Worcester Business Journal

14 Worcester Business Journal | March 4, 2024 | wbjournal.com F O C U S B U S I N E S S L E A D E R S O F T H E Y E A R PHOTO | MATT WRIGHT BY SLOANE M. PERRON Special to WBJ C oghlin Cos. has been at the forefront of innovation and technology since 1885 when J.P. Coghlin founded the company and helped invent an electrical generator known as the dynamo. Four generations later, Coghlin Cos. has grown exponentially to include Columbia Tech in Westborough and Cogmedix in West Boylston and is now a global leader in the commercialization of products found in the medical life science, semiconductor, robotics, food service, automation, and energy sectors. Chances are if you have used a cell phone, needed a medical device, gone through security at an airport, or even had laser treatment at a spa, you have interacted with a Coghlin product. Coghlin Cos. is constantly fostering the most cut- ting-edge technologies, but its leader, Chris Coghlin, has never lost sight of his great-grandfather's humble beginnings and puts building relationships with both clients and employees, known as caring associates, at Coghlin leads a fourth-generation company with heart and a focus on adaptability the forefront of his business. "Success to me is doing such a great job for custom- ers that they see the true value of our service rates and offerings and are willing to refer us to others," Coghlin said. "When we are referable, we grow, and when we grow, we are able to successfully generate profitability from these relationships that enable the advancement of our people and reinvestment into our community. It's an ongoing process we are proud of." Coghlin Cos. helps clients with proven technolo- gies and prototypes bring their products to market by building supply chains and creating designs for manufacturability. "Our purpose is to work intelligently and collabo- ratively with our clients to successfully commercialize some of the most innovative lifesaving and life-chang- ing products in the world," Coghlin said. Over the decades, Coghlin Cos. has faced historical events such as the Great Depression, World Wars, recessions, natural disasters, and the coronavirus pandemic. Coghlin credits the company's survival to fiscally conservative choices and the willingness to be adaptable. Coghlin Cos.' client base nearly doubled during the pandemic as it facilitated medical supplies, touch-free security, and robotic products rapidly needed during the crisis. Coghlin Cos. built 10,000 ventilators, bringing 200 of its employees back to work and saving their jobs. "During hard times, we always focused on the reten- tion of top talent and the versatility of our people first, never overextending on real estate investments, and do- ing our very best to drive a positive, accountable, and energetic culture regardless of the economic times we are experiencing," Coghlin said. "My dad taught me at a very young age in my career that when things are great, they are never as great as they seem, and when things seem terrible, they are never as bad as they seem." Self-described as an open-book realist who is friendly, transparent, and approachable, Coghlin tries to lead by example. Coghlin Cos. is headquartered in Westbor- ough, with 10 other facilities, including a new 100,000-square-foot facility in West Boylston, which is on the horizon. A resident of Shrewsbury, Coghlin un- derstands the positive ripple effect of creating business in the local economy. Family Business Leader of the Year Chris Coghlin President, CEO, & chief culture officer Coghlin Cos., in Westborough Employees: 800+ Birthplace: Worcester Residence: Shrewsbury Health food: Coghlin's favorite vegetable is french fries. Rock on: Coghlin was the guitar player in the Worcester-based cover band Probable Cause for more than 25 years.

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