Westport Resident Recognized By Fairfield County Business Journal

WESTPORT, CT — Westport resident Jake Tavello was recently honored by Fairfield County Business Journal for the publication’s annual 40 Under Forty Award.

According to a news release, Tavello is currently the store director at Stew Leonard’s in Danbury, and is also the grandson of the store's founder, Stew Leonard Sr.

Each year, Fairfield County Business Journal honors individuals under the age of 40 who demonstrate superior professional and leadership qualities. Honorees were formally recognized on Tuesday, June 19, at a reception at The Italian Center in Stamford.

Tavello began working at the family-owned and operated fresh food store when he was 15 years old. Throughout his time at Stew Leonard’s, he learned the ins and outs of the store by working in every department, learning everything from how to toss pizza dough, roast coffee and how to cut a 200-pound swordfish.

He additionally spent two summers interning with the company’s COO to learn more about store operations specifically.

“It is an honor to receive this recognition from Fairfield County Business Journal,” Tavello said in a release. “I look forward to continuing my grandfather’s legacy alongside my family members by exemplifying a commitment to freshness, family and second to none customer service for years to come.”

Tavello attended Salve Regina University, where he graduated Cum Laude. Afterwards, he completed a management training program with Wegmans Food Market in Rochester, N.Y., and Boston.

He received his MBA from Bentley University in 2014, graduating with distinction, with a concentration in both finance and marketing. He has additionally completed Dale Carnegie Leadership Training and is a member of Sigma Beta Delta Business Honor Society.

He resides in Westport with his wife, Jennifer.

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Photo credit: Lara Sullivan