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V O L . X X V I I I N O. X X I I O C T O B E R 3 , 2 0 2 2 34 An advocate for reducing single-use plastics from everyday life B y P e t e r V a n A l l e n Katie Weiler, 32 Founder and president, Viable Gear Significant professional accomplishment: Launching my startup, Viable Gear, in 2021 and by 2022 leaving my full-time leadership consulting job, after 6.5 years, to jump in full-time as founder and presi- dent of Viable Gear. Passion project: I'm extremely passionate about doing work to reduce single-use plastics and the use of virgin petroleum- based plastics. I turned this passion into my company with the work we are driving toward at Viable Gear. In 2017 I began the journey to be plastic free and I've been learning ever since. I ran an educational Instagram account for 3 years that focused on single-use plastics and how to swap them out of our daily lives. I believe that every step away from daily plastics from the consumer helps, especially for our health and the health of the ocean. But the biggest step that will help on a larger scale to create sustain- able change is going to be updated or new policy and laws in place to regulate large industry uses of plastics. Audacious goal: I'd love to be able to grow Viable Gear to include a wide range of products for the aquaculture, fishing, and farming industries that replace the short lifespan petroleum-based products that are needed to successfully farm food right now. In order to do this successfully the goal is to have a cost competitive price that allows Viable Gear to be the best option from usage, sustainability, and price. Favorite quote: "You can't wake people up if you turn your back on them." — Barack Obama Influential book: "The Alchemist," by Paulo Coelho Favorite TV show: "Schitt's Creek" How do you recharge: If I'm with my dog, Curtis, my partner, Pete, or my fam- ily and friends then I'm happy, and it's even better if we happen to be on skis, or in/on the water. A real estate broker, animal lover and cancer research supporter B y A l e x i s W e l l s Alexander White, 36 Senior vice president, head of leasing, Waterstone Properties Significant professional accomplishment: COVID was difficult for everyone but the retail sector was hit particularly hard. During COVID our entire leasing team shifted our focus from leasing space to helping our existing tenants navigate what was an uncertain future. Passion project: I have had the oppor- tunity to speak on behalf of Dana Farber and the Jimmy Fund through various media (TV, radio, print) and will con- tinue to support the research of rare cancer. I'm proud to be a resource for those who need support to confidently » C O N T I N U E D F RO M PA G E 3 2 Katie Brann, CFP 2022 Mainebiz 40 Under 40 ® CONGRATULATIONS Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC. We are proud to celebrate the recognition of Katie and all the 40 Under 40 award winners. Thank you for your leadership, passion, and commitment to your communities that inspires us all. Katie Weiler left a full-time consulting job to launch a startup, Viable Gear, which offers a range of sustainable products for the fishing, aquaculture and farming industries. I'm extremely passionate about doing work to reduce single-use plastics and the use of virgin petroleum-based plastics. — Katie Weiler Viable Gear P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F K AT I E W E I L E R

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