Thursday, July 20, 2017

Day Trips by Boat in the Cape Cod Region


As the managing partner of Laidlaw & Company, James Ahern has spearheaded the firm’s emergence as a nationwide leader in the healthcare investment sphere. Beyond his responsibilities with Laidlaw, James (Jim) Ahern’s favorite activities include golfing and fishing. Jim Ahern’s passion for tuna fishing regularly takes him to the Cape Cod area. 

Among the popular day trips near Cape Cod is Washburn Island, which lies within a state park and offers sandy beaches with exceptional swimming and fishing. The local waters are warm throughout the summer months, and campsites on the island serve as ideal bases for Vineyard Sound excursions.

Another noteworthy destination is the busy Menemsha Harbor on Martha’s Vineyard. The picturesque port town is known for its seafood. Lobster rolls, fried fish, and stuffed quahog clam are staples of local eateries such as The Bite and Larsen’s Fish Market.

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Biotech Investing Pointers- Paying Attention to the FDA


The former vice president of Casimir Capital and managing director of Aegis Capital, James “Jimmy” Ahern serves as managing partner of Laidlaw & Company in New York. James Ahern has helped build Laidlaw into one of the world’s leading healthcare investment firms. At the firm, he raises capital and provides oversight to both private and public healthcare organizations.

Before investing in biotech, individuals need to have a clear idea of how the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) works and the potential roadblocks it could cause to biotech companies. In the most general sense, companies must prove to the FDA that a potential drug is both safe and that it actually works for its intended purpose. Proof involves the collection of a sufficient body of clinical information, which usually takes place over three phases of clinical trials. 

Most companies set goals for safety and efficacy in collaboration with the FDA. Once goals are met, the company submits a New Drug Application (NDA) and the FDA provides a date for its final decision regarding the drug. Often, an advisory committee is assembled to help the FDA decide whether or not to approve a drug. If the FDA rejects the drug, it gives the company a complete response letter (CRL), which outlines concerns. A company can reapply once these concerns are addressed, however this could involve considerable expense. 

Sometimes, FDA decisions are based on mood. During conservative periods, equivocal drugs can be rejected. However, the FDA has liberal periods during which drugs with less favorable risk-benefit profiles earn approval. Sometimes, rules are not applied as rigorously for drugs that address disease with few other options for treatment.

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Benefits of Mentoring for Youth





A financial executive based in New York City, James “Jimmy” Ahern serves as head of capital markets at Laidlaw & Company. In addition to his responsibilities at Laidlaw, James “Jim” Ahern has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay, a nonprofit organization providing one-on-one mentoring opportunities for at-risk youth.

There are many benefits of youth mentoring, and some center on academic performance and behavior in school. According to a 2007 study conducted by Kennelly & Monrad, students who keep to regular meetings with their mentors are 37 percent less likely to skip class and 52 percent less likely to skip an entire day of school. In terms of behavior issues, a 2002 study suggested that young children facing an opportunity gap are 55 percent more likely to attend college if they have a mentor supporting them.

The mentoring relationship also has numerous benefits for children outside the classroom. Young people with regular mentors are significantly less likely than their non-mentored peers to start drinking or using illegal drugs. Mentoring makes youth 81 percent more likely to participate in extracurricular activities, which coincides with a major improvement in communication skills and a reduction in the symptoms of depression.

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Three Delicious Lobster Recipes


A managing partner for New York's Laidlaw & Company, James "Jimmy" Ahern has over a decade of experience as a financial executive. When he isn't advising public and private health care companies through Laidlaw, James Ahern enjoys cooking seafood, such as steamers and lobster. Below are three lobster recipes.

1. Grilled lobster with garlic-parsley butter - Begin by combining butter, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, chili flakes, and salt and pepper. Cook cracked lobster halves shell side up on the grill until slightly charred and then coat with the garlic-parsley mixture. Grill for an additional 3-5 minutes or until meat is tender.

2. Lobster rolls - In a bowl, stir together lime juice, mayonnaise, hot sauce, salt, and pepper and then add celery and green onion. Lightly mix in cubed cooked lobster meat and stuff filling into carved-out Kaiser rolls. Sprinkle with parsley, tarragon, or basil and serve.

3. Broiled lobster tails - After placing lobster tails on a baking sheet, carefully slice the top of shell lengthwise and season meat with butter, salt, pepper, and paprika. Broil the tails for 5-10 minutes and serve with lemon wedges.

Friday, March 17, 2017

A Handful of the Best Restaurants on Nantucket


Possessing extensive experience in finance, James "Jimmy" Ahern Laidlaw is managing partner and head of capital markets with Laidlaw & Company. Outside of work, Jimmy Ahern Laidlaw enjoys taking trips to Nantucket, especially for the excellent restaurants that exist on the island.

One of the best restaurant on the island is Cru Oyster Bar, which serves excellent lobster rolls and boosts a full raw bar. Located in the middle of the Nantucket Boat Basin, Cru also provides diners with incredible vantage points.

Another great choice is The Pearl, which uses local seafood and regional heritage meats to put a unique spin on Eastern dishes. One of the must-try dishes at the restaurant is the Salt & Pepper Wok Fried Lobster.

Galley Beach, located right on the sand, is another classic choice. Dining her transports people to the Caribbean, especially if they dine al fresco during the sunset. The restaurant offers casual lunches and exquisite three-course dinners.

Located in the heart of the island, American Season boasts a quintessential seasonal menu. The restaurant remains one of the oldest on Nantucket and is known for its fun takes on classic American cuisine.