Worcester Business Journal

18 Worcester Business Journal | June 8, 2026 | wbjournal.com P OW E R 1 0 0 R E A L E S TAT E Neil Angus Director & land use administrator Devens Enterprise Commission, in Devens Age: 53 Employees: 3 Annual revenue: $2 million e success of Devens as a business destination is no accident. For three decades, Angus and the Devens Enterprise Commission have helped create one of Massachusetts' most business-friendly devel- opment environments, combining streamlined per- mitting with a focus on sustainability. Today, Devens is home to about 100 businesses employing nearly 7,700 people. In 2025 alone, more than 780,000 square feet of development was permitted, under construction, or completed, while major invest- ments from Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Bristol Myers Squibb, and other advanced manufacturers continued reshaping the region's economy. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? I take a holistic view of redevelopment, considering the economic, social, environmental, and cultural impacts of planning decisions. What one habit should powerful leaders prac- tice? Listening. Welcoming differing points of view fosters respect, trust, and better decision-making. What is your favorite book on leadership? "Design With Nature" by Ian McHarg. Its principles have guided my career in environmental planning and sustainable development. Roberta Brien Executive vice president Worcester Business Development Corp., in Worcester Age: 54 Employees: 10 Some of Worcester's most significant develop- ment opportunities begin long before a building is constructed. For the last eight years, Brien has spearheaded efforts to acquire, clean up, and prepare 51 acres of former industrial land for redevelop- ment. Since 2025, she has overseen more than $20 million in contracts, administered over $18 million in grants, and completed remediation of key parcels at GreenTech Park, one of the most ambitious economic development projects in Worcester. e project redeveloping portions of the former Saint- Gobain property is expected to support 1,000 jobs and create one of the region's premier advanced manufacturing campuses. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? I ask a lot of questions. Learning about businesses and development goals helps create better outcomes. What is one habit powerful leaders should practice every day? Perspective. It helps leaders see the big picture, appreciate progress, remain flexible, and better manage challenges. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? Cen- tral Massachusetts deserves an organization willing to take on difficult projects that create opportunities. Jim, Nick & Mel Chacharone Principals Chacharone Properties, in Worcester Employees: 5 Few families have invested more consistently in Worcester real estate than the Chacharon- es. For decades, Jim Chachar- one has pursued projects others overlooked, while Nick and Mel are helping carry that approach into the future. Since 2025, the family has completed a $6-mil- lion, 40,000-square-foot manu- facturing facility in Sturbridge, a $9-million, 50,000-square- foot industrial building in Worcester, and acquired 20 Washington Square for potential redevelopment. eir willingness to invest in underutilized properties has made the Chacha- rones one of the most influential development families in Central Massachusetts. - B.K. What is one habit powerful leaders should practice every day? Conviction. Jim has passionate- ly believed in Worcester for more than four decades and pursues projects others don't believe in. How do you unwind? Jim and Nick are car en- thusiasts. Mel is an avid golfer. PHOTO | COURTESY OF NAI GLICKMAN KOVAGO & JACOBS Jim Glickman Founding principal NAI Glickman Kovago & Jacobs, in Worcester Age: 59 Employees: 32 Commercial real estate transactions oen deter- mine where companies expand, invest, and create jobs. Over 40 years, Glickman has become one of the most influential brokers in Central Massachusetts, helping shape the region's commercial landscape through long-standing relationships with business- es, developers, and property owners. In the past few years alone, he completed approximately $110 million in lease and sale transactions across the U.S. while remaining deeply involved in Worcester's busi- ness and nonprofit communities. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? My ability to build relationships that last decades. I have clients who have trusted me since 1986 because I show up consistently, deliver results, and genuinely care about the people I work with. What is one habit powerful leaders should practice every day? Listen more than you talk. e best decisions come from understanding what clients, partners, and teammates need. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? Worcester has always had real potential, and I've been fortunate to help shape its commercial landscape. How do you unwind? Surfing, windsurfing, fish- ing, sailing, spearfishing, skiing, and spending time with family. "What I believe in is influence, and that's earned over time through integrity, relationships, and genuine investment in the people and communities around you." - Jim Glickman, NAI Glickman Kovago & Jacobs

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