Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | December 9, 2019 | Worcester Business Journal 13 I M M I G R A N T S F O C U S had a work ethic and the ability to do something they were limited in doing in Albania – open their own business. "For a better life, Albanians came here and were given the opportunity that you can own a business, run it and make a living for your family and children," said Orieta Kristo, founder and CEO of Horizon Insurance, Inc. in Worcester. For Kristo, starting her own business meant serving the Albanian community of Worcester. She estimates 60% to 70% of her business comes from the Alba- nian community and has designed her business to serve the community with employees who speak Albanian. Insur- ance can be confusing to begin with, but then you add in language barriers, it can become even more difficult, she said. "Our main thing is to do the right thing and go above and beyond for our customers," she said. "In Albania, loyalty is the one thing I always grew up with." A defining characteristic of Albanians is being ethical and being true to your word, Bajrami said. "If you do good things and are honest about it and handle things with honesty and integrity… the success will follow," said Bajrami. Oriola Koci, co-owner of Worces- ter restaurants Livia's Dish and Altea's Eatery who moved here in 1996 from Albania, said a key trait leading to the success of Albanian businesses has been the hard-working attitude. is came from being raised to depend on them- selves and never give up, she said. "At the core of our souls, we are extremely hard workers. I've had people ask me why Albanians own restaurants. Because restaurants are very hard busi- nesses … but somehow we are built to handle it," said Koci. While her restaurants are not Alba- nian-specific, the close-knit commu- nity is supportive, embracing growing together and the positive nature of competition, she said. at spirit of sup- port has allowed the Albanian business community to grow in influence. Taking on a more influential role e original businesses coming out of the Albanian immigration to Central Mass. are now 15 or 20 years old, making them well established, said W 190 Turnpike Road Westborough, MA 01581 8 0 0 - 5 4 0 - 4 9 9 3 | w w w . C u r r y P r i n t i n g . c o m Proudly Serving the Worcester Area Since 1978 Koci. ose business owners have more money to invest or have accumulated property throughout the city and now want to be a part of larger discussions. "We were just trying to establish ourselves as business owners, but as we grow we want to continue to grow in different directions," said Koci, who foresees Albanian business owners getting more involved in politics. What remains to be seen is whether this entrepreneurial spirit will continue on to younger generations. While Koci believes the work ethic will be passed along as it has been for generations, Bajrami wonders if the better life in America with less struggle will produce the same spirit. "For the generations coming forth, they aren't going to have that struggle or find the need to rise," she said. "Will it be the same in tomorrow's generation? Maybe not." Orieta Kristo (far left) with her team at Horizon Insurance, shortly after the November opening of the company's new expanded location on Park Avenue in Worcester. 2010 2016 Worcester immigrants Over the last two censuses, Albanians have been one of the Worcester population's largest immigrant groups. Note: The percent is of all foreign-born residents in Worcester Source: U.S. Census Bureau 1. Brazil (10%) 2. Vietnam (10%) 3. Ghana (9%) 4. Dominican Republic (7%) 5. Albania (5%) 6. China (5%) 7. El Salvador (4%) 8. Poland (3%) 9. India (2%) 10. Dominica (2%) 1. Ghana (10%) 2. Dominican Republic (9%) 3. Vietnam (9%) 4. Albania (6%) 5. Brazil (5%) 6. China (4%) 7. India (3%) 8. Kenya (3%) 9. El Salvador (3%) 10. Iraq (3%) Oriola Koci, co- owner of Livia's Dish and Altea's Eatery PHOTO/COURTESTY OF HORIZON INSURANCE

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