COLIN Ryan
Favorite Part of Job? The best part of my job is being paid to travel to somewhere new, where I get to share things with people that will make them laugh and make a difference in their lives. So far this year I've been to New Orleans, Texas, and Alaska, and I can't wait to see where I'll go next.
Most Inspiring Mentor: At the Royal Bank of Scotland, I worked next to a guy who would announce every day how many days he had left until retirement. When I left six months later he was still doing it, and he had over 3 years to go. He taught me, unintentionally, that you have to fight to find work you're passionate about, and if you hit a dead end, to have the courage to keep searching.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I worked for Universal Pictures in Hollywood, and my office was 50 feet away from the famous clocktower from Back to the Future.
Favorite Downtime Activity: Traveling. In America and overseas. Grab your passport, leave your laptop, and just go.
Favorite Vermont Escape: The Weston Priory, a monastery with a guesthouse just south of Rutland. There's good food and no internet, and the tranquility puts all your stress back into perspective.
Favorite Social Media: Facebook and Twitter.
Favorite Website: Upworthy.com makes meaningful, uplifting videos go viral. Their team of internet curators track, creatively re-title and share stories about people standing up for each other, working to fix our political and social problems, and helping those in need.
Vermont Business Person you would most want to Network with: Armando Vilaseca
Career Highlights: Competing in the Funniest Comic in New England Contest at the Mohegan Sun Casino. Being Harwood Union High School's Commencement Speaker. Doing a comedy show on Christmas Eve in Mexico.
Community Involvement: I travel to high schools, colleges, youth programs and teen mom centers all over Vermont talking to students about how to manage their money and how to overcome their fear. It means a lot to me to be able to help people think about their future in a new way. My comedy benefit series Comedy For A Cause has gotten the chance to raise money for a lot of amazing charities and nonprofits, including Make-A-Wish, United Way, Samaritan House, the Humane Society, and Hurricane Irene relief.
John Boutin, Publisher of VBM, Lisa Gosselin, VT Dept. Economic Dev. and Rising Star Colin Ryan.