We had the good fortune of connecting with Tim O’Connell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tim, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought process of starting Tommy’s Place happened all the way back in 2007. I had a life-changing event happen that changed the trajectory of my life. I wanted to open a year-round magical vacation home for kids fighting cancer.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I have always been an entrepreneur since I was a little kid. I have only ever worked for someone 2 times in my life. Everything else I have done has been a series of trials and lots of important errors. Being naive has actually been a very positive attribute in my life because that totally takes away any fear and doubt in everything that we do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were coming to Boston there’s only one place to be in my opinion and that’s on the water! I would pack a cooler and take them on my boat and hit all of the hotspots along the East Boston, Charlestown, and Seaport waterfront. There’s simply no better way to travel and view the city of Boston than on the water and the best of all there’s usually no traffic or parking issues!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Jill Fulginiti is the person that deserves a shoutout because she is the kind soul that inadvertently helped to begin this journey for me. She was a doctor’s assistant at the former Floating Hospital for Children in Boston.

Website: www.tommysplace.org

Instagram: @tommysplacekids

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mv35llc/

Twitter: @tommysplacekids

Facebook: @tommysplacekids

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.