Worcester Business Journal

www.wbjournal.com May 9, 2016 • Worcester Business Journal 13 >> FA M I LY B U S I N E S S Accu-Clean Inc. "When Impressions Count" We're on top of the details! When it comes to delivering consistent quality, the proof is in the pudding. Let our established team of professional cleaners take care of all your cleaning needs, down to the last detail. Accu-Clean Inc offers: •Commercial - Industrial - Educational - Institutional •Facility Maintenance •Carpet & Upholstery Shampooing •Stripping & Refinishing Floors •Office Cleaning •Restroom Sanitation •General Labor •Post Construction Cleaning •Day Porter Service •On Call Cleaning •Free Estimates •Flexible Economic Pricing •Long Term Clients and Testimonials •No Long Term Contract Needed 1102 Pleasant Street Worcester, MA 01602 508-755-8166 www.accu-cleaninc.com A woman-owned business since 1987 • Serving Worcester County $1.2 Million Essex, CT Commercial Real Estate $1.7 Million Worcester, MA Industrial Warehouse $2.3 Million Charlton, MA Apartment Complex $1.2 Million Southbridge, MA Athletic Facility $1.9 Million Mendon, MA Tourist Attraction $4.9 Million Latham, NY Hotel $4.8 Million Springeld, MA Hotel $1 Million Essex, CT Oce Space $5 Million Middleboro, MA Hotel Dedicated to the Success of Your Business, and ready to meet your commercial lending needs throughout New England and beyond. Simply Beter. Call us today at 508.765.7389 and start experiencing Simply Better commercial banking from Savers Bank. Southbridge, Sturbridge, Charlton, Uxbridge, Grafton, Auburn saversbank.com 800.649.3036 Member FDIC Member SIF Equal Housing Lender Midsize Family Business AVATAR Computing, Inc. In addition to government contracts in Massachusetts, Alabama, Texas and California, AVATAR has been steadily growing its technology support services within Worcester. Mostly from word of mouth, its client base has grown from just under 10 commercial clients to serv- ing dozens of small businesses in the Greater Worcester area. The company has contracts with one of the largest office parks in New England and, most recently, was awarded a contract with the Worcester city government. AVATAR has doubled the size of its commercial team, recruiting mostly within Central Massachusetts, reaching out to the region's colleges. In order to maintain its family values while maintaining its strength in the marketplace, Randy Foster and his two sons – Matthew and Whitney – built their company based on trust and ingraining the concept of "people first" into its culture and customer relation- ships. The trio also relies on their diverse backgrounds to adapt to the changing marketplace. Randy is a retired lieuten- ant colonel in the U.S. Air Force, serving on combat crews as a master navigator, which helps him bring structure to AVATAR. Matthew spent five years in the Massachusetts Air National Guard, graduated with a degree in fine art his- tory from the Massachusetts College of Art, and earned technology certifica- tions before starting his own company called Matthew Foster Consulting, which was the precursor to AVATAR. Whitney began his career in informa- tion technology working for AT&T before transiting over to support the U.S. Air Force facility at Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, and he contributes to the business strategy at AVATAR with his degree in business administration from Granite State College. In the last two years, Ballard Truck Center increased revenue 24 percent and added leasing to its list of services. Last year, the Ballard parts department placed in the top five in the Mack Masters Competition, which the North Carolina truck manufacturer puts on annually to test dealers' knowledge of trucks and their components. Ballard also performed a brand refresh and updated its logos in the past two years. At Ballard, the family wants its employees and customers to feel like part of the family, so the company tries to incorporate all feedback when mak- ing a decision. To stay ahead of the com- petition, the company tailors its services for individual customers, but it also takes bold steps to innovate ahead of industry standards. It was the first dealer to stock automatic transmissions, which was revolutionary at the time. The com- pany has launched a tuition program for mechanics to get their certifications from school. Location: Worcester Industry: Information technology Founded: 2005 Founders: Randall Foster, CEO; and Matthew Foster, CIO Top executives: Randall Foster, CEO; Matthew Foster, CIO; Whitney Foster, COO Employees: 26 Generation currently running company: 2nd Family members currently working for company: Randall Foster, CEO (father); Matthew Foster, CIO (son); Whitney Foster, COO (son); Brandon Kennedy, deputy mission lead (Whitney's brother-in-law) Website: www.avatar-computing.com Large Family Business Ballard Truck Center Location: Worcester Industry: Medium & heavy duty trucking Founded: 1906 Founder: Louie H. Ballard Top executives: John Picking, president; Steve Grahn, president; Janet Grahn, CFO Employees: 135 Generation currently running company: 4th Family Members currently working for company: Janet Grahn, CFO (mother); Steven Grahn, president (Janet's son); John Picking, president (Janet's nephew); Rob Picking, accounting (John Picking's son) Samantha Grahn, accounting and human resources (Steve Grahn's daughter) Website: www.BallardTrucks.com

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