Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/848827
24 Hartford Business Journal • July 17, 2017 www.HartfordBusiness.com Jeffrey Bruneau Q&A: What do you do in your current job? I lead 10 commu- nity banking centers and manage a team of nearly 100 bankers in the Greater Hartford area. I take pride in delivering a world-class experience for our customers and clients, and investing in the communities we serve. What are your goals in your current job? My goals are always to help our customers succeed financially — whether it's guiding them through growing a small business, or helping them prepare for their next phase of life — and encouraging my team to develop their leadership skills, both inside the company and out. What's your biggest passion? Every day I have the opportunity to change people's lives — both for my customers, and for the team I manage. There's nothing better than leaving someone better off than you found them. I am also passionate about my family and being a role model for my two boys, Porter and Bennett. What are your future professional aspirations? I always strive to be better than I was yesterday. Banking is my niche, and I aspire to grow in the industry. How are you involved in the community? I'm honored to serve on the board of directors at three fantas- tic organizations — Greater Waterbury Interfaith Ministries (GWIM); the Greater Waterbury Chamber of Commerce; and Midstate Arc. I also volunteer at Habitat for Humanity with my colleagues. If you were governor of Connecticut for a day what is one policy you'd push to improve the state's future? Childhood hunger is a bigger threat to Connecticut's youth than many realize. I would bring awareness to programs that combat child hunger, such as the free breakfast program, which only half of eligible students in Connecticut's public schools utilize. Being hungry has severe consequences for kids' school performance and impacts their ability to succeed later in life. We all have a role in making sure our next generation is prepared to succeed, and that starts with making sure no child is left hungry. It's one of the many reasons I got involved with Greater Waterbury Interfaith Ministries (GWIM). List four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: Serve on the boards of Greater Waterbury Inter- faith Ministries; Greater Waterbury Chamber; ARC of Meriden. Manage a team of nearly 100 at one of the world's largest companies. Inspirational leadership, work ethic sets the bar high for team members. Repre- sent company at community and volunteer events. I love to cook. It balances me; there's always a beginning and an end and it's always satisfying. Age: 39 Company: Wells Fargo Title: Community Banking District Manager, Vice President Town where I live: Cheshire Town where I work: Meriden, Hartford FUN FACT 40 Under Forty 2017 (From left to right) Jeffrey Bruneau, Rachel Bader, Amber Kendrick, Rebecca Gentile and Anthony Cherolis.