Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | May 19, 2025 | Worcester Business Journal 37 "Power is the ability to create a product with long-term viability in the market consistent with values that sustain employment and purpose in the community." - Daniel Nigrosh, Can Am Machinery Jennifer Flanagan Long Senior vice president Liberty Square Group, headquartered in Boston Residence: Leominster Former state senator Jen Flanagan Long had always been a strong leader, someone who focused on the needs of her city, but also taking on the critical issues of mental health and substance-use disorder. Jen has a way of connecting people with concerns she saw in her district but, in reality, were statewide struggles. Jen is someone who will let you know exactly what she's thinking, but she will stop everything to help peo- ple in need. e compassion she put into helping peo- ple who struggle with mental health and substance-use disorder, and the strong will to help provide the tools necessary for them to succeed, was unmatched. Jen collaborated on both sides of the aisle, as she thought these policy areas weren't dictated by political parties, but by a desire to get people to a place they were thriv- ing. "People, not politics" is what she would say. As one of the first five Cannabis Control Commis- sioners, Jen worked hard to uphold the will of the vot- ers to stand up the adult-use cannabis industry while putting balanced regulations in place to ensure consumers were safe. e work she did at the CCC helped build a multi-billion dollar industry. • Story by Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson Julie Orozco Executive director Abby's House, in Worcester Residence: Millbury Words that come to mind when I think of Julie Orozco: authentic, bold, compassionate, innovative, collabo- rative. Leader. Julie is unapologetically herself, which empowers her team and those they serve to follow suit. She brings a perspective to her work that blends lived experience and clinical expertise, a powerful combination. She's a connector, a cheerleader, and a fierce advocate. I first met Julie half a lifetime ago when we were both living and working in North Central Massachu- setts. We were young professionals, learning about life. One of many things I'm proud to share with Julie (in addition to our first names) is we've never lost that thirst to grow and evolve. Abby's House is respected for its unique conver- gence of a strong foundational history and commit- ment to progress. With Julie at the helm, the nonprofit continues to uphold its mission of nearly five decades and prioritize safety and dignity for those they serve. Meanwhile, she guides the organization to advance its programming and approaches to achieve the most effective outcomes in the face of an ever-changing society. • Story by Julie Bowditch, executive director of CASA Project Worcester County Daniel Nigrosh President Can-Am Machinery, in Fitchburg Residence: Boston Dan Nigrosh understands how to take what a city has and turn it into what a city needs. As the owner of Can-Am Machinery, he's spent decades building a global business right here in Fitchburg: buying, selling, and refurbishing equipment for the paper industry with clients around the world. Operating out of a 254,000-square-foot historic mill, Dan brings not just technical expertise but deep experience in the industrial economy. Dan's been a leader in repurposing Fitchburg's in- dustrial infrastructure, notably through the thought- ful redevelopment of the Emerson Falls mill complex. He's created a welcoming home for local businesses like Mully's Indoor Golf Lounge, Next Generation Elite Sports Performance, Supernatural All Stars, Madore Photography, and Oliver's Café by the Falls – a cafe and restaurant with the most beautiful waterfall setting – helping to spark new life and foot traffic in a space once dedicated solely to manufacturing. As Fitchburg prepares to close the chapter on its paper mill era, Dan's work stands out as a model for how we transition with purpose, turning industrial decline into opportunity. • Story by Fitchburg Mayor Sam Squailia Karen Pelletier Executive vice president Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, in Worcester Residence: Worcester Karen's impact on Central Mass. has been nothing short of transformative. My introduction to Karen began when she served as the director of student affairs for the Higher Education Consortium of Central Massachusetts, where she championed career readiness, community engagement, and strong ties between students and the city. at passion for cultivating talent made her transition to the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce a natural progression. At the chamber, Karen has played a pivotal role in expanding strategic partnerships, launching dynamic marketing initiatives, and building meaningful intern- ship pipelines between students and local employers. Her influence is perhaps most visible in the growth of Leadership Worcester, a program she has nurtured into a thriving network of 200+ emerging leaders. Now approaching its 10th cohort, the program empowers professionals to drive positive change. As the saying goes, "e best way to predict your future is to create it." Karen embodies that vision, shaping her own path and the future of Worcester with purpose, passion, and a commitment to community. • Story by Che Anderson, assistant vice chancellor at UMass Chan Medical School Hank Stolz Founder Radio Worcester, in Worcester Residence: Worcester Hank Soltz is a vivid example reflecting that following one's passion with hard work brings success! Hank has de- veloped and architected his special gi of talking and broadcasting into an extraordinary class! From 1997 to 2007, he performed as a host of Morning News and News Director at WTAG radio station at Paxton. In the journey of life, many of us face challenges and difficult times, and it was no exception for Hank. e difference between him and many others is Hank never gives up, and he keeps his high hope alive. His goal always has been to be the source through which people could deliver their inner messages or find a platform to educate and inspire many listeners. Finally, in 2019, Hank founded the Radio Worcester Network to launch a program titled e Talk of the Commonwealth. It is a dream come true achieve- ment for him! is medium now is one of the most popular sources of conversation in various subject matters such as politics, literature, arts, culture, sports, education, and science. While Hank is an exemplary professional talk show radio host, he is also a genuine- ly good person: always helpful, very friendly, and accommodating to serve each individual and organizations in the community. • Story by Satya Mitra, CEO of e Guru Tax & Financial Services Michaelangelo Mangual Owner Michaelangelo's Barbershop & Nails and Que Rico Quirico's restaurant, in Worcester Residence: Worcester Power has always only been as powerful as those who acquiesce to it. Influence on the other hand is a skill I find to be far more superior in commanding both respect and admiration. I can think of no greater example in Worcester than Michaelangelo Mangual. Michaelangelo is an eastside kid. Growing up on the eastside means you understand struggle, hard work, disappointment, persistence, adversity, and hustle all before middle school. We met not too long aer he had finished high school. I've watched him go from dreaming to owning his own shop. Today he owns two businesses, Michaelangelo's Barbershop & Nails located in the Canal District and Que Rico Quirico's, a Puerto Rican styled café in the Midtown Mall. Mikey is grounded in the fundamental belief that success is not an individualistic path but a collective one. His business is rooted in family, opportunity, mentorship, and unapologetic truth. While the diversity of his clientele may range, his authenticity never wavers. He speaks truth to power and to the youth he mentors. • Story by Joseph Corrazini, vice president for government and community affairs at Clark Univesrity THE INSIDERS

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