Tom Dubay
Chief Executive Officer
Hartford has always been a huge part of my life. I was born in Hartford and raised either within the city or in a surrounding town and currently live in its historic West End. While in high school I took on a huge interest in urban development and skyscrapers in particular – at a time when Hartford’s downtown saw unparalleled office growth. I was becoming focused on the future rather than history. One foot in “today” and the other in “tomorrow”.
So, with that as my underpinnings I went off to Boston University to conquer a new frontier. I loved being at college right close to the heart of the city. The energy on the streets was very stimulating. The futuristic viewpoint and the desire to make a difference around you is rarely as spirited as it is in college.
Since graduating college I have always been in the right place at the right time to take on additionally challenging and impactful opportunities. In both large Fortune 100 companies and in small start-ups; always in a role of being an “intrapreneur” of sorts – starting up new operations or ventures. Along the way I have received an MBA degree that became a strong basis for managing things. Whether it was creating a vision, proving it out with numbers, articulating it with words, or then executing to the plan these activities tied back to my education and interests. And maybe my DNA too – my dad spent a full career as a banking operations officer at a prominent bank and mom was an educator. During my career I have also been fortunate to have had several great mentors.
All of these factors have put me in a position to masterfully launch this new and exciting venture with our impressive and passionate team. The Wild Moon product line was initially tested on friends and family, strangers, and finally industry experts and it has been truly gratifying to see the reception it has received.
In some ways they were experiences similar to those first few days of the new school year. The topper to this is that we have found a place to launch and grow the company right within my hometown.
Bottoms up Hartford!
Relationship to HFC – Lord of the spreadsheets
How I got into loving the art of the drink – I’m 50% Irish
Dream car – Lamborghini Veneno
5 Favorite Things – Pond hockey, the clearest northern sky filled with stars, my family, the feeling of a job well done, alt/grunge/punk/rock music
Ultimate dream/what would you do if you could wave your magic wand – Score the Stanley Cup winning goal for the Hartford Whalers
Dream destination – Fiji
All-time favorite movie/book – The Other Guys
Best way to spend a free day – Sitting under a tree
Favorite Wild Moon flavor – Birch
Favorite charity – Hartford food pantries
Number one thing society needs to change – Greed
Favorite vegetable – Tomato
Favorite quote – “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” – Mae West
Ocean or lake – Lake – more fun to be had in my opinion