Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1015970
22 Worcester Business Journal | August 20, 2018 | wbjournal.com F O C U S 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y From behind his rather innocuous job title, Anderson has thoroughly transformed the life and meaning behind the Worcester culture and entertainment scene. He is perhaps most well-known for cofounding POW! WOW! Worcester, which for the last three years has brought in graffiti artists to decorate public spaces throughout the city. Beyond this high-profile role, Anderson every day cultivates the growing cultural undercurrent of the city. He played a lead role in the #Worcester100 campaign to bring 100 events to Worcester Common in 2017 (it ended up being 110), including the Food Truck Festival of America drawing more than 5,000 people to downtown. He coordinated the introduction of the WWII Citizens of Color Honor Roll in Lincoln Square and the refurbishing of the Civil War memorial and World War II memorial on the Worcester Common. He serves on boards for the Worcester Art Museum Corporators, the Worcester Historical Museum and Mechanics Hall. He is a member of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce Minority Professionals Roundtable, the Salisbury Cultural District, the Worcester Public Art Working Group, and the Holy Cross Club of Greater Worcester. In 2016, Anderson received a key to the city. – Profile by Brad Kane From judge Kate Sharry: "Don't take your eyes off what Che is doing, because everything he touches in this city turns to gold." Were you a straight-A student? Through high school, yes; then I went to Holy Cross. What four people would you take on a road trip? Lauryn Hill, Jimi Hendrix, Tito Puente and John Lennon; it would be the best car concert of all time. Che Anderson, 29 Project manager City of Worcester Lives: Worcester Birthplace: New York, N.Y. College: College of the Holy Cross In 2016, revenues at VMA Electric came in at $1.4 million. In less than two years, Archila has more than doubled that revenue to nearly $3 million, while maintaining his role as a master electrician. He attributes his success to a commitment to running an honest business and being upfront with his clients. To accommodate the growth since 2015, VMA increased its headcount 115 percent, now employing 28 workers. In the community, VMA financially sponsors two basketball teams for the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest and the Pop Warner Youth Football program. In addition to providing monetary support, Archila – a father of three who has been married to his wife for 17 years – is a basketball coach for the Boys & Girls Clubs. He volunteers at the Bishop's storehouse for his church in Worcester and will help fill orders for families in need. – B.K. From judge Kate Sharry: "Respected by his peers and valued by his community, Victor is one of the most well- rounded members of the class of 2018." What will the inscription say on the statue they build of you? Each day come in with a positive attitude hoping to get better. What do you do in your free time? Work out at the gym and camp with my family. What TV personality is most like you? Mark Cuban from "Shark Tank." I love his positive vibe, and he seems happy with his success, yet very confident. Whose career would you most like to emulate? I really like to create my own path, just happy I can provide for my family and have health. If I can continue to be successful, I am happy with that! Victor M. Archila, 36 Owner & president VMA Electric Inc., Marlborough Lives: Marlborough Birthplace: Guatemala City, Guatemala Photo taken at The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory for the Performing Arts in Worcester.