Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | August 19, 2024 | Worcester Business Journal 31 Congratulations to Elisa Chan, Managing Partner and Financial Advisor on being selected for the WBJ 40 Under Forty Class of 2024! Your dedication, passion and commitment to excellence is an inspiration to us all. No matter where you are in your financial life, our team of dedicated and experienced professionals can help you achieve your financial goals. Registered Representative, Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisor Representative, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. G9 Financial and Cambridge are not affiliated. www.g9financial.com 7 South Main Street, Millbury, MA 01527 508-865-9599 • Personalized service and expertise for every stage of life. • Guidance and direction for how to best protect and grow your financial future. THERE WILL BE ON SEPTEMBER 25 TH 4 0 U N D E R 4 0 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y Central Rock Gym is one of the largest rock climbing chains in the world, with millions of visits each year. Hardy, along with his brother, has worked to grow the business, pushed through the COVID-19 pandemic, and has made significant strides since winning WBJ's 40 Under Forty award 12 years ago. In 2012, Central Rock Gym consisted of two locations in Massachusetts, but now the gym has expanded across 30 locations in six states. When he was starting the business, Hardy had to convince a bank he could run his busi- ness at 22 years old, but he is now leading that same business with more than 1,000 employees. He created a space welcoming and accessible to all climbers, regardless of experience or background, and builds communities through the gym's youth programs, compe- titions, and fundraising events. Hardy has always given back to the Worcester community, donating thousands of free climbing sessions to undeserving kids and served as a member of the Community Development Advisory Committee in Worcester in 2012. Now, he continues to donate his time to Worcester by volunteering at shelter charities and coaching soccer. – S.B. What did getting the 40u40 award mean to you at the time? Those first years of growing the business were really challenging, so it meant a lot to be recognized for that work when we first opened the business. It felt great the community really valued the business. What does it mean to you now? Very much the same, but now with the growth of the business. It feels great Central Rock is being recognized for adding all those jobs and serv- ing the community in an exciting way with the sport of indoor rock climbing. What advice do you have for this year's 40u40 winners? Take care of your health! How has Central Massachusetts changed since you won the 40u40 award? There is more private investment and development pouring into the city. I have seen a sizable transfor- mation of the downtown, and people recognizing the value the city provides with a lower cost of living. We like that Central Rock has been a small part of that transformation. Class of 2012 Ed Hardy Then: Co-CEO, Central Rock Gym, in Worcester Now: Co-CEO, Central Rock Gym, in Worcester 2024 2012 At Reliant Foundation, Zereski leads fundraising efforts, allowing the organization to provide funding to nonprofits serving 70 towns throughout Central Massachusetts. Under Zereski's leadership, in 2023 Reliant Foundation awarded $850,000 in grants to 54 nonprofit organizations working to address critical mental health and behavioral health issues in their communities. Also in 2023, the Reliant Foundation drew more than 225 registered participants to its annual Reliant Foundation 5K, one of the largest turnouts since the organization's first hosted the run in 2012, raising more than $31,000. Zereski volunteers for the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, Nativity School of Worcester, Seven Hills Foundation, and Stoneleigh-Burnham School. She acts as corporator for the EcoTarium in Worcester, GWCF, and the YMCA of Central Massa- chusetts while serving as trustee of the George F. and Sybil H. Fuller Foundation. An equestrian for more than 40 years, in 2017 Zereski and her business partner took over ownership of Triple Crown Tack Shop, a West Boylston equestrian retail store. – M.K.M. What did getting the 40u40 award mean to you at the time? Receiving the 40 under Forty award meant my work contributions were being taken seriously. Receiving that recognition affirmed I was on the right career path within the nonprofit sector and gave me confidence to seek out leadership roles. What does it mean to you now? Twenty years later, I'm proud to be part of a great group of leaders who were recognized through WBJ's 40 Under Forty program. I have met a number of talented individuals through this program, and it has helped me continue to build a network full of people who care about the community and get things done. What advice do you have for this year's 40u40 winners? Take this opportunity to rein- vest in yourself and your career, knowing you are on the path to greater success in the future. This is just the beginning! Class of 2004 Kelsa Zereski Then: Director of institutional advancement and alumni relations, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, in Worcester Now: President, Reliant Foundation, in Worcester 2024 2004

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