Business & Tech

Harpoon CEO At Foundation For MetroWest’s Leadership Breakfast

Kenary founded Harpoon in 1986 after leaving the bank because he was frustrated with the lack of beer options.

NATICK, MAβ€”The Foundation for MetroWest is a philanthropic organization that raises and distributes donations in the area. Each year, the organization holds a Community Leadership Breakfast that brings together 350 corporate leaders and decision makers to talk about the important role businesses play in strengthening the region. They also talk about inspiring other businesses.

Foundation for MetroWest announces the keynote speaker for its seventh annual Community Leadership Breakfast: Dan Kenary, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Mass. Bay Brewing Company, aka, the Harpoon Brewery.

β€œOur region is home to thriving businesses, and many have found that giving back to the local community is an essential part of a conscientious and successful business strategy,” said Judith Salerno, executive director of the Foundation, in a statement. More than fifty local corporations have sponsored the event this year.

Find out what's happening in Natickfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

A 1982 graduate of Harvard College, Dan Kenary earned his MBA in 1985 from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business while also working at the First National Bank of Chicago. He founded Harpoon in 1986 after leaving the bank because he was frustrated with the lack of beer options. Harpoon Awards include: two-time member of the Inc. 500 list of America’s fastest growing private companies, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, City of Boston Green Business Award, Boston Globe’s Top Places to Work in Massachusetts, Innovations in Employee Ownership, and the Boston Business Journal’s Top Charitable Contributor. In 2014 Dan led Harpoon through its transition to employee ownership through the creation of the Harpoon Employee Stock Ownership Plan (β€œESOP”).

At the breakfast event, event chair Mike McAuliffe, president and CEO of Middlesex Savings Bank, will present the 2018 Community Philanthropist Award to former CEO of Barker Steel, Robert B. Brack. β€œBob’s passion for and commitment to his community is undeniable, and the Foundation for MetroWest is honored to recognize all he has done,” said Salerno in a statement.

Find out what's happening in Natickfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The Community Leadership Breakfast takes place on Friday, Oct. 26, 2018 from 7:30–9:30 a.m. at the Boston Marriott Newton.

Photo via Shutterstock

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Natick