Jay Calnan, founder of Boston construction firm J. Calnan & Associates and co-founder of the nonprofit Team IMPACT, joins host Gabriela Salas on ¿Qué Pasa Boston? to share how children with serious illnesses become members of college sports teams, and how he built a 145-employee company from a $2,500 401(k).

What is Team IMPACT and how does it work?

Team IMPACT connects children ages 5 to 15 who live with life-threatening or chronic illnesses, such as cancer, leukemia and cystic fibrosis, with a local college athletic team. The child is officially drafted onto the team for two to four years and joins games, practices, team dinners and year-end banquets. Since launching in Boston in 2011, Team IMPACT has drafted nearly 5,000 kids on more than 900 college campuses across the United States, from Division I to Division III. The program is medically based and run by child life specialists.

How can my family sign up for Team IMPACT?

Any family can apply at teamimpact.org, no matter where they live, what language they speak or their background. A child life specialist will reach out to guide you through the process. You can also refer a child you know, donate, or connect your alma mater's athletic program.

How did Jay Calnan start his business?

In September 1996, Jay cashed in his 401(k), bought a desk, rented a phone and opened a small office in Dorchester. Thirty years later, J. Calnan & Associates builds offices, labs and biotech facilities across Massachusetts, has been recognized by the Boston Business Journal as one of the state's top philanthropic companies for more than two decades, and still employs its very first hire.

What is Jay's advice for young entrepreneurs?

Lead with purpose, not just passion. Ask how you can make an impact before asking what you get. And build relationships that benefit both sides, with your team, your clients and your community.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to ¿Qué Pasa Boston?

01:10 Starting a company with a $2,500 401(k)

03:30 Commercial construction in Boston

04:45 Starting a business in 1996 vs. today

06:40 Gen Z, millennials and work ethic

09:40 Giving back and win-win partnerships

12:30 How Team IMPACT drafts kids onto college teams

15:40 How families and student athletes benefit

18:00 Who qualifies and how to get involved

21:00 Purpose vs. passion for young entrepreneurs

23:10 Growing up in Bristol, Connecticut, and his brother's story

27:40 How to refer a child to Team IMPACT

Mi gente, si conocen a una familia con un niño que enfrenta una enfermedad, compartan este episodio. If you know a family with a child facing a serious illness, share this episode. One conversation can put a child on a team.

Team IMPACT: teamimpact.org

Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Watch the full interview on YouTube.

Follow Gabriela Salas on Instagram: @gabrielasalasoficial

¿Qué Pasa Boston? is a bilingual podcast and radio show connecting Boston's Latino community with the people and stories shaping our city. Sundays on JAMN 94.5 at 6:30 AM and Rumba 97.7 at 8:00 AM on iHeartMedia.