BOSTON–Lynn Tokarczyk is the founder and president of Business Development Strategies, Inc., a government tax incentive consulting firm in Massachusetts, helping some of the state’s best-known brands, including MilliporeSigma, Analog Devices, Samsonite, TripAdvisor, IPG Photonics and Waters Corporation.
“My work has helped companies remain in Massachusetts and contributed positively to the overall economy across the state,” says Ms. Tokarczyk, whose company is the only Massachusetts firm exclusively dedicated to government tax incentives consulting.
She began her career as the founder and owner of an upscale women’s retail clothing and accessory boutique, where she honed her skills in sales and business. In 1995, she joined the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD) under the Cellucci administration as a project manager, later becoming a regional director.
On March 12, 2025, Ms. Tokarczyk will be honored with the Outstanding Women of 2025 award at the annual Women of the Year awards gala at Burlington Marriott Hotel in Burlington, MA.
To buy a ticket for the gala, please click here.
While at MOBD, Ms. Tokarczyk educated the business community about economic development tools available through the state and assisted with key public infrastructure projects. She was then recruited by Ernst & Young as manager for the New England Area State and Local Tax Incentives practice, rising to senior manager before starting her own firm, BDS, in 2003.
Since its founding, BDS has built a team of subject matter specialists in real estate assessments, government incentives tax law and more. BDS has also built an impressive record of success assisting a “Who’s Who” of prominent privately and publicly held companies across various sectors, including manufacturing, life sciences, technology and distribution to secure millions of dollars’ worth of tax incentives. Some of the state’s best-known brands, including MilliporeSigma, Analog Devices, Samsonite, TripAdvisor, IPG Photonics and Waters Corporation, have turned to BDS for help navigating the tax incentives process.
Ms. Tokarczyk is a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of Associated Industries of Massachusetts, the Board of Corporators for Middlesex Savings Bank and several Chambers of Commerce. She received the 2019 Next Century Award from the Associated Industries of Massachusetts, which also named her Top Job Creator.
BDS specializes in identifying, negotiating and securing tax incentives for companies undertaking real estate expansion and relocation projects in the state in the form of Tax Increment Financing (TIF), state tax credits and other tax incentive tools.
The BDS team has helped more than 200 companies secure combined tax savings of more than $300 million in real estate expansion costs, retain 30,000 jobs and create 15,000 jobs enabling them to remain competitive and thrive. These companies have infused more than $1 billion into the local economies in Massachusetts cities and towns.
Recent projects included negotiating tax incentives for Air Energy Group, a leading manufacturer of compressed air and vacuum systems for hospitals and life science companies. The project entailed consolidating three of its locations, South Easton, Pembroke and Lincoln, Rhode Island into one larger modern facility in Brockton. Securing tax incentives for plant-based edible oil manufacturer Catania Oils in Ayer, enabled the company to expand its footprint and manufacturing operations with a new, 51,000 square foot addition.
Here is Q&A with Ms. Tokarczyk:
Boston Real Estate Times: What do you enjoy most about your work?
Lynn Tokarczyk: Helping businesses turn their real estate vision into reality by securing tax incentives that offset project costs and create opportunities for growth. Seeing the impact of these projects, from groundbreaking to the opening of a building, is incredibly rewarding. If a project scope is A to Z, we come in at the A- stage and stay with our clients until the ribbon is cut and beyond for tax compliance assistance.
BRET: What is the one thing you attribute your success to?
LT: Tenacity and a deep commitment to building lasting relationships. Managing projects successfully even when there may be distractions. Always staying focused and keeping my eye on the ball.
BRET: To which charitable, community, and professional groups do you belong and why?
LT: I serve on the Associated Industries of Massachusetts’ (AIM) Board of Directors and Executive Committee and am also a member of MassEcon, the Middlesex 3 Coalition, multiple Chambers of Commerce and Board of Corporators for Middlesex Savings Bank. I really enjoy contributing to these organizations that have a positive impact on the state and its residents. These affiliations also help me strengthen local relationships and stay top-of-mind with business leaders while enabling me to give back to the community.
BRET: In what way have you most positively influenced the community or your field?
LT: By educating businesses about overlooked tax incentives and connecting them with essential resources. My work has helped companies remain in Massachusetts and contributed positively to the overall economy across the state.
BRET: What are your hobbies and interests?
LT: I am musically inclined as my father was a percussionist with the Boston Pops. I enjoy ballroom dancing, piano playing, pickleball, and follow a regular food and fitness program. I also enjoy hosting and spending time with family and friends at my second home on Cape Cod. Having a home at the Cape brings a balance to my lifestyle. Flying south and weekend get-aways in other parts of New England are a must. I enjoy living life to its fullest while maintaining a rhythm to my healthy and active lifestyle.
BRET: Your favorite books?
LT: Fiction by Pamela Kelley – I love the pure escapism her books provide from my demanding schedule. I also read many business books for professional inspiration and currently reading “Atomic Habits” by James Clear among others.
BRET: Your favorite quotes?
LT: My parents always told me to “Reach for the stars,” and their encouragement and support gave me the confidence to always strive for more and aim high, even during difficult times when you fall.
BRET: The one person you would like to meet and why?
LT: Valerie Bertinelli, whose upbeat nature, resilience and success inspire me. I remember watching her in movies and following her career develop early on and her journey demonstrates that hard work and authenticity can overcome adversity and bounce back.
BRET: Your core values you try to live by?
LT: Honesty, loyalty, authenticity, respectful, sense of urgency and delivering on commitments. I am a woman of my word.
BRET: What inspires you?
LT: As a former retail owner, it’s the thrill of the deal! The chapters of life are a rollercoaster of ups and downs. Don’t ever give up, your accomplishments are only an indication of what you can do. Always believe in magic and dreams really do come true.
