NewHavenBIZ

18 n e w h a v e n B I Z | M a y / J u n e 2 0 1 9 | n e w h a v e n b i z . c o m GARRETT SHEEHAN PRESIDENT & CEO GREATER NEW H AV EN CH A MBER OF COMMERCE, NEW H AV EN Residence: West Hartford College(s): Syracuse University, BS; Auburn University, MBA; UConn Law, JD Last March Sheehan took over the top job at the GNHCC, becoming at age 40 the youngest-ever CEO of one of the oldest business organizations in the U.S., celebrating its 225th anniversary this month. Describe your role in your organization and its impact on the greater New Haven economy: I lead an organization dedicated to supporting the business community, being the voice of business, and advocating for economic growth. It's my job to keep us focused on these goals every day. How do you give back to the community? By providing mentoring at every level. I give freely of my time if it's an entrepreneur trying to get a business started, a college student looking for a job, or a child who needs to see pathways to success. What advice would you give to young professionals? Don't wallow over a missed opportunity — there's always another one coming around the corner. Be ready for it. Fun/odd fact that most people don't know? When I was younger I leased an apartment in the 900 Chapel Street building where our offices are located. I never thought I would one day work here. ROBERT D. SCINTO CH AIRM A N R.D. SCINTO INC., SHELTON Residence: Fairfield College(s): Sacred Heart University Former plumber (he carried an awl in his car to remind himself of his modest roots) who built a commercial real-estate empire that transformed Shelton into a major corporate headquarters. In 2011 Scinto served six months in prison on a corruption conviction, but returned to his empire-building mission with a vengeance. Today his company owns 53 buildings with approximately 4 million square feet and (at last count) 316 commercial tenants. While son Rob now handles much of the day-to-day, Bob Scinto remains, at age 72, very much the man in charge. How do you give back to the business community? Scinto has made a mark with a high level of service to its commercial tenants — going the extra mile to address concerns and fix problems. In addition, the company was a charter sponsor of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra concert series at Shelton High School. What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs? Read the book, How To Win Friends and Influence People. People want to do business with you because they like you — all your other good qualities come aer that. What's a quality most people don't know about you? I have a deep appreciation of the arts, particularly sculptures. BILL PURCELL PRESIDENT GREATER VA LLEY CH A MBER OF COMMERCE, SHELTON Residence: Shelton College(s): Worcester State University, BS; Babson College, MBA Well-liked and -respect- ed veteran head of one of the region's largest chambers of commerce, Purcell serves as glue for a "region" that includes such disparate communities as Beacon Falls and Shelton. Describe your role in your organi- zation and the impact it has: As Chamber President I support the growth and development of busi- ness and our Valley communities through networking, professional development, legislative advocacy, and community economic devel- opment. As a voluntary business association representing the All-America City communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Seymour, Shelton and Oxford, the Chamber and its business members are having a profound impact on reshaping the Valley economy for the 21st century. How do you give back to the southern Connecticut community? I serve on the board of a number of non-profit organizations in our Valley. ese include the Valley United Way, Spooner House & Valley Food Bank and United Methodist Homes. What advice would you give to up-and-coming professionals? Try stuff! e key to a purposeful life is to find your passion by experi- encing as much as possible. Like a bird: I love to sing in my church choir, at karaoke and at open-mic nights. MICHAEL SCHAFFER PRINCIPA L C.A. WHITE INC., NEW H AV EN Residence: New Haven College(s): Yale College, BA, Harvard, MBA Among the last of his generation of family business scions with his finger in many pies while keeping the family commercial real estate business, C.A. White (which traces its roots back nearly a century to the women's garments business) relevant and prosperous. Schaffer- led projects and acquisitions span the commercial real-estate spectrum — from hotels, office towers and shopping centers to historic renovation of signature downtown properties. "Over the years, our family has invested over $100 million in the growth and development of our community." Go-to board member with leadership positions too numerous to mention, from civic to philanthropic to commercial to cultural endeavors. Advice to young professionals: Be engaged, be committed to all things you do, always be willing to learn something new, and always ask yourself if what you are doing is relevant and beneficial to your family, your community and your country. When I'm not working, I'm...: Watching my children grow and mature, wanting to play tennis 365 days a year, reading at least 40 books a year on history, political science, emotional development, and social and economic trends — and trying to keep up with 20-somethings in a spin class! NEW HAVEN: POWER 50 >> Economic Development

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