respect by sheer work ethic, determination, and integrity. He coaches by asking the right questions instead of helping with the answers, gives room to fail, shares the spotlight, and is willing to take the blame.

How do you define success? In business: being able to create and effectively communicate a vision, establish a culture of respect and ambition, and create an environment that allows everyone to reach their full potential. In life: seeing my kids turn into good people who go through life with grace and courtesy as well as the necessary resolve and stick-to-itiveness to be the best at what they choose to do.

Whom do you look up to, and why? My parents, because they are awesome! My wife, because she is just as awesome!

What person, past or present, would you like to have lunch with, and why? Ernest Hemingway. I feel like he would have a few good stories, and there would most certainly be cocktails accompanying the lunch.

What actor would play you in a movie about your life? Meryl Streep. Let’s see if she really can play anything.

 

Photography by Leah Martin Photography

Alyson Yorlano

By
The Class of 2019

Attorney, Lyon & Fitzpatrick, LLP; Age 38
Education: UMass Amherst (BA), Western New England College School of Law (JD)

Alyson Yorlano

Alyson Yorlano

What are you passionate about? I am passionate about learning, and I hope to learn something new each day, whether it’s a new skill — like how to tackle (and sometimes finish) home-improvement projects — or a new activity. I learned last year that you’re never too old to pick up a new sport, and I’m now having a blast playing for the Lady Stars women’s ice-hockey team. I am also very fortunate that my job allows for constant opportunities to learn and grow in new and unique areas of the law.

Whom do you look up to, and why? My mother, who exemplifies how strength, hard work, and perseverance can lead to wonderful things, and my son, who makes me laugh every day and reminds me there is always time to play.

What goal do you set for yourself at the start of each day? To work hard and give my all, to be kind and treat everyone with respect, to have some fun, and, in the words of Coco Chanel, to keep my heels, head, and standards high.

What will work colleagues say at your funeral? With Manhattans raised, they’ll say, “we will miss your epically witty fantasy football league commissioner notes.” Also, “do you think she remembered to bring her wallet, keys, and phone with her?”

What person, past or present, would you like to have lunch with, and why? Ruth Bader Ginsburg, whose action figure is proudly displayed on my desk. Her intellect, honesty, and courtroom presence have inspired not only me, but countless female attorneys who dream of following the path to success that she paved. And I’d love for Tina Turner to stop by, too!

Photography by Leah Martin Photography

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