Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/477247
18 Hartford Business Journal • July 21, 2014 www.HartfordBusiness.com 40 Under Forty 2014 Stephen Carrabba Age: 32 Title at work/what I do: Founder and principal at Expense Consulting, a growing consulting firm that helps mid-to-large companies achieve cost savings in non- payroll related expenses. I am a passionate negotiator who enjoys finding win-win solutions for my clients and their third-party vendors. I am very proud that Expense Consulting operates on a pay-for-performance, gain- share model. Town where I work: Bloomfield Town where I live: Wethersfield College I attended: Babson My passion, hobby or special talent: Family, golf, rehabbing houses, and negotiating No. of LinkedIn connections: 380 Favorite place to network: Golf course Favorite drink at a networking event: Hen- drick's and tonic How do I create connections in my profes- sional life? Having grown up in West Hartford, I have a large family and many friends locally. I also made terrific friends at col- lege in the Boston area and in a wide circle of business contacts in the past 10 years. I meet new contacts through referrals from business people with whom I have worked and through influential professionals whom I have met. I maintain contact with everyone primarily through personal con- nections, rather than through social net- working. I am constantly on the phone and meeting face-to-face with members of my network. What's been your biggest challenge professionally? A big challenge has been overcoming the negative connotations that appear to come along with the title of consultant. I prefer to think of what we do as partnering with our clients, and I strive to have Expense Consult- ing become their trusted advisor. Another significant challenge has been finding the right talent for our team. On the operational side, Expense Consulting has been able to retain tremendous talent, but continues to seek professional business development personnel. What is the best advice I received? Be honorable in all dealings and think long-term; always do the right thing, some- thing practiced by my father, Dr. Angelo Carrabba. What do I want my legacy to be? As a serial entrepreneur, my long-term goal is to profitably grow Expense Consult- ing to 10 times its current size while continu- ing to invest in promising startup companies that align with my values. I intend to nurture an impeccable reputation that encompasses my direct and honest approach to business. I appreciate the opportunities people contin- ue to give me and I look forward to honoring them by paying it forward. Dr. Jill Buban 40 Under Forty 2014 Jill's favorite networking drink, 337 Cabernet, is described by its maker Noble Vines as having aromas of black cherry, currant, and coffee. FUN FACT Age: 38 Title at work/what I do: Assistant provost for research and innovation at Post University. I am very fortunate because this position allows me to work every day in an environment that fosters innovation and growth. Within a highly collaborative team, I research and implement student-centered, forward thinking projects that impact our main campus and online student population. In addition to Post's student population, I believe many of these projects will serve as models for other higher education institutions and have far-reaching effects on the emerging adult and adult learner populations. Town where I work: Waterbury Town where I live: Woodbury College I attended: Lesley University (Ph.D); Univer- sity of New Hampshire (undergrad) My passion, hobby or special talent: Spending time with my amazing daughter and husband No. of LinkedIn connections: 237 Favorite place to network: Good News Café & The Woodshed Favorite drink at a networking event: 337 Cabernet How do I create connections in my profes- sional life? I try to present at international conferences in the fields of higher education, online learning, and adult learning every year. These conferenc- es allow me to meet a variety of thought-leaders in these fields and connect with professionals who have similar professional interests. Addi- tionally, I volunteer locally and attend many community benefits functions. In order to maintain contact with professionals I meet through these various avenues, I use LinkedIn. What's been my biggest challenge professionally? My biggest challenge has been to maintain a work-life balance. While my Post family is a tremendous source of strength and support, my family and friends provide me with oppor- tunities that allow me to reflect and recharge. What is the best advice I received? The moments along the way to the finish line are often more rewarding than the finish line itself. As an educator, this rings true to me because there are so many opportunities to learn and grow as we make our way to an end product, or goal, but, if our focus is solely on the finish line, we miss out on the journey. What do I want my legacy to be? Whether it is as simple as impacting a stu- dent's life by providing support and encour- agement or as complex as instituting an innovative approach to teaching that impacts thousands of learners, I want to have made a positive impact on the lives of students. Stephen is the son of Dr. Angelo Carrabba, former president of the CT State Medical Society. FUN FACT "The moments along the way to the finish line are often more rewarding than the finish line itself."