Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | August 22, 2022 | Worcester Business Journal 21 Cabinet Refinishing Specialists C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S LAUREN CROSSMAN-NANOF WBJ 40 UNDER 40 RECEIPIENT OWNER, REVIVE PAINTING & FINISHING Interior & Exterior Painting Color Consultations Fully Licensed/Insured @revivepaints Scan to schedule your free estimate! 978-500-8420 www.revivepaints.com Commercial/Residential MasisStaffing.com 1331 Grafton Street, Worcester MA 01604 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y Rodriguez started out in the hospitality industry at 16, worked her way up to a hotel manager, and, in 2019, opened her own Puerto Rican restaurant, where she is the head chef. She faced her share of challenges in the beginning: Nuestra opened months before the COVID-19 pandemic and, despite pivoting to takeout and catering, was forced to shutter its brick-and-mortar location. Rodriguez's luck changed, however, when she decided to move her business to Worcester's Bull Mansion, an historic 14,600-square-foot building on Pearl Street. Although it was a dauntingly large space, which required some considerable elbow grease, Nuestra has become a city landmark offering an event venue and regular dining hours. With an unmistakably powerful presence, Rodriguez is a mentor to her employees, as well as a leader in the business community. She offers financial literacy and credit consultancy and is committed to supporting more women in business. Throughout the pandemic, she partnered with the Coalition for a Healthy Greater Worcester to serve hot meals to those experiencing homelessness. - K.H. What movie best encapsulates your personality? "The Pursuit of Happyness" What Central Mass. historical figure do you most admire? Clara Barton What is one key to business success most people don't know about? Other people's opinions about you do not pay your bills. Outside of your career and family, what has been your marquee life experience? Besides becoming a mother, I would say making top 100 on "MasterChef" season 2. Natalie Rodriguez, 38 Owner Nuestra, in Worcester Residence: Worcester Birthplace: Worcester College: Quinsigamond Community College A founding member of Masis Staffing Solutions, Vaccaro grew the company from 40 internal employees in 2015 to 325 today, with operations in 20 states. He chalks up the company's rapid climb to its dedicated, hardworking employee base and family-owned status. Volunteer work is a pillar of Masis' organizational culture; Vaccaro allows payroll employees to use their working hours to volunteer for an organization of their choice. He has a goal of helping immigrants enter the workforce while meeting the requirements of clients the company serves. Outside of his professional success, Vaccaro is passionate about baseball. In his early 20s, he played for the Worcester Tornadoes, and the 2005 championship team of the now-defunct Can-AM League, fulfilling a lifelong dream of playing professionally. Today, he serves as an assistant coach of the American Legion Baseball team Shrewsbury Post 397 for players ages 15-19. Over the years, the team has won two regional championships, and twice played in the American Legion World Series in Shelby, N.C. The program is not only about baseball, he says, but about collaboration, teamwork, synergy, and accountability. - L.F. What has been your favorite nickname people have used for you? Lately, my 2-year-old son has started calling me Matt. Even though that is my name, it is very funny coming from his mouth. What Central Mass. restaurant should everyone try at least once? Nuovo, great food and even better service If you gave a keynote at a college graduation, what advice would you give? "Success consists of going from failure to failure without the loss of enthusiasm," Winston Churchill When do you want to retire? Never. I believe we always have the potential to make a difference. Matthew Vaccaro, 39 President Masis Staffing Solutions, in Worcester Residence: Shrewsbury Birthplace: Staten Island, N.Y. College: Framingham State University

• Cover