Hartford Business Journal

www.HartfordBusiness.com • August 5, 2019 • Hartford Business Journal 43 40 UNDER FORTY 2019 M ark Moriarty is the executive director of The First Tee of Connecticut, a youth-develop- ment organization that introduces posi- tive values through the game of golf. Moriarty has been with the chapter since 2011 and has spent his entire ca- reer working in the Greater Hartford community after graduating from Central Connecticut State University in 2005. As executive director, Moriarty works with The First Tee of Connecti- cut's board of directors on strategic planning and community relations. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? I am most proud of the many relation- ships I have developed throughout my career in the Greater Hartford com- munity as they have helped increase visibility for The First Tee of Connecticut over the last several years. How are you involved in the commu- nity? Volunteer for United Way Read Across America, Travelers Champi- onship and at my children's schools, member of Connecticut Section PGA board of directors, committee mem- ber 2019 PGA Junior Championships (hosted at Keney Park). What do you like to do outside of work? I love spending time with my wife, two daughters and our entire ex- tended family. I play golf as often as I can with friends of all ages and look forward to many future rounds with both of my daughters (9 and 5). Four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: • Serving as just the third executive director in the 20-year history of the organization. • Responsible for chapter opera- tions in communities across the state, including Hartford, Crom- well, New Haven, Waterbury, Dan- bury, Bridgeport and Greenwich. • Helped increase participation in programming from 46,000 in 2011 to nearly 70,000. • Recognized as one of only three First Tee Coaches in Connecticut and fewer than 400 across the country. FUN FACT I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabe- tes just before my 21st birthday. M elissa Melonson is co-founder of Hartford-based Lumi Agency, a creative digital agency that creates digital products, platforms and experiences. Melonson worked in New York City on brands like Pepsi and Heineken before moving back to Connecticut where she met her now business partner Cara Stellato. Blending their marketing and techni- cal expertise, they launched Lumi in 2016 and quickly gained clients such as Pru- dential and Google. They also own Lumi Luxe Agency, weHartford.com and digital startup Crate — and are partners on two tech startups posed to launch this year. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? Building the business from the ground up with a 235 percent in- crease in revenue from year to year — all without any initial capital or outside investment — has been a huge accomplishment, along with establishing a healthy, unique and authentic culture and values through- out the business and our team. How are you involved in the commu- nity? I am an avid Hartford ambassador. WeHartford.com has allowed us to share our love for the city and create energy around the amazing people, places and events our team encoun- ters. I also sit on the board for Achieve Hartford, participate in the Bushnell Park Foundation's marketing com- mittee, and our company is an active MetroHartford Alliance investor. What do you like to do outside of work? My favorite moments are spent with my husband and two young daugh- ters — and enjoying the fleeting time I have while they still think I am the end all, be all of their day. But I also love a good glass of wine, and eating my way through new and favorite culinary experiences. Four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: • Co-founded a business that has been profitable since day one. • Actively promote positive Hart- ford news and happenings through our weHartford media channels — always looking to support neighboring businesses. • Manage an exceptional team of talent, while constantly looking to grow their professional and per- sonal skills for them to succeed in their future. • Successfully ideated, built and launched four brands in three years. FUN FACT In my (limited) spare time, I am writing a screenplay for fun. Melissa Melonson Co-founder and President, Lumi Agency Age: 35 No. of years with current company: 3.5 Town where I live: Hebron Town where I work: Hartford College: Uconn Who is your favorite superhero? Wonder Woman Mark Moriarty Executive Director, The First Tee of Connecticut Age: 36 No. of years with current company: 8 Town where I live: Bristol Town where I work: Cromwell College: Central Connecticut State University Highest degree: Bachelors' degree in history Who is your favorite superhero? Superman or My father

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