David E. Plunkett + The Three Wins Rule

David E. Plunkett Interview. Man walking side by side with horse during sunset

David E. Plunkett has always lived life with balance at the center. Raised in Lynn, Massachusetts, the son of a mechanic and a nurse, he grew up with grit stitched into his everyday routine. His father’s mechanical hands and his mother’s careful caregiving gave him two perspectives: fix things when they break, and tend to people when they need care. That mix of discipline and compassion would guide him into every corner of his adult life.

In high school, David threw himself into sports. Football and hockey shaped his teamwork, while boxing in the Silver Mittens and Golden Gloves tournaments gave him discipline and grit. Sports gave him a foundation of resilience, but it was coaching that taught him patience. As a baseball coach and Boy Scouts scoutmaster, he spent years guiding kids, helping many earn their Eagle Scout badges. Those lessons in mentorship would echo later in his career and at home.

Education was a cornerstone. David earned a Liberal Arts degree at North Shore Community College, followed by a BS in Accounting at Merrimack College, and later an MBA in International Business at Suffolk University. He didn’t just collect diplomas; he built a mindset for problem-solving, seeing connections between local needs and global systems.

His career began at West Lynn Creamery as Assistant Accounting Manager, and from there he rose steadily — Controller at MSM Management, then Controller, Treasurer, VP of Finance, and CFO at Bruker. Each role layered on responsibility and leadership. Eventually, he chose a new path, creating Miasserian & Plunkett LLC and founding MPS Tax Services Inc., building a business that combined technical skill with a personal touch. Today, his stepson Zander works alongside him, carrying the family connection into the workplace.

Life outside business has been equally defining. David raised two sons — DJ, now a Broadway actor, and John, an artist — before losing his wife in 2020 after her 11-year battle with breast cancer. Her strength and their shared fight changed him, sharpening his sense of what matters. He channelled that experience into fundraising for breast cancer research and volunteering with the Salvation Army, both of which continue to this day. In 2025, he remarried, welcoming two stepchildren into his family and creating a blended household filled with new energy.

David E. Plunkett also runs a small farm with three horses, two donkeys, three sheep, three dogs, and a cat. For him, mornings in the barn cleaning stalls are as important as hours in the office reviewing spreadsheets. One balances the other. His life story is marked by resilience, steady growth, and service, qualities that make him both relatable and quietly inspirational.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?

I’m an accountant based in Massachusetts. I run MPS Tax Services Inc. and co-lead Miasserian & Plunkett LLC. I’ve worked in finance for over 30 years, starting out at West Lynn Creamery and moving through roles up to CFO before starting my own practice. Outside of work, I live on a small farm with horses, donkeys, sheep, dogs, and a cat, so my mornings are often spent doing chores before heading to the office.

How would you describe your personal or professional vibe in 3 words?

Disciplined, approachable, and resilient. Discipline comes from years in sports and boxing. Approachable because I like to keep accounting simple and clear for clients. Resilient because life has thrown challenges my way, but I’ve always found a way forward.

What’s one fun fact about you most people don’t know?

Most people don’t know I boxed in the Silver Mittens and Golden Gloves tournaments when I was younger. It taught me focus, patience, and how to keep calm when things get tough. It’s something I carry into my work and my daily life even now.

What’s your favorite TV show right now?

Right now, I’m enjoying Ted Lasso. It’s light-hearted but also about leadership and kindness. I like shows that show you can win without losing your humanity, and this one hits that balance.

What’s your most-used social media app these days?

Facebook. I use it to keep in touch with family, friends, and clients. It’s also where I keep up with community events and see what’s happening locally.

What was the first social media app you ever joined?

It was Facebook, years ago. At first, I used it mostly to see updates from my sons and their friends. Over time, it became a tool for staying connected to my wider circle.

Be sure to check out our Most Followed Celebrities on Facebook list.

Are there any influencers or creators you never miss content from?

I keep an eye on local business leaders and community organisers who post about service and small business growth. It’s not celebrity-focused for me, but about people who share practical advice and community stories.

Are there any must-follow accounts or pages for people in your industry?

The Massachusetts Society of CPAs has a great feed for updates on laws, trends, and opportunities. I also recommend following IRS updates directly — not exciting, but very necessary.

Do you listen to any podcasts related to your field or niche?

Yes, I like the Accounting Today Podcast. It dives into real challenges accountants face. I also listen to The Indicator from Planet Money to keep up with economic trends in short, clear episodes.

What’s the best advice you’ve heard from a podcast or interview?

On Accounting Today, someone once said, “Technology won’t replace accountants, but accountants who use technology will replace those who don’t.” That stuck with me, and it’s something I try to live by.

If you could collab with any influencer or celeb, who would it be?

I’d love to collaborate with someone like Ken Burns. He tells stories in such a human way, even when the topic is history or economics. I think accounting and finance could use more storytelling.

What’s a habit, hack, or tool you swear by for staying informed or inspired?

My “three wins” journal. Every day I write down three wins, big or small. It keeps me focused on progress instead of just problems.

Keep up to date with David E. Plunkett on LinkedIn.

Share This Article

Subscribe

Subscribe and receive the latest CelebFlare content right to your inbox!

Connect

More Interviews

Hong Wei Liao being interviewed

Hong Wei Liao on Legacy, Latte Art, and Finding Magic in Everyday Moments

Hong Wei Liao is a Toronto-based wealth management leader and Chairman of the Botrich Family Wealth Heritage and Development Center, known for her work in global finance, family legacy planning, and philanthropy. In this interview, she shares insights on building meaningful wealth, leading with empathy, and why financial success should

Timur Yusufov holding a chess piece

Timur Yusufov Doesn’t Just Build Spaces—He Builds Systems

Timur Yusufov has never taken the obvious path. Born in the former Soviet Union, he immigrated to the U.S. in 1992 and quickly developed a talent for finding value where others overlooked it. After earning a degree in Economics and Finance from UMBC, he founded Unique Homes, LLC, focusing not