Faith Zeller

Age: 36 Company: Nutmeg Technologies Title: Director of Sales and Marketing Town where I live: Manchester Town where I work: South Windsor Fun Fact I was fortunate to have Jack and Nancy and Milton Hershey School propel my life personally and professionally. Q&A: What do you do in your current job? I manage the development and implementation of the brand strategy of our company, along with the implementation of the overall marketing strategy, including campaigns, events and digital marketing. I also develop the marketing strategy for new and existing products and work with our sales team on leadership training and development. What are your goals in your current job? My goals are to continue to market and brand our company in the community. I want to continue to focus on engagement strategies and goals to collect feedback to validate our product and services in the marketplace. What's your biggest passion? As a graduate of Milton Hersey School, I recognize the impact that education and mentorship provide. I was an individual who struggled in my childhood and came from a very difficult family environment. It is because of this, that I have made a commitment to help others who are in similar situations. With the support of the people I consider my parents and Milton Hershey School, I made a tremendous transformation personally, which set the foundation for my personal and professional success. What are your future professional aspirations? I want to continue to develop and implement new marketing strategies for Nutmeg Technologies, and to continue to build my knowledge and prowess in the marketing field through professional development. I would also like to own my own business someday and continue to pick up new skills both personally and professionally. I want to continue to have more of an impact in the community as well with the nonprofits that I give my time to. How are you involved in the community? I give in three areas: women, children and veterans. I work with the Peter P. Monaco Jr. Detachment 40 and their efforts to fight veteran suicide. I am involved with Milton Hershey School and will be mentoring through the Hartford Consortium for Higher Ed and the Villages for Families and Children, and the local chamber. If you were governor of Connecticut for a day what is one policy you'd push to improve the state's future? I would reduce taxes and provide incentives for small businesses and make Connecticut a business-friendly state. The current policies continue to drive companies out of Connecticut, which has a trickledown effect on the entire Connecticut economy. It is critical for business owners to work with legislators to help them better appreciate the interests and apprehensions of companies to stay in Connecticut. That will help to facilitate an environment that business owners will need in order to continue to invest in long-term business in our state. List four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: I am tremendously passionate about giving back to the communities I live and work in. I am committed to working to better the environment for business in Connecticut and play leadership roles within local chambers to help with the development of businesses. I am an asset to my company playing many diverse roles within the organization. I created a very successful comprehensive internship program within Nutmeg Technologies. I work with local and regional colleges to employ interns, and help them to find employment upon graduation. Click here to see all 40 Under Forty winners