Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1541233
20 Worcester Business Journal | November 17, 2025 | wbjournal.com NOTRE DAME HEALTH CARE 2025 ANNUAL FALL EVENT VISIONARY SPONSOR notredamehealthcare.org PRESENTING CO SPONSORS PARTNER IN CARE SPONSORS We are grateful to all of our contributors who made our 2025 Annual Fall Event a success. To learn how you can help support our mission, please contact Paige Thayer at pthayer@notredamehealthcare.org or (508) 852-5800 x2509. THANK YOU! To our sponsors for their generous support! MEDIA SPONSORS The Catholic Free Press Worcester Business Journal FLOURISHING SPONSORS BeeHive Pros CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) Health Plans Inc. SUPPORTING SPONSORS Atlantic Charter/Sallop Insurance E.L. Harvey & Sons, Inc. Favulli Electric Inc. Garabedian Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Harvard Pilgrim Health Care One Digital PEACE OF MIND SPONSORS Central Security-CPS Cogswell Sprinkler Co., Inc. Geriatric Medical Mintz ProCare LTC Pharmacy Webster Five Holidays with theClub December 4 5:30 PM Kick-off to the Festival of Trees! www.bgcworcester.org/trees $75/ ticket Worcester Area Mission Society 6 Institute Road Worcester, MA 01609 December 5 & December 6 Festival of Trees Decorated holiday trees/displays will be raffled off to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester! F O C U S VETERANS IN BUSINESS Don Prescott Coordinator of training & professional development City of Worcester Residence: Worcester Military branch: U.S. Army Reserve Served: 13 years Rank at discharge: E-6 staff sergeant Don Prescott joined the U.S. Army Reserve be- cause he came from a family of service members and wanted to continue that leg- acy. At the time, he didn't have a clear direction in life, but the military gave him structure, purpose, and a sense of belonging. It taught him discipline, leadership, and the value of service. e hardest part about coming home aer serving in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan was figuring out who he was without the uniform. In the military, everything had a purpose, and he always had his team with a strong sense of camaraderie. Back home, that structure and sense of direction were gone. It took time to adjust to a different pace and to people who didn't understand those experiences. His time in the military taught him discipline, flexibility, and how to stay calm when things get tough. He learned how to work with all kinds of people, make quick decisions, and stay focused. ose lessons carried over into his career, especially the importance of leading by example, taking responsibility, and putting people first. Prescott has built a distinguished career rooted in public service and servant leadership. He served at the Worcester Housing Authority, where he was promoted several times, eventually becoming vice president of training and development. In 2022, he began working for the City of Worcester. He serves as coordinator of training and professional development in the Executive Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. As a disabled veteran, inclusion and accessibility are always on the forefront of his mind, especially in his work. Rick Porter President Cinch IT & Soccer Asylum, in Worcester & Paxton Residence: Princeton Military branch: U.S. Army Rick Porter's military experiences provided a strong foundation in leadership, discipline, and strategic planning. He gained skills like operating effectively under pressure, adaptability, and teamwork, which are crucial for navigating the chal- lenges of the business world. As an Army Ranger, he learned a commitment to ex- cellence, a strong work ethic, resourcefulness, and a bias for action that continues to drive his success. Socialization in the civilian world proved much different than the military world during his transition. Military communication emphasizes clarity and brevity, and in the civilian sector, this can sometimes be misconstrued as cold or indifferent. It is a habit that takes time to adapt to the civilian world, requiring patience and adjustment. Today, Porter leads Cinch IT, a nationally franchised company, and Soccer Asylum, a large indoor sports club in Paxton. He has built a business actively supporting the veteran community, with 50% of Cinch IT franchise locations owned by veterans. He provides them with a military discount to open their locations. Each month, he coaches and mentors Cinch IT franchise owners, discussing business basics as well as military and civilian-specific challenges they face. e main value he learned in the military and carries into his professional life is extreme personal responsibility. is mindset of taking responsibility and learning from mistakes is a critical component of everyday life. Beyond his busi- ness endeavors, he raises funds forWhy Me & Sherry's House with an annual 100 Mile Ruck race he created, while juggling multiple companies, coaching youth soccer, and being a dedicated father.