Worcester Business Journal

16 Worcester Business Journal | August 21, 2017 | wbjournal.com Residence: Worcester Birthplace: Brooklyn, N.Y. College: Worcester State University Giselle Rivera-Flores, 32 Founder & co-founder, The Learning Hub & IgWorcesterMA Residence: Grafton Birthplace: Milford College: Northeastern University Neil Callahan, 35 Project executive, R.H. White Construction, Auburn Justin Dufresne, 36 Project manager, VHB, Inc., Worcester Residence: Northborough Birthplace: Dover, N.H. College: Wentworth Institute of Technology Elizabeth Tripp, 28 Business integration manager, Hanover Insurance Group, Worcester Residence: Worcester Birthplace: Worcester College: Mount Holyoke College F O C U S 4 0 U n d e r F o r t y Winner of the StartUp Worcester award, Rivera-Flores quit the corporate world in 2015 to start her own busi- nesses: The Learning Hub, offering low-cost tutoring and free classes in STEAM (science, technology, engineer- ing, art and math) to K-6 students at local libraries; and Woopreneur, a branch of IGWorcesterMA, connecting the entrepreneurs through events and workshops. She grew Learning Hub to 10 libraries in less than a year and found it a headquarters at art store C.C. Lowell. Rivera-Flores is working on an activ- ity book for children aged 6-12 called "Full STEAM Ahead." She and her hus- band, Jamie Flores, have two daughters, Brooklyn and Evian Flores. What person do you look up to? Gary Vaynerchuk, for his honesty, rawness and good sense of consumer strategy Who gave you the best career advice? When I quit the corporate world, my husband said, "What took you so long?" It was the most insightful phrase he's ever said to me. Tripp joined Hanover's specialty divi- sion six years ago, as it has grown to a $800-million business through organic growth and mergers and acquisitions. She is a major contributor to this growth, working with her team to inte- grate new products, including the most recent acquisition, and bringing a long- term strategic vision and organizational design. Tripp led integration of new technology at Hanover specialty, as the firm upgrades products and operations. She serves on the Latin American Health Alliance board, works with the City to Saddle board, and is a member of the Central MA Young Professionals. What would a movie made about your career be called? "Renaissance Woman" – I have never stopped exploring new skillsets and challenges. If you spoke at a college graduation, what would the message be? Dive in, head first. Why work in Central Mass.? I work with people fiercely in love with Worcester as it grows up. People have an opportunity to have an impact every day. Since being promoted to project executive in 2013, Callahan ensured completion of $50 million in new con- struction throughout New England. In his three years at R.H. White before assuming that role, he managed con- struction of a $20-million water treat- ment facility to an on-schedule and on- budget completion despite an aggres- sive schedule, and completed a separate raising-the-roof project while main- taining the facility's 24-hour operation. Callahan sits on the fundraising board for Easter Seals of Massachusetts and is vice president for Grafton Little League. He and his wife, Robin, have three sons, Colin, Liam and Gavin. What will colleagues say at your funeral? He was a great man, well liked, with strong ethics and integrity. Your favorite Central Mass. restau- rant? Alicante Restaurant & Lounge What did you want to be when you grew up? My father's boss, a vice presi- dent of a large construction firm. After I visited my father's construction sites, I was hooked for life. Since taking over VHB's civil engi- neering and land development team three years ago, Dufresne has doubled its size, due to his prowess and increased activity in Worcester's mar- ket. For 10+ years, he has provided quality and value to clients like Kraft Group, UMass Medical School and Worcester Polytechnic Institute. His work ethic was instilled watching his mother work through college, develop a career and settle in Northborough. Dufresne met his wife, Sara, in Northborough's high school, and settled back in town with daugh- ters Ava and Allie. He serves on the local conservation commission. How do you define success in your career? Having long-term repeat clients What goal do you set for yourself at the start of every workday? Consistent development and growth of my team What is your favorite piece of Central Massachusetts history? The Worcester tornado in 1953 What movie actor could play you? Ryan Gosling; Sara says he's "dreamy." P H O T O / E R I K A S I D O R Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center, 104 Harding St. W W W W W

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