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B4 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | AUGUST 24, 2026 AWARD CATEGORY: FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS, 51-250 EMPLOYEES The Lyman Farm Inc. HEADQUARTERS: Middlefield YEAR FOUNDED: 1741 INDUSTRY: Agritourism, Golf, Retail, Wholesale Bakery TOP EXECUTIVE: John Lyman III, Executive Vice President EMPLOYEES: 100 WEBSITE: lymanorchards.com FOUNDERS: John and Hope Lyman FAMILY MEMBERS CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AT THE COMPANY: John Lyman III (8th Generation), Executive Vice President; Adam Lyman (9th Generation), General Manager of Wholesale Bakery, son of John Lyman III GENERATION CURRENTLY RUNNING THE COMPANY: 8th L yman Orchards is a family-owned farm in Middlefield that has been in operation since 1741. Situated on 1,100 acres, the property includes Pick Your Own orchards, the Apple Barrel Farm Market, three public golf courses, 1741 Pub & Grill and seasonal attractions including the Sunflower Maze and Corn Maze. Lyman Orchards serves local residents and visitors from across the region through agricultural products, retail, recreation and seasonal events. Tell us about your recent accomplishments. Recent accomplishments include being named the Best Apple Orchard in the Nation in the 2025 USA Today 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards and Connecticut's Best Pick- Your-Own Farm for 2026. In 2022, we expanded our wholesale bakery operations with the purchase of a production facility in New Haven, allowing us to better serve our retail and wholesale customers. Our Golf Center was recognized as one of the top 50 practice facilities in the country for 2025, our director of junior programming, Alex Cavaliere, was honored as the Connecticut PGA Teacher and Coach of the Year, and we rank third nationally in total participation for PGA Jr. League. What are your family values? We are guided by four core values: integ- rity, commitment to excellence, innovation and stewardship. We believe in acting with honesty and accountability, producing quality products and courteous service, embracing new ideas while adapting to change, and preserving our family's agricultural legacy. These values guide our decisions every day and have helped sustain our business for more than 285 years. Viking Construction Inc. HEADQUARTERS: Bridgeport YEAR FOUNDED: 1991 INDUSTRY: Construction TOP EXECUTIVE: Anthony Gaglio, President EMPLOYEES: 46 WEBSITE: www.Vikingconstruction.net FOUNDER: Anthony Gaglio FAMILY MEMBERS CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AT THE COMPANY: Anthony Gaglio, President; Anthony Gaglio Jr., Vice President, Anthony Gaglio's son GENERATIONS CURRENTLY RUNNING THE COMPANY: 3rd and 4th V iking Construction is a family-owned company of craftsmen in all areas of construction. Now in its 35th year, Viking serves as general contractor and construction manager for projects including schools, historical renovations, medical facilities, large-scale mixed-income housing, nursing homes, office and municipal build- ings, and industrial manufacturing plants. Viking often self-performs sitework on its projects throughout Connecticut. Tell us about your recent accomplishments. Since 1991, we have completed more than $1.1 billion in projects. Our recently completed projects include the $18 million Connecticut Humane Society's Pet Resource Center in Wilton, which won a Connecticut Building Congress Project Team award and a Construction Real Estate Women (CREW) CT Blue Ribbon award. We completed the first three phases of the $44 million Willow Creek Apartments in Hartford, a redeveloped housing community, and have just begun the $22.8 million fourth phase, bringing a total of 191 homes to the area. We are nearing completion of the $69 million Wall Street Place development, a long-abandoned mixed-use project that brings 155 apartment homes, retail and parking to downtown Norwalk. We continue to work with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration as a strategic partner, and we awarded our 15th scholarship to a local student. What are your family values? We value every employee, as they are crucial to our mission to deliver exceptional quality for every building project. We encourage employees to take on greater challenges and build skills so their professional lives are rewarding and fulfilling. 2026 C T BUSINE S S E XCELLENCE AWARDS AWARD CATEGORY: FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS, 1-50 EMPLOYEES Built on Hard Work. Recognized for Excellence. Breaking Ground Since 1991. 1387 Seaview Ave, Bridgeport, CT • 203-353-0260 • VikingConstruction.net Make family memories that will last a lifetime at Lyman Orchards. Family-owned for 285 years, Lyman Orchards has welcomed generations with New England charm, innovation, history, and unforgettable farm fun. Today, the 8th and 9th generations of the Lyman family continue this proud tradition, ensuring every visit feels like coming home. Recently honored as a Hartford Business Journal 2026 Connecticut Business Excellence Award Family-Owned Organization Honoree and voted Best Apple Orchard in the Nation, Lyman Orchards remains a place where families can celebrate cherished traditions and create new ones together. 860.349.6015 105 South Street, Middlefield, CT Lyman Orchards! Lyman Orchards! Scan to learn more. Visit the Award -Winning Visit the Award -Winning