Quincy, MA – Jay Calnan, chief executive officer of J. Calnan & Associates (JC&A), has been named the EY Entrepreneur of the Year for 2023. The independent panel of judges recognized Calnan’s exceptional entrepreneurial spirit, long-term value creation, purpose-driven approach, remarkable growth, and significant impact in his field.
Jay Calnan at the EY Entrepreneur of the Year ceremony
Growing up in Bristol, Conn., Calnan says he developed valuable life lessons through sports, including teamwork, work ethic, discipline, accountability, leadership, and perseverance, and that these principles shaped his journey as he built JC&A, emphasizing the power of collaboration and instilling a “team first” environment. In 2011, he co-founded Team IMPACT, a Boston-based nonprofit that pairs children facing serious illnesses and disabilities with college sports teams.
During his acceptance speech, Calnan reflected on the distinction between following one’s passion and following one’s purpose, emphasizing, “Following your passion brings joy and happiness in the present. It encompasses what you love to do. However, pursuing your purpose transcends personal satisfaction, as it signifies the profound legacy you leave on the world. While engaging in activities that bring joy is undeniably fulfilling on an individual level, dedicating oneself to a purpose extends beyond that realm, leaving an enduring mark for generations to come.”
