Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1401085
20 Worcester Business Journal | August 16, 2021 | wbjournal.com For most people, it takes a lifelong career to understand the com- plexities of a community's small business network and become a collective voice for it. But, Ginisi is not most people. As a young twenty-something, Ginisi was already able to see the poten- tial of the tourism arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, which he rebranded as Visit North Central Massachusetts. Working with leaders and advocates from the 27 communities included in the organization, he revolutionized what it means to participate in the tourism sector. He pumped life into the chamber's Ambassador Committee and Young Professionals of North Central Massachusetts Committee, growing the former from five to 32 members. At 27, he became a C-level executive of the Aging Services of North Cen- tral Massachusetts, using his creative talents to provide services to older adults in 21 communities. Ginisi's profound love for his hometown landed him on the board of Fitchburg Access Television and on the Fitchburg Airport Commission, which is a mayor-appointed position. He hosts and produces a TV show called Forks Over Fitchburg, highlighting the dining scene. - K.H. What is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for you? My parents, Gino & Brenda, for teaching me how to be a mover & shaker from a very early age. What Central Mass. activity should everyone try? Grabbing a drink and enjoying some live music with a group of friends at Hollis Hills Farm in Fitchburg. When a statue eventually gets built of you, what will the plaque say? It's called gravy, not sauce. David Ginisi, 28 Chief marketing officer Aging Services of North Central Massachusetts, in Leominster Residence: Fitchburg Birthplace: Worcester College: Fitchburg State University 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y Redemption Rock Brewing Co., in Worcester (Special thanks to Redemption Rock Brewing Co.) Birt is known for his ability to rally his team, set goals, and chart a course to meet them. In three years, he helped grow Solvus from $0 to $5 million in annual revenue, with the help of no outside investment, as Solvus grew from two employees to 36. It's no wonder he was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2018, the first WPI graduate to earn the distinction. An inherent self-starter, Birt designed his own PhD program in machine learning and materials science, and even secured funding with Oxford laser manufacturer IPG Photonics to back his research. That research then resulted in Birt pioneering the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence. For the community, he is working with the Venture Forum to build up the Worcester entrepreneurial ecosystem. And he has loftier goals to benefit all of the globe, including working in food and water sustainability, and mining in space. - M.B. What TV character would you like to be? Captain Malcolm Reynolds from Firefly – leaders makes mistakes, but they learn from them and take care of their team above all else. What did you learn from the coronavirus pandemic? Control what you can; don't worry about the rest. Why do you live in Central Mass.? Great educational institutions brought me here; the people and opportunity to grow have kept me here. What life goal will you accomplish in the next 10 years? Professionally, IPO at least three Solvus business units. Personally, visit all seven continents and scuba dive the Seven Seas. A visit to space, too! Aaron Birt, 31 Co-founder & CEO Solvus Global, in Worcester & Leominster; Kinetic Batteries, in Webster Residence: Sterling Birthplace: Dillsburg, Pa. Colleges: Lafayette College, Worcester Polytechnic Institute PHOTO/ERIKA SIDOR