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www.HartfordBusiness.com July 25, 2016 • Hartford Business Journal 23 Q&A: What do you do and what are your goals in your current job? I'm the president and founder of Hartford Baking Company, which I founded in 2010 with operations throughout Hartford County and the rest of Connecticut. We create local, artisanal baked goods and pastry that are sold in multiple local restaurants, including Treva and the MAX Restaurant group, as well as in our retail location at 625 New Park Ave., West Hartford, and our soon-to-be-open loca - tion in the West Hartford Center. What are your goals for your community involvement? We have always focused on providing for those in need. Our leftover bread is regularly contributed to a homeless shelter. I also enjoyed running baking classes for kids at Hartford's Camp Courant this sum- mer, and helping out with a Salvation Army Christmas "Winter Wonderland" for under- privileged Hartford children in December. What's your biggest passion? My true pas- sion is entrepreneurship. It creates jobs, innovates and can provide anyone an oppor- tunity to take their passion and turn it into something bigger. What are your future aspirations? I hope to continue building the brand I created and become more involved in the Hartford (city) community. I'd like to teach others entrepreneurship and business skills to help jumpstart economic growth in the city. If you had one wish to brighten Hartford's economic future what would it be, and why? I don't think large, expensive development projects are working for the city. We need a grassroots movement to bring cool stuff to downtown with more arts, music, cool events, and destination restaurants. What role can young leaders play in shaping Hartford's future? Young leaders can provide new creative ideas for making Hartford a more attractive place for people like them. I travel a lot to some of the fastest-growing cities in the world. Not all of these places were always popular, but you can see what they've done to turn things around and become amazing places. I'm trying to bring some of that to Hartford by collaborating with local leaders and business owners. List four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: 1) Founded a company that has been profitable for five consecutive years. 2) We are one of the top bakeries in the region with nationally recognized product quality and social equity. We also contribute to commu - nity agriculture through our CSA partnership with Sweet Acre Farms and our farmer's mar- ket involvement. 3) We are an industry leader in the Connecticut region. 4) As we continue to grow, we're maintaining our connection to community involvement and product quality. Time Tested: What personal possession in your life has with- stood the test of time? My notebook collection What hobby did you develop at a young age that you still enjoy today? Hiking, weight lifting 20 years ago, what did you envision as your future profession? Broadway pianist Who do you consider your mentor? My parents Before HBC, I had no professional experience in the food industry and I am a serious gardener. Kluger traveled to Florence, Italy right after he decided to leave his finance career and start Hartford Baking Co. Kluger wearing denim while he promotes his company. Age: 33 Company: Hartford Baking Company Title: President Town where I live: West Hartford Town where I work: All over Connecticut College: UConn (undergraduate), Fordham (graduate) Scott Kluger 40 Under Forty 2016 PDS has been meeting the needs of the construction industry since 1965. Our dedicated team of design and construction professionals welcomes the challenge of serving its past and future customers on their most demanding projects. TD Bank | Wallingford, CT PDS Engineering & Construction served as General Contractor for the latest, freestanding TD Bank facility. The original goal was to obtain Gold-level certification; however, the rating was ultimately updated to LEED Platinum due to the sustainable credits relating to the site, energy and materials. This fast-tracked project was completed on schedule in only 119 days after receiving notice to proceed. Project Features: - Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing - Millwork - Metal Fabrication - Aluminum-Framed Entrances 107 Old Windsor Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002 (860) 242-8586 | Fax (860) 242-8587 www.pdsec.com DESIGN BUILDERS • GENERAL CONTRACTORS • CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS SPOTLIGHT ON: Sustainability LEED PLATINUM PDS ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION, INC. THINK • PLAN • BUILD MEDIA THAT MOVES >> 500 South Broad Street | Meriden, CT rjmediagroup.com | 203.235.1661 Moving our business forward. Everyone on the RJ Media Group team salutes you for your recognition as one of Hartford Business Journal's 40 under 40! CONGRATULATIONS LIZ WHITE