Worcester Business Journal

20 Worcester Business Journal • August 29, 2016 www.wbjournal.com 40 U N D E R F O R T Y << McBeth started in construction as a carpenter during high school and quickly rose through the ranks after college to project executive. After 12 years in the industry, McBeth estab- lished his own company, Green Leaf Construction in 2014, winning a key early customer – Auburn plumbing supplier F.W. Webb – based on his 10-year working relationship. Greenleaf has helped F.W. Webb expand through the construction of 40 projects throughout the Northeast. Greenleaf has expanded to 22 employees, and McBeth is pushing for more growth and development. When you retire, what will the title of your memoirs be? "Building is a Team Sport" – Working collabora- tively is the cornerstone to building, whether it is a project, business, family or relationship. Who gave you the best career advice? My father taught me the value of hard work and he lives the adage, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained." The people I work with would tell you I am...a leader by example. If you could have dinner with any four people, who would they be? My family. They are the most important people in my life. n Holstrom has administered more than $5 million in grant funds for WBDC, overseeing endeavors like the redevelop- ment of the former Worcester Telegram & Gazette building and the demolition of a former manufacturing facility in the heart of Worcester's Canal District. She joined WBDC in 2008 after serving as legislative director in the Massachusetts Senate and working in the city's eco- nomic development office. She serves as a member of the Theatre District Alliance and on the fundraising committee for the Ecotarium. What is your main professional goal? To play an active role in the downtown community, to realize a revitalized area bustling with activity. What would you like to go back and tell your 10-year-old self? I would tell her not to be afraid of thun- der and lightning because its strength will end up being an inspiration. I prepare for the unexpected by... trying to learn as much as I can to make the unexpected less unpredictable. Who is the fictional character you are most like? Belle from "Beauty and the Beast" – a strong woman with an incurable sense of adventure and an ability to see kindness in others. n Since joining Keller Williams three years ago, Ortiz has increased the num- bers of Latinos purchasing residential and commercial properties and drove participation in first-time homebuyer and U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development programs. She con- ducts workshops in community venues. Ortiz teaches English writing and lit- erature courses at Quinsigamond Community College and is the co-editor of the anthology "All About Skin: Short Fiction by Women of Color." She received Worcester Arts Council's Artists Fellowship in 2006. What is your most significant pro- fessional goal? To build the top multi- lingual real estate team in Central Mass. What would you like to go back and tell your 10-year-old self? Never take a person or a second chance for granted. I prepare for the unexpected by... being resilient and having other plans in place. Who is the fictional character you are most like? Janie Crawford, from Zora Neale Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God" – her strength is in her ability to be dignified in all circumstanc- es, and she challenges the conventions of who should love whom. n Medeiros is the youngest CEO out of the more than 70 Easter Seals affiliates worldwide. He rose through the ranks over 14 years, starting as an occupation- al therapist. In his previous position as vice president of rehabilitation, he grew income by 25 percent over six years. As a father of three girls, he recog- nizes the importance of work-life bal- ance and has established that culture at Easter Seals. As a second-degree Taekwondo black belt, he carries over the martial arts beliefs of respect, humility, perseverance, self-control, and honesty to his management style. Whose career would you like to emulate? Kirk Joslin, my predecessor. He balanced the bottom line while never deviating from the mission. What should older generations know about up-and-coming work- force? We are not afraid to try new things to achieve success. Where do you get your motiva- tion? Success for my organization means people can live, learn, work and play. It is easy to get excited about that! Why do you work in Central Massachusetts? There is a big oppor- tunity to make a difference. There may be less attention, but that just means there are more unmet needs. n Residence: Shrewsbury Birthplace: Auburn Colleges: Providence College, Clark University Julie Holstrom, 35 Senior project manager, Worcester Business Development Corp. Jasmine Jina Ortiz, 37 Realtor, Keller Williams of Greater Worcester, Worcesterer Residence: Worcester Birthplace: New York City Colleges: Clark University, Pine Manor College Residence: Leicester Birthplace: Fall River College: Quinnipiac University Paul Medeiros, 38 President & CEO, Easter Seals Massachusetts, Worcester D. Andrew McBeth, 39 President, Green Leaf Construction, Leominster Residence: Phillipston Birthplace: Ridgewood, N.J. College: Middlebury College P H O T O / E R I K A S I D O R

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