Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | June 8, 2026 | Worcester Business Journal 29 Ralph Crowley Jr. President & CEO Polar Beverages, in Worcester Employees: 2,500 Central Mass. employees: 750 Annual revenue: Approximately $1.5 billion Few business leaders are as closely tied to Worcester's identity as Crowley. As the longtime steward of Polar Beverages, he has overseen the growth of one of the city's most recognizable companies into a national beverage manufactur- er with approximately $1.5 billion in revenue. His influence extends beyond business through investments in Worcester's future, including a mi- nority-ownership stake in the Worcester Red Sox and efforts to redevelop the Worcester Memorial Auditorium. In 2025, Polar continued expanding its manufacturing footprint with growth at its Texas facility. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? Get things done. What is one habit powerful leaders should practice every day? Managing by getting an A for attendance. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? e workforce is outstanding. What is your favorite book on leadership? "e Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin." Patrick Dwyer President, abrasives and construction fabrics North America Saint-Gobain, in Worcester Headquarters: Courbevoie, France Age: 54 Employees: 162,000 Central Mass. employees: 1,200 Annual revenue: $54 billion Manufacturing innovation remains a cornerstone of Worcester's economy, and Dwyer has helped ensure one of the city's oldest industrial institutions continues investing in its future. In 2025, Saint- Gobain completed its new administration building with zero recordable safety incidents while incorpo- rating more than 30 company products into the proj- ect. Looking ahead, innovations emerging from the company's Northborough research hub are expected to move into production in Worcester, strengthening the region's advanced manufacturing base and creat- ing new opportunities for growth. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? Act with urgency. Opportunities don't wait, and nei- ther should we. Decisive, thoughtful action drives results and keeps momentum moving forward toward your goals. What is one habit powerful leaders should practice every day? Support your team. Strong leaders ensure people have the resources, clarity, and encouragement needed to succeed. Leslie Greis Owner Kinefac, in Worcester Age: 67 Employees: 48 Manufacturing advocacy has become one of Greis' defining contributions to Central Massachusetts. As steward of a lega- cy Worcester manufacturer, she has emerged as a prominent voice for small business, workforce development, and industrial innovation. Since 2025, she has represented manufacturers at the launch of Massachusetts' 10-year climate tech strategy, led advocacy efforts on Beacon Hill, and helped shape statewide manufacturing policy through the Ad- vanced Manufacturing Collaborative. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? My broad exposure to different subjects helps me see opportunities by bringing ideas from one disci- pline to another. What is one habit powerful leaders should practice every day? Envisioning the future. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? We like building on Worcester's history as a center of industry while drawing on talent from the region's vocational schools, community colleges, and universities. What is your favorite book on leadership? "e Wager" by David Grann. While not exactly a leader- ship book, Grann's work offers lessons in successful and unsuccessful leadership under very challenging conditions. Chris Coghlin President, CEO & chief culture officer Coghlin Cos., in Westborough and West Boylston Age: 55 Employees: 885 Energy, optimism, and growth have become hallmarks of Coghlin's leadership style. Despite economic uncertainty and tariff pressures, he grew the parent company of Columbia Tech and Cogme- dix by more than 15% in the last year, added more than 100 employees, expanded into AI, robotics, life sciences, and medical device manufacturing, and launched a co-op program expected to serve nearly 40 students. His latest investment, a 105,000-square- foot Shrewsbury facility, is aimed at commercializ- ing advanced robotics technologies while creating new jobs in Central Massachusetts. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? My positive approach to all things in life. I believe life is 1% what happens and 99% how you respond to it, and I try to live and lead that every day. What is one habit powerful leaders should practice every day? Being an example – walking the walk and talking the talk while remaining present, mindful, empathetic, and accountable. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? We have never considered leaving because of the region's strong educational system, community spirit, cultural diversity, and access to innovative companies. M A N U FA C T U R I N G P OW E R 1 0 0 "Power is the ability to positively influence people and situations to create better outcomes without an ounce of negativity or criticism. It's the ability to bring out the best in others." - Chris Coghlin, Coghlin Cos. PHOTO | MATT WRIGHT

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