Age: 31Title: FounderCompany: Finished: What’s Next?, Author, SpeakerLocation: Glastonbury/OnlineHometown: MiddletownCollege: UConnBioJoe Turbessi is an author, speaker and entrepreneur. His first book, “Into the Muck: How Poker Changed My Life,” chronicles his journey and struggles with the amateur poker world. He has since used his experiences to help shape who he is today. He gives speeches […]
Get Instant Access to This Article
Subscribe to Hartford Business Journal and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.
- Critical Hartford and Connecticut business news updated daily.
- Immediate access to all subscriber-only content on our website.
- Bi-weekly print or digital editions of our award-winning publication.
- Special bonus issues like the Hartford Book of Lists.
- Exclusive ticket prize draws for our in-person events.
Click here to purchase a paywall bypass link for this article.
Age: 31
Title: Founder
Company: Finished: What's Next?, Author, Speaker
Location: Glastonbury/Online
Hometown: Middletown
College: UConn
Bio
Joe Turbessi is an author, speaker and entrepreneur. His first book, “Into the Muck: How Poker Changed My Life,” chronicles his journey and struggles with the amateur poker world. He has since used his experiences to help shape who he is today. He gives speeches at high schools, colleges and organizations sharing the importance of gambling awareness.
Based on his experiences and the message of the book, which is to strive toward what's next, but be proud of the obstacles you've overcome, he founded the company Finished: What's Next?.
The company was created to motivate, inspire and challenge, which is something Turbessi brings to both his business and personal life. As part of this mission, Turbessi has always found ways to incorporate charity into his endeavors. He's created special products, including PowerCordz for kids struggling at the Connecticut Children's Medical Center and The Village for Families & Children in Hartford.
He has aspirations of becoming a screenwriter.
Q&A
If you gave the next commencement speech at your alma mater, what would the message be? Success is about more than money. There are many ways to be successful in this world, and it's important that we all find it within our lives. Each of us will have our own definition of success. Everyone comes from somewhere and got to where they are because of what they've been through. Life is all about the journey and at some point, everyone faces something in their life that will challenge them like they've never been before. It'll be how you respond that will define you forever.
If there is one person whose life and career you want to imitate, who would it be? It's important to shape yourself based on your experiences, the people around you, and those you look up to. I'm very fortunate to have been raised by great parents, who have always served as positive role models in my life. They keep me going forward when I need a push and grounded when I get lost.
If you could design a bumper sticker with your advice to the world, what would it say? 'Enjoy the moment.' This is one of the toughest pieces of advice to adhere to. Life goes by too fast. We're always preparing and looking towards something, then it happens and it's over. But what about the many important moments along the way? Take it all in and enjoy them before they're gone.
Life's Journey:
During my off time, I am most passionate about… Spending time with people I care about, playing/watching sports, writing, coming up with new ideas
What is the most exciting destination you've ever traveled to? Bermuda
What is your favorite tourist destination? San Diego
Where is the one place you want to travel in your lifetime? New Orleans with my family to see the Saints play
Favorite CT destination: CT shoreline
Read the profiles of the other 40 Under Forty for 2015 Winners
Rebecca Wareing, Management Search
Robert Zanlungo, Primary Residential Mortgage
Mark S. Zatyrka, American Homecare Federation
Julianne Avallone, Ford & Paulekas
Stephanie Higgins Bealing, Replacement Lens Express
David Bittner, St. Francis Hospital & Medical Center
Anthony Byers, Hartford Youth Scholars
Michael Byrne, UBS Global Asset Management
Megan Carannante, Pullman & Comley
Rebekah Castagno, The Village for Families & Children
Aidan Charles, Charles Coaching & Nutrition Services
Endia DeCordova, Manchester Community College
Jocelyn DeMaio, The Hartford Financial Services Group
Ryan T. Gardner, Fiduciary Investment Advisors
Jacquelynn Garofano, United Technologies Research Center
Tara Gerber, Travelers Championship
Daniel Gottfried, Hinckley Allen
Jaclynn Hart, Hartford Performs
Jennyfer Holmes, Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
Elizabeth Johnson, Post University
Jonathan Kaplan, Pullman & Comley
Alex Koenigsberg, Creative Living Community of CT
Melissa Lambright, SIGHT Eye Health
Lori-Ann Marchese, Body Construct
Michelle McDade, The Hospital of Central Connecticut
Kristina Miner, Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection & Insurance
Karraine Moody, Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity
Quentin Phipps, Charter Schools for Excellence
Kathryn Redican, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Jacquelyn Santiago, COMPASS Youth Collaborative
Kathryn Shafer, Partnership for Strong Communities
Anthony Shannon, Shipman & Goodwin
Steven C. Taylor, Webster Bank
Check out the Digital Edition of the 40 Under Forty for 2015
