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www.HartfordBusiness.com • August 6, 2018 • Hartford Business Journal 45 B rendan Sullivan is a funeral director/embalmer for Farley- Sullivan Funeral Homes. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Robert, father, Tom, and uncles, Robert Jr. and Kevin, he is the third generation of Sullivan's to join the profession. Graduating from American Acad- emy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in 2016, Brendan Sullivan became the youngest licensed funeral director/embalmer in the state of Connecticut. He looks forward to making the 75-year-old funeral home more modern and tend to the needs of the next generation. What's been the biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? The biggest accomplishment, professionally, would be getting my funeral director/embalmer's license. There is a lot that goes into getting your license including getting a de- gree in a mortuary science, passing two national board examinations, a state law examination, a practical examination for embalming, as well as a year-long apprenticeship. It was a major honor to finally be granted my license. How are you involved in the community? I'm a communicant of Corpus Christi Church in Wethersfield and a member of many groups and orga- nizations such as the St. Paul Men's Club where I'm on the board of direc- tors, Ancient Order of Hibernians, a member of the Hartford Young Pro- fessionals and Entrepreneurs (HYPE), and the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. What do you like to do outside of work? I'm an avid baseball fan. I coach Glastonbury Senior League Baseball and my former legion team, RCP Post 105. I also play baseball for the Orioles of the Connecticut Twilight League. I'm also fond of attending the Irish American Home Society. Give an example of a people-skills habit you adhere to in your work and daily life that you feel has helped you succeed. People skills are one of the most important traits to have in the funeral business. This particular business is very different than most others. Most days, you are with grieving families and need to be there for them, you need to listen and be attentive to their needs. What do you hope Greater Hartford will be like in 10 years? I hope Greater Hartford is full of young families and that the entire area is a thriving one like the way it was before and that all starts with getting Hartford back to where it was when it was at its strongest. Reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: • I am the third generation in a family business that is celebrating its 75th year in 2018. • In 2016, I became the youngest li- censed funeral director/embalmer in the state of Connecticut. Fun Fact I played in the 2014 American Legion World Series. Brendan J. Sullivan Age: 22 Company: Farley-Sullivan Funeral Homes Title: Funeral Director/Embalmer No. of years with current company: 4 Town where I live: Rocky Hill Town where I work: Wethersfield and Glastonbury College: American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service Highest Degree: Associate degree in mortuary science M onica Obrebski is the direc- tor of external relations at Foodshare, the regional food bank serving Connecticut's Hart- ford and Tolland counties. Obrebski is responsible for managing Foodshare's communications activities, to drive the organization's mission to solve hunger, while simultaneously pro- moting, enhancing and protecting the organization's brand reputation. Obrebski is also responsible for plan- ning and executing Foodshare fundrais- ing event-based campaigns. In Obreb- ski's first year at Foodshare, she has fostered collaboration to enhance the communications culture and position the department well for years ahead. What's been the biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? I have been blessed with opportuni- ties to create moments of enjoyment for people in the Greater Hartford community. Most recently Foodshare held its annual Walk Against Hunger at Dunkin' Donuts Park. Many of the walkers who attended were clients who are food insecure. This event al- lowed them the opportunity to attend the ballpark with their family and friends, while enjoying fun activities like face painters and balloon artists at no cost. How are you involved in the community? I've spent my entire career working in the nonprofit sector. I currently work for the best charity in Greater Hartford and it gives me great pride to know that each day I wake up to do something with a purpose. What do you like to do outside of work? Being a new mom has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. I enjoy spending time with my daughter, visiting a park or exploring new places in Greater Hartford. I be- lieve that it is very important to have a healthy work-life balance. What must the Greater Hartford region do to attract more talented young professionals to the area? I think Greater Hartford has already positioned itself as a wonderful place for young professionals to thrive and make a name for themselves. In my role I have witnessed the energy, commitment and generosity of young professionals who come into our doors every day at Foodshare ready to make an impact in this community. Four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: • I genuinely care about the work that I do professionally and per- sonally. • Born and raised in Greater Hart- ford, I am fully committed to help- ing this community. • I am a team player — I am not driven on individual success. • I have a proven track record over 14 years at two successful local nonprofits. Fun Fact I love estate sales! I am not a morn- ing person but I will wake up bright and early to get to a local estate sale. Monica Obrebski Age: 31 Company: Foodshare Title: Director of External Relations No. of years with current company: 1 Town where I live: Avon Town where I work: Bloomfield College: Central Connecticut State University Highest degree: Bachelor's degree in sociology 40 UNDER FORTY 2018