Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/706404
18 Hartford Business Journal • July 25, 2016 www.HartfordBusiness.com Paddle surfing is just one of Gineo's watery passions. Age: 33 Company: Nutmeg Properties Title: Broker and Principal Town where I live: New Britain Town where I work: Wethersfield, Bethel College: Southern Connecticut State University and University of Maryland, Baltimore County Q&A: What do you do and what are your goals in your current job? I run a company that is both a startup real estate brokerage and a real estate investment firm. My goals are to help make real estate brokerage more transparent and way more customer friendly than it has historically been, especially in Connecticut. What are your goals for your community involvement? As a real estate brokerage 100 percent of what we earn comes directly from the communities that we work in and the people who live in those communities, so my goal is to be able to give back not just a per- centage of what we earn but also our time to help better the communities we work in and support the people that live there. What are your future aspirations? My future aspirations are to force a change in the way real estate brokerage is done to a way that is truly a customer-first approach and not self-serving for the brokerages and agents. There is a better way to do business and I want to show the other brokerages out there that it can be mutually beneficial for both our customers and our companies. What will Hartford be like in 10 years? I feel like Hartford is at a major crossroads right now. In one direction it has a very bright future ahead with a renewed interest from people wanting to be a part of what is hap- pening downtown. In another direction we are still struggling because there are just not enough desirable jobs being created. That alone can be hugely damaging especially with Boston and New York being so close and really drawing in both businesses and Millennials to help build the employee base in both places. I feel like Hartford is just on the cusp and if we can keep it moving in the right direction it can be an amazing place to work, live and play in the next decade. List four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: 1) Was No. 1 in New England as a Realtor three years in a row and No. 2 nationally in 2014 for one of the largest fran- chises in the country. 2) I have bought, sold and brokered over 750 properties so far in my career. 3) I have been involved in numer- ous community-centric organizations and events in Hartford County. 4) I have been selected as a NAHREP top 250 broker three years in a row and have come in the top 50 each year and this year came in at No. 17 out of brokers nationally for sales volume. Time Tested: What personal possession in your life has with- stood the test of time? Definitely my beach chair: I am a beach bum at heart. What hobby did you develop at a young age that you still enjoy today? I have played hockey since just after I could walk and still play today. 20 years ago, what did you envision as your future profession? Twenty years ago I honestly never thought my career would have gone the direction it has. I can't really remember but I probably wanted to be a pro hockey player, skier, surfer or something like that. My first real estate investment was a complete and total accident but it ended up being the starting point of a great business and a big passion of mine. Jonathan Gineo Gonnerman promoting a Foundation program on Rose Sunday at Elizabeth Park in West Hartford, complete with roses painted on her face. Gonnerman sitting outside reSET, a nonprofit incubator for social entrepreneurs where Gonnerman is a member. Q&A: What do you do and what are your goals in your current job? Philanthropy is more than a monetary exchange between donors and nonprofits. At its best, philanthropy unites donors and nonprofits in pursuit of positive impact and strong communities. The Center for Innovative Philanthropy is a springboard for those efforts, strengthening nonprofits, increasing access to data, and introducing donors to philanthropic approaches. What are your goals for your community involvement? I consider myself a facilitator for communities to create the change they envision. So many organizations make posi- tive social change on a daily basis through deep expertise and determination. I hope that my involvement helps multiple organizations achieve success, magnifies their impact and connects them with others who can help. What's your biggest passion? My passion is creating connections through communica- tion. It gets expressed in various ways: speak- ing other languages, designing materials for nonprofits, inspiring readers through fiction, or mentoring others to communicate well. What are your future aspirations? Personally, I dream of publishing a novel. Profession- ally, I'd like to see more nonprofit organi- zations that are solid and sustainable, can take good care of staff as well as beneficia- ries, and aren't hamstrung by unrealistic expectations of overhead costs. Eventu- ally, I hope to lead an arts, leadership or philanthropic organization to its next phase of meaningful social change. What role can young leaders play in shaping Hartford's future? Leadership is about seeing the world through a lens of curiosity and taking action – even if it's incremental – to change what needs changing. We don't need to wait for someone else to pass the baton of leadership – we are presented with opportu- nities to lead by example every day. List four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty:1) Founded the Center for Innovative Philanthropy, a new resource to strengthen philanthropy in Hartford's Jew- ish community. 2) Volunteered with United Way, Leadership Greater Hartford, reSET, and others. 3) Engaged in Hartford's terrific creative scene through chamber singing with the Hartt School, storytelling with Speak Up, writing with the Mark Twain House. 4) Live every day with a mind to strengthening lead- ership, providing mentorship and modelling collaboration for community benefit. Time Tested: What personal possession in your life has with- stood the test of time? Our 2001 Honda Accord with nearly 250,000 miles What hobby did you develop at a young age that you still enjoy today? Writing 20 years ago, what did you envision as your future profession? Teacher Who do you consider your mentor? Michael John- ston, CEO, Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford My favorite time of year is March Madness. If we could declare the first Thursday and Friday of the tournament national holidays, I would support it! Age: 36 Company: Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford Title: Director, Center for Innovative Philanthropy Town Where I Live: Avon Town Where I Work: West Hartford College: Yale University Kathryn Gonnerman Gineo takes part in a 2016 Rebuilding Together Day in Hartford. 40 Under Forty 2016 40 Under Forty 2016