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One Last Thing

David Spencer and his wife, Lisa, acquired Pawtucket-based Atlantic Paper & Supply Co. in 1992 from Lisa’s father, Jack McDermott. Spencer started working for the company in 1986, following several years in the advertising business. Atlantic is the 2025 U.S. Small Business Administration Rhode Island family-owned small business of the year. / COURTESY ATLANTIC PAPER & SUPPLY CO.

Make ‘yes’ a core value

David Spencer | Atlantic Paper & Supply Co. co-owner According to the Institute for Family Owned Business, family-owned businesses constitute approximately 90% of all businesses...

Erin Donovan Boyle joined the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce as executive director in 2015. She was promoted to CEO and president in 2023. / PBN PHOTO/KATE WHITNEY LUCEY

Keep, grow top talent

Erin Donovan Boyle Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce CEO and president In a tight labor market, small businesses face increasing pressure to attract and retain skilled...
Michelle Murphy opened Roots Hair Salon in 2019, helping 17 other hairstylists return to work with her at the same Cranston location after 
Salon O was shuttered. / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Develop brand ambassadors

Michelle Murphy | Roots Hair Salon owner Owning a hair salon is both a creative pursuit and a significant leadership responsibility. Beyond offering excellent...
Lauren Pimpare founded Massachusetts-based Tomorrow’s Women TODAY in 2009. The nonprofit opened a Rhode Island chapter in 2023. / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Feed lifelines for change

Lauren Pimpare | Tomorrow’s Women TODAY founder and president A strong belief in the power of mentorship has guided my journey and fuels my commitment to...
Gaetan L. Kashala was named executive director of The Pawtucket Foundation in April 2024. He previously served as engagement director for the Associated Industries of 
Massachusetts business association. / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

The power of listening

Gaetan L. Kashala | The Pawtucket Foundation executive director As I approach my one-year anniversary as executive director of The Pawtucket Foundation, one lesson stands...
Wendy Mackie started Jamestown-based education and workforce consultancy Two Bridges LLC in 2022. She previously served as CEO of the Rhode Island Marine Trade Association. / PBN PHOTO/DAVID HANSEN

Go for the triple win

Wendy Mackie | Two Bridges LLC principal in my experience, the most effective efforts create a ripple effect of positive outcomes. To build a truly...
Sasha Gorski helped launch Providence-based Talaria LLC in 2019. She started as a trimmer, grow hand and graphic designer. She is now co-owner, chief operating officer and head of marketing and brand strategy for the cannabis cultivator. / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Define your brand

Sasha Gorski | Talaria LLC co-owner Who are you, and why should people buy your product? In any competitive industry, especially one as fast growing...
Marisa Angell Brown has been the Providence Preservation Society’s executive director since October 2023. She previously served as associate director of the Rhode Island School of Design’s Center for Complexity. / PBN PHOTO/RUPERT WHITELEY

Phase in changes

Marisa Angell Brown | Providence Preservation Society executive director No matter what your organization or business does, 2025 is shaping up to be a year...

Ted Carr has served as Providence’s economic development director since May 2024. He previously served as senior vice president for Energyzt Development Partners, a global advisory firm, and as executive director of the Mass. Office of International Trade and Investment. / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Engage with government

Ted Carr | Providence economic development director As a former business owner now serving as director of economic development for Providence, I know firsthand how...
Tina Guenette founded Real Access Motivates Progress, or RAMP, in Burrillville six years ago. The nonprofit works with businesses, elected officials and others to help them use best practices when working and interacting with the disabled community. / PBN FILE PHOTO/TRACY JENKINS

Profit from being inclusive

Tina Guenette | Real Access Motivates Progress CEO, president and founder Making your business inclusive is not only the right thing to do for your...
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