Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1546003
HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | AUGUST 10, 2026 2026 AWARDS | 40 UNDER FORTY 27 YVONNE ZHAO REALIST LAB IS PROUD TO CELEBRATE YVONNE ZHAO AS AN HONOREE OF THE HARTFORD BUSINESS JOURNAL 40 UNDER FORTY FOR 2026 REALISTLAB.ORG Yvonne, your leadership, vision, and dedication to building stronger communities and empowering entrepreneurs are driving real impact across Connecticut and beyond. YVONNE ZHAO REALIST LAB IS PROUD TO CELEBRATE YVONNE ZHAO AS AN HONOREE OF THE HARTFORD BUSINESS JOURNAL 40 UNDER FORTY FOR 2026 REALISTLAB.ORG Yvonne, your leadership, vision, and dedication to building stronger communities and empowering entrepreneurs are driving real impact across Connecticut and beyond. YVONNE ZHAO REALIST LAB IS PROUD TO CELEBRATE YVONNE ZHAO AS AN HONOREE OF THE HARTFORD BUSINESS JOURNAL 40 UNDER FORTY FOR 2026 REALISTLAB.ORG Yvonne, your leadership, vision, and dedication to building stronger communities and empowering entrepreneurs are driving real impact across Connecticut and beyond. Yvonne, your leadership, vision, and dedication to building stronger communities and empowering entrepreneurs are driving real impact across Connecticut and beyond. REALIST LAB IS PROUD TO CELEBRATE YVONNE ZHAO AS AN HONOREE OF THE HARTFORD BUSINESS JOURNAL 40 UNDER FORTY FOR 2026 YVONNE ZHAO Congratulations to the Hartford Business Journal's 40 Under 40 Class of 2026 Especially to Erik Vath for this well-deserved recognition. We're proud to celebrate the leaders whose passion and dedication are shaping the future and safety of our community. DRIVEN BY AMBITION | DRIVEN BY IMPACT | DRIVEN BY COMMUNITY Erik Vath Risk and Safety Manager Erik Vath is the risk and safety manager for Hoffman Auto Group, a role he has held for the past two years. With nearly 12 years of experience in occupational safety and risk management, he oversees safety, Federal Trade Commission compliance and workplace security initiatives across multiple dealership locations. Under his leadership, workplace injuries were reduced by approximately 70%, con- tributing to nearly $1 million in company savings through proactive safety and risk prevention efforts. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? One of my biggest professional accom- plishments has been helping strengthen Hoffman Auto Group's safety culture through proactive training, near-miss reporting and risk assessments. These efforts helped the company surpass 1 million work hours without a lost-time injury, while several dealership locations achieved one- and two-year accident-free milestones. How are you involved in the community? I was involved in the fi re service for 14 years, including six years as a volunteer fi refi ghter in Simsbury. Although I am no longer an active fi refi ghter, I con- tinue supporting my community through workplace safety leadership, emergency preparedness initiatives and promoting safety awareness both on and off the job. What do you like to do outside of work? Outside of work, my biggest priority is being a great father to my two children and spending quality time with my family. I also enjoy following New York sports, especially the Yankees. The time I spend with my family is what matters most to me and keeps me grounded outside of work. Fun Fact I rescued dogs from a house fi re, combining my passion for service and protecting others. Erik Vath Company: Hoffman Auto Group Title: Risk & Safety Manager Number of years with current company: 2 Where I live: Simsbury Where I work: East Hartford College: Keiser University Highest degree: Associate degree in fi re science, Keiser University Age: 34 Yvonne Zhao is vice president of economic and community develop- ment at Realist Lab, where she leads public affairs, ecosystem initiatives and economic development activities. Previously, she served as director of small business for the City of Hartford and as a regional innovation officer with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development. Throughout her career, she has worked at the intersection of entre- preneurship, innovation and economic development, managing public invest- ment programs and leading statewide strategic initiatives. What's been your biggest profes- sional accomplishment so far in your career? As Hartford's director of small busi- ness, I helped lead the city's small business support and recovery efforts, managing $17 million in public funding, connecting hundreds of entrepreneurs with technical assistance, grants and resources. The experience reinforced my belief that strong local economies are built through intention, trust and resources. How are you involved in the community? I am the founder of AAPI CONNECT, a statewide initiative supporting Asian American and Pacific Islander entrepreneurs. I also volunteer my time serving on nonprofit boards, including CT Main Street Center, Open Hearth Association and HartfordNEXT. I am passionate about strengthening communities through economic devel- opment, entrepreneurship and civic engagement. Fun Fact I have reinvented my life every few years since I was 15. Yvonne Zhao Company: Realist Lab Title: Vice President, Economic and Community Development Number of years with current company: 1 Where I live: Hartford Where I work: Stamford College: Indiana University Bloomington Highest degree: Master of public administration, Indiana University Bloomington Age: 34