Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | November 16, 2026 | Worcester Business Journal 19 in 2001. Along with continuing to do the same technical work she had before, Tucker now spent time aer hours working with an administrative employee to steer the new enterprise's direction. From the start, she said, she wanted to make sure that the firm took care of its employees. One early move was to base PTO on years of experience in the field rather than years at Solidus. "Our benefits were excellent and still are excellent," Tucker said. Today, Tucker has stepped back from full-time work but still manages the firm's overall direction. Solidus CEO Carla James, who took the job about five years ago, said Tucker's firmest directive to her when she started the job was "just don't mess with the benefits." "She's a very generous and thought- ful leader," James said. "Most of our employees are very loyal to the com- pany because of her generosity." James, an Air Force veteran herself, said Tucker brought the values of military service to the Company. "Coming from a military back- ground, you sort of have high integrity and a service commitment," she said. "One of the things in the Air Force is 'service before self,' and I feel like she and I both embody that as far as taking care of employees and customers." Deb Levasseur, Solidus's finance manager, said Tucker is a "one of a kind" manager and company owner. "She would rather put a dollar in our pockets than a dollar in her pocket, which is completely out of the norm," she said. Over the years, Tucker said, when employees and prospective hires raised questions about possible ben- efits like flexible spending accounts, she and her colleagues figured out ways to make that happen. ey sup- plied new chairs for people with back issues. When they had an employee with ALS, they paid for a study to determine what he needed to keep doing his job and got him an electric wheelchair. "We interacted with the people and gave them some power to make suggestions and to be a part of it, not just us dictating everything to them," she said. In managing the firm, Tucker said she oen recalls something she was taught back in ROTC. Students were asked how, as an officer, you get a flagpole put up. "e answer was very simple," Tucker said. "You go to a sergeant and you have him put up a flagpole. You have to delegate, and you have to trust people to get their job right." As bankHometown becomes TruNorth Bank, one thing remains unchanged: our commitment to local businesses. You'll find the same trusted team, the same local decision-making, and the same dedication to helping our neighborhoods thrive. Now, with the added strength and resources of TruNorth Bank behind us, we're ready to help your business reach higher, grow stronger, and rise to every opportunity. Learn more at TruNorthBank.com or call 855.527.4111. RISE ABOVE BUSINESS AS USUAL. F O C U S Darlene Tucker Age: 69 Military branch: Army Rank: Second lieutenant while in active duty, later promoted in the reserves to captain. Business: Solidus Technical Solutions LLC Business title: President Business location: Leominster "She's a very generous and thoughtful leader. Most of our employees are very loyal to the company because of her generosity." Carla James, CEO, Solidus NOTABLE VETERANS IN BUSINESS

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