Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1525505
2024 | 40 UNDER FORTY 10 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | AUGUST 19, 2024 Starting his engineering career at Wayfair in 2016, Lesley Kuffour has advanced to director of IT Infrastructure at YearUp, a nonprofit job training pro- gram. Concurrently, he built a real estate business, renovating over 50 units and owning a seven-figure rental portfolio. Additionally, he has invested in and acquired two local businesses in the fitness and homecare industries, generating millions of dollars annually and serving nearly 2,000 residents in Hartford, Tolland and Windham counties. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? My biggest professional accomplishment is starting Hillstone Recovery, a nonprofit providing recovery housing for adult men in Vernon. Additionally, I scaled YearUp's IT infrastructure to serve more under- served young adults nationwide and provided affordable housing to dozens of families as a grateful immigrant. Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty? • I started Hillstone Recovery, providing recovery housing for adult men battling substance abuse, showcasing my commitment to community sup- port and well-being. • I've acquired and renovated several dozen affordable housing units and own fitness and homecare businesses, serving nearly 2,000 residents in Hartford, Tolland and Windham counties. • As an immigrant in America for 12 years, coming here without any eco- nomic resources, my success through sheer hard work and perseverance should inspire others to achieve their dreams if they do not quit. What do you like to do outside of work? I enjoy spending time with family and staying active by working out every day of the week. Kevin F. Kenny is a leader in the commer- cial real estate industry, serving as the founder and president of NAI Lexington Commercial LLC, a brokerage that has generated $3 million in revenue within a year and a half of its launch. Additionally, he holds the role of vice pres- ident at Lexington Partners LLC, focusing on real estate development, and serves as vice president of business development at Innoconn Construction Management. With a wealth of 15 years in real estate development, brokerage and construction management, Kenny specializes in new business development, acquisitions, investor relations, government relations and owners project management, contributing to north of $100 million in construction management services sold in the past few years. What do you like to do outside of work? The most significant aspect of my life is spending quality time with my wife of 10 years, Kristen, and our two children, Billy (6) and Izzy (3). Family activities hold immense importance to me. I have a great passion for dining experiences, golfing and supporting my favorite baseball team, the New York Mets. These moments with my family and indulging in my hobbies bring me immense joy and fulfillment. Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty? • I believe I deserve this award due to my achievements in the commercial real estate sector and my commitment to Hartford's future and economic prosperity. • My revitalization endeavors in downtown Hartford, exemplified by establishments such as Huskies Tavern and The Drake, have significantly benefited the community. • By emphasizing historic preservation and sustainable development, I aim to create a lasting impact. My roles at Lexington Partners and NAI Lexington Commercial also showcase my business development and client relations expertise. Lexington Partners is proud to honor Kevin Kenny SELECTED AS ONE OF 2024 HARTFORD BUSINESS JOURNAL "40 UNDER 40" 1 Financial Plaza I 12th Floor I Hartford, CT 06103 LexingtonCT.com I 860.520.1005 Kevin Kenny, President of NAI Lexington Commercial Lesley Kuffour AGE: 30 COMPANIES & TITLES: Director of IT Infrastructure, YearUp; Owner, Home Instead Northeastern; Owner, Total Health Club; Owner, Hillstone Holdings WHERE I LIVE: Ellington WHERE I WORK: Tolland COLLEGE: Fairmont State University, West Virginia HIGHEST DEGREE: Bachelor's, Management Information Systems; Bachelor's, Business Marketing Kevin F. Kenny AGE: 36 COMPANY: NAI Lexington Commercial, Lexington Partners, Innoconn Construction Management TITLE: Founder and President, NAI Lexington Commercial, (Vice President Lexington Partners, Innoconn) NO. OF YEARS WITH CURRENT COMPANY: 5 WHERE I LIVE: Rocky Hill WHERE I WORK: Hartford COLLEGE: Johnson and Wales University HIGHEST DEGREE: Bachelor's in Marketing/ Advertising, Johnson and Wales University