GCC Trustee Recognized as a Top Business Leader in Western Massachusetts
Original publication date: 2008-05-13 11:31:45
Fifteen years ago, Farrell was majoring in sports management at the University of Massachusetts when his father became ill and he decided to come home and take over the family business. At the time he had no plans to enter the insurance industry or to come home. He said his father’s death was the worst thing that ever happened to him, but coming home to Greenfield ended up being the best thing that could have happened.
“It is my hometown. My family has been here for three generations and I really do love Greenfield. I love the county and want to see it prosper. I want to see people who grow up here be able to stay here,” Farrell said. “I know the potential of this place and see what a wonderful place this is and want to show that to other people.”
Farrell is active in the community, holding public office as a selectman in the past and a At-Large Town Council member now. He is a member of the Rotary Club, President of the Country Club of Greenfield Board of Directors and has served as a GCC Board member for six years.
Patricia Crosson, Chair of the GCC Board of Trustees, said she is not at all surprised that Farrell would be chosen for this honor.
“He’s such an outstanding person. His commitment as a trustee for Greenfield Community College goes far above and beyond the basic expectations,” Crosson said. “He puts so much into his work and he is such a wonderful member of the team.”
GCC President Bob Pura echoed Crosson’s praise of Farrell and expressed his congratulations to him. “Tim Farrell brings so much to our Board and to GCC. His intelligence is grounded in day to day work experiences,” Pura said. “He understands this community and especially our student body. His experience in town government alongside his success in his insurance company provides great perspective on our college’s finances. His hard work and commitment to GCC, our students and this community speak volumes about his sense of civic responsibility. Can you believe he is under 40 and has still achieved so much and given so much more. Congratulations Tim!”
UNPLUGGED with Tim Farrell
If you weren’t in insurance and could guarantee success in any business you chose, what kind of business would you create?
I would want to be a restaurant owner.
You have been honored for being among the Top 40 Under 40. How old are you and do you think your age is an advantage or an obstacle?
I am 36 years old. At 36, I don’t think age is either an advantage or an obstacle. When my father passed away, I was 21 and new to the business. At that time, age was an obstacle. I know there were some that thought the business was doomed with a 21-year-old at the helm. Fortunately they were wrong. A healthy business developed by my father and grandfather, a strong mother working with me and a wonderful staff that was dedicated to the business assured our success.
What kinds of businesses does Greenfield need more of?
There is not one particular kind of business that Greenfield needs more of. Greenfield and Franklin County need to be open to all business.
Why do you think it is important to serve in public office?
Personally speaking, I owe it to my community. Franklin County residents have supported my family and business for three generations. It is only right that I give back.
What drew you to serve on the GCC Board of Trustees?
GCC is part of the foundation of Franklin County. GCC educates and employees our citizenry. I would challenge anyone to find one negative that GCC brings to our area. Joining the GCC Board of Trustees was the easiest decision I ever made.
How would you like to see this area change?
I sometime fear we are losing civic pride and the sense of a cohesive community. I believe this is because there is a small vocal minority looking to shape Greenfield into their own vision and who believe that nothing shy of that vision will be acceptable. This is not what community is about. Greenfield is different things to different people. We need to be open to the wants and needs of all and do our best to address those needs.
How would you like to see it stay the same?
Fall foliage; attending a GHS sporting event; dinner with my wife at a local restaurant on a Friday night; a round of golf at the Greenfield Country Club; a backyard barbecue with friends, family and my dog Rumble; Town Council and Rotary meetings on a Wednesday night; GCC Board meetings on Tuesday mornings; Monday through Friday hard at work at the office. This is a list of the events of my life. It couldn’t get much better, so I hope it stays the same.