Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | November 17, 2025 | Worcester Business Journal 21 Jacob Zapata Chief operating officer & partner The Tocci Group, in Fitchburg Residence: Boston Military branch: U.S. Army Served: 4.5 years Rank at discharge: Sergeant Jacob Zapata joined the U.S. Army and its special operations craving something incredibly difficult: an opportunity to prove he could not just endure it, but thrive and lead. Following his time at Cornell University, he wanted life experiences few people ever get and the character traits earned from real challenge and hardship. He joined to be an Army Ranger and contributed overseas during the war in Afghanistan, testing himself while doing something that mattered. Serving as a Ranger in the 75th Ranger Regiment, Zapata completed two de- ployments to Afghanistan. e experience instilled a deep sense of accountability, a non-negotiable high standard, and teamwork that now guide how he manages projects, builds partnerships, and executes long-term goals in commercial real estate. Today, as COO and partner at e Tocci Group in Fitchburg, Zapata is an ac- tive developer in Central Massachusetts, leading retail mixed-use and multifamily redevelopment projects emphasizing long-term value creation. His transition from military service to commercial real estate has been marked by impressive results. He has been directly involved in the sale of 338 properties totaling $1.01 billion in transaction volume. e military taught Zapata how to operate under pressure, make clear deci- sions with limited information, and stay the course through uncertainty, all essen- tial in commercial real estate, especially when projects can take years to complete. e mindset that got him through tough missions is the same one that drives him to overcome challenges and succeed in business today. Lawrence "Larry" Sasso Entrepreneur & investment advisor representative Lawrence Sasso Insurance & Financial Services Inc., in Sutton Residence: Grafton Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps Served: 8 years Rank at discharge: E-5 sergeant Lawrence "Larry" Sasso enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps to find direction, structure, and purpose, with a strong desire to serve his country. He loved the motto: "e Few. e Proud. e Marines." He wanted to earn the title and em- brace the challenge. e summer of 1986 at Parris Island, South Carolina, was the toughest training of his life. Graduating from boot camp and earning the title of U.S. marine provided him confidence he carries today. e military taught him to plan, prepare, have a backup plan, and never give up. e Marines taught him the mind is a terrible thing to waste, which inspired him to continue his studies. He learned to be courageous, take risks, focus, have self-control, and be determined. e military taught him to excel at critical think- ing, making him a lifelong learner. For almost 30 years, Sasso has been a financial services professional. He graduat- ed from Northcentral University with a doctorate in business administration, and he holds a master's degree from Worcester State University. He holds the desig- nations of certified life underwriter, chartered financial consultant, and registered health underwriter. e main values he learned in the military are discipline, service, integrity, hon- esty, humility, and respect. Beyond his business, he served as head soball coach at Anna Maria College and was appointed to Worcester State University's Board of Trustees in 2021. He serves as post commander of East Side Post 201. He released his first book, "Get in the Game" to educate young adults on financial planning and life lessons from sports. VETERANS IN BUSINESS F O C U S

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