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22 Worcester Business Journal | August 19, 2019 | wbjournal.com 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y 2 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y Jarboe was a firefighter for eight years, retiring as a lieutenant before moving into a career in real estate. Jarboe started the Jarboe Group in 2015, increasing business from 2017 to 2018 to surpass $15 million in volume last year, with clients ranging from Sturbridge to Leominster to Ashland. The firm is part of Keller Williams, a national franchising group, giving it the resources of a larger company while staying a small local firm, a mix helping the Jarboe Group become one of only six to be named a top producer this year by the Realtors Association of Central Massachusetts. The nonprofit arm, the Jarboe Foundation, has fundraisers like a mini-golf tournament, group painting nights and a Thanksgiving donation drive to help families enjoy a holiday meal, going into its seventh year. Last year's Thanksgiving event helped more than 250 people, and charitable work has earned Jarboe a plaque of appreciation from the Worcester Police Department Police Athletic League and commemoration from the Boys & Girls Club. Charity extends to the office, as the Jarboe Group participates in Keller Williams' Red Day, when offices close to allow employees to work on local charitable projects. – G.W. Who is most responsible for your success? My wife Alicia has been with me when times were difficult and has celebrated when in times of growth and prosperity, although Dave Ramsey's teachings would be a close second, as they helped us dig our way out of $150,000 in debt when we lost our house to foreclosure six years ago and were sued by the bank for the deficiency. Konneh was raised by a single mother and has found success after emigrating from Nigeria, so she works hard to give back, particularly in diversity efforts. Konneh, who has worked in career development at Holy Cross since 2017, uses her job to build a pipeline for students, especially those of color, to live and work in the city. After graduating from the Bancroft School (where she's served on its strategic planning committee), she earned her bachelor's degree in natural science from Worcester State University (where she serves today on the university's alumni association advisory board), then completed her MBA and doctorate in public policy and administration from Walden University in Minneapolis. When she's not on campus at Holy Cross, Konneh serves on the board for the local YWCA and the Girl Scouts, chaired the membership board for the NAACP, and served on the United Way leadership council. The mother of two has served on Worcester's Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board, which helped update the city's affirmative action plan. – G.W. If could live anywhere for one month, where would it be? Port Harcourt Nigeria, because it's where my entire family lives. What's the hidden gem of Central Mass.? I would love to attend an event at the Ernest A. Johnson Tunnel, Lincoln Square. Why not, it's underground! What do you want your job title to be when you retire? Col- lege president or U.S. Secretary of Education. I found my purpose in life is to empower students. I want to leave a legacy and be the role model for youth of color I wish I had when I was young. Dr. Shirley D. Konneh, Ph.D., MBA, 35 Assistant director, Center for Career Development College of the Holy Cross, Worcester Residence: Worcester Birthplace: Port Harcourt, Nigeria Colleges: Worcester State College & Walden University Justin Jarboe, 35 Visionary & CEO The Jarboe Group Real Estate Team & The Jarboe Foundation, Inc., Worcester Residence: Worcester Birthplace: New Britain, Conn. Education: Left institutional college to pursue private education The Worcester Club