Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1531276
wbjournal.com | January 13, 2025 | 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 BY ERIC CASEY WBJ Managing Editor D avid McLaren goes above and beyond for his clients. Whether it be related to divorce, estates, or situations of employee or partner the, McLaren & Associates CPAs in Shrewsbury has become a go-to resource for Central Massachusetts business and individuals looking to track down missing money. McLaren founded the firm in 2005 aer overcoming an impoverished upbringing in Worcester's Piedmont neighborhood and the tragic death of his 11-year-old sister to leukemia when he was nine. Since then he's worn a variety of hats — quite literally — as his role as a forensic accountant sometimes requires donning a disguise to get his hands on the necessary data needed to win a case. "We do undercover work," McLaren said. "We have an undercover car. We have dressed in costumes to get data and information. Other firms don't do that. We do whatever we need to do to get to the truth. It's a little bit unique compared to most forensic accountants out there." McLaren's willingness to go incognito for his firm's clients has paid dividends, as the firm has yet to lose a case in its two decades of existence. He credits the challenges of his upbringing, which saw him briefly living out of his car in his teenage years, as the reason for his ability to understand what desperation could drive people to. "I saw just about every way everybody could possibly steal," McLaren said. "I stayed on the good side and now use everything I've ever seen and learned to make sure that other people are protected." inking like the bad guys allows McLaren to be strategic, avoiding getting bogged down in wild goose chases or dead-ends. e firm goes to great lengths to ensure fraud is indeed happening before taking on a case, providing free upfront assessments to avoid wasting clients' time and money. McLaren credits the firm's success to its attention to detail. "We have an uncanny talent of notic- ing things that others don't notice when it comes to numbers, as well as reading people," he said. "We always believe in doing the right thing and just want to make sure that people get to the truth and justice." Perhaps a reflection of his own deal- ings with poverty, McLaren made sure the firm has a positive impact on society by converting into a certified B Corp, meaning the company has committed to meet high standards to ensure a positive environmental and social impact. n BEST FORENSIC ACCOUNTANT Winner: McLaren & Associates CPAs*, in Shrewsbury Website: dmclarencpa.com Top executive: David McLaren, founder and managing partner Founded: 2005 Employees: 26 McLaren & Associates goes the extra yard to track down fraud BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE AGENCY Winner: Sullivan Group Insurance & Risk Management Services*, in Worcester Notable runners-up: Gaudette Insurance Agency, in Whitinsville; Knight-Dik Insurance, in Worcester With a combination of independence and technical expertise, Sullivan works to provide services and commitment to its clients and the community. The agency is continuing its Recruit, Coach and Grow initiative to devel- op the next generation of insurance professionals and community leaders with a desire to create a successful future. Website: www.sullivangroup.com Top executive: John Andreoli, president and CEO Founded: 1957 Employees: 55 total; 45 based in Central Massachusetts n BEST FINANCIAL PLANNING/ INVESTMENT SERVICES FIRM Winner: Provo Wealth Management Group*, in Shrewsbury Notable runners-up: Fidelity Investments, with multiple Central Mass. locations; Carr Financial, in Worcester; Bartholomew & Co., in Worcester For more than 30 years, Provo Wealth Management has worked with clients to help them achieve their goals, with a focus on listening, understanding, and partnering to create the best possible outcomes. Provo's services include business owner wealth man- agement, family wealth management, and certified divorce financial man- agement. Website: provowealth.com Top executive: President & CEO Christopher Provo Founded: 1992 n BEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Winner: Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce*, in Worcester Notable runners-up: Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber of MetroWest, in Westborough; Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, in Whitinsville Celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, the Worcester Regional Cham- ber of Commerce has contributed to Worcester's growth, fostering eco- nomic development, advocating for businesses, and creating a connect- ed network of entrepreneurs and professionals. From special events, community initiatives, and strategic partnerships, the chamber aims to foster economic vitality and inclusivity in businesses across the region. Website: worcesterchamber.org Top executive: Timothy Murray, president and CEO Founded: 1875 Employees: 13 n BEST BUSINESS INCUBATOR Winner: MBI, in Worcester Notable runner-up: Entrepreneurship for All, in Worcester Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives is a nonprofit startup incubator aimed at driving economic growth and innovation in Central Massachusetts' life sciences industry. By focusing on biomanufacturing and workforce pathways, MBI provides opportunities, builds partnerships, and fosters a collaborative life science community. Website: MBI.bio Top executive: Jon Weaver, president & CEO Founded: 1984 Employees: 6 n