Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | August 19, 2019 | Worcester Business Journal 9 2 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y At Solar Wolf, the results of Strzelecki's leadership speak for themselves. The solar company has been helping homeowners go green and save on their electric bill for four years, and the company has grown into a nationally recognized firm taking in more than $50 million over that time, even as the solar boom begins to taper off. The company started in a makeshift desk in a closet now employs more than 100 and operates in almost two dozen states with no outside investors. Solar Wolf has expanded both its building footprint and service area. Strzelecki in June opened a new 20,000-square-foot headquarters in Douglas, which became the firm's third building in Massachusetts along with sites in Millbury and Marlborough. In late July, the company was looking to hire an additional 30 installers and electricians in Connecticut alone as business grows. Strzelecki's career wasn't always in the solar energy field. As a younger adult, Strzelecki spent 10 years as a Millbury firefighter, and he is still involved with his former career. Each year, his company donates to the fire and police departments, and installed a free solar system for a Purple Heart veteran. Strzelecki and Solar Wolf organize a sock drive to local homeless shelters every quarter. – Z.C. If could live anywhere in the world for one month, where would it be? Honestly, right where I am. What's the hidden gem of Central Massachusetts? Shrewsbury Street in Worcester What are you proudest of? My family and my work. It's obvious, isn't it? They're incredible! Whose career do you most want to emulate? I'm not big on following or mirroring others. Ted Strzelecki, 39 Chairman & CEO Solar Wolf Energy Inc., Douglas Residence: Barre Birthplace: Worcester School: Blackstone Valley Tech High School A year after winning 40 Under Forty, Nguyen became the youngest partner in Bowditch's 105-year history, at age 31. Nguyen, the daughter of Vietnamese immigrants, hasn't been shy about talking about the challenges of growing up poor in a household that spoke no English. She chairs the board at the United Way of Central Massachusetts and serves on the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center board. She helps lead the Worcester Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Committee, which changed a dated affirmative action plan only going a short way in matching the city's workforce to its diverse population. In 2016, Nguyen received the YWCA of Central Massachusetts' Katharine F. Erskine Award, which recognizes important contributions from women in the community. – G.W. What is your proudest accomplishment? Generally, being regarded as a leader and influencer in spaces occupied by middle-aged wealthy white men. What did 40 Under Forty mean to you? That the business community was taking notice of my potential and getting a seat at the table ready for me. What advice do you have for this year's winners? It's all about who you know in this city. Build relationships with people worth knowing, and make yourself someone worth knowing. AiVi Nguyen Then: Associate at Bowditch & Dewey, LLP, Worcester Now: Partner at Bowditch & Dewey, LLP, Worcester Class of 2015 Kate McEvoy Then: Director of community relations for Fallon Community Health Plan, Worcester Now: Vice president of corporate relations at UMass Memorial Health Care, Worcester Since 2002, McEvoy has been named a Worcester State University distinguished alumna and received the YWCA of Central Massachusetts' Katharine F. Erskine Award, which recognizes women for their leadership. While at Fallon, McEvoy led the rebranding and development of sales and marketing functions for what is now its Summit ElderCare program, and ran the Fallon Foundation. From there, she led insurance company Harvard Pilgrim Health Care's office in Central Massachusetts as its vice president. McEvoy has been with UMass Memorial only since this spring but had already proven her prowess for community engagement. She co-chaired the 2018 UMass Winter Ball, which brought in $2 million, the most in the event's decade-long history. – G.W. What did 40 Under Forty mean to you? It meant a lot! The backstory is I worked at WBJ for years and kept pushing for Worcester to have a 40 Under Forty because publications in similar markets did (Hartford!), and Worcester was worthy of a recognition like that. The then WBJ editor would jokingly call our first 40 Under Forty edition the "Friends of Kate" issue. There was pent-up demand, that's for sure. What advice do you have for this year's winners? Work hard. Look around you, and see the issues you can help to address. Class of 2002 2002 2019 2015 2019

• Cover