Page 46 - BusinessWest October 28, 2024

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She Emphasizes the Need to ‘Work Hard, Play Hard’
By George O’Brien
risti Reale says it’s an unofficial assignment. In other words, it’s not written or her business card. In addition to serving as a partner with the Holyoke-based accounting firm Meyers
Brothers Kalicka (MBK), she’s also in charge of
Kristi Reale
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Partner, Meyers Brothers
Kalicka, P.C. Women of Women of IMPACT
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the ‘fun committee’ there.
She even has a ‘fun drawer’ in her credenza, filled with
Easter eggs to be hidden around the office at that time of year, golden coins and shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day, material for the ‘decorate your space for the holidays’ competition, and much more.
Fun is an important part of the equation at this firm, she said, adding that there is stress throughout the year, but especially around the many tax-filing deadlines, such as those in April, September, and October, and fun is needed to help take the edge off.
“It’s a hard job, and you want to make it fun,” she said, adding that she tries to do something fun — like a Belgian waffle bar or hot chocolate bar — every Saturday during spring tax season, when many employees are in and trying to dig out.
“Hard work is important, but you also need to have some fun.”
But fun is just a part of that equation, as evidenced by the sign on top of that credenza, the one that reads, “Work Hard, Play Hard.” Those are words her father, Bill Hurley, a small-business owner who passed away
in February, lived by, and Reale does as well, she said, adding that she stresses both elements — to anyone who will listen, but especially to the young women (and men) she mentors.
“Hard work is important, but you also need to have some fun,” said Reale, who is the proud (sort of) repeat recipient of one of the awards given out at the firm annually, this one to the individual “most likely to have squatted” at MBK, meaning you could find her at her desk at almost any hour.
“It’s not an award you really want to get,” said Reale, who has also been awarded a blanket by her colleagues, in part because she’s always, as in always, cold, but also as a nod to the notion that she sleeps in her office.
Hard work — but not necessarily the kinds of hours
needed to win the ‘squatter’ award — is what Reale
preaches to young people — as well as the need to
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Photo by Focus Ashely Photos W24 2024
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