Whether they expanded their skills on a U.S. Navy submarine at sea, in a healthcare facility at the height of the pandemic, or by growing career programs at their alma mater, four members of the UConn Business community have been selected as among the most inspiring young leaders in Greater Hartford.
The Hartford Business Journal will honor alumni Troy LePage, Robert Wooley, Matthew Gravell, and professor Jon Moore at a ceremony on Sept. 19 at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington. They will receive the media company’s annual ’40 Under Forty’ award.
UConn Business asked the award winners to share some of the factors, beyond education and hard-work, that helped them distinguish themselves in the workplace. Here are their responses:
LePage: New Challenges Offer the Most for Professional Growth
Alumnus Troy LePage ’07, ’08 MSA is the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of HAI Group, a family of companies that provide insurance and related services to the affordable housing industry nationwide.
Under his leadership, the company has experienced consistent profitability and growth, with more than $250 million in revenue. He has also played a key role in implementing transformational technological improvements and growing the company’s employee base. He earned his bachelor’s degree, with an accounting major, from UConn in 2007 and his MSA the following year.
When asked how he distinguishes himself in the workplace, LePage said he is willing to take professional risks.
“What I have found has always helped me to stand out is to position yourself as a go-to person,’’ he said. “Sometimes this involves stepping outside of your comfort zone to take on a project or responsibility that may be new to you, but it is in these challenges that I think you grow the most professionally.’’
It is also important to focus on continuous personal improvement and building a diverse and relevant skillset that enables you to be that go-to person, not only in your workplace but also in your industry as a whole, he said. LePage believes it is important to seek constructive feedback and learn to expand proficiency in areas that may not currently be your strength.
LePage said he encourages UConn students and recent alumni to surround themselves with successful colleagues and professional champions.
“The best advice I can offer to a UConn student preparing to start their career is to actively seek out and start building a strong professional network. This starts with your peers, but also includes professors and faculty from the school as well and professionals from internships,’’ he said.
“These connections not only provide guidance and support, but also open doors to opportunities that might not be accessible otherwise,’’ he said. “Don’t underestimate the power of networking and make a conscious effort to engage with the community around you.’’
In addition to his work achievements, LePage, of Cheshire, participates in food and school-supply drives and is active with Habitat for Humanity. He and his wife Maris have three children and he is also involved in coaching their sports teams and is teaching them to play golf. He is also the reigning ping-pong champion in his office.
Wooley: Emotional Intelligence, Empathy Add Value in the Workplace
Alumnus Robert Wooley ’17, ’18 Cert., is the Chief Operating Officer of Apple Rehab, which manages 20 skilled-nursing facilities with 2,500 employees and 1,600 residents. Wooley, of Simsbury, earned both his bachelor’s degree, majoring in healthcare management, and a graduate certificate in long-term healthcare administration and management at UConn.
Leading on the front lines of healthcare through the COVID-19 pandemic was a challenging time and created professional and personal growth.
“I distinguish myself in a competitive workplace by continuously developing my emotional intelligence,’’ he said. “My fascination with this subject began at UConn, where I attended workshops, seminars, and read extensively. Being empathetic, a good listener, and being adept at navigating complex interpersonal dynamics can make you a valuable team player whom others look up to and rely on.’’
In addition to his work responsibilities, Wooley is the co-founder of Senior Care Young Professionals, a group that strives to draw young people into the field. Wooley met his wife Kayla when he went to visit a client at a nursing home where she was an administrator. The couple recently became first-time parents.
He encourages young professionals to find a great mentor.
“My advice to UConn students starting their careers is to build a strong network, find a mentor, and take risks. The connections you make in school and early in your career are invaluable,’’ Wooley said. “Networking is about more than just exchanging business cards; it’s about cultivating meaningful relationships that offer support, guidance, and opportunities.’’
He said he developed the courage to pursue unexpected opportunities with the encouragement of his mentors. “Whether it’s starting a business or pursuing an unconventional career path, taking risks that are supported by mentorship, can lead to tremendous growth and unexpected opportunities,’’ he said.
Gravell: Don’t Be Afraid of Hard Work, Long Hours
Alumnus Matthew Gravell ‘09 is director of program finance at General Dynamics—Electric Boat, where he leads a team of 80 people responsible for cost management and financial performance across all business lines, including the Columbia-class submarine program.
A finance major at UConn, he has been with the company for 15 years. One of his favorite professional experiences was being selected as the senior management representative on board the USS Vermont’s post-delivery sea trials for five days.
His professional advice includes looking for ‘stretch’ roles that broaden your knowledge.
“Once you gain experience and become effective in your role, look for projects or assignments that may challenge you and make the most out of these learning experiences,’’ he said.
“My first three years after college I worked as a financial analyst in an office at Electric Boat. I then took a ‘stretch’ role working in the shipyard in a program management role, helping to oversee the maintenance of a nuclear submarine. This role allowed me to truly learn the business, build relationships, and separate myself from the traditional finance path. Twelve years later, I still pull from this experience.”
Gravell, of Colchester, Conn., and his wife Elizabeth have two children and he is involved in his children’s sports teams and supports the United Way. A first-generation college student, Gravell is proud of his alma mater and the opportunities it has afforded him. He also attended the men’s basketball National Championship games in 2014, 2023, and 2024.
He said his best advice to a UConn student or young alumni is to give more than what is asked.
“Don’t be afraid of hard work and long hours; it’s part of the journey,’’ he said. “Also, if you ask questions and listen, you’ll be amazed the wealth of knowledge others have and are willing to share.’’
Professor Moore: Innovation is Crucial Now More than Ever
Professor Jonathan Moore ’07 is an award-winning professor of information management, and the executive director of the Connecticut Information Technology Institute (CITI) at UConn. One of his fondest achievements was creating the OPIM Innovate Lab at UConn, pioneering experiential learning in emerging technology with the goal of further bridging academia and industry.
“Innovation is crucial now more than ever,’’ Moore said. “The world is changing fast, and the challenges are complex. To not just survive, but to lead, companies and entrepreneurs need to embrace fresh ideas and new approaches. It’s about making a real impact in a world that desperately needs it.’’
In addition to his work, Moore, of Tolland and his wife Rebecca are raising their four children and he coaches youth sports. At 22, he was elected to the Board of Education in Killingly and served as its vice chairman.
Once a UConn student himself, Moore recently celebrated his 16th year as an employee.
“It means the world to me,’’ he said. “UConn shaped who I am, and being able to give back as a professor is deeply fulfilling. There’s something truly special about teaching at the place that once taught me. It’s like coming home every day.’’
To see the full list of recipients or to learn more about the award ceremony, please visit 40 Under Forty Awards 2024 | Hartford Business Journal
