Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1538711
30 Worcester Business Journal | August 25, 2025 | wbjournal.com 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y Andrew Bartholomew, 36 Attorney Seder & Chandler, in Worcester Residence: Worcester Birthplace: Worcester Colleges: Boston College, Boston College Law School Andrew Bartholomew has established himself as a rising star in Central Massachusetts' legal community through his sophis- ticated handling of complex civil litigation, including contract challenges, shareholder issues, business torts, and employment matters. As an associate in Seder & Chandler's litigation and labor & employment practice groups, he has defended fran- chise owners against territorial encroachment claims, advised solar energy companies in multi-state litigation, and represented employers in labor disputes. In a multimillion-dollar federal cannabis partnership lawsuit, he coordinated strategy with a multi-firm trial team and helped secure a favorable jury verdict. Bartholomew serves on Worcester's Parks & Recreation Commission and was elected in June to the Worcester County Bar Association's executive commit- tee. His previous board service includes youth arts nonprofit Main IDEA and the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester. What actor would play you in a movie? Jason Segel. He has the experience of playing a lawyer on TV and is (almost) tall and funny enough for the part. Favorite Central Mass. community? I'd be a fraud if I didn't go with my hometown of West Boylston! I'm a proud product of the WB public school system, K-12. Lesson for the next generation? Be true to yourself. Find the style or technique that feels most authentic to you and embrace it. You'll feel more comfortable and confident. Best vacation? I was technically supposed to be studying, but my semester abroad in Madrid during college will always be special to me. Being thrown into another culture and realizing I did not, in fact, know how to speak Spanish all that well was incredibly eye-opening. Andrew DeChristopher, 28 Co-founder & director of engineering Fitchburg Fiber, in Fitchburg Residence: Fitchburg Birthplace: Boston Andrew DeChristopher is providing digital equity in Fitchburg through his vision of affordable, community-fo- cused internet access. Co-founding Fitchburg Fiber in December 2020 with Tristan Taylor, he was inspired by stories of families forced to use mall Wi-Fi for remote schooling during the coronavirus pandemic when they couldn't afford home internet service. Drawing from his background in software engineering and tele- communications infrastructure gained at Facebook's Mid- dle Mile Infrastructure subsidiary, DeChristopher engineered a resilient wireless mesh network throughout Fitchburg's downtown. The company's innovative approach provides high-quality internet service at a flat rate of $40 per month with no price increases, directly challenging corporate internet providers. DeChristopher has personally funded much of the startup during its most difficult periods while working full-time as a software engi- neer. His dedication has paid off as Fitchburg Fiber now contracts with downtown housing projects, connects small businesses, and serves hundreds of residents and businesses. During a four-day unplanned power outage at their central office, DeChristopher and his team maintained critical internet and telephone services for the entire community while managing personal emergencies. His vision extends beyond Fitchburg as he hopes to help other communities create their own low-cost internet systems, building infrastructure truly by and for the people. Do you prefer working from home or the office? Office Favorite Central Mass. community? Fitchburg What song has the best life advice? "Old Ties and Compan- ions" by Watchhouse What do you most want to accomplish in the next 50 years? Build infrastructure and systems that are by and for the people. PHOTO | JAIME FLORES Advantage Truck Group, in Shrewsbury (Special thanks to Matt McCuin)