Worcester Business Journal

24 Worcester Business Journal | August 16, 2021 | wbjournal.com 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y Polar Park, in Worcester (Special thanks to the Worcester Red Sox) Haddad has spent the last six years growing her self-funded company, much like her goods, from scratch. In that time, she's received a multitude of eye-catching certifications and awards, including being designated as a nationally and state-certified women business enterprise, certified Kosher products manufacturer, certified vegan products manufacturer, and certified GFCO manufacturing plant through the Gluten-Free Certification Organization. She was named Entrepreneur of the Year for 2020 by the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, no small feat for someone in business only since 2015. Originally having learned how to blend spices and make rubs from her grandmother, she spends time helping to teach and mentor other young entrepreneurs, donating to a variety of Central Mass. organizations and serving as a speaker for business classes at Clark University and MassBay Community College. An inspiration to those around her, Haddad is most proud of being both self-made and running a woman- owned manufacturing company focusing on producing wholesome, allergen-friendly food products. - M.B. What world record would you like to have? Most free meals given to underprivileged children in a single day on a national scale, perhaps worldwide! Favorite Central Mass. restaurant? My most cherished memories will always be of the El Morocco Restaurant on Wall Street in Worcester! From the beautiful sounds of jazz flowing through the trumpet of my grandfather, Emil Haddad, to the immeasurable list of Hollywood stars, no restaurant has been able to capture the ambiance, culture and exquisite Lebanese cuisine the same. Alicia Haddad, 38 Founder, owner & chief operations manager Alicia's Spice Co. & Alicia's Homemade, in Worcester Residence: Worcester Birthplace: Worcester First joining Cunningham while an undergraduate at Nichols, Foley spent nearly the last two decades climbing the company's ladder, ultimately ascending to partner, specifically in charge of client engagement. With Foley's help, Cunningham has grown at least 20% year over year for the last six years. Foley has expanded his repertoire, receiving his certified business analyst designation in 2018, which allows him to assist clients with both growing and maintaining their businesses, including mergers, acquisitions and succession planning. When he's not tending to Cunningham, Foley sits on the executive board of the Blackstone Valley Education Hub, as well as the MassHire Central Region Workforce Board. In 2018, Foley launched C&A Cares, an initiative at Cunnhiman in which staff are encouraged to volunteer their time to organizations in the community, with support going to groups like The March of Dimes, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and CASA. - M.B. If you could time travel to any decade, which one would you pick? I'm going back to the 1980s. Big hair, rock music, what's not to love?? Plus, I'd give myself a few stock tips. Is there alien life? I sure hope so! Just not the kind from the movie Independence Day. What Central Mass. community is best? Can you really pick a favorite child? Growing up and working in the Worcester community, this area will always have a special place in my heart. What life goal will you accomplish in the next 10 years? Being a father to two happy young children, my primary goal is to be the best dad I can be. I also will continue to find passion in the work I do on a daily basis and support my team. Ryan Foley, 37 Partner Cunningham & Associates, in Worcester Residence: Shrewsbury Birthplace: Worcester College: Nichols College PHOTO/ERIKA SIDOR

• Cover