Age 29, Manchester resident
Founder and Managing Principal, Gray Property Group
Birthplace: Lawrence, Mass.
Family: Wife, Caitlin; daughter, Olivia (1)
High School: Phillips Exeter Academy
College/Post-Grad Degrees: Cornell University — B.S. Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering; Stanford University — M.S. Mechanical Engineering
What motivates you to give back to your community?
I have lived a blessed life, not only because of my parents’ sacrifice and my hard work, but also because New Hampshire was a charmed place in which to spend my entire childhood. As a result, I consider it God’s calling that I use my talents and energies to better the lives of others, in particular so that every New Hampshire child enjoys the kind of upbringing that I did.
What advice would you give your 22-year-old self?
Chase your dreams, even if it requires a career change that is contrary to your family’s or society’s expectations of you. Take ownership of your success, embrace risks, don’t be afraid to fail, and if you do fail, then fail forward. Practice gratitude and recognize that happiness is a daily decision.
What would make New Hampshire more attractive to young professionals?
The conventional wisdom is that we need more affordable housing, and that is true, but it is only part of the solution. More importantly, we need housing that excites: top-tier finishes, luxurious amenities, close proximity to exceptional retail and recreational facilities. We need a dozen more grand mixed-use developments like Tuscan Village that inspire young people to live their best life in New Hampshire.
Do you see yourself living and working in New Hampshire at age 55-plus?
Absolutely, I envision myself as a lifelong New Hampshire resident. I love our state’s unique combination of seacoast, lakes, and mountains, as well as our rich history and prominent role in the political primary season. I don’t like the cold though, so you’ll find me in Florida during the winter.
Volunteer activities: New Hampshire Air National Guard, First Lieutenant; New Hampshire Catholic Charities, trustee; Manchester Housing Commission, board member.
Last Major Achievement: Purchasing and renovating 50 apartments in Greater Manchester, and in doing so producing quality homes for tenants, creating jobs for our management and maintenance staff, and delivering top returns to our investors. Also expanding our services to a management portfolio of 250-plus apartments to achieve our mission of improving Granite State housing on a broader scale.
