One of the experiences that best defines Ted Howell happened to him in college, but not inside the classroom.
A freshman at the University of Pennsylvania in 1990, Howell joined the school’s sailing team. At the time, he wrote in his 40 Under Forty application, the program was “grossly underfunded, had no coach and a fleet of eight boats in various states of disrepair.”
So Howell did what any self-starter would do – he helped lead fundraising efforts, and acted as a guiding force in retaining a coach and obtaining a new fleet of boats. He would be elected captain of team his senior year.
It’s that spirit of leadership that has come to exemplify Howell, recently named a partner at law firm Patridge Snow & Hahn LLP.
After receiving a degree in engineering, he decided to forgo a career in the field, opting to attend the Boston University of School of Law. But Howell has drawn on his technology background. He is the creator and chair of Patridge Snow & Hahn’s entrepreneur group, which he said focuses on providing “quality legal services to entrepreneurs and startup companies at an affordable price.”
Howell has been actively involved with the firm’s GreenMatters program, in which he assists clients with sustainable and renewable energy practices.
Outside of his career, Howell has continued to lead. He has served as president of his local homeowner’s association; a member of the board of directors for the North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce; and a volunteer with the Brown Forum for Enterprise.
He has also worked closely with the Rhode Island Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, where he initiated efforts to start an office hours program to connect entrepreneurs and business professionals.
He lists his father, newspaper publisher John I. Howell Jr., as his greatest influence. “At age 68, he continues to remain actively involved in business and seek new challenges,” Ted Howell wrote in his application. •
