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2025 BUSINE SS PROFILE S | HARTFORD BUSINE SS JOURNAL 15 seeking improvement, and have the special- ized knowledge to provide expert guidance leading to measurable impacts. Fostering a sense of family within their team and with their clients, they pride them- selves on growing and nurturing relation- ships, ensuring reliable, consistent support, and long-term success. As a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, CONNSTEP reports client project metrics to the U.S. Department of Commerce to demonstrate its impact on Connecticut manufacturing's growth and success. In fiscal year 2024, CONNSTEP's client surveys revealed a powerful impact on the state's economy, driving $220.5 million in increased and retained sales, $27.4 million in new investments, $9.4 million in cost savings, and the creation or retention of 1,060 jobs. ese results resonate far beyond num- bers; they are the tangible representations of prosperity, creating thriving families through fulfilling careers, fostering dynamic work- forces, and propelling businesses toward a future brimming with opportunity. "Our clients' success is the key measure of our impact on the manufacturing industry," said Gutierrez. "We are extremely proud of our track record over the past 25 years and look forward to continuing to support the industry for decades to come." A s a trusted advisor driving growth and operational excellence for more than 25 years, CONNSTEP stands as Connecticut's leading manufactur- ing consulting firm, empowering small and medium-sized manufacturers to achieve their business goals in an evolving landscape. What is now CONNSTEP, began as the State Technology Extension Program (STEP) at UConn in 1994. Today, CONNSTEP supports manufacturers across Connecticut, providing them with the tools for success through its vast network of local and national partners. "Our small manufacturers face a wide range of operational challenges, such as se- curing capital, building a skilled workforce, and adopting new technologies," said Beatriz N. Gutierrez, CONNSTEP president and CEO. "As their trusted advisor, our vision is to help them reach their goals by deploying our technical resources and connecting them to partners and services that can support them in their growth journey." e question, 'What keeps you up at night?', consistently highlights the common challeng- es manufacturers face, reinforcing CONN- STEP's understanding of their unique needs. CONNSTEP guides manufacturers through the complexities of talent acqui- sition and development, managing supply chains, enhancing technology readiness, growing revenue and market share, and mitigating risks. eir team of trusted advisors and subject matter experts partners with businesses, providing customized solutions, process management, and continuous support throughout their journeys. Over the decades, CONNSTEP has con- sistently evolved, strategically anticipating and meeting the rapid technological shifts in manufacturing. While maintaining a strong foundation in lean principles and quality standards, they are now at the forefront, empowering busi- nesses to confidently navigate critical shifts like AI integration, cyber threat protection, smart manufacturing implementation, supply chain resilience, and the ongoing labor crisis, driving transformative change for their clients. To achieve their mission, the 30-person CONNSTEP team, led by Gutierrez, em- bodies 'e CONNSTEP Way,' a philosophy and practice built on genuine partnerships. Collaborative problem-solvers, re- sults-driven in their pursuit of client suc- cess, and versatile in adapting to challenges, the CONNSTEP team approaches every interaction with empathy. ey are growth-oriented, continually Leading Connecticut Manufacturing into the Future ADDRESS: 350 CHURCH ST., HARTFORD, C T 06103 PHONE: (860) 513-3200 WEBSITE: W W W.CONNSTEP.ORG TOP EXECUTIVE: BEATRIZ N . GUTIERREZ , PRESIDENT AND CEO PRODUC T OR SERVICE: MANUFAC TURING CONSULTING NO. OF EMPLOYEES: 30 YE AR FOUNDED: 1995