Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | March 4, 2019 | Worcester Business Journal 5 B R I E FS Aubuchon to buy and close Lynde Hardware One longtime family-owned Gardner hardware store is buying another. Aubuchon Hardware is acquiring and closing the only store operated by Lynde Hardware & Supply Inc., a family-owned operation purchased by the Drake family in 1982. Aubuchon has been run by the family of the same name since 1908. Selling the business aer 35 years is bittersweet, said Celeste Drake, Lynde Hardware's vice president. But she said she and her husband, Jay, the company's president, are happy to join the larger Aubuchon chain, which has grown to include 103 stores. Neurodiversity should be factor in hiring A study released in February by Worcester Polytechnic Institute researchers advocated for more companies to consider including neurodiversity in hiring, due to the rising number of people diagnosed with autism or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and because they may have skills typical-developing employees don't have. Fortune 500 companies list variants like gender, ethnicity and sexual orientation in diversity hiring practices but usually not neurodiversity. When polled online, the majority of WBJ readers felt neurodiversity should be a goal in hiring. F L AS H P O L L Would you consider putting neurodiversity into your firm's hiring practices? Worcester's first adult-use pot store approved Worcester's first recreational mari- juana store is one step closer to opening aer Good Chemistry won approval for a shop in the Canal District from the state Cannabis Control Commission. Good Chemistry, which is based in Colorado, said it hopes to begin selling adult-use cannabis products as soon as possible at 6 Harrison St. It already is open for medical sales. Marlborough Starbucks building sold for $3.6M A downtown Marlborough building hosting Fish Restaurant & Wine Bar, a Starbucks and other commercial tenants has sold for $3.6 million. e site was bought by a limited liabil- ity corporation registered to a Michael Delsesto of Boston. e sellers were trustees of George Voyiatzis and the Bolton Granger Realty Trust. e 0.7-acre property was last assessed at $1.3 million and last sold in 2005 for under $1.1 million. William Aubuchon IV, CEO of Aubuchon Hardware, along with Celeste and Jay Drake of Lynde Hardware & Supply. Yes. Like other diversity hires, they bring different skills and experiences to the table. 44% "We have several employees who are clearly on the spectrum, although I am not aware if they have been medically diagnosed. It doesn't matter. They do their jobs well and can interact with other team members effectively. Others, without neurological issues, have adjusted to communicate with these individuals, which has resulted in productive work product among employees." "Only hire the best for the job, regardless." CUSTOMIZE YOUR CAPITAL SOLUTION TODAY Contact Richard Conley RConley@communityp.com | 646.822.9356 CLOSED: $1 Million Acquisition • Freddie Mac Small Balance Loan | 4.91% • 18 units | Worcester, MA UNMATCHED SERVICE AND EXECUTION Fannie Mae • FHA • Freddie Mac Multifamily Capital Solutions CONSTRUCTION | REFINANCE | ACQUISITION CONVENTIONAL FINANCING | AFFORDABLE HOUSING SMALL BALANCE LOANS | FLEXIBLE BRIDGE FINANCING No. I need to judge each individual hire on a case-by-case basis without weighing diversity factors. 41% Yes. It would go a long way in helping neurodiverse people obtain gainful employment. 11% Continued on Page 6 Since 1850, we've been supporting our neighbors who work hard to make a difference in their local communities, like the folks at Tree House Brewing. That's why we're proud to sponsor this year's Business Leader's Hall of Fame event, honoring the people who are an inspiration to us and the communities they support! Member DIF (800) 322-8233 | countrybank.com Member FDIC PARTNER. ev e n har d w o r k 278 PARK AVE WORCESTER, MA 01609 315 MAIN ST WORCESTER, MA 01608 No. I can't imagine some- one with autism or ADHD being able to fulfill all our jobs' responsibilities. 4%

• Cover