2009 40 Under Forty: Dave Robinson
Worcester Business Journal Online
August 31, 2009
Dave Robinson
Title: CEO
Company: New England Peptide
Company location: Gardner
Residence: Princeton
College: Dartmouth College and Harvard University
Career highlights: My current role is CEO of Gardner-based New England Peptide (NEP), which designs and produces custom peptides and polyclonal antibodies for drug, vaccine and diagnostic discovery organizations worldwide. In April 2006, along with my brother Ben (NEP’s COO), I led an acquisition of NEP at which point we both transitioned into full-time operating roles with the firm.
Community involvement: I serve on the advisory board for the new biotech program at Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) and find it immensely gratifying to play a small role in helping the region reinvent itself to benefit from more promising economic opportunity. I also enjoy my role on NEP’s team for the annual American Cancer Society’s Walk for Life which occurs each June right here in Gardner.
Biggest professional success: Staying the course and growing our business during the worst recession in recent history. We have an incredible team at NEP and I am thrilled to be connected with such talented and dedicated people.
Dream job: My current position. To be part of a growing company in a dynamic industry that has such a deep impact on the lives of people throughout the world is really exciting and a ton of fun.
Businessperson he admires most and why: My father, who’s a smart entrepreneur and has had success in a wide range of industries by recognizing opportunity and keeping a close eye on business fundamentals. He is a courageous, independent thinker who absolutely loves to compete. He’s fiercely loyal and listens well. And most importantly, in spite of his commitment to his work, he manages to strike a work-life balance that I constantly strive to emulate.