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www.HartfordBusiness.com May 1, 2017 • Hartford Business Journal 3 By Stan Simpson S itting on an oversized leather couch in a spacious upstairs green room, Dan Hincks reflected on his life journey — and the special role music has played. "I love business, I love music, and I love people,'' said Hincks, CEO of Infinity Music Hall & Bistro. "And this allows me to be around all the things I love every day." It's quite a long day for this early riser — he's up at 6 a.m. daily — entrenched in an industry ideal for late owls. Infinity Hall has two locations — Norfolk opened in 2008; the Hartford business started in 2014. Together, both host about 400 live concerts per year. Sales exceed $5 million from demographics ranging from age 25 to 60-plus and paying from $14 to $100 a ticket. Hincks juggles those leadership duties while also being CEO of Data Management Inc. The Farmington-based, family specialty- printing and software development firm was started by his late father Bob in 1961. Dan Hincks took over in 1991 and Data is now an international operation. Running the firm allowed him to sock enough money away to start what for him is a labor of love. These days he spends about 70 percent of his time with the Infinity brands. "I was searching to add new dimensions to my life,'' said Hincks, recalling the 2008 opening of Infinity Norfolk. "Something that I could look back on and feel good that I was providing (something) to society in a larger context, but also something that I would love." He saw a void for the "intimate medium-size places that could support high-quality artists, while providing a listening experience and good food.'' Infinity — a word Hincks defines as "end- less possibilities" — was formed. Hincks, 62, was reared in Farmington surrounded by music. He plays the guitar and piano, but not professionally. Mom Polly, now deceased, was on the board of directors of the University of Hartford's HART School of Music; his father also enjoyed listening to music. An older brother, Rob, is a singer/ songwriter in North Hampton, Mass. Hincks remembers growing up in a home in which musicians were frequent guests, engaged in robust conversations. His degree in English from the University of Hartford and an executive education diplo- ma from Harvard also shaped the perspec- tive of this married father of two children, who has two grandkids and loves any activity associated with the outdoors. While searching for something new in his life, he told his wife Sarah about a dilapi- dated circa-1883 opera house in Norfolk that needed extensive repairs. It eventually became home to Infinity Norfolk. As business grew, Hincks found himself again thinking of www.kelsercorp.com 43 Western Blvd, Suite 150 Glastonbury, CT 06033 860 610 2200 What if technology were not a problem, but instead enabled your success? At Kelser, we help our clients use technology to unlock their potential and achieve their goals. www.kelsercorp.com/success FACES OF BUSINESS For Hincks, music is a passion and growing business Infinity Hall Hartford is located in the Front Street Entertainment District. P H O T O S | S T E V E L A S C H E V E R Farmington businessman Dan Hincks' passion for music led him to open two music venues in Connecticut that play host to a number of world-renowned acts. Hincks is shown on the stage of his Infinity Music Hall in Hartford, which opened in 2014. Continued Stan Simpson