Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | January 8, 2024 | Worcester Business Journal 13 P R O F E S S I O N A L S E R V I C E S B E S T O F B U S I N E S S Mirick O'Connell tailors its approach to each client BY ISABEL TEHAN WBJ Staff Writer M irick O'Connell has been around for more than 100 years and has solidified itself in Central and East- ern Massachusetts with locations in Worcester, Westborough, and Boston. To set itself apart from the many other law firms that have popped up since its founding in 1916, Mirick O'Connell puts an emphasis on making a lasting impact for clients and their interests, said Paul Carey, partner and member of the management committee at the firm. "We really try to make a difference in our clients' businesses and their lives," Carey said. Mirick O'Connell has a diverse client base, all the way from Fortune 500 companies down to individuals. e firm approaches each with a tailor-made approach, ensuring all clients get what they need in the present and in the long term. "We like for our clients to view us as their strategic partners," said Carey. Mirick O'Connell has helped large and small businesses through the tumultuous COVID-era economy and has assisted with efforts to recover and revamp. As federal dollars and govern- mental intervention on the business level has receded aer emergency declarations were dialed back, compa- nies have struggled more, said Carey. Mirick O'Connell has taken the moment as an opportunity to help companies do better. e firm was instrumental as Worces- ter dessert manufacturer Table Talk Pies revitalized, which involved collabora- tion across different disciples at Mirick O'Connell with the goal of keeping the firm in Worcester and helping it thrive. "We are really committed to the Worcester and Central Massachusetts communities and have been for over 100 years," said Carey. "at always has been and always will be a focus at the firm." e firm has embraced the hybrid work environment and is constantly reevaluating how best to keep employees engaged and connected. It hosts pop-up events, like game nights or corn hole tournaments, in an effort to make clear to employees they are valued and part of a team. To stay sharp, the firm puts an em- phasis on recruiting talented, diverse new attorneys, and offers summer associate roles to law students. Mirick O'Connell collaborates with the Boston Legal Group on recruitment, which advocates for lawyers of color. e firm's commitment to diversi- ty, equity, and inclusion is constantly evolving, said Carey. A vibrant DEI committee at the firm regularly reeval- uates what the firm should do to elevate its efforts. "We want to better reflect and service our clients and community," he said. BEST LAW FIRM Mirick O'Connell Worcester, Westborough, Boston www.mirickoconnell.com Top executive: Managing Partner David Surprenant Founded: 1916 Employees: 127, including attorneys Notable runners-up: Fletcher Tilton, Gould & Ettenberg W Mirick's management committee (from left) David Surprenant, managing partner; Diane Pow- er, executive director; Stephen Madaus, partner; Robert Kilroy, partner; and Paul Carey, partner variety of industries, including professional services, nonprofits, manufacturing, higher education, financial institutions, and life sciences. Notable runners-up: Stowe & Degon, S&G LLP n BEST FORENSIC ACCOUNTANT McLaren & Associates CPAs* Shrewsbury and Boston dmclarencpa.com Top executive: David McLaren, founder and managing partner Founded: April 2005 Employees: 26 In 2023, McLaren increased its workforce by 50%. The company is a certified B Corp, meaning its business model is built on the principle of focusing on driving positive outcomes for clients and society. By prioritizing improving people's lives and wellbeing through its services, McLaren believes the company will attain strong and sustainable success. Notable runners-up: Aaron T. White, CPA; Hocheiser CPA n BEST FINANCIAL PLANNING/ INVESTMENT SERVICES FIRM Provo Wealth Management Group* Shrewsbury provowealth.com Top executive: President & CEO Christopher Provo Founded: 1992 Employees: About 7 Provo offers a variety of services, including specializing in business owner wealth management, family wealth management, and certified divorce financial management. The company offers a number of workshops, including for taxes in retirement, Social Security, identity theft and cybersecurity, and helping women take control of their money. Notable runners-up: Bartholomew & Co., Carr Financial Group, Fidelity Investments n BEST ADVERTISING AGENCY PENTA Communications* Westborough www.pentamarketing.com Top executive: Founder & CEO Deborah Penta Founded: 1989 Employees: 16 PENTA has worked with hundreds of companies over the years, helping them to grow, strategize, and scale up. PENTA provides a holistic and consultative approach to every client, with services including design and creative services, brand creation, website design, marketing consulting, public relations consulting, event planning, social media, eMarketing, advertising, media and media buying services, and corporate consulting. Notable runners-up: Jade, GEM Marketing Solutions, Pagano Media n BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE AGENCY Sullivan Insurance Group* Worcester, Needham Heights, and Orleans www.sullivangroup.com Top executive: President & CEO John Andreoli Founded: 1957 Employees: 55 As part of its mentorship program, Sullivan has been cross-training newer employees in different aspects of the business, and in 2023, a number of employees earned new designations, took on more responsibility, and were promoted. This follows executives' belief about the key to Sullivan's success being teamwork. Notable runners-up: Gaudette Insurance Agency, Knight-Dik Insurance n BEST LOGISTICS COMPANY Euro-American Worldwide Logistics* Worcester eawlogistics.com Top executive: President Eric Busenburg Founded: 1965 Employees: 27 In 2023, Euro-American strengthened its relationships with life sciences and biotech companies, coinciding with its 20,000-square-foot expansion. Its goal is to support the growth of these businesses. The company views its bespoke customer service as the paramount deciding factor as to why clients choose Euro-American. n Staff at McLaren & Associates CPAs

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