Worcester Business Journal

Jean Paul Paulynice, business strategist & best selling author Inspiring the Worcester Business Community www.jeanpaulpaulynice.com Driving Worcester's Success from Idea to Reality Congratulations to the 2019 "40 Under Forty" Award Winners May Your Passion & Purpose Guide You Always! wbjournal.com | August 19, 2019 | Worcester Business Journal 17 2 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y Stanhope came to AAFCPAs in 2014 already with more than 10 years of diverse experience in public accounting. It didn't take long for him to be named partner by the end of 2015 at age of 33. He's become an accounting authority in the construction business, becoming a highly sought-after accountant for the sector. Now, Stanhope leads the firm's construction industry practice. However, it's in Massachusetts' newly legal marijuana industry in which Stanhope is gaining clout as a smart and savvy numbers man. He's become a leader of AAFCPAs' cannabis niche, advising the state's fast-growing nonprofit and commercial cannabis businesses on navigating the many regulations and other challenges pot businesses face. Under Stanhope's watch, cannabis firms operate with solid business plans, realistic projections, strong internal controls and complaint tax returns. He is a heavy participant in the AAFCPAs' Innovative Career Coaching Program meant to foster growth for employees. Stanhope volunteers as board member and treasurer of the Central Mass Housing Alliance, the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Central Mass., the Marlborough Retirement Board and on the Marlborough Economic Development Corp. – Z.C. What TV character is most like you? Sal Vulcano from "Impractical Jokers" – He is hardworking, a good friend, and finds humor in things. Why do you live in Central Mass.? I grew up here, and my wife and I are raising our three boys here because it's a great place to raise a family. Who is most responsible for your success? My wife Beth! She's the love of my life and incredibly supportive. Daniel Stanhope, 36 Partner AAFCPAs, Westborough Residence: Marlborough Birthplace: Leicester Colleges: Bryant University & Northeastern University Around the same time McCall became the co-managing partner of New England's ninth largest certified public accounting firm, she recognized something: too few women worked at the manager level in public accounting. So she started the Women's Opportunity Network at the firm, AAFCPAs, which offers a platform to discuss challenges for women in the workplace and bring awareness to those issues across the company. While she's been co-managing partner, the firm has grown by 50%, and the number of women in leadership positions has soared from 25% in 2011 to 47% last year. Those accomplishments at AAFCPAs have since brought her far wider prominence, including being appointed the chair of the Massachusetts Society of CPAs in 2016. Last year, she launched AAFCPAs' Innovation Lab, which encourages innovation and entrepreneurship among the firm's younger workers. – G.W. What did 40 Under Forty mean to you? I was a greenhorn partner in 2005 and winning 40 Under Forty gave me a boost in confidence to boldly pursue leadership positions. The award helped me see myself as a role model. It can be awkward at times to accept praise, but it can also be poignant to have others say: "You're inspiring." The award inspired me to achieve and contribute more. Carla McCall, CPA, CGMA Then: Partner at AAFCPAs Now: Co-Managing partner at AAFCPAs, with locations in Westborough, Wellesley & Boston Class of 2005 Ned LaFortune Then: Founder and president of Wachusett Brewing Co. Now: Founder and CEO of Wachusett Brewing Co. in Westminster LaFortune was one of the original craft brewers in Central Mass., well before the thriving craft beer scene came to be. Since 2001, Wachusett has become one of the largest breweries in Massachusetts. Under LaFortune's leadership, recent innovations from the brewery have included the Bella Czech PIls, Wally series and a new line of hard seltzer. Brewing nearly 70,000 barrels of beer annually, Wachusett is now the 43rd largest craft brewery in the country, rising from last year's No. 49, according to the trade group Brewers Association. Since LaFortune won 40 Under Forty in 2001, he's since taken a few steps back from the brewery, handing over day-to-day operations to President Christian McMahan. LaFortune co-founded the Massachusetts Brewers Guild and served on the board for 10 years. He co-founded the Cape Cod Bay Challenge stand-up paddle event and and participated in the charity event 10 times. – Z.C. What did 40 Under Forty mean to you? It was an honor to be chosen among the amazing group and great to meet them. What advice do you have for this year's winners? They obviously have been doing things right to be recognized, so keep it up! Class of 2001 2001 2019 2005 2019

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