Beka Apostolidis
AGE: 37
TITLE: Cardiac program manger
COMPANY NAME: VNA Healthcare
COMPANY’S LOCATION: Hartford
RESIDENCE: Cromwell
What do you do: My primary job is working as the cardiac program manager for VNA Healthcare, a Hartford HealthCare partner. I oversee the cardiac/telemonitor program, provide education to clinical staff, offer cardiac/lifestyle education classes to the public, conduct visits with nurses to complex cardiac patients and coordinate cardiac homecare studies jointly with the University of Connecticut. At UConn, I serve as an adjunct nursing professor, teaching both classroom and clinical settings. In the summer, I work as a nurse at Camp Hemlocks-Easter Seals for disabled adults and children. I enjoy the diversity that all these jobs provide and satisfaction of knowing I am helping others.
What do you want to be doing in 10 years: I definitely make short and long term goals for myself, but always keep in mind the saying “Do you know how to make God laugh? Tell him your plans.” Having said that, I would like to continue to increase my knowledge in the healthcare arena and educate future nurses.
What’s your biggest strength: I believe my biggest strengths are being patient and a good listener. These are key components to working with various members of a healthcare team and knowing that certain initiatives will not happen overnight.
Where do you go for new ideas: I have been very fortunate to have strong mentors through the various stages of my career. I will always go to them to bounce ideas off of and gain their insight. I feel that I have a great team of colleagues with whom I collaborate and often we will develop new ideas simply by working through a challenge or new opportunity.
What’s the best advice you received: The best advice I received was from my parents, who reinforced “You can do anything you put your mind to, through hard work and dedication.” Growing up, my parents were always extremely supportive of me and this foundation has helped me to overcome challenges and reach my goals.
What service or charitable cause has your attention: Presently, I am involved in organizations focused on cancer research, as the disease has impacted me and my family. I raise money and walk as often as I can for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. I also recently joined the Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Connecticut. I spoke at their Legislative Office Building kickoff event regarding the link between environment chemicals and increased risk of cancer, as well as planning a Mother’s Day initiative to educate others regarding the impact chemicals have on children.
Alexander R. Baños
AGE: 39
TITLE: Director of service assurance (Western New England Region)
COMPANY NAME: Comcast Corp.
COMPANY’S LOCATION: Berlin
RESIDENCE: New Britain
What do you do: I lead three important and distinct operations within our region:
• WNER Workforce (Dispatch) Operations teams are primarily responsible for resource and activity planning for our Western New England Region.
•WNER Advanced Technical Services (ATS) responsible for planning, organizing and managing systems engineering functions for our internet services and systems development groups.
• WNER Contract Labor Resource Management responsible for leading all contract labor for our region, including tracking compliance requirements and all regional contractor metrics.
What do you want to be doing in 10 years: I’m excited to see where this organization will guide me, as I’ve always found myself extremely fortunate to work in an industry and for a company that is extremely agile, pioneering and the foremost provider of cutting edge information technology and entertainment. I’d personally only desire to find that my knowledge and leadership potential has grown significantly while maintaining a rock-solid work/life balance.
What’s your biggest strength: Energy and determination to succeed. And my family, the true wind beneath my sails.
Where do you go for new ideas: My children have been a most splendid asset in the growth of uniquely thought-provoking perspectives filled with imagination and creativity. Their refreshingly candid, unfiltered contemplation of processes, procedures and products, sprinkled with unique and imaginative terminology, has always helped remind me of something once heard from a school teacher, “that our minds, once expanded to the dimensions of larger ideas, never returns to its original size.”
What’s the best advice you received: As the son of Cuban immigrant parents, my father, Nelson Baños Sr., always seemed to find some time in everyday to mention the importance of personal commitment, achievement, hard work, more hard work and integrity. My mother, Clara Baños, taught me the value of persistence and always encouraged me to dream. And my uncle, Raul Baños, who at a very early age helped to educate me on the importance of embracing and celebrating the diversity of all individuals, and to step back, regularly, and appreciate the beauty in all things unique.
What service or charitable cause has your attention: I’ve been an active supporter and youth coach of New Britain Fagan, Walicki Little Leagues and Jay-Cee TD Banknorth summer league baseball programs. I’ve also been a long-time supporter of The Boys & Girls Clubs and The Salvation Army.
Jason P. Bittner
AGE: 38
TITLE: CEO
COMPANY NAME: Triple Helix Corp.
COMPANY’S LOCATION: Windsor
RESIDENCE: Windsor
What do you do: We are masters at ‘adaption’ in the software, hardware, and data analysis domains. We take existing technologies and use them to create unique and innovative online solutions that solve business problems for a fraction of the time and cost.
What do you want to be doing in 10 years: In the last 10 years, we have seen an information explosion like no other, and in the next 10 we are going to see amazing technologies developed by analyzing and understanding the huge amounts of data we now collect every day. I see us being on the forefront of this new movement, creating new and innovative technologies directly from these (and newer) sources of data.
What’s your biggest strength: Adaptability. One thing working in the technology space has taught me is that you have to get comfortable with uncomfortable. Many of our technology fears are tied to trying to understand the newest technologies and make sense of it in our daily lives. We worry that if we’re not using the latest tool or product that we’re somehow ‘falling behind’ or ‘losing our competitive advantage.’
Where do you go for new ideas: I tend to consume just about every monthly mainstream science and technology publication out there. The ideas start when I filter everything through the ‘adaption’ thought process. What existing tools, when combined with these latest technologies, could make new and innovative products?
What’s the best advice you received: Don’t spend time worrying about people trying to copy your ideas. A trained and creative mind can innovate so fast that if anyone ever tries to copy you, you are already working on your next three ideas before they can understand what you did on your first one.
What service or charitable cause has your attention: The “ecomagination” movement has really caught my attention as it challenges us to create sustainable technologies for our homes, our companies, our cities, and ultimately, the entire planet. There are no barriers to the types of innovation explored here, and my personal feeling is that the global dataspace provides amazing opportunities to advance this movement.
Jay Boothroyd
AGE: 35
TITLE: Financial advisor
COMPANY NAME: Merrill Lynch
COMPANY’S LOCATION: Glastonbury
RESIDENCE: Glastonbury
What do you do: I help clients develop and implement financial strategies that allow them to better pursue their goals and objectives. I help them understand the relationship between risk and reward and we tailor wealth management solutions to their unique situations.
What do you want to be doing in 10 years: I would love to be doing just what I am doing now. I have the opportunity to work with some fantastic people and hear about their careers, families and experiences. I hope to have built even deeper relationships with both clients and the community.
What’s your biggest strength: Before I was a financial advisor, I spent 10 years in the U.S. Army as a Green Beret in the Fifth Special Forces Group. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have served. I constantly draw on the experience of having learned how to analyze and process information, turn that information into a plan and have the discipline to follow that plan while being flexible enough to adapt to unanticipated changes. Probably the most important skill I learned was how to listen, which most people take for granted. In the Special Forces, we were called the “Quiet Professionals,” keeping our mouths shut but our eyes and ears open. That meant listening carefully to each piece of information, understanding how it fits into the larger picture and not making assumptions until all the facts are considered. That has helped me a great deal in what I do now.
Where do you go for new ideas: My wife. We actually both work in finance but as a woman with a very different background from my own she always seems to be able to look at something I’m doing and bring in a fresh perspective on it.
What’s the best advice you received: Stay positive. However simple that may sound it really is the best advice I’ve ever received or given. There’s absolutely no situation, good or bad, that benefits from a negative outlook. At least none that I’ve ever faced.
What service or charitable cause has your attention: I co-founded a charity that introduces kids to amateur boxing, The Manchester Ring of Champions Society. The response has been overwhelming. My fellow board members are the best and I think we can really make an impact by bringing discipline into these kids’ lives. I also participate in as many veterans’ groups and events as time allows and hope to do even more in the future.
Corey J. Brinson
AGE: 31
TITLE: Hartford City Councilman and attorney
COMPANY NAME: Law Office of Corey J. Brinson LLC
COMPANY’S LOCATION: Hartford
RESIDENCE: Hartford
What do you do: I own the Law Office of Corey J. Brinson, LLC, where I focus on criminal defense, employment law and civil litigation in state and federal courts in Connecticut. In addition, I serve on the Hartford City Council and I am currently campaigning to be elected to that office to a full four-year term. I also host young professional events in Connecticut.
What do you want to be doing in 10 years: In 10 years, I want to handle some of the most challenging legal cases in Connecticut and continue in public service in some capacity. I hope to be a father and a husband and have an opportunity to impact the state.
What’s your biggest strength: My biggest strength is my confidence and my desire to succeed.
Where do you go for new ideas: I always get new ideas from reading. I am a big fan of Malcolm Gladwell because he forces the reader to think outside of the box. Some of our most complicated issues in society and, for that matter, in law sometimes have the simplest answers but we are not thinking about the problem in the right way. You have to learn to ask the right question to solve the problem.
What’s the best advice you received: If you want to get to success you will have to go through failure to get there.
What service or charitable cause has your attention: My service on the Hartford City Council is the most rewarding. It is my opportunity to have a chance to move the Capitol City in the right direction. My goal is to have a city where we attract and retain young professionals, where people come to live, work, and play; a city where any kid with a dream, hope, and the belief that tomorrow can be better than today can fulfill his wildest dreams.
Neil Caron
AGE: 34
TITLE: Vice president / business development and strategy
COMPANY NAME: Freedom Mortgage Corp.
COMPANY’S LOCATION: South Windsor
RESIDENCE: South Windsor
What do you do: I have worked for Freedom Mortgage in various positions for the past 12 years. My job is focused on the development, implementation and management of marketing and sales production strategies in various markets throughout the country. I also help maintain Blake Vineyard, a small wine vineyard near our home. All the wine produced is given away to family, friends and local organizations to aid in charitable fundraising activities.
What do you want to be doing in 10 years: I want to be healthy enough to continue enjoying my family and friends, active enough to continue supporting the community and happy enough to inspire others to do the same.
What’s your biggest strength: Listening and learning from others. I like to lead but sometimes I make a much better follower.
Where do you go for new ideas: My best ideas have always come from my biggest mistakes. Some of our brightest and most inspiring moments are born out of our most challenging problems. The teamwork involved in finding a solution usually results in better ideas for the future. I also love to read. I find the more we read, the simpler the solutions to our problems become.
What’s the best advice you received: A wise woman once told me upon entering the business world to always tell the truth, take responsibility for your actions and surround yourself with people smarter than you (that was the easy part) and the rest would figure itself out. So far… so good. Thanks mom. Also, having a loving wife and supportive family to keep you on track is a big plus. Without them, none of this would be possible.
What service or charitable cause has your attention: Literacy through mentoring has been the main focus of the South Windsor Rotary Club. On a weekly basis, we work with elementary, middle and high school-level students to promote better reading habits. It has been a big commitment for all those involved, but they have done an outstanding job in supporting the community. I also enjoy being a part of the South Windsor Chamber of Commerce’s Young Business Leaders.
Christie M. Carpino
AGE: 35
TITLE: State Representative (32nd District)
COMPANY NAME: Connecticut General Assembly
COMPANY’S LOCATION: Hartford
RESIDENCE: Cromwell
What do you do: I give people a voice. As a state representative, I’m honored to have the trust of the nearly 25,000 people I serve, and I make it my first priority to assist them with their concerns — whether it’s crafting legislation, cutting through bureaucratic red tape or advocating for folks working on local issues tied to state government. I take great pride in not only making our system work for the people I represent, but also sharing their success stories with others to exhibit the positive aspects of government. As an attorney, I counsel both private and pro bono clients. It’s important to listen to a person’s needs and goals so that collectively we can achieve the best outcome.
What do you want to be doing in 10 years: Ten years from now our state will be a very different place. I want to continue using my legal and advocacy skills for the advancement of my community.
What’s your biggest strength: Advocating with a sense of respect and integrity. At the Capitol or in the courtroom, I have a reputation of being a zealous but courteous advocate for those that I represent.
Where do you go for new ideas: It isn’t where I go, it’s how I look at a situation — with an open mind. Receptivity is key to new ideas. They take more work and more dedication, but the results are worth it.
What’s the best advice you received: Do the right thing. Sometimes following your own moral compass isn’t necessarily easy, or popular in the court of popular opinion, but you will sleep well at night. This advice has served me well as both an attorney and an elected official. My parents taught this to me, and I am teaching it my own daughter.
What service or charitable cause has your attention: Special Olympics of Connecticut. The unconditional acceptance and sense of belonging that prevails throughout Special Olympics is inspiring. Athletes, staff, and volunteers are all treated with respect and appreciated for their individual talents and personalities. I’m proud to say I’ve been a member of the Special Olympics family for more than a decade and been given the opportunity to coach multiple sports, assist with countless fundraisers and athletic competitions, and most importantly, make a difference.
Jessica Carso
AGE: 31
TITLE: Managing director
COMPANY NAME: Wesleyan University’s Green Street Arts Center
COMPANY’S LOCATION: Middletown
RESIDENCE: Middlefield
What do you do: I work each day to try and make a difference and serve as an advocate for social change. I’m able to contribute in these areas as managing director of the Green Street Arts Center, as well as volunteering within my community. For the last five years, I have served as Green Street’s primary fundraiser, working to gain support for the university’s multi-disciplinary community arts center, ensuring access is given to all who want to participate in our arts education-based programming.
What do you want to be doing in 10 years: I hope to continue my work as a social change agent, a nonprofit leader and to serve as an example to others, that simply doing your best, contributing to society in any way you are able, will ensure a better world for everyone.
What’s your biggest strength: Being authentic. I’ve learned that being my authentic and true self opens up countless opportunities. Being genuine allows me to build meaningful relationships, remain open to new learning opportunities, experiences and views, and helps me remain unafraid to ask questions.
Where do you go for new ideas: I’m extremely fortunate to have found incredible mentors, colleagues and friends whom I often go to for new ideas, advice and guidance. I’ve learned the best resource is another person, someone with shared experiences, or sometimes more experience to draw from, someone who can react, strategize and help me learn and grow.
What’s the best advice you received: When I was 15, I received a note that simply read, “Chase that Dream.” I’ve kept that advice close ever since and find myself returning to it often. It reminds me to move forward, just when I feel like giving up, to always keep dreaming, no matter how big or small.
What service or charitable cause has your attention: I’m deeply passionate about my work with the Middlesex County Community Foundation. I currently serve as chair of the Fund for Women and Girls, advocating for and helping to raise necessary funds to support programs that empower Middlesex County women and girls to be self-reliant and reach their potential. In addition, I serve as co-chair for the foundation’s newest initiative, Live Local Give Local 365.
Julio A. Concepcion
AGE: 28
TITLE: Vice president, Hartford Partnerships
COMPANY NAME: MetroHartford Alliance
COMPANY’S LOCATION: Hartford
RESIDENCE: Hartford
What do you do: I’m the liaison between our investors and the City of Hartford, its elected and appointed officials, its departments and most importantly, its neighborhoods. I’m also the lead of any Alliance initiative that affects the city, and represent the business community on any city initiative that needs business support. I also serve on several nonprofit boards based in the city and I’m a proud member of the Democratic Town Committee of Hartford.
What do you want to be doing in 10 years: It’s always difficult to depict what I want to be doing in 10 years because, while I’m young, I’m old enough to realize that life is unpredictable. Interests can change and new passions might arise. However, something that will never waiver is my love and commitment to the City of Hartford. If in 10 years I’m still working for an organization that values the importance of strong, healthy, educated, vibrant City of Hartford, I will be more than content.
What’s your biggest strength: I truly believe my biggest strength is my work ethic. I learned at a very early age that nothing would be handed to me, and that I would have to work hard for everything I wanted to achieve. Since then, I’ve given my all in ensuring that failure is never caused by lack of effort and that success is always earned.
Where do you go for new ideas: I don’t stray too far for new ideas and inspiration. My family and close friends serve as my biggest catalyst for fresh ideas. Knowing that they will always be honest with me and aren’t afraid to tell me when my plans are imperfect gives me the confidence to envision new ideas that can serve as a framework for a better community.
What’s the best advice you received: Roberto Clemente once said, “Any time you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don’t, then you are wasting your time on Earth.” My parents have encouraged me to heed this motto. It’s a simple quote that helps drive me to do anything in my power to make my community a better place to live, work and play.
What service or charitable cause has your attention: Any service or charitable cause that directly affects the residents of the City of Hartford has, and will always have, my attention. I have the pleasure of serving on several of them including the Downtown Business Improvement District, Hartford Community Loan Fund, H.A.R.T, Hartford Crime Stoppers, Knox Foundation and Hartford 2000. The most meaningful similarity all of these boards is their commitment to the City of Hartford, its residents, businesses and visitors alike.
Grant Copeland
AGE: 35
TITLE: President / chief creative officer
COMPANY NAME: Worx Branding & Advertising
COMPANY’S LOCATION: Prospect
RESIDENCE: Guilford
What do you do: In a nutshell, I provide inspiration and ideas that help steward how brands and organizations behave – regarding sales, marketing, operations and culture. I lead the operations, positioning and business strategy for a very ambitious brand marketing agency. I also head brand strategy and creative initiatives for most top accounts. Within that, I research, direct, design, present, write. And my work becomes all forms of communication — print, online, TV, radio, environments, signage, packaging, merchandise and on. I’m a marketing mutt, I mean, nut.
What do you want to be doing in 10 years: The same thing. Outside of a brief period where I considered playing professional baseball, I have known my whole life that I wanted to do something in the “art” field. While my career has already had some watershed moments, I feel like I’m just getting started on exploring what I can give.
What’s your biggest strength: I think it’s that I gain respect by doing, more than delegating. My proverbial sleeves are rolled up all day, doing work in the trenches with our clients and colleagues. I’m not a figurehead — shaking hands and kissing babies — nor do I ever want to be.
Where do you go for new ideas: Google, colleagues, the depths of my own brain, the beach, home, my wife (the world’s best marketing consultant, with no marketing training), children’s books, Bono’s words and thoughts. One great perspective he has is “vision over visibility.” I interpret that to mean you don’t have to be the loudest in the room to have the most influence. And the U2 lyric, “Every artist is a cannibal, every poet is a thief, all kill their inspiration and sing about the grief,” now that’s something I can identify with… except for grief being what I sing about.
What’s the best advice you received: “Do it now,” which came from one of my bosses at Worx. Very hard to execute on, but a powerful idea to aspire to. And “be a good husband and father,” which came from myself. None of the things in my professional life matter if I don’t work at creating a solid personal life for my family.
What service or charitable cause has your attention: For the last two years, I have been actively involved in the United Way. I was, and still am, struck by how much basic need is out there. People in need of things we take for granted are everywhere — not just in urban settings, but in our backyards.
Tony Costanzo
AGE: 36
TITLE: Owner
COMPANY NAME: Costanzo Clothing
COMPANY’S LOCATION: Client’s home or office
RESIDENCE: Newington
What do you do: My wife Tara and I own a private label custom-made clothing company, aptly called Costanzo Clothing and branded as “Costanzo.” Costanzo specializes in exclusively hand tailored, custom-made clothing for men and women. The company includes formal wear, business attire, casual wear, accessories, couture jewelry and cosmetics. Costanzo’s approach is to service its clients wardrobe needs in the comfort of their home or office. The company prides itself in making their customers look good and feel great in all aspects of their lives. Costanzo Clothing apparel is proudly made in the USA. Most recently, I purchased an internet franchise business that uses one-to-one marketing by matching people to products and products to people. Significant residual income was a key factor in attracting me to this new venture.
What do you want to be doing in 10 years: Dominating the market and being the leader in custom clothing in the Northeast while branding “Costanzo” as a household name like Armani and Brioni. Possibly bringing Costanzo Clothing to a franchise level. And not to forget skiing the Alps, Chile’ or Aspen along-side my wife.
What’s your biggest strength: Enthusiasm!!! Enthusiasm is contagious, as Brian Tracy says. I truly believe that my product and service is the best. Expressing this with passion and confidence resonates with the client and ultimately leads to a long-term relationship.
Where do you go for new ideas: My wife Tara as well as Brian Tracy, Zig Ziglar, Bill Olsen, and a number of other “great” motivational speakers. I spend several hours a day in my car while visiting clients, so I am constantly educating myself with new ideas, sales techniques, and a positive mental attitude.
What’s the best advice you received: Create a “dream board” and look at it every day to remind yourself why you love what you do and why you are so thankful for what you have. Also write down your goals and read them twice daily.
What service or charitable cause has your attention: St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center, where I serve as a foundation board member. It’s gratifying to know that your small contribution makes such a positive impact on so many people. I’m honored and proud to be part of this amazing institution. I am equally involved with the Greater Hartford Arts Council where I’m an associate board member. GHAC is doing incredible work in promoting the arts throughout the area. They are a full service cultural development organization, that enliven the spirit, and enrich the economy of Connecticut’s Capital Region.
Paula Cruz Cedillo
AGE: 34
TITLE: Partner
COMPANY NAME: McCarter & English LLP
COMPANY’S LOCATION: Hartford
RESIDENCE: Wallingford
What do you do: I concentrate my law practice on federal complex commercial litigation, securities litigation, and government enforcement matters and litigate actions throughout the United States. My commercial litigation experience includes matters involving intellectual property — copyright, trademark, and patent infringement — as well as unfair trade practices, information technology, fraud, and the defense of class actions. I also represent corporations and broker/dealers in matters involving securities fraud under the federal securities laws and the defense of SEC and FINRA enforcement actions against claims of insider trading and market manipulation. I also conduct internal investigations and advise clients in connection with investigations conducted by governmental authorities.
What do you want to be doing in 10 years: I love what I do. Every case is a new and exciting experience, presenting novel and complex issues to confront and conquer. I hope to stay on my current path and to be continually challenged in my profession.
What’s your biggest strength: I never do anything half-way. If I commit to a project, I am not satisfied unless I know I completed it to the best of my ability.
Where do you go for new ideas: As a litigator, I am constantly challenged to advocate established law in a manner that best serves the needs of my clients. It is fascinating to evaluate the law and interpret how it can fairly be applied to varying circumstances. I benefit greatly from working with my colleagues and learning from their experiences and insight.
What’s the best advice you received: I have received a lot of good advice over the years from my colleague and mentor, Tom Finn, but none so simple yet insightful as when he said, “If you are going to go, Go.” It reminds me to push myself in times of tremendous pressure and uncertainty, to believe in myself that I have the ability and resolve to accomplish whatever task is at hand, and the responsibility to do so at the highest level. This is also consistent with my parents’ immeasurable influence, who have taught me not by words, but by their unwavering example. The true definition of the American Dream, my parents showed me first hand what hard work, kindness, character, and perseverance can accomplish.
What service or charitable cause has your attention: I find it gratifying to give back by providing pro bono legal services, and serve as pro bono trial counsel at the request and appointment of the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut. I am also an active member of my church and participate in fundraising and community events with the church and my children’s schools.
Todd E. Cusano
AGE: 38
TITLE: Assistant vice president
COMPANY NAME: Darwin National Assurance
COMPANY’S LOCATION: Farmington
RESIDENCE: Rocky Hill
What do you do: For the past several years, I worked with a group of talented people at Darwin to build a nationwide lawyers’ professional liability program. Beginning with the purchase of a book of business from a carrier leaving this product line, we built a distribution system to reach small law firms and solo practitioners from Maine to Hawaii. Simultaneously, we built an underwriting and clearance system to manage the tens-of-thousands of applications received for underwriting treatment. Now, thousands of law firms and individual lawyers across all 50 states have their legal malpractice coverage needs satisfied through this program. Significantly, this new program was developed during the ongoing recession. Creating jobs at a time when many are losing them is perhaps the greatest success of this program.
What do you want to be doing in 10 years: I hope to be throwing batting practice to my two sons for New York Yankee scouts.
What’s your biggest strength: ENTHUSIASM!
Where do you go for new ideas: Searching for new ideas is a never-ending quest. It is also a mindset. Whether searching the internet, taking a hike or even watching a Seinfeld re-run, you never know when an idea will emerge. So, you must always be open to new ideas, wherever and whenever they come. To brainstorm for new ideas, the best way to do so is to talk with bright, creative and successful people — no email or texts — actual discussions with people.
What’s the best advice you received: I’ll pass on that one.
What service or charitable cause has your attention: Our family supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, whose mission is to advance cures and research the prevention of pediatric cancer and catastrophic diseases. While we have been blessed with two healthy children, we have a young nephew battling brain cancer. The work of St. Jude’s is now personal, and we hope to increase our efforts to support their mission and encourage others to do the same. The health of children is beyond any economic, ethnic, religious or political lines, making St. Jude’s a charity everyone can support.
