Boston, MA – February 27, 2007 – Wentworth Institute of Technology’s Department of Civil, Construction, and Environment recently hosted three leading executives from Middlesex Federal Savings, Vela Systems, and Shawmut Design and Construction as presenters in a five-part entrepreneurship lecture series. These industry executives discussed and shared experiences and perspectives in their respective field to benefit students developing business plans as part of their Construction Business and Finance course.

On February 9, Joe Smalarz, President of Middlesex Federal Savings, speaking from the perspective of a banker and self-made success story, outlined financing special projects and the advantages of small businesses. To an audience of over 80 students, Smalarz explained his career journey and highlighted the lessons he learned over the years: the importance of having capital, the advantages of being able to “go with the flow,” to always get everything in writing, and to take chances and trust instincts. He also spoke about the value of education, citing the “curiosity factor” as a major contributor in the success of a person’s endeavors.

On February 16, Josh Kanner, co-founder, CEO, Vela Systems, led an engaging discussion on technology and the construction industry. Kanner, whose career has focused on the development and marketing of innovative technologies, provided information about how his company’s solution, the Vela tablet, which is used by field personnel, makes field processes more efficient, reduces paperwork, and allows more time to be spent on the job, accelerating project delivery and reducing project risk. He addressed questions from the students regarding how to communicate the advantages of technology to those in construction who may be hesitant to change, and shared perspective on the value of entrepreneurship and those ideas that makes things easier. Kanner stresses the importance of investing time, effort, and enthusiasm into any new business venture in order for it to be successful.

On February 23, Jim Ansara, chairman and founder of Shawmut Design and Construction, offered perspective on the construction market, discussed the importance of competitive advantage, offered insight into what it takes to build a business, and encouraged the students to think a little differently about the construction business. Ansara shared the key priorities for Shawmut and how they reflect company strategy and drive volume and profitability: recruit, train, motivate, and retain great people; consistently deliver superior customer service; and maintain a focus on specific jobs in specific industries. To reinforce the importance Shawmut places on people and how they are the key to success, he discussed investments in training programs, diversity initiatives, and evaluation processes, which contribute to the company’s low turnover rate of just 5 percent. Students asked a range of informed questions on his success, growth, mistakes, expansion into new markets, personnel, safety, risk management, and profitability. In addition, Ansara acknowledged that Shawmut has “benefited tremendously from the relationship with Wentworth.”

The lecture series will conclude with the following upcoming lecture:

• March 2: Jennifer Pinck, President/Founder, Pinck & Co.

Wentworth President Zorica Pantic; Joseph Smalarz, President, Middlesex Federal Savings; Mark Hasso, Professor of Construction Management and Construction Management Program Coordinator.