Worcester Business Journal

28 Worcester Business Journal | August 22, 2022 | wbjournal.com 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y Not only has Cunningham's business grown 750% during his time as managing director, but Cunningham himself plays an essential role in supporting Cen- tral Mass. small businesses with taxes and financial services. As an expert in tax resolution and an enrolled agent, Cunningham helps small business owners gain financial stability. During COVID-19, he helped businesses make the most of employee retention tax credits, accessing more than $1 billion in government aid. He is a leader in management strategy and operational systems, and he is able to mentor other business owners in these fields. Outside of his work, Cunningham volunteers at a number of organizations in the region, including the Worcester Public Library and the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester. He is the president of C&A Cares, a nonprofit organization aimed at encouraging other Cunningham & Associates employees to volunteer their time. He started the Alex Roper Scholarship for the Trades, which supports people entering the trades in Worcester County. - K.H. What four people would you take on a 10-year, deep-space mission? Neil Armstrong, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Vince Neil, and Tom Brady What Central Mass. historical figure do you most admire? Robbert Goddard, a true pioneer of innovation Who is most responsible for the person you are today? My dad. He's my role model, mentor, and golf coach. When do you want to retire? Never Tom Cunningham, 37 Managing director Cunningham & Associates, LLC, in Worcester Residence: Holden Birthplace: Framingham Colleges: UMass Dartmouth, University of Phoenix Estabrooks' versatility, tenacity, and diligence are what led her to launch her own business, Jax Seafood, which offers everything from lobster to ahi tuna to mussels to swordfish to whole belly clams. Jax, which is named after Estabrooks' rescued border collie/Australian shepherd mix Jackson, can be found at local farmer's markets and sells wholesale through its website. Through her professional life and humanitarian efforts, Estabrooks estimated she's been able to raise and facilitate growth in the tens of millions of dollars. But beyond dollars and cents, the impact of Estabrooks' vast community involvement is immeasurable. She volunteers as a guardian ad litem and court appointed special advocate, and at The CASA Project Worcester, where she sits on the board of directors. At CASA, she is the chairwoman for the 2022 Champions For Children Celebration, and serves on the steering committee of the Fore the Kids CASA Golf Tournament. She volunteers with the Make-A-Wish foundation, the UMass Cancer Center, and UMass Cancer Walk and Run. Estabrooks, who was adopted from Colombia, works with fellow adoptees, mentoring and coaching them through their search and reunification process. She was reunited with her own biological family members in 2018. - L.F. Favorite nickname people have used for you? Not favorite: Squirt; favorite: Esta-Fiesta! Ole! Both deserve mentioning. What Central Mass. restaurant should everyone try? Alicante in Mendon Outside of your career and family, what has been your marquee life experience? I've been so fortunate to have traveled to 44 countries! I feel like a child of the world; I have chosen family on all continents! I am hoping to hit 50 countries by the time I turn 40! Liz Estabrooks, 36 CEO Jax Seafood Residence: Milford Birthplace: Bogota, Colombia (proud Colombian adoptee), lovingly raised in Webster Colleges: Quinsigamond Community, University of Louisville, Purdue University PHOTO/ERIKA SIDOR Photo shoot at Polar Beverages in Worcester (special thanks to Christopher Crowley)

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