Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/477247
38 Hartford Business Journal • July 21, 2014 www.HartfordBusiness.com Matthew Ritter Age: 32 Title at work/what do I do: Attorney/associate at Shipman & Goodwin LLP and state representative (D-Hartford). I practice in the areas of public finance, municipal law and election law. I am also in my second term as a state representative. As a legislator, I am currently the vice chairman of the Judiciary Committee and also a member of the Planning and Development and Banks committees. Town where I work: Hartford Town where I live: Hartford College I attended: Colby College My passion, hobby or special talent: I love sports. I particularly love UConn/college basketball, the Red Sox, and the New York Giants. Twitter handle: @mattritter308 No. of LinkedIn connections: 1,472 Favorite place to network: Salute or Damon's Tavern Favorite drink at a networking event: Sam Adams Summer Ale How do I create connections in my profes- sional life? I have found that a great way to create connections with people is to meet with them in person over coffee or lunch. It can take some time but I find that it often works better than electronic communication or tele- phone conversations. What's been my biggest challenge professionally? Like so many other people, I find that bal- ancing family, work, and free time can be challenging. I am fortunate to have a great wife, Marilyn, a wonderful one-year-old son, Jack, and the most loyal and squirrel-chasing goldendoodle on the planet, Dublin. Marilyn and I cover for each other and make it work. I am also thankful to Shipman & Goodwin for allowing me to take the time to serve previ- ously on the Hartford City Council and cur- rently as a state representative. What is the best advice I received? My father likes to quote this quote a lot: "Lis- tening is not waiting for your turn to speak." I think this is particularly true in politics. What do I want my legacy to be? I would like my legacy to be that I cared deeply about the city of Hartford and the state of Connecticut and that I made a positive impact on the present and future of both. Hartford means a great deal to me. I was born and raised in Hartford, and I will raise my family here as well. I absolutely love the city, the people, and the sense of community. 40 Under Forty 2014 On Twitter, Matt follows 2013 #HBJ40U40 winner Paul Mounds. FUN FACT "I am fortunate to have a great wife, Marilyn, a wonderful one-year-old son, Jack." Creativity Makes Your Event! Each component of your business event is important to us. We partner with you on planning to production, from beginning to end, events small or large ... We stay focused on your business objectives – and the smallest details – incorporating all aspects that make your event exciting, rewarding and memorable! • Event Planning • Audio Visual • Themes • Music • Venues • Video Production • Décor • Menus • Guest Speakers • Award Events • Concerts • Outdoor Festivals • Sales Rallies • Expos • Nonprofit Events • Corporate Meetings • DJ Services Helping you plan and produce an energizing event people will talk about! 260 Mountain Road • North Granby, CT 06060 860.413.9067 Office • 860.413.3684 Fax 860.930.2123 Cell (Sally) • 860.930.0617 Cell (John) www.RiderEvents.com