David E. Plunkett grew up in Lynn, Massachusetts, the son of a mechanic and a nurse. His childhood was shaped by hard work, community, and sport. He played football and hockey, boxed in the Silver Mittens and Golden Gloves, and later gave back as a baseball coach and Boy Scouts scoutmaster, guiding several boys to become Eagle Scouts.
Education became his pathway forward. He earned a Liberal Arts degree at North Shore Community College, followed by a Bachelor’s in Accounting from Merrimack College, and an MBA in International Business from Suffolk University. Those years built both knowledge and discipline.
David’s career began at West Lynn Creamery, where he managed the daily accounting. From there, he moved through roles at MSM Management and Bruker, rising to Controller, Treasurer, Vice President of Finance, and CFO. Each role taught him not just numbers, but leadership and responsibility.
In time, he founded Miasserian & Plunkett LLC and MPS Tax Services Inc. His stepson Zander now works with him, adding another layer of legacy to the business. David’s two sons also found creative paths: one as a Broadway actor, the other as an artist.
Outside the office, David owns a small farm filled with horses, donkeys, sheep, dogs, and a cat. He spends time fundraising for breast cancer research, in honour of his late wife’s 11-year battle, and volunteering with the Salvation Army. In 2025, he remarried, blending family and work into a new chapter.
David’s life shows how resilience, balance, and service shape a lasting kind of success.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I start early, usually around 5:30. Feeding the horses, donkeys, and sheep comes first. It clears my head before the office day begins. Once at work, I make a short list of the three most important tasks I need to finish. I keep it simple — that keeps me moving forward without being distracted.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I write them down. That sounds basic, but if you don’t capture them, they’re gone. I then test them in conversation — with my team, my stepson, even family over dinner. If the idea stands up to those discussions, I know it has legs.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m fascinated by how younger professionals are blending work and lifestyle. Remote tools, flexible hours, side projects — things my generation didn’t imagine. It’s changing accounting too, as clients expect more convenience and transparency.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
My “three wins” journal. Every day I write down three small wins. It could be solving a tax issue or fixing a fence on the farm. It keeps me focused on progress instead of problems.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t chase titles so hard. Early in my career, I thought success was the next promotion. But success without balance is just another form of failure.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe routine creates freedom. People say routine is boring, but to me, it gives you structure. Once the basics are in order, you have more energy for creativity.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Take walks without your phone. Even ten minutes. You’ll think more clearly.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I go out to the barn and muck stalls. It’s dirty, physical, and resets my brain. By the time I’m done, the stress feels manageable.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Listening more than I talk. Clients and employees will tell you what they need if you give them space. It’s saved me from mistakes more than once.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early on, I missed a key filing deadline. I owned up immediately, apologised, and fixed it at my own cost. The client stayed with me because I was honest. I learnt that mistakes happen — but hiding them ruins trust.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Create a community “skills swap.” Accountants, mechanics, teachers — everyone trades expertise for free one day a month. It builds trust and networks in ways money can’t.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
A simple calendar tool with reminders. Nothing fancy. It keeps both farm chores and client deadlines in order.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
The Boys in the Boat. It’s about rowing, teamwork, and resilience. Reminds me that no success is truly individual.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I enjoyed Ted Lasso. It’s funny, but also shows how leadership is about kindness and belief in others, not just winning.
Key learnings
- Small daily wins create momentum and reduce stress.
- Listening is one of the most powerful tools for growth and trust.
- Routines and habits provide freedom for creativity and problem-solving.
- Resilience often comes from setbacks — and honesty sustains relationships.
- Success means balance: family, work, and community all matter equally.