For the better part of his youth Gary Cato was educated through public schools in central Massachusetts graduating Hudson High School.  College education began at Worcester Junior College then Worcester State College. After returning to Worcester State University (WSU) came a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban Studies w/concentration in Planning & Public Policy, then a Master of Science in the Urban Studies sponsored Non Profit/Public Management Program.

A career which has primarily been in the real estate and construction industry except for a few years in the early 1980’s at a Community Action Corp. as a grants manager.  Consultant work began in 1981 for the City of Boston, Office of Property Equalization (Assessing Dept.), while selling and leasing real estate at local and national firms.  In these years my focus was also upon the permit process and assisting local builders in that effort.

In the late 1980’s thru the mid 1990’s came fee appraisal work for Elliott, Gottschalk Associates, and Fox Associates as a State Licensed Appraiser.  A career as builder, developer began in 1996. As public regulations became more restrictive, skills interacting with Conservation Commissions, Zoning Boards, Planning Boards and Public Works Departments became sharper. With extensive experience in public policy and planning, my development projects are harmonious with their environment and compatible with community goals, while protecting the property owner bundle of rights. As a predominantly ground up builder, excelling at navigating through local and state authorities while developing parcels of land and building over 40 homes was a hallmark to my career.  Work experience also included the adaptive reuse of over 14,000 square feet (sf) of a former church,  and 10,000 sf tenant fit-ups, on the commercial construction side.

Over the last few years, as a Construction Analyst for the Small Business Administration- Office of Capital Access, I have assisted homeowners and businesses across the country. Rebuilding  properties after devastating natural disasters,  life’s most rewarding work experience, has been reserved for the Friday morning of my career.