Robert Levesque

President, R. Levesque Associates Inc.; Age 38

Robert Levesque has always loved to work. “I’ve never had a job I didn’t like,” he told BusinessWest, adding that he comes from a family of entrepreneurs and co-founded R. Levesque Associates Inc. in 2001 with his father, Raymond Levesque.

His dad died from cancer — which led Robert to become a board member at the Cancer House of Hope — but the company has thrived, and he takes his great satisfaction in helping clients develop innovative, environmentally sound, and cost-effective projects that promote sustainable development.

“I love the excitement, challenge, creativity, and problem solving related to the use of land and its development,” he said, as he explained how he helps clients navigate the quagmire of local, state, and federal regulations required to achieve their goals.

“We’ve gone from working out of a walk-out basement to a business with 16 employees, and have acquired two buildings and two small businesses — Ecotec and D.L. Bean Engineers and Surveyors,” he said.

Although he believes in organic growth, quality is extremely important to him, and he is proud to provide affordable solutions to people working with their own money.

Levesque and his wife Jennifer are parents to 9-year-old Aiden, 8-year-old Payton, and 5-year-old Ryann. “My wife is very motivated and is a huge support to me in everything, including the business,” he said.

Levesque is on the board of the Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity Restore Committee and the Westfield School Building Committee. He is a corporator for Westfield Atheneum and a former board member of the city of Westfield’s Industrial Development Corp. and the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce. His company was chosen as the 2014 Greater Westfield Chamber Business of the Year, and Mayor Daniel Knapik presented him with a commendation naming him Business Man of the Year.

But his passion is Stanley Park, and he sits on its board of directors.

“It’s a gem in the city; most people don’t realize it’s a private nonprofit that needs good stewardship,” he said. “I grew up in Westfield, and if I’m asked to join an organization and feel I can contribute something, I do it. I don’t like sitting still; I like to be involved.”

— Kathleen Mitchell
Photo by Denise Smith Photography