Fairfield County
JUNE 11 | LAKOTA OAKS, NORWALK PRESENTED BY THE FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL A SUPPLEMENT TO THE FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL | JUNE 10, 2019
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Well done! The city of Norwalk congratulates the 40 under 40. You represent the best and brightest our city has to offer.
Look beyond Innovators are people who are inspired to look beyond and tackle problems most others think are impossible. Deloitte is proud to recognize the 2019 40 Under 40 award recipients, including our own, Oliver Page, Principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP. www.deloitte.com Copyright Š 2019 Deloitte Development LLC. All rights reserved.
The future is yours, spend it here
Fairfield County
PARTNERS: Bridgeport Regional Business Council • Business Council of Fairfield County Darien Chamber of Commerce • Fairfield Chamber of Commerce • Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce • Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce Greenwich Chamber of Commerce • Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce • Stamford Chamber of Commerce Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce • Wilton Chamber of Commerce PRESENTED BY
SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS To the entire BUSINESS JOURNAL team: Barbara Stewart Hanlon, Director of Custom Publishing, 40Under40 coordinator ADVERTISING SALES: Anne Jordan Duffy, Associate Publisher Account Managers; Lisa Cash, Marcia Pflug, Neale Muccio EVENTS: Marcia Pflug, Events Director Tracey Vitale, Events Manager PRODUCTION: Sebastián Flores and Kelsie Mania Design and Art Direction
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The UConn School of Business congratulates the 40 Under Forty Class of 2019!
MBA PROGRAMS Full-time / Part-time / Executive SPECIALIZED MASTERS Accounting (Online) Business Analytics & Project Management Financial Risk Management Human Resource Management
grad.business.uconn.edu
40 UNDER FORTY AWARDS 2019 | PROGRAM
Fairfield County
THE EVENING OF JUNE 11 5:30 p.m. Celebration opens with a reception featuring spirits from Val’s Putnam Wines and Liquors, buffet and sponsor/supporter displays 6:15 p.m. Formal award ceremony begins WELCOME TO NORWALK Jessica Casey Chief of economic and community development City of Norwalk WELCOME Barbara Stewart Hanlon Director of custom publishing and 40 Under 40 Coordinator Marcia Pflug Events Director Matt Scott Fox 61 meteorologist/co-host, master of ceremonies Scott Johnson President of Mack Media Group, host of The Mack Talks Keynote address Introduction of the business organization officials Presentation of awards CLOSING Anne Jordan Duffy Associate Publisher
#40under40
connect with us during the event @westfaironline
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A rising star of Fairfield County, already a star at Greenwich Hospital. Congratulations to Jackie Essex, RN, of Greenwich Hospital on becoming a member of this year’s 40 Under 40 team.
40 UNDER FORTY AWARDS 2019
Emcee
MATT SCOTT is the weekday morning meteorologist, part of the "Fox 61 Morning News." He joined FOX61 in 2013 and brings more than 20 years of broadcasting experience to the FOX61 weather team. Originally from New York City, Scott attended the University of Maryland and Mississippi State University. He has spent the last 15 years working as a meteorologist in Connecticut. In addition, he has worked in West Virginia, Mississippi, Charlotte and Boston. His work has been nominated for Emmy Awards many times. When he’s not on air, he’s online. Scott has won awards from the New Haven Advocate, the Hartford Advocate and New Haven Living magazine for his social media influence. But his two biggest accomplishments are at home – his two children. When he has a little spare time and is not sleeping, Scott loves to cook, play golf, play poker and read. He would probably be a better chef, a stronger golfer, a smarter poker player and a more accomplished reader if he could pry himself away from Facebook once in a while.
MATT SCOTT METEOROLOGIST / CO-HOST FOX 61 MORNING NEWS
Keynote Speaker SCOTT JOHNSON PRESIDENT OF THE MACK MEDIA GROUP HOST OF THE MACK TALKS
SCOTT JOHNSON is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and the owner and founder of Mack Media Group, a digital marketing agency located in Brookfield. He began his career in business at the age of 19, founding Vision Designs, a screen-printing, embroidery and signage business, which he grew into a multimillion-dollar company. He has spent more than 20 years as a Connecticut business owner and has been an outspoken community leader, working with a group of nonprofits in an effort to give back to the community that helped raise him, including founding the Newtown Strong Fund through the Newtown Scholarship Foundation following the tragic events of Sandy Hook Elementary. Johnson is also the founder and host of The Mack Talks, a business-centric podcast focused on providing insight and knowledge into the lives of business owners, entrepreneurs and community leaders. He developed The Mack Talks as a branding tool and creative outlet for his company and through the podcast format, has had the opportunity to forge relationships with some of Connecticut’s leading business owners, entrepreneurs, influencers and beyond and spread their messages of struggle and success to his audiences. Things weren’t always so easy for Johnson; he struggled in school and left at the age of 17 without a degree. But that didn’t stop him from striving to succeed in businesses, and at a young age he built a team around him and founded his first company, Vision Designs. He has helped employ and support hundreds of employees and has an instinct for compassion.
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2019 WINNERS, A GLIMPSE
Our winners’ answers, chosen from a set of questions posed to them, reveal much about their interests, sense of humor and downright good, smart sense. That’s why they have made it to the 2019 40UnderForty. Read and enjoy!
CONGRATULATIONS JOHN CORRARO You have a long way to go before you reach 40, but in a few short years you have made a deep impression on your colleagues. Not only for your success in the business but also for your deep commitment to helping others, whether it’s coaching new financial advisors or dedicating time and energy to the Barnum Foundation for Life. Your contributions to the community and your service to many organizations are too numerous to recite here, but are admired by all of us.
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The Center for Family Justice congratulates Sasha Collins, Camp HOPE Coordinator & Youth Trauma Specialist, for this extraordinary honor.
UNDER
FORTY
Sasha’s giving young people impacted by trauma the HOPE they deserve.
6 CORPORATE DRIVE, SHELTON, CT 06484 WWW.BARNUMFINANCIALGROUP.COM Securities and investment advisory services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. 6 Corporate Drive, Shelton, CT 06484. Tel: 203-513-6000. CRN202105-248676
Well done! CenterforFamilyJustice.org • 203-334-6154
LEADING
BY EXAMPLE Godiva Cadena Fairfield County 40 Under 40 Award Winner Congratulations Godiva Cadena, our BSA Manager, for being included in the Fairfield County 40 Under 40. Thank you for making a difference in the communities we serve through your work and volunteer efforts.
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40 UNDER FORTY AWARDS 2019 | WINNERS
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AMANDA ALMONTE
ANDY CABELL
GODIVA CADENA
DIRECTOR AT-HOMECARE OF CONNECTICUT 8 Library Place, Bethel
OWNER ARTHUR MURRAY DANCE STUDIO OF DANBURY 345 Main St., Danbury
BANK SECRECY ACT MANAGER UNION SAVINGS BANK 225 Main St., Danbury
You’re a new addition to the crayon box, what would your color name be and why? I would be called Rosé because it’s a mix of my two favorite colors: pink, which represents love and purple, which means power.
You’re a new addition to the crayon box, what would your color name be and why? My color would be Tuxedo Black, because black is classic and timeless, but also because as a dancer, I mostly wear black.
If you had one extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? If I had an extra hour a day I would read.
What do you think about when you are alone in your car? Mostly my business, my staff and whether I should stop for coffee or not. Usually the answer is yes.
What’s the best piece of professional or personal advice you’ve ever been given? The best advice was always give more than you receive.
What’s the best piece of professional or personal advice you’ve ever been given? Learn as much about running the business as an employee as possible before opening it yourself. Thinking like that when I just worked in the studio saved me so much trouble in the transition from teacher to owner.
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What do you think about when you are alone in your car? Mentally review my to-do list and come up with ways to effectively complete it. If you had one extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Finish a book. What’s the best piece of professional or personal advice you’ve ever been given? Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways. Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE RISING STARS OF
FAIRFIELD COUNTY 2019 We congratulate Attorney Erick A. Russell of our Government Finance Practice as one of the 2019 Fairfield County 40 Under 40!
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40 UNDER FORTY AWARDS 2019 | WINNERS
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KEVIN CASKIN
ROGER CHAPPUIS
VICE PRESIDENT, SENIOR MARKET MANAGER FAIRFIELD MARKET PEOPLE'S UNITED BANK 411 Old Post Road, Southport
DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FAMILY & CHILDREN'S AID 75 West St., Danbury
“If you really look closely, most overnight successes took a long time.” -Steve Jobs
What are the three apps you use the most? Podcasts, Spotify and Netflix/Prime Video. Pick two celebrities to be your parents. I don’t pay much attention to celebrities and consider myself fortunate for the parents I have. If I had to choose though I would want someone who kept a fairly low profile and valued privacy and family time. What’s the best piece of professional or personal advice you’ve ever been given? It’s more of a lesson. Don’t just critique, explore alternatives, try them and then recommend a solution
You’re a new addition to the crayon box, what would your color name be and why? Capable Blue because my wife always describes me as ‘capable’ and I like the color blue. What do you think about when you are alone in your car? I love music so usually I’m trying to remember the lyrics to whatever song is on. Sometimes I get them right. What’s the best piece of professional or personal advice you’ve ever been given? A quote from my middle-school teacher, Mr. Tortola: ‘You impress people the most when you try the least.’
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The team at Rocco & Associates would like to congratulate Charlie Rocco and all of the other recipients of the 2019 Westfair Communications 40 Under 40 Awards.
Congratulations to Erin Mercede and all the 40 under 40 honorees!
1248 Post Road | Fairfield, CT 06824 | 203.255.6022 p. | 203.255.7507 f. www.roccoandassociates.com We’re Never Too Busy for a Referral! Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA / SIPC. Investment advice offered through MONECO Advisors, LLC DBA Rocco & Associates Wealth Management, a registered investment advisor and a separate entity from LPL Financial.
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Award based on public nominations of 25-39 year olds that conduct business in the community. www.SantaEnergy.com
Enabling the next generation of business leaders We congratulate Christian Keane for being named one of this year’s Fairfield County 40 Under Forty. © 2019 Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
40 UNDER FORTY AWARDS 2019 | WINNERS
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THOMAS CINGARI JR.
MICHELLE COLETTI
SASHA COLLINS
SUPERVISOR, DAIRY AND PRODUCE, DIGITAL COMMERCE AND RETAIL TECHNOLOGY SHOPRITE GRADE A MARKETS 360 Connecticut Ave., Norwalk
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT LMC, A LENNAR COMPANY 1 Landmark Square, Stamford
YOUTH TRAUMA SPECIALIST AND CAMP HOPE AMERICA-CONNECTICUT COORDINATOR
What do you think about when you are alone in your car? I think about what our customers are going to look like 10 years from now. The grocery landscape has changed so drastically in the past 10 years that staying on top of trends in the retail and food landscape is critical. Keeping up with these trends in both food and technology will be, what I believe, the thing that keeps our business thriving until my children’s generation of shoppers. How would you sell hot chocolate in Florida? I would launch a celebrity/social media influencer campaign with videos of them drinking hot chocolate on the most famous Florida beaches. This would start a frenzy of people thinking they simply couldn’t live without hot chocolate in Florida. What’s the best piece of professional or personal advice you’ve ever been given? Don’t be afraid of making mistakes, It’s going to happen a lot. Once one is made and realized, take full responsibility for it, correct it and make it a constructive learning experience.
THE CENTER FOR FAMILY JUSTICE 753 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport
What do you think about when you’re alone in your car? Not a big fan of quiet time alone in the car. Either I’ll be catching up on calls, listening to a podcast, or jamming to 90s Hip Hop and R&B or Lizzo as of late. Thoughts of family, friends, fiancée and of course work and projects drift through. Oh, and the meaning of life and the viability of world domination. Easy, breezy.
How would you sell hot chocolate in Florida? I would open an all-year-round winter-themed shop called Winter Wonderland of Hope. I would have the AC on blast, fake snow on mountains, icicle’s hanging from the ceiling…it’s all a part of creating the feeling. Hot cocoa of all kinds would be available for tasting and sale. All proceeds would go to Camp HOPE.
Pick two celebrities to be your parents Maya Angelou and Julia Sugarbaker as my two moms. Oh, and since I’m picking, I’ll take Chelsea Handler and MaryAnn Gilmartin as my aunts. I know I’m just under the 40 wire here. Google Julia Sugarbaker. You’re welcome.
If you had one extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Let’s be real here people, sleep.
What industry do you think will be disrupted (and in what way) by your generation in the next 10 years? Obviously, tech will rule as the driving disruptor, but more specifically technology as an enhancement to the human condition through special computing – AR, MR, VR, AI and the Voice Economy through NLP will be the most impactful across industries. Responsive environments through voice direction will continue to become less of a gimmick and more usefully and seamlessly engrained in our daily lives.
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What’s the best piece of professional or personal advice you’ve ever been given? During one of the most difficult times in my life, a dear friend said, ‘Feel the feeling, but don’t become the emotion. Witness it. Allow it. Release it. Grow through what you go through.’
40 UNDER FORTY AWARDS 2019 | WINNERS
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JOHN CORRARO
EVAN CYGLER
FINANCIAL PLANNER BARNUM FINANCIAL GROUP 6 Corporate Drive, Shelton
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS MILLER MOTORCARS 315 W. Putnam Ave., Greenwich
If you had one extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? I would spend an extra hour each day with family and friends. They often get neglected during the work week as I spend 10 to 12 hours per day at my office building my business. An extra hour would allow me the time to connect with them and spend time with those who are most important me each day. What’s the best piece of professional or personal advice you’ve ever been given? Something that rings true every day is the advice my dad gave me the night before my first day at Barnum – ‘Always be yourself, never settle and always do right by your clients.’ What industry do you think will be disrupted (and in what way) by your generation in the next 10 years? My own industry, financial services, is already seeing disruptions with roboadvisors and online tools such as Mint. I think it will require industries to think differently about how they provide various services to keep up with these disruptors. For example, our firm now offers a robo platform that combines automated portfolio managed and the guidance of a financial advisor. I believe there will be further disruptors to the industry with further proliferation of technology and fee consolidation pressures, but it will be how the industry reacts that will determine the long-term effects.
What are the three apps you use the most? New York Times, Soundcloud and Instagram If you had one extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Meditating and enjoying the fresh air in Central Park. What’s the best piece of professional or personal advice you’ve ever been given? Passion, hard work, be determined and do your best. Don’t let others tell you otherwise and the success will come to you over time.
“The real test is not whether you avoid this failure, because you won't. It's whether you let it harden or shame you into inaction, or whether you learn from it; whether you choose to persevere.” -Barack Obama
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40 UNDER FORTY AWARDS 2019 | WINNERS
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KATE DISCHINO
JACKIE ESSEX
KATIA GARCON
VICE PRESIDENT EMERGENCY PROGRAMS AMERICARES 88 Hamilton Ave., Stamford
REGISTERED NURSE GREENWICH HOSPITAL 5 Perryridge Road, Greenwich
FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT HOUSE OF KATIA 12 Main St., Norwalk
You’re a new addition to the crayon box, what would your color name be and why? My color would be triple claret. I am a two-time leukemia survivor. I have had a bone marrow transplant in 1993 and a stem cell transplant in 2011. I have had three different blood types in my life that is why my color should be triple claret.
What are the three apps you use the most? For business and personal, the three apps that I use the most are Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
What are the three apps you use the most? I am frequently on WhatsApp communicating with field teams responding to emergencies all over the world. As someone who travels often, I am also a big fan of travel alerts and mapping apps that help me navigate new places. If you had one extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? As a lifelong learner, I would spend more time reading and having conversations with leaders in my field. I value every chance I get to learn from others. Understanding the world and those around us creates more opportunity to enhance the lives of those we serve. What’s the best piece of professional or personal advice you’ve ever been given? The best advice I have been given is to invest in my team. Sometimes it means encouraging team members to take advantage of professional development and training opportunities. Other times it means giving a team member the opportunity to work on a skill or earn a certification. As a manager of a large team spread out over multiple countries, I prioritize the time and energy it takes to ensure team members have the skills and training needed to do their jobs safely and effectively.
What do you think about when you are alone in your car. When I am in the car alone, I make lists of things to do; i.e. work, fundraising, gym dinner. What’s the best piece of professional or personal advice you’ve ever been given? If you ever make a mistake do not be afraid to admit to it.
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Pick two celebrities to be your parents The two celebrities that I’d pick to be my parents would be Michelle and Barack Obama. They embody strength, hard work and resiliency. The Obamas are a great example of a servant leader and role model. They’ve used their education and life experience with compassion to support philanthropic causes. What’s the best piece of professional or personal advice you’ve ever been given? The best piece of professional advice I’ve ever been given is: ‘Permanence, perseverance and persistence in the face of any obstacle will help when the most difficult thing is the decision to act. Be tenacious in your ability to hang on and spread light wherever you go.’ My grandmother shared those words of wisdom with me and they guide me to this day.
CONGRATULATIONS
BRIAN HIGGINS AND THE REST OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL’S “40 UNDER 40” DISRUPTORS!
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40 UNDER FORTY AWARDS 2019 | WINNERS
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ROBYN GOLDENBERG
ANGELICA GORRIO
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY LEADERS 149 Water St., Norwalk
DIRECTOR AND OWNER MARINERA CONNECTICUT 33 Pine Hill Ave.
What do you think about when you are alone in your car? When I’m alone in my car I think about a few things: What else we can be doing inside our company to service clients and bring in new clients; what my significant other and I can be doing to develop personally and grow our personal wealth/security; and when’s the last time I ate, what’s the next thing I’m going to eat.
What are the 3 Apps you use the most? Instacart, Venmo and Instagram.
What’s the best piece of professional or personal advice you’ve ever been given? It’s ok to fail. I think so many people only highlight their wins, that it makes it seem like success comes without failure. This isn’t the case, if you’re not failing it means you’re not pushing hard enough. The most important part is learning from your failures and adjusting as needed.
You’re a new addition to the crayon box, what would your color name be and why? My name would be Luna, because of the spiritual connection and it’s ever-changing. What’s the best piece of professional or personal advice you’ve ever been given? Don't take things personally.
What industry do you think will be disrupted (and in what way) by your generation in the next 10 years? I truly believe business in general will be disrupted by the cannabis industry. In the next 10 years, the cannabis industry is predicted to be a 1.5-billion-dollar industry.
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“I never dreamed about success, I worked for it.” -Estee Lauder
CONGRATULATIONS
Joshua Marcus, MD 2019 Fairfield County Business Journal 40 Under Forty
Dr. Marcus is a neurosurgeon who focuses on the minimally invasive treatment of brain and spine conditions. He is one of only a few physicians in CT with advanced training and dual expertise in both the open surgical and minimally invasive treatment of cerebrovascular conditions. We are so proud and honored to have Dr. Marcus on our team.
162024_Marcus 40Under40_AD_190521.indd 1
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40 UNDER FORTY AWARDS 2019 | WINNERS
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BRIAN HIGGINS
CHRISTIAN KEANE
RHONDA KLEIN, M.D.
FOUNDER AND CEO ADITUM 1 Selleck St.
GROUP VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGY AND CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT GARTNER 56 Top Gallant Road, Stamford
PARTNER/CO-FOUNDER MODERN DERMATOLOGY 1032 Post Road East, Westport
You’re a new addition to the crayon box, what would your color name be and why? I think I’ll be Sailor Blue. A combination of the sea and sky, it connotes depth, stability, trust and loyalty. Being a primary color, it can be mixed with other colors to create new colors, which reminds me of how I have to make myself flexible and mold according to the situations occurring in life.
What are the three apps you use the most? ESPN, Waze, Sonos.
What’s the best piece of professional or personal advice you’ve ever been given? When you need to do something, just do it. Give it all that it requires. If you don’t know how, slow down and figure it out. Don’t wait for someone to tell you how to do something, go out and find out how for yourself.
What’s the best piece of professional or personal advice you’ve ever been given? Run the numbers. But let common sense prevail.
What industry do you think will be disrupted (and in what way) by your generation in the next 10 years? According to Realtor.com’s Chief Economist Danielle Hale, ‘millennials will continue to make up the largest segment of homebuyers in 2019.’ That said, Gen Z is beginning to enter adulthood and look for homes of their own. This leads us to another important point: What do these digital-native generations desire and almost demand in every aspect of their lives? Seamless interactions and efficiencies created by technology. I’m predicting that technology will turn traditional real estate upside down. Disruption will run wide and deep, with innovations in internet delivery helping revolutionize how buyers, sellers and investors interact with properties of interest and with one another.
How would you sell hot chocolate in Florida? In a fancy mug with lots of marshmallows. Seriously who’s turning down marshmallows?
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You’re a new addition to the crayon box, what would your color name be and why? Liquid Gold in honor of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and the increasing ways we’re able to use it to help our patients. What do you think about when you are alone in your car? Did I forget a kid? What’s the best piece of professional or personal advice you’ve ever been given? Make family vacations a priority – doing so makes me a better mom, wife and doctor.
40 UNDER FORTY AWARDS 2019 | WINNERS
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MARISA MACLEAN
SHANNON MALKIN DANIELS
PUBLISHER AND FOUNDER WESTPORT LIFESTYLE 7 Harvest Lane, Weston
FOUNDER AND CEO ENCAPTIV 600 Summer St., Stamford
What are the three apps you use the most? Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. I’m surprised to answer with three social media platforms, as I was a very late adapter. I now use social media every day for personal and business use. Instagram allows me to interact with my community on an instantaneous level. There have been times where we have had trouble connecting with a contact for an article. Phone calls and emails went unanswered and the only message they responded to was a DM on Instagram. What do you think about when you are alone in your car? The list of things I need to accomplish for the day and the priority of each item on the list. What industry do you think will be disrupted (and in what way) by your generation in the next 10 years? Cable television has already started and will probably continue, to be disrupted. With more and more households opting to stream entertainment, the cable networks will need to completely revamp their business model in order to stay relevant.
You’re a new addition to the crayon box, what would your color name be and why? OffbBeat color: Multicolor Swirl. Why? Because I march to the beat of my own drummer and don’t see in just one color. There are multiple shades to everyone and everything in life. Being able to recognize and accept the beauty in that provides a unique perspective and creates the ability to solve problems in new and innovative ways. If you had one extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? As an entrepreneur I work a ton, so if I had an extra hour each day, I’d spend it with my family, friends and loved ones – they’re the most valuable thing in life. What’s the best piece of professional or personal advice you’ve ever been given? Be yourself. Not everyone will like you and that’s okay. Stay true to who you are and you will be happier and more successful in whatever you do.
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“If you are not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you’ve launched too late.” -Reid Hoffman
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40 UNDER FORTY AWARDS 2019 | WINNERS
36 JOSHUA MARCUS, M.D. ENDOVASCULAR NEUROSURGEON WESTERN CONNECTICUT HEALTH NETWORK/NUVANCE HEALTH 67 Sand Pit Road, Danbury What are the 3 Apps you use the most? Google, Instagram, Synapse mobility (hospital imaging system). What do you think about when you are alone in your car? I think a lot about work and am always listening to music thinking about whether or not I should change the station What’s the best piece of professional or personal advice you’ve ever been given? Successful singles and doubles will get you way farther in your career than an occasional home run with many strikeouts
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ELISABETH MARROCOLLA
EDDIE MARTINEZ
HEAD OF CHILDREN AND TEEN SERVICES DARIEN LIBRARY 1441 Post Road, Darien
FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT TOP STATION 69 Hanover St., Bridgeport
What are the three apps you use the most? Twitter, Instagram and Safari. I’m a voracious consumer of news and information and I like to read at the source. I follow mostly journalists, politicians, authors and fellow librarians on Twitter. So I’ll go to Twitter for the headlines, then log in to the news websites on safari and read the full article. Instagram is where I relax – I only follow a few real people. Everything else is exotic vacations and famous royal jewelry. It’s a feast for the eyes and a rest for my brain.
You’re a new addition to the crayon box, what would your color name be and why? Transcendent. Because I will go above and beyond to ensure that everything I color exceeds its ordinary limit and potential.
If you had one extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? This is a cliché, because I’m a librarian, but I would read. Since I’ve had kids reading time has become a precious commodity. I used to regularly read 150 to 200 books a year, but now I tend to read around 75 and I’m not willing to take as many risks with new authors and different genres. I feel like I’m missing out on so much great stuff.
What industry do you think will be disrupted (and in what way) by your generation in the next 10 years? I believe having a personal assistant, in some cases, may be heavily disrupted and I believe the blame will be on voice apps like Alexa, Siri and others. Voice apps help us save time by answering our questions and following through on some of our commands. I believe that as technology advances our capabilities will increase and we will be able to do a lot more with them by simply having devices in every place we spend time, home or work.
What’s the best piece of professional or personal advice you’ve ever been given? Stop doing things for free. There is an entire generation of employees struggling with the ‘gig’ economy because they were once willing to give away their work, be it writing or jokes or youtube content.
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What do you think about when you are alone in your car? I am my own ‘hype man’ so I tend to use that time to get myself mentally ready for my next task. (Meeting. Spea., Workout. Study. etc.)
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Congratulations Americares Vice President of Emergency Programs Kate Dischino and all of the 40 Under 40 award winners making an impact in Fairfield County. Connect with us: 88 Hamilton Ave, Stamford, CT | americares.org
40 UNDER FORTY AWARDS 2019 | WINNERS
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SAMANTHA MAURO
PETER MCSHERRY
OWNER WHISKEY BARREL 251 E Main St., Stratford
VICE PRESIDENT, DIGITAL ANALYTICS EPSILON 10 Westport Road, Wilton
Pick two celebrities to be your parents. George Clooney and Jennifer Aniston. If you had one extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? I would volunteer more. I am so appreciative of all the opportunities that have come my way. I wish my days were not so busy and allowed more time to spend with others. What’s the best piece of professional or personal advice you’ve ever been given? Treat every day as a new day. Do not let yesterday’s fears or failures ruin today.
You’re a new addition to the crayon box, what would your color name be and why? McCherry Red. How would you sell hot chocolate in Florida? Inside the professional hockey ice rink I would own or maybe as a topper at my ice cream sundae shop (like an affogato but with hot chocolate). What industry do you think will be disrupted (and in what way) by your generation in the next 10 years? Education – costs are way too high and raising rates the average person cannot afford. High-end schools will still demand a premium but the middle and long tail likely will be replaced by cheaper online alternatives.
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“Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.” -Bill Gates
Congratulations
Extends congratulations to:
to all of the
Raya Ward Nielsen’s Florist and Garden Shop
2019
Elisabeth Marrocolla Darien Library
Fairfield County 40 Under 40 Winners!
And to
All 40 Under 40 Winners ENJOY THESE UPCOMING DARIEN EVENTS: DARIEN SIDEWALK SALES & FAMILY FUN DAYS Thursday July 11th through Saturday July 13th
Terrific buys all over town and family entertainment! Go to DarienCTChamber.com for more information #darienctchamber
WINE & FOOD TASTING with CHARITY AUCTION Thursday, Oct 17th from 6-9 pm At BMW of Darien Proceeds benefit local Darien Charities Tickets available September 1st
Advocating, Promoting, Connecting and Educating businesses and our community since 1917.
Go to DarienCTChamber.com for more info. #darienctchamber
greenwichchamber.com
Go to DarienCTChamber.com for more info. #darienctchamber
HOLIDAY MAGIC Saturday, December 7th At Grove Street Plaza Santa, Elves, Reindeer & Magic Galore!
40 UNDER FORTY AWARDS 2019 | WINNERS
39
34
32
AMANDA MEESON
ERIN MERCEDE
KELLI MEYER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR STERLING HOUSE COMMUNITY CENTER 10 Westport Road, Wilton
DIRECTOR OF LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS BRIDGEPORT REGIONAL BUSINESS COUNCIL 10 Middle St., Bridgeport
DIRECTOR, CAMPUS ACTIVITIES AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT UNIVERSITY OF BRIDGEPORT 126 Park Ave., Bridgeport
What are the three apps you use the most? Camera App: Our community center is full of joy and impact and I am eager to capture and share it. Simple habit: I try to do one meditation a day to calm my mind, whether it’s before bed or a quick break at work. Google calendar app: Not a super cool answer, but this app is a critical tool in my time management. My husband and I both have the app to help us communicate and stay on track as a family, too.
If you had one extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? In warmer months, it would be spending time working in the garden with my husband. In the colder months, it would be spent reading.
You’re a new addition to the crayon box, what would your color name be and why? Sparkling Rose’ (blush pink with silver sparkles). It’s a subtle color that goes with most other colors in the crayon box without clashing, but still distinct with a little bit of sass.
What’s the best piece of professional or personal advice you’ve ever been given? The most recent is from Amy Houston, who spoke at The Center for Nonprofits ‘From Surviving to Thriving’ workshop. ‘Be relentless in your pursuit of excellence’” I love the word relentless here. It is strong, action-oriented and reminds me to have the courage to follow my gut and do what is right.
What’s the best piece of professional or personal advice you’ve ever been given? Other people’s opinions of you are none of your business. What industry do you think will be disrupted (and in what way) by your generation in the next 10 years? The beauty industry. My generation cares much more about what goes into the products they put on their skin – traditional cosmetics companies will be pushed aside by those that value transparency and accountability.
What industry do you think will be disrupted (and in what way) by your generation in the next 10 years? I believe our generation will disrupt the normalcy and addiction that video games and other technology play in our youth and families’ lives. We can be the generation that embraces it, while establishing clear boundaries on how it manifests in our homes and communities.
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What do you think about when you are alone in your car? Did that person just see me having a dance party? If you had one extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Seeing or calling people that I don’t get to connect with often. Wouldn’t it be nice to pause for an hour a day and talk with someone important to you?
40 UNDER FORTY AWARDS 2019 | WINNERS
39
33 39
OLIVER PAGE
ROBERTA RICH
PRINCIPAL DELOITTE CONSULTING 695 E. Main St., Stamford
VICE PRESIDENT, MARKET LEADER BANK OF AMERICA 240 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich
How would you sell hot chocolate in Florida? Add two shots of Baileys over ice and a swirl of whipped cream = sold out.
What are the three apps you use the most? Waze – have to get around the traffic in Fairfield County. Starbucks – those mobile orders save time and keep me caffeinated. Finally, Bank of America – and not just because I work there.
If you had one extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Bonding with new people and strengthening existing friendships. What’s the best piece of professional or personal advice you’ve ever been given? My advice may not be profound, but it is brutally honest. My best advice is when I tell people I mentor this is where you rock, this is where you need to make significant improvements and here are the perceptions you need to fix.
Pick two celebrities to be your parents. Lin-Manuel Miranda – I mean, for Hamilton alone, sure, but looking further into all of his accomplishments and positive messages, I have to know he would never let me settle. JK Rowling – Harry Potter aside, anyone who was able to turn their life from being on government assistance to a worldrenowned writer can certainly teach us all. What industry do you think will be disrupted (and in what way) by your generation in the next 10 years? Food and beverage. People continue to look for regimes that help them with health goals – from vegetarians to pescatarians people are looking to customize their food and choices. Fast-food chains in particular will need to adapt quickly to customizable meals that give clients their choice as well as providing quick and easy access to food at an affordable price.
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“Opportunities - the good ones - are messy, confusing and hard to recognize. They're risky. They challenge you. ” -Susan Wojcicki
serving Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Oxford, Seymour & Shelton
"There is more in us than we know if we can be made to see it." Jess Ekstrom
Congratulations to all the 2019 Fairfield County 40 Under 40Â especially the Valley's ownÂ
John Corraro
Barnum Financial Group
Suobo Richards Service After Service
203-925-4981 GreaterValleyChamber.com
40 UNDER FORTY AWARDS 2019 2018 | WINNERS
39
36
31
SUOBO RICHARDS
CHLOE RICHLAND
CHARLES ROCCO
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AND PRESIDENT SERVICE AFTER SERVICE 415 Howe Ave., Shelton
ASSOCIATE WILSON ELSER 1010 Washington Blvd., Stamford
PRESIDENT AND CEO ROCCO & ASSOCIATES WEALTH MANAGEMENT 1248 Post Road, Fairfield
You’re a new addition to the crayon box, what would your color name be and why? Galactic Green – because I’m a huge proponent of STEM and I want youth to think more about the universe. What’s the best piece of professional or personal advice you’ve ever been given? The greatest danger to most men is not that we aim too high and miss, but that we aim too low and achieve. What industry do you think will be disrupted (and in what way) by your generation in the next 10 years? I believe that necessity breeds invention and the demand/constraints in the medical and health care industries will lead to some innovative disruptors.
What are the three apps you use the most? Instagram, ESPN and Stamford Advocate/Google News.
What are the three apps you use the most? Evernote, Microsoft Outlook and LinkedIn
You’re a new addition to the crayon box, what would your color name be and why? I would be Sunshine Yellow. Sunshine reminds me of smiling and happiness and that my family used to call my sister ‘sunshine’ when she was little.
If you had one extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? I would read more. There are more content and ideas being shared today through writing than ever before and it doesn’t cost a thing!
What industry do you think will be disrupted (and in what way) by your generation in the next 10 years? I think we’ll see a continued disruption of how we engage in retail and food shopping as online platforms emerge eliminating the need to go to a store to get food or clothes.
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What industry do you think will be disrupted (and in what way) by your generation in the next 10 years? In the next 10 years the financial intermediary business will be disrupted by the blockchain. You won't need Fidelity or Schwab to place trades for you or hold your stocks and bonds.
Under
CONGRATULATIONS to all the “40 under 40” honorees for their achievements, success and stellar contributions to the business community. And a very sincere and special acknowledgement to our Fairfield Chamber members:
C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S
BRBC Members and 40 Under 40 Honorees!
Kevin Caskin VP, Sr. Market Manager People’s United Bank
Charles W. Rocco President & CEO | Rocco & Associates Wealth Management Managing Director | MONECO Advisors Fairfield Chamber of Commerce 1597 Post Road Fairfield, CT 06824 203.255.1011 ww.FairfieldCTChamber.com
Godiva Cadena Union Savings Bank Kevin Caskin People’s United Bank Sasha Collins The Center for Family Justice John Corraro Barnum Financial Group Eddie Martinez TOP Station Samantha Mauro Whiskey Barrel Amanda Meeson Sterling House Community Center Erin Mercede Bridgeport Regional Business Council Kelli Meyer University of Bridgeport Roberta Rich Bank of America Erick Russell Pullman & Comley, LLC
Where Commerce & Community Connect 10 Middle Street,14 th Floor Bridgeport, CT w w w.brbc.org | 203.335.3800
40 UNDER FORTY AWARDS 2019 | WINNERS
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39
ERICK RUSSELL
KATHERINE RUSSIAN
ASSOCIATE PULLMAN & COMLEY 850 Main St., Bridgeport
DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LENTNER 12 Godfrey Place, Wilton
What do you think about when you are alone in your car? Politics, Dallas Cowboys football and vacation destinations.
What are the three apps you use the most? The Real Real, Wunderlist and Under Armor’s Map My Run.
If you had one extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? I would spend it playing Legos, coloring and playing basketball with my 10 beautiful nieces and nephews.
What do you think about when you are alone in your car? I often think about opportunity and what an important part it plays in the success we have in our lives. We all don’t get the same opportunities naturally and everybody deserves them, which is why those of us who are lucky enough to find success and fortune should always be humble and look for ways to pay it forward for others. I have always been consumed with the fact that some of us will always have to work harder than others to get out of the starting block and see the bright future ahead, but in recognizing that alone and sharing that knowledge, you could help shape the way the youth face the world.
What industry do you think will be disrupted (and in what way) by your generation in the next 10 years? Health care. In addition to broader demand for a more affordable and universal health care system, technology is going to allow for more efficient and convenient ways to access health care providers (video communication, apps, 10- minute clinics for basic health care needs, etc.)
What industry do you think will be disrupted (and in what way) by your generation in the next 10 years? Artificial intelligence. I think that Amazon will be building robots to take over certain skilled labor in the workforce, which will leave many of our fellow citizens with difficulty finding employment.
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“Differentiate yourself! Why are you different? What's important about you? Why does the customer need you?” -Sara Blakely
40 UNDER FORTY AWARDS 2019 | WINNERS
28
35
37
EMILY ANNE SCALISE
RAYA WARD
JOSH WEINSHANK
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT NICHOLSMD OF GREENWICH 50 Old Field Point Road, Greenwich
GENERAL MANAGER NIELSEN'S FLORIST & GARDEN SHOP 1405 Post Road, Darien
PARTNER LEADER CRAMER & ANDERSON'SFAIRFIELD COUNTY TRUST AND ESTATE PLANING 38C Grove St., Ridgefield
What do you think about when you are alone in your car? I reflect. I’m highly reflective and constantly trying to improve upon my level of self-awareness. I ask myself questions such as: Best part of my day, low part of my day. How I could have been more effective and efficient. If I could have updated my language to the staff for clearer direction, feedback. Why I did or did not achieve my work goal. Plan my tomorrow.
You’re a new addition to the crayon box, what would your color name be and why? Serene Flames, because I come across as very laidback and calm but there is a subtle fire and determined edge to me that drives me to succeed.
Pick two celebrities to be your parents. Indiana Jones and Wonder Woman.
If you had one extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Sleep. In order to be the best version of myself so I can be the best wife, mom, friend and leader, I need to be well-rested. I am constantly trying to sleep 8 or 9 hours each night because a longer night’s rest means clearer skin, heightened mood, prolonged stamina, increased attentiveness, amplified confidence and better body recovery. What’s the best piece of professional or personal advice you’ve ever been given? Go far beyond the expectations. Show up early. Say thank you. Remember everyone’s name. If they ask you for two sentences, write two pages. Never present a problem without a solution. If they ask to meet with you, prepare a PowerPoint. Formulate a follow-up. Make a personal connection every single time because one opportunity can lead to 100 if you’re committed and impressive.
What do you think about when you are alone in your car? What’s next? What industry do you think will be disrupted (and in what way) by your generation in the next 10 years? Aging. I think about this one a lot. I think our generation more than any before is not willing to age in the same way as previous generations and expects more. I think there will be an overhaul on medication and how that is managed, technology will continue to be highly developed to make it easier for the elderly to access the world and manage themselves. As our generation continues to age and look forward, I think technology will follow us, not alienate us as we age.
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How would you sell hot chocolate in Florida? Let the marshmallow absorb all the hot chocolate, put the marshmallow on a stick, freeze it and sell it as a hot chocolate popsicle. What’s the best piece of professional or personal advice you’ve ever been given? Don’t rest on your past accomplishments and always move forward to the future.
40 UNDER FORTY AWARDS 2019 | WINNERS
35
36
ANGELA WONG
LAURA ZAP
EVENTS AND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CITYCENTER DANBURY 268 Main St., Danbury
DIRECTOR OF CONFERENCE PLANNING LAKOTA OAKS 32 Weed Ave., Norwalk
What do you think about when you are alone in your car? Mainly just three things: What should I cook next? What should my next meal be? Is it time to eat yet? What’s the best piece of professional or personal advice you’ve ever been given? Are you afraid to fail when trying to accomplish something new? Feel the fear and do it anyway. You can’t grow unless you face your fears. What industry do you think will be disrupted (and in what way) by your generation in the next 10 years? The health care industry needs to be and will hopefully be, changed in the next decade. As the population increases to age and new advances continue to appear, our generation will have to quickly adapt to technological and legislative changes.
You’re a new addition to the crayon box, what would your color name be and why? Black Bear is black, gray, brown in color. Black bears are loners, but very protective of their family (and friends). If you had one extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? I most likely would try to split it in half and spend 30 minutes sleeping and 30 minutes playing with my dog What’s the best piece of professional or personal advice you’ve ever been given? That there is only so much you can do in a day and what is meant to be accomplished will, but don’t forget to take time for yourself. Now if I could only follow that advice…
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“It’s much, much better to talk to one another than about one another.” ” -Angela Merkel
PREVIOUS WINNERS
The Stamford Chamber of Commerce Congratulates the 40 Under 40 Winners! Thank You for Your Contributions That Support Our Organization & The Community! www.StamfordChamberofCommerce.com
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2005
2006
David Adamo Jon Angel F. Michael Ayles Ivy Burke Sean Carroll Robert Caruso David Colella Patrick Connors George D’Angelo Michael Daglio Paul Delano David Didato Meghan Flynn Frank Forte Marc Grenier Brian Griffin Lee Hendrick Stephanie E. Katz Matthew Kolk Donna Kuebler Thomas Lambert Brian Landi Lee Milazzo Lisa Moholt Gilbert Ohls Darren Pocsik Yvette Prybyski James Ritman Babe R. Rizzuto Peter Rosato Jr Lisa Schildwachter-Messina Jason Stewart Mark Swimm Peter James Tesei John Unger Gerald Valenti Gregory Walsh Craig Woerz Ronald Young Jr Carl Zuckerberg
R. Scott Beach Matthew Lloyd Brovender Christopher G. Brown Esq. Christian Burns Zvi Cole Michael DiDonato Garry Feldman Greer Fredericks R. David Genovese Sussanah Gillette B. Scott Gioffre Lateef Habib Peter Hastings Ian Hobbs Erica Killion Fritz Knipschildt Michael Kramer Todd B. Lindvall Gregory Lodato Raj R. Mahale Allison McGahren Kevin P. McKiernan Ian Murray Shep Murray Douglas H. Olin Jason Palmer Carlos Perez Daniel M. Petrelle Gerald Pia Jr. Mark E. Pizzi Heather Porter Christy Pugh Colin Reilly Randy Salvatore Mia Schipani John Slattery William D. Starbuck Jr. Gregory Stelluti Kieran P. Theissen Scott B. Witkin
40 UNDER FORTY AWARDS 2019 | PREVIOUS WINNERS
2007 William Bardani Jennifer K. Baringer Lisa V. Bisson Jeffrey A. Blomberg Frank Carpenteri Jr. Michael W. Coffey Peter Deane Raymond J. DiGiorgio Tom Dillon Cynthia Drexel Matthew G. Fair Brooke Feder Donald J. Garamella Scot Gladstone David J. Grant Katherine L. Knowlton Susan Kohn Marc Kosak Christopher S. Leonard Erika Liverani Joseph L. LoPresti John J. Louizos Christophr K. McKiernan Lee Milazzo Rani Newman Mathura Tracy Persson Jennifer K. Roberto Chris Russell Stanley J. Ruszkowski Thomas Sanseverino Gregory Smith Alexander Soule Naiden Stoyanov Harris Towne Kim Tuffarelli Albert Unger John Vitro Daniela M. Walsh Myrna Yannieh Dr. Robert Zembroski
2008
2009
Carrie L. Amos Kimberly Bankston Jeffrey A. Blanco Jodi Boldrighini Kea Chiang Alice Ferreira David Gavin Jennifer Gerwien Jared Haines Kathryn Humphrey Ryan Kaisoglus Jason Kinard Jennifer Loporchio A.J. Lucas Maxine Lum Mauricio Todd Marlin Jeffrey S. Medina Loren M. Meyer Lou Occhicone Suzanne Palazzo Devang C. Patel John Pierro Tony Polito Jeffrey Quadrato Richard A. Rosano Ryan Salvatore Jorge Santiago Michael Serrao Steve Soyland Eric Stone Melanie Szlucha Brad Tippett Matthew Tuttle Keith S. Varian Cory Visi Kevin F. Viteri Karin Vota Adam Wood Craig Wood Eli Zimmer
Vincencia Adusei Erica Bartelson Michael Basile Laura . Beck Esq. Cara Brook Markie Campbell Michael Canniff Carmelo “Mel” Carrozza Mally Chakola Rebecca Christopherson Joseph I. Chu Adam J. Cohen Dave Coughlin Gregory Frisoli David Galla Natalie Holder-Winfield Brooke Hourigan-Bertholf Laura Jacob Mark Kaduboski LaTanya Langley Rikki Lawrence Nicole Lyons Christopher Major John M. McCAreins, Jr. Sean Murray Mehner Tami A. Moe Glen J. Moore Heather L. Neff Daniel Onofrio Scott Orstad Jon Paul Pirraglia Brendan Reidy Paige Ridley AIA Roberto Romano Brock Saxe Katie Scinto Landria M. S Seals Mark Sherman Jonathan Soares Kristen Sullivan
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2010 Olga Adler Jason Andrews Ken Angier Tracy Bleier Ronald L. Brown Jr. Xiomara Chiluisa Gregory Coghlan T. Scott Cowperthwait Lamond Daniels Ronald L. Dragotta Jerrod Ferrari Justin Galletti Jessica Grosswarth Ali Haffner Rebekah Harriman Timothy Herbst Daniel Johnson Esq. William J. Kelleher III Chris Lackowski Emanuela Lima Russ Liner Virgilio Lopez Daniel Mazabras Tom McFeeley Stpehanie McMahon R. Michael Meo Jr. Sean Morris Ryan T. O’Connell Carmine Perri Michael Silvestro Marcus Sweeney Lisa V. Thygerson Sheena Tracy Tim Tracy Jr. Christopher W. Tymniak Daniel Walsh Adrienne Wallace Thomas Walsh Brian Walsh Heather Ziegler
40 UNDER FORTY AWARDS 2019 | PREVIOUS WINNERS
2011 Michele Albano Jessica Angier James Bergers Colleen Bike Adam Birnbaum Jenn Bond Huisking Lisa Bratt James Solomon Burshtein Gina Calder Mark Calzone Jason Corsi Jackie Effren Alison Fischer Christopher Fleming Bonnie Geppert George Gerhard Christopher Given Paul Gojkovich III Taryn Harrigan Jennifer M. F. Hillgen-Santa Amy Jacabacci Lisa Lou Joaquim Jamie Jones Adam Klimek Jennifer Lynne David Marceau Penni Martin Patrick Minicus R. Patrick Morrow Eli Newsom Eric Niederer Caitlin Nurge Brian Reklaitis Maureen “Mo” Reynolds Joanna Rotonde Robert Russo Jonathan Shapiro Matthew Storch Kate Truesdell Whitney Wasserman
2012
2013
Julia Ambrosi Matt Briand Washington Cabezas Jr. Mark Carmody Lauren Cimino Brian Cohen David Cohen William Conron Jennifer Stewart Ellison Dawn Emmerich Benjamin Fetterman Daniel P. Fitzgerald Benjamin Henson Ari J. Hoffman Jay Inzitari Christina Kazanas Kerri Leavay Michael Lestinsky Adam Luysterborghs Jarrod Manfro Charles F. Martin III John Martinez Austin McChord Stephanie McLaughlin Sarah Mehner Michael Moore Michelle Naggar Brendan Naughton Becca Nell Joe Orlando James Palsa Georgette Pascale Chris Peck Leah M. Reeves ScottS okolowski Medha Thomas Elizabeth Torres Anthony J. Truino Melanie Varian Jennifer Wiesner
Nathan M. Allen III Craig M. Baker Ramón Bentley Bill Brucker Cara Ann Ceraso Emily Chalk Manish Chowdhary Michael Church Christa Clark Michelle Cole Maria Conlon Brandon Dufour Brian R. Feidt Anne Gagnon Mary C. Grande Ella Gudwin Brandon P. Hall Theresa Hatton Doodnauth Hiraman MD Mitch Hoffman Blanca L. Kazmierczak Christian Deneb Koether Daniel L’Altrella Janeen W. Leppert Dana M. Loch Matthew R. Meier Thomas C. McCarthy Sean Morits Kristen Okesson Jodie Orzechowski Robert Rahilly Kevin Richards David B. Schaffer Megan Smith-Gill Timothy N. Simpson Jon Stellwagen Grant W. Tankoos Jesse Turley Nicholas Vazquez Desiree Wolfe Kerry Wood
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2014 Fahad Ahmed Jeffrey Alexander Alison P. Baker Brian Bidolli Victoria F. Bolton John P. Bonora Jason Boyea Spruille S. Braden Rebecca B. Brown Brian R. Falkowski Trish Fontes Joshua Forler Robert A. Gambardella Edward Gormbley Daniel Granucci Peter Hall Alison Held Marc Hoffman Francis S. Infurchia Jr. David Kooris Ashley Krauss Vincent Lariccia Louis M. Marino Kerri Mandelker Bruce T. Moore Jr. Bryan Morris Anna Nelmes-Stoughton James N. Parker Angela Pellegrini Christopher J. Pia Kelly Pia Shaye Roscoe Courtney Rose Nicholas Ruickoldt Justin Shaw Steven J. Stafstrom Jr. Jimmy Tickey Elikem Tomety Archer Katherine Vadasdi, MD Mark A. Vitale, MD Dan Viteri
40 UNDER FORTY AWARDS 2019 | PREVIOUS WINNERS
2015 Joshua Aferzon Megan Baroni Eliot Bassin Assaf Z. Ben-Atar Kelly Berwick Paul A. Bonomo Peter M. Bryniczka James Calkins Anthony A. Carpentieri Nate Checketts Joseph Cichowski Mario F. Coppola, Esq. Jessica Curtis Sergio DaSilveira Lara Devgan, MD Steven Fusco Emily Goldschmid Nicole Licata Grant Benjamin Healey Jason Jaronko Sean Keating Bryan J. Kelsey Christiane Kinseley Dr. Daniel T. Ksepka John Lim Patrick B. McKiernan Katrina V. Melei Kathryn Scheinberg Meyer, Esq. Nick Nguyen Carrie O’Connell Thomas P. O’Connor Douglas Polistena David Sansone Jr. Paul Santos Lindsay Clauss Sheehy Alison Smith Dave Stambone Laurie Stefanowicz Jamie Toole Kristen L. Zaehringer
2016
2017 Cortney Ansel Melissa Basile Eric D. Bernheim Justin Charise Josh Cohen Christopher Cortese Kayte Cwikla-Masas Alison D. Davis Anthony DeCandido Robyn Drucker Taruna Garg Michael Gretczko Rachel Haughey Sean Hurley Ken Jacobi Rebecca Kaplan Jacqueline Olschan Kaufman Blake Leonard Brian P. Lowell Allyson Mahoney Chris Manimbo Angela Medina Jennifer Mezzapelle Alexandra Mililli Jacqueline Novotny Kelly F. O'Donnell Jeff Osta Kate Petrov Quentin W. Phipps Kate Pipa Natalie A. Pryce Brett Robinson Devon Scanlon Jagjiwan Singh Lindsay Smith Salvatore Sorce JP Sredzinski Nicole Thomas Brian Van Wagener Julie Varughese
Kayleigh Apicerno Hunter Arton Kris Barker Adam Blank Allison Carballo Jason Castaldi Brian A. Clarke, Jr. Marissa Donnelly Ali Farsun Dembishack Steven Ferguson James Frommert Meaghan George Andrew Herr Michelle Johnson Nick Khamarji, Jr. Jackie Kosiba Dyan Kozaczka Enoch Lenge Vladimir Mariano Derrek Metz Lauren Millar James Moffat Britta Mulderrig Stephen Napier Brandon Oldham Kristi Olds Staci Peete Tanya Popolizio Sean Rabinowitz Amy Reina Tim Rorick Ryan Santoro Michael Sciamanna Michael Sullivan Jon Thomas Kelly Trahan Daniel Trust Ken Tuccio Corinne Vanbeek MD Cecilia Zhang Stiber
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2018 Karolina Alexandre Clare Bolduc John Breznen Richard C. Buturla Bryan Collins Ardonyx Day Erica DePalma Amanda Desai-Mauro Angelica Durrell Rory Farrell Lisa Feinberg Michael Ferguson Anthony Gaglio, Jr. Rachel Ginsburg Keith Hassell Lori Jones Katie Kasinskas David Kaye Laura Laboissonniere Emily Larkin Muguette Maignan Kristen Manginelli Jarrett Meiers Reese Mitchell Annie Nardi Meagan Neville Nicole Palazzo Hannah Perry Philip C. Pires Nick Rongoe Scott Santa Christina Scott Tom Simonetti Christine Stafstrom Amy Steele Melanie Strout Allison Tait-Enright Jake Tavello Steven Williams Christopher Wirth
40 UNDER FORTY AWARDS 2019 | SPONSORS
UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT UConn, founded in 1881, is a land grant public research institution and Connecticut’s flagship university. One of the University of Connecticut’s 14 schools and colleges, the School of Business was established in 1941 and has evolved into an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. Primarily operating in four Connecticut locations – Storrs (main), Greater Hartford, Stamford and Waterbury, the UConn School of Business offers a comprehensive academic program portfolio, including bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, advanced certificates, as well as customized education and outreach services to the corporate community and the general public. In addition to Connecticut’s largest MBA program (full-time, part-time and executive formats), UConn also offers specialized master’s degrees in accounting (online), business analytics and project management, financial risk management and human resource management. UConn business faculty scholars are leaders in their fields, as well as true teaching professionals, embracing a dynamic and experience-based approach to learning. In addition to their interactions with students and research contributions, faculty work closely with state government and the business community providing insight and counsel on local, national and global issues. The UConn School of Business ranks among the nation’s top public institutions by CEO magazine, Financial Times, Forbes, Military Times and U.S. News & World Report, and has been fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) since 1958. Learn more at business.uconn.edu.
DELOITTE offers clients a broad range of fully integrated services in areas that include accounting, assurance and advisory, risk, tax, management, financial advisory, technology integration, strategy and operations and human capital consulting. Deloitte’s multidisciplinary client-service teams, under the leadership of a lead client service partner, work closely with clients to create powerful business solutions for organizations in the United States and around the world. The company offers a strong local practice with a global reach. As a proud member of the Stamford community, we invest substantial resources to support the growth and potential of this marketplace. Deloitte’s Stamford practice includes more than 1,100 professionals, including more than 200 partners, principals and managing directors. Our Stamford practice serves clients across multiple industries, including more than 80% of Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Stamford. Many of our local PPMDs (personal property management division) also lead specialized practices such as our technical accounting, independence and ethics and compliance groups. We help guide many of the area’s most respected organizations through periods of dramatic growth, challenge and life-changing events.
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GREENWICH HOSPITAL, founded in 1903, has been a member of Yale New Haven Health since 1998 and is an academic affiliate of the Yale School of Medicine. It is a progressive, 206-bed regional medical center and teaching institution serving residents of Fairfield and Westchester counties. The hospital has garnered a national reputation for patient safety, clinical excellence and customer service, combining the latest technological advances with skilled, compassionate physicians and health care professionals who deliver the highest level of patient care. For a fifth consecutive year, Greenwich Hospital has earned Healthgrades 2019 Outstanding Patient Experience Award, placing the organization among the top 15 percent of hospitals nationwide for patient experience. Greenwich Hospital’s patients have access to a comprehensive range of medical, surgical, diagnostic and wellness programs. The hospital offers medical innovations from robotic surgery to sophisticated diagnostic imaging to national clinical trials. The hospital is recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Magnet Hospital, the highest honor of nursing excellence. The completely renovated Emergency Department now has Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital pediatric specialists to care for the smallest patients any time of day or night. Yale New Haven’s Smilow Cancer Hospital on the Greenwich Hospital campus is across from the main hospital and offers high-quality advanced cancer care close to home. Satellite facilities include the Rye Brook Walk-in Clinic in New York; the outpatient surgical and primary care center at 500 W. Putnam and the Helmsley Ambulatory Surgical Center, both in Greenwich; and the Long Ridge Medical Center and Greenwich Hospital Diagnostic Center, both in Stamford.
40 UNDER FORTY AWARDS 2019 | SPONSORS
VAL’S PUTNAM WINES & LIQUORS specializes in international and domestic wines, liquors and craft beers. Family owned for more than 60 years, Val’s has been an integral part of the Greenwich community since 1957 serving local residents as well as supporting and partnering with local charity organizations, caterers, event planners and various businesses. Its primary goal for two generations has been to be the source for all beverage needs for any occasion in town. Striving to cater to each and every customer’s demands by listening intently and forming longstanding relationships, Val’s feels it is important that its customers have an opportunity to experience the multitude of products available today and to learn about them in the process. As a commitment to its clientele, Val’s has an on-going educational platform that is central to its goals. According to the company, “we at Val’s feel very privileged to be part of various special occasions in different people’s lives by providing our extensive product line and by dedicating our time and knowledge to enhance all those very special moments in our customers’ lives.” The many services Val’s provides include wine-cellar collection consultation, event planning, corporate gifting, free weekly wine tastings and full delivery service throughout the country. For more, visit us at our two locations: Greenwich, 125 W. Putnam Ave. (in Stop & Shop Plaza) 203-869- 2299; Glenville, 21 Glenville St. (next to Shop & Stop) 203-813-3477 or visit us at our website valsputnumnwines.com.
CITY OF NORWALK Rooted in history, alive with innovation and open for business, the city of Norwalk is home to Fortune 500 companies and small businesses alike that are attracted by a highly skilled workforce, affordable office and retail space, diverse housing options and excellent access to Metro-North Railroad, I-95 and the Merritt Parkway, as well as Long Island Sound for both commuters and visitors. That’s why Datto, FactSet Research, Pepperidge Farm and Priceline call Norwalk home. Norwalk has something for everyone. At the center of Norwalk's attractions is SoNo where the Maritime Aquarium and historic Washington Street delight visitors with restaurants, shops and a vibrant night life. Norwalk’s Wall Street/ West Avenue neighborhood is alive with new shops and restaurants all within a walk to many new apartments, Mathews Park, Stepping Stones Museum and the Lockwood Mansion. Come to Norwalk to live, work, play, visit and learn. Visit the Sheffield Island Lighthouse or Calf Pasture Beach, attend the Hello Summer 2019 Tour with music at the Norwalk Public Library, participate in Pride in the Park on June 8, make music on Make Music day on June 21, have fun at the Nice Festival on June 6, shop at the SoNo Arts Festival on August 3 and 4, and eat local oysters at the Oyster Fest on September 6, 7, and 8.
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WESTERN CONNECTICUT HEALTH NETWORK At Western Connecticut Health Network, we are committed to providing you and your family personalized care without compromise. Anchored by three nationally recognized hospitals – Danbury Hospital, New Milford Hospital and Norwalk Hospital – we are united by our mission to improve the health and well-being of those who live in the communities we proudly call home. Our patients are people first – we know them from school, church and the community. That personal connection is what makes us unique and allows us to humanize health care. Here, you will feel at home in a warm, welcoming environment that our hospitals are known for. Beyond our walls, we have an integrated network of physicians and specialists located throughout the region, making it easier than ever to find the care you need, close to home. You will find our physicians, nurses and staff truly care about their work, and most importantly, they care about YOU. They will listen to you, take the time to get to know you and address any concerns you may have. Whether you are looking for answers to what ails you or a partner to help you stay healthy – look no further. We are here to provide medical care when you or your family members are sick or injured and we are also here to help you learn about prevention and wellness. Come explore our hospitals, talented medical staff, clinical specialties and wellness programs. Experience firsthand the difference between caring for people and caring about people.
40 UNDER FORTY AWARDS 2019 | SPONSORS
MILLER MOTORCARS of Greenwich is dedicated to bringing the finest in new and pre-owned motorcars to its loyal list of clients. Please accept our warmest welcome into the world of Aston Martin, Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Bugatti, Ferrari, Maserati, McLaren, Pagani and Rolls Royce. The purchase of a specialty motorcar is just the gateway into an exciting journey in quality motoring and lifestyle experiences. Our dedicated staff at Miller Motorcars are on call to guide you through the purchasing experience and ensure that your new acquisition gives you nothing but stress-free enjoyment now that your purchase is backed up by our award-winning dealership’s commitment to the servicing of your new or pre-owned automobile. Customer satisfaction is our numberone priority — that’s been our unwavering reputation since 1976.
BMW OF DARIEN, which was established in 1967, has been a family-owned BMW Dealer and BMW Service Center in Darien for more than 50 years. At our dealership, we strive to provide the most compelling car-buying and ownership experience through our commitment to exceptional customer service. We truly value our customers, as well as our community and are proud to continuously support local charities and organizations within Darien, Stamford, Norwalk, New Canaan, Westport and all of Fairfield County.
CHLOE RICHLAND Among this year’s “40 Under 40” Whose contributions to our firm are felt every day. Wilson Elser salutes associate Chloe Richland for her inclusion in the 2019 class of “40 Under 40.” Chloe has quickly distinguished herself in the areas of personal injury defense as well as premises, professional, product and general liability. We have been privileged to witness her star rise and agree with the Fairfield County Business Journal that she exemplifies the legal acumen and litigation prowess that distinguish the state’s top practitioners.
wilsonelser.com 1010 Washington Boulevard Stamford, CT 06901 203.388.9100 37 Offices Nationwide © 2019 Wilson Elser. All rights reserved. 231-19
SERAFINA AT THE IC is Fairfield County’s premier event venue, providing the perfect setting for weddings, private events, corporate gatherings, meetings, galas, fundraisers, family reunions and more. Nestled on 28 acres of beautifully manicured gardens, Serafina offers distinguished charm, Italian-inspired cuisine and an elegant setting. Our 12,000-square-foot facility is comprised of a spectacular grand ballroom that can accommodate 150 to 600 guests. For more intimate occasions, the Club and Newfield rooms can seat up to 100 guests. For a special outdoor affair, step outside to Al Fresco, the finest tented outdoor grounds in the area, or our stunning Rose Garden. The IC is a nonprofit organization that gives back to the greater Stamford area through scholarships, senior lunches and other community service projects. For more information, please call 203-322-6950.
40 UNDER FORTY AWARDS 2019 | SPONSORS
THE STORY OF SHOPRITE GRADE “A” MARKETS It was 1929: Wall Street had just collapsed under the most disastrous day of trading in history. Government reports estimated that 60% of the U.S. population had an annual income of under $2,000 and here in Stamford an immigrant named Salvatore Cingari Sr. had just lost his job paving streets for the city of Stamford. With a family to support and a work ethic that would not tolerate failure, Salvatore took his meager savings and bought a small school bus and converted it into a traveling grocery store. He went door to door selling groceries out of the back of his bus to housewives living at the outskirts of Stamford, who back then had no way to travel to the grocery stores in town. By 1943, Salvatore had prospered enough to open the first Grade “A” Market at 263 Shippan Ave. That store still stands across the street from the present day Shippan Avenue store. In short time, Salvatore brought his sons Dominick, Rocky and Sam into the family business. As the years passed the family opened more stores; to date the Cingari family owns and operates 11 stores throughout Fairfield County. Today, Rocky and Sam are joined by the third generation, Chip, Joe and Tom as well as the fourth generation Tom Jr. and Dominick who together form the nucleus of the management team. Every day of every week you will find these partners in the stores, managing each store as if it was their only one. The story of ShopRite Grade “A” Market is a story about commitment, hard work and family pride. It’s no wonder that our associates and our customers feel like family when they come to our stores!
WESTFAIR COMMUNICATIONS INC. (Westfair), a privately held firm based in White Plains, publishes tabloid-sized business newspapers online and in print: the Westchester County Business Journal and the Fairfield County (Connecticut) Business Journal and WAG magazine, a glossy monthly publication judged to be the “Best Magazine in New York State” for the past four years. The Business Journals are more than 50 years old and are the only weekly countywide business newspapers. They were founded by former Westchester resident David Moore, a grandson of celebrated New York publisher Joseph Pulitzer, and John Smith, a former Wall Street Journal editor. In keeping with its founders’ principles, the newspapers focus only on the local business community with news and information that are helpful to business people and profiles on entrepreneurs and professionals, which are inspirational to the readers. The papers have gained credibility and respect in the region for their information, integrity, relevance and usefulness to readers. WAG, a lifestyle magazine with unique upscale content, has become a popular and successful must-read for the savvy residents of Westchester and Fairfield counties. The company also sponsors interactive programs for its readers, some of which are joint-ventured with other businesses or community organizations. These programs cover a variety of subjects and take different forms, including seminars, expos, conferences, roundtable discussions and debates. For more information, visit westfaironline.com, wagmag.com or call 914-694-3600.
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AUDI DANBURY, part of the Weeks Automobile Group, a family-owned and operated business consisting of Audi Danbury, Porsche Danbury, Danbury Volkswagen and Weeks Preowned Center, is celebrating their 30th anniversary in 2019. It is an exciting year on many fronts including the launch of the Audi’s all-new, all-electric e-tron SUV. From humble beginnings with a single showroom on Newtown Rd. that had room for just three vehicles, to four separate showrooms and an impressive Audi service center surrounding Danbury airport, so much has changed for Weeks Automotive Group, the car industry, and how society communicates since opening in 1989. “1989 doesn’t sound like that long ago for many of us, but it is a lifetime in the car business. Cars were much less complicated then, SUVs didn’t exist, electric cars were science fiction, and when a customer needed a new car, their shopping experience usually started by them coming into the showroom to see the latest models, said Josh Weeks, owner and Dealer Principal. “All of our follow-up conversations were conducted on the telephone, ones with wires connected to the desk or the wall. We really enjoyed those conversations and the relationships we formed with our customers,” Weeks continued. “As a business we’re fully committed to the latest technological advances, and our vehicles always feature state-of-the-art tech, but to celebrate thirty years, we’re trying to turn back the clock to show our appreciation by personally thanking our customers face-to-face as often as possible.” Audi Danbury is located at 25 Sugar Hollow Rd., adjacent to the Danbury Airport off Rt. 7. For more information please visit www.audidanbury.com or call 203.744.5202
The
Perfect
Venue for Any Occasion
Nestled on 28 acres of beautifully manicured gardens, the newly redesigned Serafina offers distinguished charm, Italian-inspired cuisine and an elegant setting. Plan your gathering in our grand ballroom or the more intimate Club Room. For a special outdoor affair, step outside to Al Fresco
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or the impressive Rose Garden. For a truly memorable experience, call 203.322.6950
1620 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, CT 06905
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serafinaic.com