85. Ron Shaich
MANAGING PARTNER, ACT III HOLDINGS
Twelve years ago, Tatte Bakery & Café was just a tiny pastry shop in Brookline churning out gorgeous tarts. Now there’s one in practically every neighborhood thanks to Shaich, who founded and later sold Panera and Au Bon Pain and these days invests in promising Massachusetts brands (also see: his work expanding organic fast-casual chain Life Alive).
SIDE GIG: As the founder of No Labels and a board member of Unite America, Shaich has become politically active in his search for independent, nonpartisan solutions for issues such as climate change and gun safety.