Manny Rivera III

Age: 32 Company: MD Tech Team LTD Title: CEO/Webmaster Town where I live: Marlborough Town where I work: Manchester College: N/A Q&A: What do you do and what are your goals in your current job? I am currently working as the CEO and webmaster for the MD TECH TEAM. My goal is for us to be recognized as an authority in Joomla development as well as increasing our company sales to $15 million by 2018. What are your goals for your community involvement? I will continue to mentor young people in the community who are graduating out of high school or college. I like to share with them my experiences as a business owner, but more importantly my journey of personal growth. What's your biggest passion? I am a big believer in growing yourself. It has been a passion of mine since I was in my early 20's and it has allowed me to change the way I think, treat people and solve challenges. What are your future aspirations? I aspire to continue to grow my company and my personal brand as well as be the best influence to my children as I can be. I will also share my stories of growth and travel to help future entrepreneurs. Hopefully it will help them avoid the same mistakes I have made. What role can young leaders play in shaping Hartford's future? As John C. Maxwell says, 'True leadership cannot be awarded, appointed, or assigned. It comes only from influence, and that cannot be mandated. It must be earned.' Our young leaders need to recognize, understand and practice the laws of leadership. If we want to see Hartford grow, our young leaders must also personally grow and participate in the areas that they want to influence. I will continue to do my best in learning, teaching and practicing business leadership as I hope other leaders will lend their influence. List four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: I founded the MD Tech Team with my wife in 2007 and we have learned how to become profitable since 2012. I have advised numerous nonprofits on how to create or strengthen their online presence. I participate in my high school's TTAC committee, educating students on what's currently happening in the field of technology. I have served as webmaster for the Hispanic American Veterans of CT and other Hartford organizations. Time Tested: What personal possession in your life has withstood the test of time? My uncle gave me a wallet when I was a senior in high school that I still own. I even have the note he wrote to me inside. What hobby did you develop at a young age that you still enjoy today? Computing. When I was 12, I was given a computer (486 Packard Bell) and I haven't been able to put them down since. Twenty years ago, what did you envision as your future profession? I knew it would involve computing. Who do you consider your mentor? In high school my technology teachers were my mentors: Mr. Knoeckel, Mr. Skinner and Mr. Bugbee. See the complete list of Forty Under 40 Winners for 2016!