Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1010702
www.HartfordBusiness.com • August 6, 2018 • Hartford Business Journal 29 M att Chesky is the chief operating of- ficer of Insuritas, a leading insurtech company headquartered in East Wind- sor that operates virtual insurance agencies for financial institutions. Chesky joined Insuritas after graduating from Yale, and assumed the role of COO in 2016. As COO, Chesky is responsible for driving growth and operating efficiencies in Insuritas' call center, managing its corporate development strategy in its core verticals and aligning invest- ments in the company's technology platforms with overall corporate strategy. Under Chesky's leadership, the company has achieved 40 perent-plus year-over-year recur- ring revenue growth and has become one of the fastest-growing insurtech companies nationally. What's been the biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? In early 2018, I helped lead Insuritas to achieve one of our core corporate objectives by becom- ing one of the nation's 50 largest personal lines insurance distribution platforms. At a time in our industry when competitive pressures and shifting consumer expectations are driving con- solidation and a loss in market share for agency distribution models, this achievement affirmed that by coupling strategic investments in tech- nology with a relentless focus on our customer experience, we can deliver industry-leading revenue growth. How are you involved in the community? As a recent transplant to the Hartford area, I've found that one of the best ways to connect with other community-oriented professionals has been to engage in service opportunities sponsored by groups like FLOW and HYPE. As a former Division I soccer player, I also volunteer with a local youth soccer program to support children interested in pursuing a similar path. What must the Greater Hartford region do to attract more talented young professionals to the area? Greater Hartford must invest in attracting the types of businesses that can scale exponen- tially. That requires a concerted recruiting effort targeting startups, and investing in a robust support system (education/transportation infra- structure) to ensure they see Connecticut as a viable ecosystem in which to scale a business. Four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: • Scaled Insuritas' agency platform to become one of the 50 largest personal lines agencies in the country. • Drove Insuritas' 100 percent growth in recurring revenue in 2.5 years since assuming COO role. • Led development and implementation of Insuritas' SmartCART Technology, which was featured at FINOVATE, one of the nation's leading fintech events. • Coordinated Insuritas' first foray outside of the financial institution vertical by launch- ing Overstock.com Insurance for a leading international e-tailer. E ric Amodio is managing partner of Amodio & Co Real Estate, a boutique commercial real estate brokerage serving Connecticut and Massachusetts. Amodio entered the business after receiving his degree in finance and MBA from Bent- ley University. He has experience in retail, office, multifamily and industrial sales and leasing and transacted business with clients including: Stanley Black & Decker, Goodwin College, The Hospital for Special Care, CT Bar Association and many others. He has completed the prestigious Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designa- tion to bring further financial investment knowl- edge to his clients. In addition, Amodio operates a value-add portfolio of multifamily real estate. What's been the biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? Attaining my CCIM designation has been my most recent professional accomplishment. This not only required rigorous coursework, but also a robust portfolio of transacted commercial real estate deals. How are you involved in the community? Giving back to the community plays a continued role in my life. During college, I chartered and was president of the Habitat for Humanity Chapter. Most recently, I have become involved with CCARC, supporting their mission of helping those with disabilities. In addition, I am president of my condo complex's homeowners association. What do you like to do outside of work? Outside of brokerage I enjoy traveling, camping and exploring new vineyards or breweries. Next on the bucket list: Northern Lights. Give an example of a people-skills habit you adhere to in your work and daily life that you feel has helped you succeed. Simple things like listening more than you speak and looking others in the eyes are key. Connect- ing with clients and colleagues through shared interests and experiences can have a deeper impact both personally and professionally. What do you hope Greater Hartford will be like in 10 years? In less than 10 years, I hope Greater Hartford has made real changes to become pro-business: cutting regulations, spending and taxes. The single goal should be to attract private-sector employment. Four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: • Winner of the 2016 & 2017 CCIM Connecticut Dealmaker awards for multifamily sales. • Serve as education chair for CCIM Connecti- cut Chapter, organizing meaningful educa- tional events and courses for commercial real estate professionals. • Serve on the Greater Hartford Association of Realtors Commercial Alliance board advocat- ing for positive changes to aid our profession. • I approach every complex situation with a high level of integrity, work ethic and positivity. Fun Fact Avid classic car guy. Currently restoring a 1929 Ford Model A. Matt Chesky Age: 28 Company: Insuritas Title: Chief Operating Officer No. of years with current company: 6 Town where I live: West Hartford Town where I work: East Windsor College: Yale University Highest degree: Bachelor's degree in economics Eric Amodio Age: 31 Company: Amodio & Co Real Estate Title: Managing Partner No. of years with current company: 7 Town where I live: New Britain Town where I work: New Britain College: Bentley University Highest degree: MBA real estate 40 UNDER FORTY 2018