Scott Kluger
Scott Kluger
Scott Kluger traveled to Florence, Italy right after he decided to leave his finance career and start Hartford Baking Co.
Scott Kluger wearing denim while he promotes his company.
Age: 33
Company: Hartford Baking Company
Title: President
Town where I live: West Hartford
Town where I work: All over Connecticut
College: UConn (undergraduate), Fordham (graduate)
Q&A:
What do you do and what are your goals in your current job? I'm the president and founder of Hartford Baking Company, which I founded in 2010 with operations throughout Hartford County and the rest of Connecticut. We create local, artisanal baked goods and pastry that are sold in multiple local restaurants, including Treva and the MAX Restaurant group, as well as in our retail location at 625 New Park Ave., West Hartford, and our soon-to-be-open location in West Hartford Center.
What are your goals for your community involvement? We have always focused on providing for those in need. Our leftover bread is regularly contributed to a homeless shelter. I also enjoyed running baking classes for kids at Hartford's Camp Courant this summer, and helping out with a Salvation Army Christmas “Winter Wonderland” for underprivileged Hartford children in December.
What's your biggest passion? My true passion is entrepreneurship. It creates jobs, innovates and can provide anyone an opportunity to take their passion and turn it into something bigger.
What are your future aspirations? I hope to continue building the brand I created and become more involved in the Hartford (city) community. I'd like to teach others entrepreneurship and business skills to help jumpstart economic growth in the city.
If you had one wish to brighten Hartford's economic future what would it be, and why? I don't think large, expensive development projects are working for the city. We need a grassroots movement to bring cool stuff to downtown with more arts, music, cool events, and destination restaurants.
What role can young leaders play in shaping Hartford's future? Young leaders can provide new creative ideas for making Hartford a more attractive place for people like them. I travel a lot to some of the fastest-growing cities in the world. Not all of these places were always popular, but you can see what they've done to turn things around and become amazing places. I'm trying to bring some of that to Hartford by collaborating with local leaders and business owners.
List four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty
- Founded a company that has been profitable for five consecutive years.
- We are one of the top bakeries in the region with nationally recognized product quality and social equity. We also contribute to community agriculture through our CSA partnership with Sweet Acre Farms and our farmer's market involvement.
- We are an industry leader in the Connecticut region.
- As we continue to grow, we're maintaining our connection to community involvement and product quality.
Time Tested:
What personal possession in your life has withstood the test of time? My notebook collection
What hobby did you develop at a young age that you still enjoy today? Hiking, weight lifting
Twenty years ago, what did you envision as your future profession? Broadway pianist
Who do you consider your mentor? My parents
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