Andover resident celebrates 25 years with Cummings Properties

Andover resident Jim Gillette celebrates 25 years of employment at commercial real estate firm Cummings Properties this month.

As purchasing manager for Cummings’ 10 million-square-foot portfolio, he leads the consolidated purchasing activities for the organization, oversees a five-person team, and fosters relationships with hundreds of vendors and subcontractors. He also manages all purchasing for two affiliated New Horizons retirement communities operated by Cummings Foundation.

Gillette and Vice President–Administration Ernie Agresti, who recently reached the same quarter-century milestone, were honored by colleagues at an informal reception at the firm’s Woburn headquarters.

“I have known these men for more than half my life, and they have had a profound impact on me and the Company,” President and CEO Dennis Clarke remarked. “Jim is responsible for controlling tens of millions of dollars annually, and 100 percent of every dollar he and his team saves goes directly to the Company’s bottom line.”

Gillette is tasked with sourcing a wide variety of quality materials at the best prices. His department purchases everything from steel and other construction materials to office supplies, vehicles, and solar panels.

Jim was named Company Co-manager of the Year in 2009, for his expert management of major purchases for the construction of TradeCenter 128 — his favorite project to date. The 700,000-square-foot business campus, visible from I-95 in Woburn and home to Middlesex County Superior Courthouse, is now one of Cummings’ flagship properties.

“I really enjoyed watching TradeCenter 128 and the Courthouse come together,” said Gillette. “It is truly an impressive property.”

Clarke also lauded Gillette’s personality, noting that he gets along with everyone.

“Jim can always get a smile; he can get a laugh,” said Clarke. “It’s a gift, and it means a lot to his colleagues both personally and professionally.”

After enduring some good-natured ribbing at the reception from his long-time colleagues, Gillette shared what has kept him at Cummings Properties for so many years.

“The thing that makes me want to get up Monday morning and come to work is the people,” Gillette said. “Not once in 25 years have I thought, ‘I need a new job.’ Each day is interesting and brings different challenges, but really, it’s the people.”

Gillette, a Malden native and Malden High School graduate, is one of nine children. Prior to joining the Cummings team, he owned a pizza shop in Everett called Poobys (his mother’s nickname) and his own construction company.

He and his wife, Patty, who was a special guest at the reception, have three daughters, two of whom have interned at Cummings Properties. They are avid boaters and New England sports fans. A longtime youth sports coach, Gillette currently coaches basketball. His youngest, Gabby, is a senior at Andover High School and one of three soccer team captains this year. Gillette tries never to miss a game.

One of the most financially stable commercial real estate firms in the country, Cummings Properties employs more than 360 people, who work together to design, build, market, manage, and maintain its portfolio. One hundred and thirty employees, more than one-third of its staff, have been with the company for 10 years or more.

PHOTO: Cummings Properties vice president–administration Ernie Agresti (left) and purchasing manager Jim Gillette (right) celebrate 25 years with Cummings Properties.