Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1538711
20 Worcester Business Journal | August 25, 2025 | wbjournal.com 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y Delcie Bean IV, 39 CEO Paragus Strategic IT, in Worcester Residence: Spofford, New Hampshire Birthplace: Ojai, California Delcie Bean IV's entrepreneurial journey began at just 14 years old when he founded what would become Paragus Strategic IT. Over two decades, he has built his startup into a $10-million company that earned a spot on Inc. Magazine's list of the 5,000 fastest- growing private companies for four consecutive years. Under his leadership, Paragus transitioned to an employee-owned company, achieved Forbes Small Giant status in 2020 and expanded into Worcester in 2021, creating 15 new employee-owner positions. As founder of Tech Foundry, he has created pathways for hundreds of underrepresented individuals to enter the technology workforce, transforming lives while addressing regional skills gaps. His nine- year tenure as a Bay Path University trustee and role as Florence Savings Bank corporator demonstrate his commitment to educational access and regional economic empowerment. The annual Paragus Firehouse Cookoff, which he organizes at Polar Park in Worcester, raises more than $20,000 for local causes. His ability to distill complex ideas into easily understood explanations makes him a sought-after mentor and speaker. What TV show best describes your life journey? "Ted Lasso" – culture-first leadership. My journey has been about leading with humility, asking great questions, and building a team that believes in each other. Best place to relax in Central Mass.? Definitely Mezcal Cantina. I am all about the tacos. What do you want to accomplish in the next 50 years? Personally, I want to raise my three boys to be happy, healthy, and thriving. Professionally, I want to turn 100 of our employee-owners into millionaires. Margie Breault, 34 Business & community advancement manager for City of Worcester Owner of Prism of Brilliance, in Worcester Residence: Worcester Birthplace: Worcester Colleges: Fitchburg State University, University of the People Margie Breault embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and community dedication that define Worcester's next generation of leaders. In her role at the City of Worcester, she has launched the Diverse Business Certification Grant program. As owner of Prism of Brilliance, she opened a physical wellness location on Grafton Street. Her work with the City has resulted in distributing 200+ COVID pandemic relief grants to small businesses and establishing partnerships to prioritize certified-diverse vendors, creating substantial savings while supporting minority-owned and women- owned businesses. As program manager at EforAll, she stewarded four cohorts and helped more than 75 businesses. Her commitment to empowerment extends through her mentoring work with both EforAll and StartUp Worcester, her role as judge for Young Professional Women's Association of Worcester speech competitions, and her position on the Worcester Regional Food Hub board. What actor would play you in a movie? Mae Whitman What life lesson do you have for the next generation? A belief system that limits you is not the truth. Challenge anything that makes it feel like you have no choices. What do you want to accomplish in the next 50 years? Build a sustainable and conscious community committed to moving with the laws of nature and practicing harm to none and liberation to all. PHOTO | MATT WRIGHT Southwick's Zoo, in Mendon