Having a family heavily invested in real estate, I found myself as a young internal hire for odd jobs from grounds maintenance, cleaning (and cleaning out) vacated rental space as well as interior prep and paint. Fascinated with the thought of owning real properties and an eventual goal of establishing a substantial portfolio, I gleaned a wealth of valuable information and whatever "hands on" skills I could learn to carry it forward in my studies and my life. I attended the University of Connecticut for my first collegiate year. During the first semester however, I felt a desire to set out for a new school in a different state (and region) to provide a change of scenery. I left Connecticut for Clemson, S.C., home of Clemson University. Located approximately two hours Northwest of Atlanta, Ga., two hours Southwest of the Charlotte, N.C. (the financial capital of the southeast), and a short drive (and hike) to world class fly fishing in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, the location was a superior fit for me. I delved into B.S. Studies in Financial Management, with a focus on real estate. Appraisal, investment analysis and real estate finance classes came easy, struggling with multi variable calculus classes (concept math). Following college, I headed to Atlanta, Ga. where I split time working as a purchasing agent at the Manheim Auto Auction in Red Oak, Ga., as well as Statesville, N.C. Duties included selecting and purchasing cars, trucks and SUV's from the 3,000 to 4,000 units sold each week for independent auto dealers in the Carolinas, and arranging logistics in getting all the newly acquired vehicles to their destinations. While my affection for autos made the job enjoyable (though somewhat monotonous), sitting in a five lane grid-lock on I-85 heading into Atlanta at 6 a.m. one particular morning changed my mind about where I saw myself in the near future. I made a commitment to the dealers I worked with to assist in training my replacement while I wound down my efforts there. A call to my father, Fred Jr., made it clear to me that if I wanted to engage in commercial real estate in Conn., there would be a place for me with Bondi & Allyn, the commercial brokerage office with which he was then affiliated. His positive, excited response to work with his son was all I needed to hear to return home. I left the Carolinas having created life long friendships and a place I happily call my second home, and returned to Conn. I joined my father and worked as his understudy for some time, learning the "street smarts" of the real estate industry to dovetail those with the "school smarts" earned in college. I married my best friend, Jami in September 2001 and I continued to work with Bondi & Allyn until 2002, when I felt I would be better served in the long‐run to establish my own company and begin assembling a team of skilled brokers and agents with a common (and sometimes lofty) goal of being happy to go to work and looking forward to each and every day. I immediately asked my father and mentor, Fred Jr., to join me in shaping our new company, Allyn and Associates, LLC. He joined me, father and son, in establishing our new firm as a top tier independent competitor in eastern Conn. I recruited several agents, veterans to provide balance, experience and oversight and some rookies as well, allowing us to shape their methods, training, etc. Today, though still a small office in my eyes, we have grown to ten agents and administrative staff and I will look to expand further as business permits. This past year brought substantial change to the company as my father, Fred Jr. completed a successful run for the mayoral post in the Town of Ledyard. His experience, knowledge and understanding are missed in the office but his business skills will prove valuable to his new political position as well. The real estate profession is constantly changing and we must embrace the changes as positive, even if initial reaction is contrary, as change is inevitable. I feel fortunate to be part of a business that allows me the opportunity to take my twins, Jack and Sophie out for a mid‐week lunch or movie and be there for their school plays and dance recitals among other things. I strive to achieve the critical balance between being a father, husband and business owner. I continually meet terrific brokers, agents and developers, creating relationships with many that would survive this business. To continue to prove our value to our clients, we must continue to be "students of the business", striving to learn each and every day.