Hartford Business Journal

32 Hartford Business Journal • August 5, 2019 • www.HartfordBusiness.com 40 UNDER FORTY 2019 A manda Stanton is a second- generation leader of Stanton Equipment, a John Deere dealership with three locations in Connecticut. She has emphasized the company's focus on today's equip- ment and yesterday's values. In 2015, Stanton developed new marketing, advertising, and social-media strate- gies resulting in record sales and business growth. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? Developed a business plan and presented effectively to John Deere corporate, resulting in the acquisition of a new lawn-and-garden location for Stanton Equipment. How are you involved in the commu- nity? I co-chair the Outing for Scouting, a golf tournament that has raised over $300,000 for the Connecticut Rivers Council of the Boy Scouts of America. I coordinate equipment donations across the state for use at fairs and charitable events promoting agricul- ture in the state of Connecticut. I also donate time and expertise to career fairs to raise awareness for technical schools and careers. What do you like to do outside of work? You can often spot me at a Yard Goats game with friends and family. I also take my rescue pup Bleu for many adventures to the beach. Four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: • Ability to listen to customers needs and make honest, knowl- edgeable recommendations about product lines that has resulted in high customer satisfaction, count- less referrals, and repeat business. • Successfully developed a new marketing strategy for Stanton Equipment. • Increased personnel by 200 per- cent since 2015. • Serve as a role model for cultivat- ing women's leadership in agri- business, a traditionally male- dominated industry. FUN FACT I have been golfing for as long as I can remember, and am still waiting for the day that I can beat my dad. S hawna Kitzman is an award- winning designer, urban plan- ner and speaker. With a focus on effective and creative community engagement, Kitzman brings an in- spired approach to all endeavors. She has 13 years of planning experience, managing communications, market- ing and branding initiatives. Kitzman started Jam Program with her mom and sister. They help ladies build community and completed the 2019 reSET Accelerator Program. When not working, parenting or running a company, she volunteers with West Hartford's parks and recreation advi- sory board and Moms Demand Action. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? As a planner and entrepreneur, I continuously create ways to con- nect with people. My favorite project involved working with Capitol Region Council of Governments to better understand the barriers to transit use and transit-oriented development in our region. I interviewed stakeholders, engaged Millennials, managed social media, and we conducted a very fun design sprint. How are you involved in the commu- nity? I've served on my town's parks and recreation advisory board since 2016 and am now the chair. We ad- vise on recreational facilities, public open space, and programming. I also volunteer for the Hartford Chapter of Moms Demand Action. We advocate for laws that protect Americans from gun violence. What do you like to do outside of work? My husband and I enjoy hanging with our kids — ages two, six and eight. However, we take one kid-free vacation a year to a new place. I also enjoy working out at Orange Theory, drinking coffee with friends at Hart- ford Baking Company, or playing board games at Hog River. Four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: • Started Jam Program with my mom and sister to help ladies build community one party at a time. • Provide creative and proactive public engagement for community and transportation projects. • Champion for metro Hartford. I support arts, culture, food, sports, startups, etc. There is so much potential in our underdog city. • Led a team of colleagues for three years as APA Ambassadors, raising awareness of the planning profes- sion to students and minorities. FUN FACT I think Hartford Marathon day should be a local holiday. Amanda K. Stanton Chief Operating Officer, Stanton Equipment Inc. Age: 29 No. of years with current company: 5 Town where I live: Glastonbury Town where I work: East Windsor College: Bryant University Highest degree : Bachelor's degree in Business Administration Who is your favorite superhero? Ruth Bader Ginsburg Shawna M. Kitzman Senior Planner, Fitzgerald & Halliday Inc.; Chief Creative Officer, Jam Program Inc. Age: 38 No. of years with current company: 6 Town where I live: West Hartford Town where I work: Hartford College: Massachusetts College of Art Highest degree: Bachelor's of fine art in illustration Who is your favorite superhero? Elastigirl aka Mrs. Incredible

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