Sean McFadden | Boston Business Journal | November 13, 2020
It’s been five years since the Business Journal launched its list of the largest veteran-owned businesses in Massachusetts. During that time, our annual salute to local companies that are majority-owned by a person with prior military experience has showcased an incredibly diverse range of enterprises making an economic impact on the Bay State. Their industries include automotive, architecture/construction/engineering, hospitality and an assortment of tech-related businesses.
This year’s list (at the bottom of this story) continues to be led by The Herb Chambers Cos., the largest automotive dealership in New England, which is consistently among the top 10 on the BBJ’s list of the largest privately held companies in Massachusetts.
This year many of the companies have faced unprecedented challenges in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, with most recording year-over-year reductions in their local staff counts as a result. One of the few bucking that trend was Solidus Technical Solutions, a Leominster-based provider of software and systems engineering services led by Darlene Tucker — the only woman owner/CEO on the list. Tucker’s company grew its local staffing ranks from 76 in 2019 to 83 this year. She said thus far her business hasn’t been adversely impacted by the pandemic. “Our company contracts are performed by essential personnel, so they could work either remotely or reduced numbers at their work site. Our admin team has always worked remotely so there were no changes needed. We have allowed additional flexibility for our people to work as needed to meet their needs at these difficult times,” Tucker said.
