Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/848827
30 Hartford Business Journal • July 17, 2017 www.HartfordBusiness.com Aaron Gill Q&A: What do you do in your current job? I provide engi- neering consulting services in the area of structural analysis, including root cause, scope of damage, and value of loss of residential, commercial, industrial and institutional properties. I redevelop vacant and/or underutilized properties within the city of Hartford. What are your goals in your current job? Continue to provide independent, accurate, assessments of root cause of damage for my clients. Continue to assist with the redevelopment of the urban core of central Connecticut. What's your biggest passion? My biggest passion is travel. There is no better way to learn about others, and yourself, than to travel. There are an amazing amount of opportunities to explore and experience around the globe. Traveling is the best way to break- down the stereotypes that so many of us carry about others. Learning how others live helps you better relate to them as humans as opposed to any one par- ticular group. What are your future professional aspirations? Contin- ue to build my business while also helping to improve my community. How are you involved in the community? I currently serve as a commissioner of the city of Hartford plan- ning and zoning commission and inland/wetlands commission. I am the chair of the Frog Hollow Neigh- borhood Revitalization Zone. I am a member of the I-84 planning action committee and a member of my neighborhood block watch. If you were governor of Connecticut for a day what is one policy you'd push to improve the state's future? I would drastically increase state funding to our Capital City. By carrying the burden of so many state-owned properties, the city of Hartford has been left to support itself with an unsustainable property tax base. For decades, the city of Hartford has been required to subsidize the coffers of the other cities and towns of our state by forgoing property tax reve- nues on the plethora of properties in Hartford that are utilized by citizens throughout Connecticut. Further, I would heavily invest in public transportation focusing specifically on inter-city high-speed rail, better and more directly connecting central Connecticut to New York and Boston, and light rail in the Greater Hartford region, specifically from Hartford to Bradley. List four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: Founded a company that has been profitable for four consecutive years. Was named the young- est partner in our law firm's history. Is a member/ volunteer of the UnitedWay. I have consistently been one of the top performers at my firm since moving to Connecticut nine years ago. Founded a real estate development company that has brought renewed life into a 125-year-old blighted building within the city of Hartford while also breathing new life into a Greater Hartford neighborhood. I have traveled the world multiple times visiting over 60 countries across four continents. Age: 37 Company: Engineering Design & Testing Corp./ Wolverine Property LLC Title: Consulting Engineer/Owner Town where I live: Hartford Town where I work: Windsor/Hartford College: University of Michigan FUN FACT Laura DePergola Q&A: What do you do in your current job? I am a financial advisor who takes a personal approach to under- standing client needs while developing long-term strategies to help clients pursue financial success. I work alongside clients to help them achieve meaning- ful financial goals and develop customized financial strategies that incorporate retirement planning, col- lege planning and succession planning. What are your goals in your current job? Many people are tentative to consult a financial advisor to assist them with their financial goals. It's a common miscon- ception that there will be a pushy sales pitch, or that you have to have a certain amount of money to speak to someone. My goals are to provide a comfortable atmosphere to help individuals meet their financial goals without sales pressure or fear, while simultane- ously giving them the tools for success long term. What's your biggest passion? My foremost passion is education. I went to college originally to be a teacher, and switched to business shortly after developing an interest in finance, but I always knew I wanted to pair the two. I now teach free educational finance courses every month, trying to reach as many individuals as possible. I also am privileged to serve as a lecturer in the MBA program at Elms College in Chicopee, Mass., where I teach courses on the topics of investment and fiscal responsibility. What are your future professional aspirations? This year, I received recognition from Bank Investment Consultant Magazine for being one of the top eight financial advisors under 30 years old in a bank or credit union — an incredible honor for a young female in finance. My future goals include securing a place on the top 100 lists from Forbes or BIC magazine. How are you involved in the community? I stay involved in the community by offering free educa- tional seminars and workshops in partnership with 360 Federal Credit Union in Windsor Locks. In 2016, I was a member of United Way, participated in Wind- sor's free adult education program, and mentored two students for 10 hours a week (for 12 weeks each) to jump-start their careers in business and finance. If you had one wish to brighten Greater Hartford's eco- nomic future what would it be, and why? My wish would be for women to have equal educational and employment opportunity, which would directly affect the economic future of the Greater Hartford area. Everyone can help actualize this goal by supporting small, female-owned businesses, hiring women in the workplace and paying them fairly, and trusting women to handle their taxes, legal issues and finances. List four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: I earned the 2015 Women's Choice Award for my excellent service to women and families. I earned Bank Investment Consultant Magazine's "Rising Star Award" for being one of the top eight financial advisors in a bank or credit union under 30 years old in the country across all firms. I earned Freedom Club honors for performing in the top 5 percent of LPL Financial's 22,000 employees for 2016 . I volunteer my time speaking at various wom- en's conferences around the state to empower women in business and to take control of their finances. I love to run obstacle races for charity. I've completed the Mount Snow Tough Mudder, several Rugged Maniacs, and several Warrior Dashes! Age: 28 Company: 360 Investment Center with LPL Financial Title: Financial Consultant Town where I live: Suffield Town where I work: Windsor Locks College: University of Hartford FUN FACT 40 Under Forty 2017