Meet RJ
see biography
My name is RJ Dourney, and I'm running for Selectman. My wife Nancy and I moved to Hopkinton eight years ago along with our three daughters. We were attracted to Hopkinton by the natural beauty of the town, the warmth of the people in the community, and the reputation of the school system.
In my professional life, I have held executive and board positions, and currently run Hearthstone Associates, the company I co-founded with friend and Hopkinton resident Shawn Ryan.
I believe strongly in giving back to the community. Presently I serve on the Planning Board, Zoning Advisory Committee and the Downtown Revitalization Committee. I also serve in various capacities at St John's Church.
As a Selectman, I will listen to the concerns of the community and use my executive, management, and leadership experience to move the town forward. I will work to:
- Manage our revenues responsibly
- Provide leadership to govern the town according to the Charter
- Maintain excellence in education
- Stimulate responsible economic development
- Protect our natural resources
- Control our residential taxes
In the coming weeks I will share my vision for the town and outline my strategy for moving us forward. I look forward to speaking directly with as many residents as possible.
This is a critical time for Hopkinton. The challenges facing our town are significant, but they can be addressed successfully. I will listen to all sides and I will advocate bold action when needed. I will broker compromise when appropriate. I will favor no special interest group, and I will not bring a preconceived agenda.
I love our town. I am passionate about maintaining the quality of life we all cherish while guiding us to achieve our full potential. I respectfully request your support for Selectman at the May 19th election.
RJ Dourney
Bio
A 25-year veteran of the restaurant industry, RJ Dourney is the owner of Hearthstone Associates; a New England based restaurant franchisee. Hearthstone owns and operates restaurants and retail meal preparation locations throughout the Boston area. Hearthstone currently operates ten Cosi's and has committed to build a total of 25 locations. Hearthstone owns two Let's Dish! locations in Needham and Burlington.
Prior to forming Hearthstone Associates with his partner Shawn Ryan, Dourney served as COO for Au Bon Pain, overseeing company operations of 126 cafes, franchising domestically and internationally and the consulting relationship with Bp, Wild Bean Café. Dourney was one of the key senior executives credited for the turn around of Au Bon Pain. He has extensive operations, real estate and organizational experience having grown multiple concepts throughout the United States.
Prior to joining Au Bon Pain he was a Regional Vice President with Applebee's International, overseeing 110 restaurants throughout the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions and later Vice President of franchise operations and development for North America overseeing a $1.2 billion system.
Dourney was with Brinker International for 10 years where his roles included overseeing the operations and developing multiple concepts throughout NY and NJ.
He serves on a number of for profit and not for profit boards including Frisch's Restaurants, Inc Board of Directors; the Archdiocese of Boston's Child Abuse Prevention Advisory Board; the Planning Board in Hopkinton, Ma; the Downtown Revitalization Committee in Hopkinton, Ma; and the Artery Business Committee Board of Directors. RJ and his wife Nancy live in Hopkinton, Ma with their three daughters.