The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce’s Concord Young Professionals Network (CYPN) introduces you to another “Young Professional of the Month,” Kristyn Galante, interviewed by Annika Stanely-Smith of the CYPN Steering Committee.
How old are you? 27
Where do you live? I am originally from Massachusetts, but moved to Laconia last June.
Where do you currently work? New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Where did you go to school? Johnson & Wales University in Providence. Everyone asks if I went for cooking, but I went for sports/entertainment/event management. I have a few friends who know their way around a kitchen though!
What do you like to do for fun? I love going to concerts and sporting events in my spare time. If I’m not watching sports you can catch me on the softball field or on the golf course.
Favorite places to be? Cape Cod, Foxwoods, Boston.
Last book you’ve read? High Five! The Magic of Working Together, a quick read by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles.
How did you find out about CYPN and how has it benefited your business or you personally? I was a co-chair of the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Rising Young Professionals group in Massachusetts. It helped me understand the value of young professional groups so when I started at the speedway I looked up groups in the area. CYPN has helped me meet key players in the Concord market and the caliber of the events they host is top notch.
What organizations are you involved with? I just joined the CYPN Steering Committee, so I am hoping that will lead to more exposure and organizations in the Concord area and within the Lakes Region.
Most inspirational person in your life: My grandmother raised four kids on a waitress’s salary; in fact, she waited tables until she was 84. Her work ethic and motivation to go into work every day with a smile on her face resonates with me.
What’s your favorite restaurant in Concord? O Steaks & Seafood.
What’s your favorite place to go in Concord? I love the feel of Main Street; all of the mom-and-pop shops make me feel at home!
Favorite movie of all time? National Lampoon’s Vegas Vacation. Who doesn’t want to be friends with Mr. Papagiorgio when he puts a dollar in and wins a car?
What is one of your life goals? To work at a stadium that is hosting the Super Bowl. I have been to one and now I want to see what goes into holding the event.
What has been your favorite CYPN event so far? The last event at the League of N.H. Craftsmen had to have been my favorite event so far. The art that was displayed was incredible and it’s unlike any place I had networked at before. You always had a talking point in front of you and they were all handcrafted locally.
Favorite famous person? Rob Gronkowski. It’s always entertaining to hear about the “Summer of Gronk.”
If you could visit any country, where would you go? I would love to go to Greece.
Where is the best place you’ve visited? The best place I’ve visited is Indianapolis during the Super Bowl. It was such a cool place to be; all of the street signs near Lucas Oil Stadium were changed to the names of NFL teams. They also had Super Bowl Village where there were interviews with past players, a zip line, ice sculptures and so many other things going on all at once. Since I’m in the industry, it was great to see all of the parties catering to different VIPs and the entire production that the NFL puts on from the start of the week until the end of the game.
Who would you really like to meet? Kenny Chesney. I have been a fan of his music for years because it has such a relaxing vibe to it and gives me a beach getaway every time I listen. Also, I gained a lot of respect for him when the Boston Marathon bombing happened and he set up a fundraiser for the people affected. He’s not from here, he tours in Boston at Gillette twice a year (if he’s touring) and he still had the heart do something for the families.
Tell us a few interesting facts about yourself! I played college softball, I’m a three-time dodgeball champion, I’m pretty good at driving for show, but not very good at putting for dough.
The Concord Young Professionals Network (CYPN) is a professional and personal development initiative of the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce. CYPN is a vibrant program that has grown to 2,000 members and promotes networking opportunities for young professionals (generally 22-40s) by helping them make connections in the community and providing them with a professional, casual and non-intimidating setting. Free networking/enrichment events are held on the third Wednesday of every month at various Concord venues. CYPN and the Chamber also offer a monthly Lunch & Learn Series on the first Thursday of each month. To receive notices of upcoming events, please email cbaker@concordnhchamber.com, and don’t forget to “Like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/concordypn.
