Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1150994
26 Hartford Business Journal • August 5, 2019 • www.HartfordBusiness.com 40 UNDER FORTY 2019 M egan Jakubowski owns and operates the Old Wethers- field Country Store. Her shop features Connecticut-made items, cheeses, candy and gifts related to lo- cal pride, nostalgia and pop culture. Jakubowski is a self-starter who opened her shop five years ago with no investors, mentors or business experience. Today she is operating a profitable business. She has experi- enced year-to-year growth by encour- aging customers to spend locally. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? Aside from launching my business with my husband, my biggest accom- plishment is helping spark the economic growth on Main Street in Old Wethers- field. Having this business outlet has empowered our consumers and also has given our employees the creative confi- dence to turn our store into a destina- tion. The neighborhood is booming. How are you involved in the commu- nity? I'm president of OWSA, which is an organization that sponsors various events in town such as Scarecrows Along Main, Holiday Deck your Doors contest, and Porchfest. I'm a member of the Wethersfield Chamber of Com- merce, participate in the Heritage Tourism council and donate to vari- ous organizations. What do you like to do outside of work? I enjoy playing tennis and going to the driving range with my husband John. We bought a Victorian in Old Wethers- field back in 2012 and have been restor- ing it. It's safe to say we don't like an easy challenge. I love entertaining our family and friends in my new kitchen. Four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: • Founded a company that has been profitable since it's first year in business. • Won multiple 'Best of' awards by various publications, including Best General Store in New England. • Youngest member in OWSA and doubled business membership during my first year as president. Run events that contribute to tourism through the association. • Donate to various causes includ- ing but not limited to Protectors of Animals, Keane Foundation, Special Olympics, Wethersfield firefighters. FUN FACT My husband and I threw a surprise wedding. He's the reason for my success. G ary Desai is president of Lotus Hospitality. In his role, he has helped lead the family busi- ness to grow from operating a small independent motel to a thriving hotel management and development company. With franchises from Choice Hotels International, Best Western International and Hilton Worldwide, Berlin-based Lotus Hospitality now owns and manages several hotels within the Greater Hartford and New Haven regions. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? We opened the brand new Hampton Inn & Suites in Rocky Hill. I managed the development from the initial con- cept to opening the Hilton branded ho- tel last year. I also led the interior design of the hotel, which has been very well received by guests as fresh and modern. How are you involved in the commu- nity? I lead our company's diverse charita- ble-giving program that supports local schools, libraries, community pro- grams, local arts and youth programs and I also volunteer at my kids' schools whenever I can. We also implement practices in our hotels to reduce our impact on the environment. What do you like to do outside of work? I like to keep my mind and body ac- tive by spending time with my family, working on home projects, hiking, working out, volleyball, golf and read- ing to and playing sports with my kids. I love the outdoors and traveling. Four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: • I led the multimillion-dollar devel- opment of the brand new Hamp- ton by Hilton Hotel in Rocky Hill. • I've redesigned a hotel that won a "Redesign of the Year" award from Choice Hotels International. • I've helped our company grow exponentially. • Our company makes a considerable impact on the economy and quality of life in Connecticut through job creation and generating substan- tial tax revenue for our state. FUN FACT I can whistle really well. Name a song, I can probably whistle it. Gaurang "Gary" S. Desai President, Lotus Hospitality Age: 39 No. of years with current company: 11 Town where I live Farmington Town where I work: Berlin, statewide College: Northeastern University Highest Degree: Bachelor's degree in business administration Who is your favorite superhero? Superman Megan Jakubowski Owner/Operator, Old Wethersfield Country Store Age: 34 No. of years with current company: 5 Town where I live: Wethersfield Town where I work: Wethersfield College: University of Rhode Island Who is your favorite superhero? Ant man