Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1546003
HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | AUGUST 10, 2026 2026 AWARDS | 40 UNDER FORTY 7 Sarah Brine is vice president of HOB Industries Inc., a fourth-generation Connecticut manufacturer supplying precision metal stampings into Fortune 500 supply chains worldwide. Brine provides leadership in fi nancial manage- ment, quality assurance and long-term strategic planning initiatives to drive organizational growth and support a multigenerational leadership transition. As a cultural anchor, she helps ensure the company's values, culture and commitment to operational excellence remain embedded throughout the organization. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? My greatest accomplishment is leading a fourth-generation family manufacturing business through generational transition while raising a young family of my own. I modernized our operations by developing software that integrates our manufac- turing, quality, inventory and business data into a cohesive system supporting every stage of the organization. How are you involved in the community? I support charitable organizations, volunteer initiatives and local causes through both personal service and our business. I previously coached youth lacrosse and remain passionate about mentorship, leadership development and creating opportunities that strengthen employees, families and communities across Connecticut. I hope to use my experience to support and mentor other women navigating leadership within family-owned businesses. Fun Fact I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro — Africa's highest peak and one of the Seven Summits. Sarah Macary Brine Company: HOB Industries Inc. Title: Vice President Number of years with current company: 15 Where I live: Cheshire Where I work: Cheshire College: Babson College Highest degree: Executive MBA, University of Connecticut Age: 37 Andraya Pulaski Brunau is a partner at law fi rm Day Pitney and chairs its IP Litigation practice. She works with established and emerging brands in the consumer goods, food and beverage, life sciences, technology, aerospace and fi nancial industries on trademark, copy- right, trade secret and patent disputes in federal courts and before the United States Patent and Trademark Offi ce's Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. She has argued appeals before the Second Circuit and Connecticut Appellate Court and clerked for the Connecticut Appellate Court. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? As chair of Day Pitney's IP Litigation practice and vice chair of our New England Commercial Litigation Business Unit, I am proud to lead strategic busi- ness development initiatives, strengthen cross-offi ce collaboration and sup- port the growth and development of our talented attorneys and litigation department, while overseeing complex intellectual property disputes. How are you involved in the community? As co-chair of Day Pitney's Women Working Together for 3.5 years, I launched a biennial retreat uniting attorneys across the fi rm. I mentor junior attorneys, focusing on early deposition and courtroom experience. My pro bono work supports veterans, nonprofi ts and individuals pursuing civil rights claims in the Greater Hartford area. Fun Fact I became student body president in college to conquer my fear of public speaking. Andraya Pulaski Brunau Company: Day Pitney LLP Title: Partner Number of years with current company: 12 Where I live: Milford Where I work: Hartford College: Providence College Highest degree: Law degree, University of Connecticut School of Law Age: 37 Gregory Chase is senior counsel at Travelers. He has had a meteoric rise at the company. Chase started as a brand new associate and in about five years rose to senior counsel. He has won numerous awards for his legal acumen, dedication to DEI, and work in the community, including multiple Connecticut Law Tribune Awards and the Hispanic National Bar Association's 40 Under 40 award. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? My biggest professional accomplish- ments are obtaining the title of senior counsel in a short time and being the scholarship chair of the Connecticut Hispanic Bar Association for a decade. Both show my drive, hard work, cli- ent-focus, dedication, stewardship and leadership. How are you involved in the community? I'm currently a board of director with multiple nonprofits and am a former president of the Connecticut Hispanic Bar Association. I help run Travelers' Legal Services' Pro Bono Expo, serve as a mentor to many, and volunteer with Junior Achievement, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and other organizations. What do you like to do outside of work? I enjoy spending time with my beautiful wife Katie and my ever-energetic dog Colby. I also enjoy hanging out with my family and friends as well as meeting new people. I also like to watch, listen and play sports. Go Yard Goats and Wolf Pack! Fun Fact I have an identical twin brother, and he means the world to me. Gregory Chase Company: Travelers Title: Senior Counsel Number of years with current company: 10 Where I work: Hartford College: Fairfi eld University Highest degree: Law degree, University of Connecticut School of Law Age: 35 Sonny Chen is CEO and co-founder of Black Bamboo, an award-winning restau- rant recognized as Best Asian Cuisine since its opening. He launched the business in 2010 at age 21 alongside his father, who immigrated from Southeast China. Starting as a small takeout storefront, Black Bamboo has expanded into a full-service restaurant with an extensive catering operation, creating numerous local jobs and contributing to the eco- nomic growth of the community. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? My biggest accomplishment was opening my fi rst restaurant at age 21. Building on the success of Black Bamboo, I expanded by opening two additional restaurants and later diversifi ed into real estate investment, creating new business opportunities while supporting continued growth and job creation in my community. How are you involved in the community? I am committed to giving back through youth development, education and community service. I support organiza- tions including the JCC youth basketball league, West Hartford soccer, Saturday Hoopsters, Foodshare, Watkinson School, 2-4-1 Sports and Jumoke Academy. I also create employment opportunities through second-chance and DEI-focused hiring initiatives. What do you like to do outside of work? Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my three sons, especially coaching and supporting their activities, including soccer and fi shing. I'm also a passionate fan of UConn basketball and enjoy exploring the local dining scene with chef friends, often sharing meals and ideas at a local favorite, Bricco. Fun Fact My favorite cuisine is Jamaican, and Benji's is my go-to local spot. Sonny Chen Company: Black Bamboo Title: CEO Number of years with current company: 16 Where I live: West Hartford Where I work: West Hartford Age: 37