The 40 Under 40 Awards: CT’s Premier Business Leaders Share Their Advice for Success

On June 11th, the Fairfield County Business Journal held the 40 Under 40 Awards, presenting Connecticut’s 40 most qualified business people under the age of 40 recognition for their accomplishments. The 40 under 40 was hosted by the beautiful Lakota Oaks and headlined by our very own Scott Johnson, who gave the event’s keynote speech. A special thanks to FOX 61’s Meteorologist Matt Scott for co-hosting the event!
It’s clear to me that to be an entrepreneur or a business owner, you need to learn how to evolve. – Scott Johnson

In his keynote, Scott discussed his upbringing, his struggles in school and the driving motivations that have allowed him to found both Vision Designs as a young man and eventually The Mack Media Group. Additionally, Scott founded the Newtown Strong Fund, created as a scholarship fund for the siblings of those affected in Sandy Hook Elementary School. Scott, along with being the current President of the Mack Media Group, now hosts the Mack Talks, a podcast with the central purpose of giving deserving entrepreneurs the spotlight to share their stories, experiences, and advice. Scott was honored to share his story and the night with highly accomplished and young business owners, entrepreneurs and leaders in their fields.
The 2019 40 Under Forty Honorees
- Amanda Almonte, At-HomeCare of CT
- Andy Cabell, Arthur Murray Dance Studio of Danbury
- Godiva Cadena, Union Savings Bank
- Kevin Caskin, People’s United Bank
- Roger Chappuis, Family & Children’s Aid
- Thomas Cingari Jr, ShopRite Grade A Markets
- Michelle Coletti, LMC, a Lennar Company
- Sasha Collins, The Center for Family Justice
- John Corraro, Barnum Financial Group
- Evan Cygler, Miller Motorcars
- Shannon Daniels, encaptiv
- Kate Dischino, Americares
- Jackie Essex, Greenwich Hospital
- Katia Garcon, House of Katia
- Robyn Goldenberg, Strategy Leaders
- Angelica Gorrio, Marinera CT
- Brian Higgins, Aditum
- Christian Keane, Gartner
- Rhonda Klein, Modern Dermatology
- Marisa MacLean, Westport Lifestyle
- Joshua Marcus, M.D., Western CT Health Network
- Elisabeth Marrocolla, Darien Library
- Eddie Martinez, TOP Station
- Samantha Mauro, Whiskey Barrel
- Peter McSherry, Epsilon
- Amanda Meeson, Sterling House Community Center
- Erin Mercede, Bridgeport Regional Business Council
- Kelli Meyer, University of Bridgeport
- Oliver Page, Deloitte Consulting LLP
- Roberta Rich, Bank of America
- Suobo Richards, Service After Service
- Chloe Richland, Wilson Elser
- Charles Rocco, Rocco & Associates Wealth Management, Inc.
- Erick Russell, Pullman & Comley
- Katherine Russian, Lentner
- Emily Anne Scalise, NicholsMD of Greenwich
- Raya Ward, Nielsen’s Florist
- Josh Weinshank, Cramer & Anderson
- Angela Wong, City Center Danbury
- Laura Zap, LaKota Oaks
A special thanks to the Darien, Fairfield, Greater Danbury, Greater Norwalk, Greater Valley, Greenwich, Ridgefield, Stamford, Westport-Weston, and Wilton Chambers of Commerce for making this event possible, and to the event’s sponsors: UConn School of Business, Deloitte, Yale New Haven Health and Greenwich Hospital, Shoprite, the city of Norwalk, the Western Ct Health Network, Blossom Flower Shops, Val’s Putnam Wines, Audi of Danbury, and BMW of Darien.
The Top 8 pieces of Advice we got from Connecticut’s 40 Under 40
“You impress people the most when you try the least.” Roger Chappuis, Director of Information Technology, Family & Children’s Aid
“If you ever make a mistake, do not be afraid to admit to it.” Jackie Essex, Registered Nurse, Greenwich Hospital
“Run the numbers, but let common sense prevail.” Christian Keane, Group Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Development, Gartner
“Be yourself. Not everyone will like you and that’s okay. Stay true to who you are and you will be happier and more successful in whatever you do.” Shannon Malkin Daniels, Founder and CEO, Encaptiv
“Treat every day as a new day. Do not let yesterday’s fears or failures ruin today.” Samantha Mauro, Owner, Whiskey Barrel
“Other people’s opinions of you are none of your business.” Erin Mercede, Director of Leadership Programs, Bridgeport Regional Business Council
“The greatest danger to most men is not that we aim too high and miss, but that we aim too low and achieve.” Suobo Richards, Chief Operating Officer and President, Service After Service
“Feel the feeling, but don’t become the emotion. Witness it. Allow it. Release it. Grow through what you go through.” Sasha Collins, Youth Trauma Specialist and Camp HOPE America-Connecticut Coordinator, The Center for Family Justice