Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | November 17, 2025 | Worcester Business Journal 19 Bruce Mendelsohn Resource development & communications coordinator MassHire Central Region Workforce Board, in Worcester Residence: Millbury Military branch: U.S. Army Served: 3 years Rank at discharge: Second lieutenant Bruce Mendelsohn joined the U.S. Army motivated by his family's history of military service. ree generations of Mendelsohns have served as U.S. Army officers. He grew up in the 1980s, where many of his contemporaries wanted to be like Gordon Gekko, but he wanted to be like John Rambo. Having served overseas the majority of his military career, it was a challenge adjusting to the sheer abundance in America. He was overstimulated and over- whelmed. Now more than three decades removed from the Army, he tries to be mindful and grateful for this abundance. Military service taught him the seven key principles of servant leadership: putting others first, authenticity, strong communication, integrity, compassion, empowerment, and continuous improvement. He learned the value of suffering. In the military, sometimes you have to suffer, go without, and sacrifice for others. Over the past five and a half years at MassHire Central Region Workforce Board, Mendelsohn has written grant applications generating more than $21 million in awards. His success has directly benefited more than 5,000 adults and youth, including veterans. At the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services, he proposed and orchestrated a statewide hiring campaign to recruit recently discharged veterans. At Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, he coordinated bian- nual visits to New England by Israel Defense Forces veterans. For the past decade, he has been one of 10-15 wounded U.S. military veterans who spend an aernoon with wounded Israel Defense Forces veterans during annual Brothers for Life delegation visits. Vincent "Vin" Perrone President & CEO Veterans Inc., in Worcester Residence: Boylston Military branch: U.S. Air Force Served: 20 years Rank at discharge: Lt. colonel Vincent "Vin" Perrone joined the U.S. Air Force because, from a very early age, he had the desire to fly jets and a passion to serve his country. He attended Norwich University, the oldest private military college in the nation and the birthplace of ROTC, where he earned his commission. His flying career was cut short due to a medical injury, but he loved the Air Force so much that he remained on active duty and devoted himself to the acquisition management business. e most difficult part of transitioning to civilian life was adjusting to a lax cul- ture. He was used to very strong bonds, camaraderie, loyalty, esprit de corps, and mission focus. He noticed that, to most people, it was just a job and not a vocation. His military career taught him integrity, service before self, and excellence in all endeavors. He learned to develop strategic initiatives, work with defense contrac- tors, and manage business contracts. He earned level III certification in program management and acquisition logistics and ran multibillion-dollar programs for the U.S. Department of Defense. Over 30 years ago, Perrone became involved in a grassroots effort to care for homeless veterans. He became president and CEO of Veterans Inc., a charitable organization that has helped more than 100,000 veterans and their families in need. Under his leadership, Veterans Inc. has grown to become the largest sup- portive services agency for veterans and their families, offering programs in eight states including all six New England states, Montana, and North Dakota. In 1994, Veterans Inc. became the first shelter in the country to provide help to homeless female veterans. VETERANS IN BUSINESS F O C U S

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