Hartford Business Journal

36 Hartford Business Journal • July 20, 2015 www.HartfordBusiness.com 40 Under Forty 2015 40 Under Forty 2015 Joe Turbessi Rebecca Wareing J oe Turbessi is an author, speaker and entrepreneur. His first book, "Into the Muck: How Poker Changed My Life," chronicles his journey and struggles with the amateur poker world. He has since used his experiences to help shape who he is today. He gives speeches at high schools, colleges and organizations sharing the importance of gambling awareness. Based on his experiences and the mes- sage of the book, which is to strive toward what's next, but be proud of the obstacles you've overcome, he founded the company Finished: What's Next?. The company was created to motivate, inspire and challenge, which is something Turbessi brings to both his business and personal life. As part of this mission, Tur- bessi has always found ways to incorporate charity into his endeavors. He's created special products, including PowerCordz for kids struggling at the Connecticut Children's Medical Center and The Village for Families & Children in Hartford. He has aspirations of becoming a screenwriter. Q&A If you gave the next commencement speech at your alma mater, what would the mes- sage be? Success is about more than money. There are many ways to be successful in this world, and it's important that we all find it within our lives. Each of us will have our own definition of success. Everyone comes from somewhere and got to where they are because of what they've been through. Life is all about the journey and at some point, everyone faces something in their life that will challenge them like they've never been before. It'll be how you respond that will define you forever. If there is one person whose life and career you want to imitate, who would it be? It's important to shape yourself based on your experiences, the people around you, and those you look up to. I'm very fortunate to have been raised by great parents, who have always served as positive role models in my life. They keep me going forward when I need a push and grounded when I get lost. If you could design a bumper sticker with your advice to the world, what would it say? 'Enjoy the moment.' This is one of the toughest pieces of advice to adhere to. Life goes by too fast. We're always preparing and looking towards something, then it hap- pens and it's over. But what about the many important moments along the way? Take it all in and enjoy them before they're gone. Life's Journey: During my off time, I am most passionate about… Spending time with people I care about, play- ing/watching sports, writing, coming up with new ideas What is the most exciting destination you've ever traveled to? Bermuda What is your favorite tourist destination? San Diego Where is the one place you want to travel in your lifetime? New Orleans with my family to see the Saints play Favorite CT destination: CT shoreline R ebecca Wareing is a search con- sultant and operations manager with Management Search Inc. in East Hartford. She recruits professionals for manufacturing and nonprofit clients and leads a team of five, overseeing their training and development for her company. Wareing is a consistent top performer for MSI, winning Rookie of the Year in 2009 and increasing her sales by 29 percent in 2014. Prior to joining MSI, Wareing was enlisted for eight years in the Army National Guard as a broadcast journalist, and she worked as a stand-up comic, performing at clubs, colleges and military bases around the world. Wareing was appointed by Gov. Dan- nel P. Malloy as a member of the board of trustees for the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, serves as the chair of the Financial Development Committee for the Charter Oak State College Foundation, and is in her third term as an elected member of the Hartford Democratic Town Commit- tee. Wareing is passionate about improving access to education and careers for veter- ans and single moms and helping to improve quality of life for Hartford residents. Wareing lives in downtown Hartford, with her husband of nine years, Richard Wareing, and her two cats, Mikey and Trixi. Q&A Where do you get your motivation to suc- ceed? My mother was born into poverty and overcame many obstacles to provide a good life for her children. She gave me a love of learning and a strong work ethic. The military gave me discipline and a sense of duty, and my husband gives me the love and support to make it through the tough times. Which destination has most shaped who you are in business and life today? When I served in Bosnia, I saw the destruction and chaos left behind in the aftermath of war. I saw the darkness that people are capable of, and I also saw the light. I saw people with the cour- age to rebuild when they had literally nothing left, and I saw people with the resilience to forgive and try again. That experience inspires me to take risks and make the world a better place. When Hollywood makes a movie about your entire life and career, what will the title and tagline be? Title: 'Soldiering On.' Tagline: 'Accomplishing the mission takes a few good men, or one crazy woman.' The Army taught me to push myself beyond my perceived limitations and gave me the discipline to keep going. My sense of humor helped me to connect and build relationships, and I used those skills on stage to make people laugh all around the world. Now, I use those skills in business, politics, community service and life to make a difference. I'd like to be played by either Tina Fey or Amy Schumer. Life's Journey: During my off time, I am most passionate about...Cooking What is your dream car? 1967 Fiat Spider What is the most exciting destination you've ever traveled to? Sarajevo Where is the one place you want to travel in your lifetime? Egypt Favorite Connecticut destination: Hartford, of course! Turbessi traveled to Bermuda with (from left) his girlfriend Amanda Denes, Turbessi, his dad Joe Turbessi, his mom Sue Turbessi, his sister Stacey Fresta and her husband Jason Fresta. Wareing visiting the Tower of London. Age: 31 Title: Founder Company: Finished: What's Next?, Author, Speaker Location: Glastonbury/Online Hometown: Middletown College: UConn Age: 39 Title: Search Consultant & Operations Manager Company: Management Search Inc. Location: East Hartford Hometown: Hartford College: Charter Oak State College Turbessi's second book is entitled "9 Days 'Til Doomsday." Wareing is in her third term on the Hartford Democratic Town Committee.

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