Page 6 - BusinessWest June 12, 2023

“He is the person to call to connect people and form other lasting bonds, which further creates great energy and out- comes here in Western Mass.,” Allen wrote. “Instead of sitting on each board he is asked to sit on, he’s working on setting up a talent bank of young and diverse leaders to sit on boards and fill other roles he’s often asked himself to take on.
“While clearly becoming an even more of a behind-the- scenes and sometimes out- front leader in the community, it’s Ryan’s ability to push for others that sets him apart,”
Allen continued. “He consis- tently extends opportunities to those who may not have the connections or relationships to be thought of, but have the tal- ent and love of the community to serve as well as anyone.”
When he became a 40 Under Forty honoree in 2012,
McCollum summed up his work — and his overall mindset — this way: “I want to leave the world a better place than I found it ... this is the driving force behind everything I do.”
That is still the force that drives him, and 11 years later, there is much more to talk about when it comes to ‘everything I do.’
And that’s why he is one of the finalists for the Alumni Achievement Award in 2023. BW
—George O’Brien
Ryan McCollum has grown not only his business but his civic impact since being honored by 40 Under Forty in 2012 (left).
characters, diverse authors, diverse story-
lines — and we do that all over the country; we’ve given out books that we’ve purchased from Black-owned bookstores to places in New Jersey, Chicago, and, of course, Massachusetts. It’s been fun, and I think we’re already making a difference.”
While his work in the community and as a business owner and lobbyist are all impressive, perhaps McCollum’s most important work, Allen said, is as a connector — connecting residents, political candidates and office hold- ers, and organizations with resources and opportunities for growth and advancement.
Building, Fueling, And Driving The Next Generation.
Congratulations to Dave Fontaine, Sara Hulzeberg, and Mike Marcotte on being named to the 40 Under Forty list.
Dave Fontaine, Jr.
CEO, Fontaine Bros., Inc.
Sara Hulzeberg
Owner, EXCEL Therapy & Conditioning
Mike Marcotte
President, Marcotte Ford
413-536-8510 | mbkcpa.com
6 JUNE 12, 2023
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