40 Under Forty: Ryan Matson, 32

Photo | Erika Sidor Winners of the WBJ 2018 40 Under Forty (left to right): Nicholas Pelletier, Erica Grinkis, Allison Beckler and Ryan Matson.

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Employee benefits consultant

Small Business Insurance Agency, Worcester

Lives: Worcester

Birthplace: Worcester

College: Assumption College

This year, Matson won the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce's Chamber Advocate Award, memorializing his efforts as a community champion, expert network builder and visionary for the next generation of the Central Massachusetts economy. For eight years, Matson worked in sales at office supply company W.B. Mason, hitting $3 million in sales during his final year. Matson joined SBIA in the past year, obtaining his broker license to sell insurance. While building his book of business and relying on his extensive network of contacts made over the years, Matson encourages clients to pursue other affiliations, landing SBIA partnerships with the likes of Shrewsbury-based Provo Financial Services. He is the cofounder of the Paulsens Putt Against Parkinson's Disease golf tournament – named after his grandfather Bob Paulson, Sr. – which has raised more than $50,000 in two years for the Michael J. Fox Foundation and Parkinson's research programs at UMass Medical School. The Worcester chamber's ambassador group has more than doubled in size since Matson took over as chairman. He is a board member of the Girl Scouts of Western and Central Massachusetts and for the Canal Diggers 5K Road Race, which raises money for St. John's Church and the Hibernian Cultural Centre. Matson volunteered as head football coach for Millbury High School and the defensive back coach for Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

From 40 Under Forty judge Michael Arnum: “Ryan is the ideal ambassador for Worcester, working not only to improve his own life, but using his skills to be an advocate for the community.”

What will the statue they build of you say? Every man has the same potential to succeed. It is your determination and confidence in yourself that dictates whether or not you will.

What TV character is most like you? Eddie Haskell from “Leave It To Beaver” as the neighborhood women called me.

Read about the entire 2018 Class of 40 Under Forty

Michael Alden - Ascentria Care Alliance

Che Anderson - City of Worcester

Victor M. Archila - VMA Electric Inc.

Allison Beckler, DO - YOU, Inc.

Sam Bitar - Webster Five

Mark A. Borenstein - Seder & Chandler LLP

Kate D. Campanale - Massachusetts House of Representatives

Derek Canton - paerpay

Ryan Canuel - Petricore, Inc.

Jennifer Caron - Body Therapeutics