From creatives to professionals to founders, Fairfield is overflowing with impressive, inspiring men leading the way. We checked in with a handful of innovators to learn more about them, their contributions, and of course, their love of Fairfield.
CHRISTIAN CALEMMO, Co-Founder Christian Rae Studio
How long have you worked in Fairfield? 4 years
What’s your favorite thing about what you do? It typically happens after I finish my work when I hear back from our clients that they love their home.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? When I was in my early twenties my mother slipped me a small note saying, “Life is full of valleys and mountains”. It’s simple but something I apply to help me navigate through both professional and personal aspects of my life.
What are you most proud of? My biggest form of pride is the life my wife and I have built. We are not only raising two amazing children but have built a business with incredible employees.
What one word would you use to describe yourself? Thoughtful
What one word would your friends use to describe you? My brother-in-law once described me as someone who always throws another log on the fire. Metaphorically it relates to my personality, and yes, I will never turn down sitting around a good fire.
What’s the one thing about you few people know? That’s classified information.
Which local causes do you support? Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Aspetuck Land Trust, and The Dark Sky Association.
Daily mantra? I have a sign above the office door that says, “Make to last”.
What do you love most about Fairfield? The beach and downtown area are the best in Fairfield County.
What are your favorite spots in Fairfield? Green in Greenfield Hill—it’s amazing to think of its history and relevance during the formation of our country.
MATHEW LOPRESTI. DDS, Founder, SET Straightening and Whitening
How long have you been in Fairfield? Almost five years. My wife and I moved here in 2017 just days before we had our first child! I am set to open my first business here later this month.
What’s your favorite thing about what you do? I truly love leading a team that has a daily impact on people’s lives through better oral health.
What are you most proud of? My family—both immediate and extended. Feeling like I always have people behind me is amazing.
What one word would you use to describe yourself? Strong
What one word would your friends use to describe you? Genuine
What’s the one thing about you few people know? I owned a car detailing business in college.
Which local causes do you support? The M.S. Walk. When we open our new store in Fairfield this month, we will donate monthly to different causes.
Daily mantra? Do amazing things today.
What do you love most about Fairfield? The community.
What are your favorite spots in Fairfield? We love being able to walk everywhere downtown. And we couldn’t live without Chef’s Table.
DEE PATEL, Franchise Owner, The Learning Experience
How long have you worked in Fairfield? Over a year now. I have family here and have been visiting for many years.
What’s your favorite thing about what you do? I love seeing the children every day and knowing that I am giving them a positive first experience with education and socialization. Nothing compares to seeing a child smile—you know that comes straight from the heart!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? No amount of money ever bought a second of time.
What are you most proud of? Winning The Learning Experience Chairman’s Award this year. We work tirelessly to bring quality childcare to the communities we serve and couldn’t be prouder to receive this prestigious award.
What one word would you use to describe yourself? Fearless
What one word would your friends use to describe you? Motivated
What’s one thing about you few people know? I’m a very spiritual guy.
Which local causes do you support? CT Children’s Hospital, CT Food Bank, and our local CT Make-A-Wish chapter.
Daily mantra? “Don’t be afraid to give up the good and go for the great”.
What do you love most about Fairfield? The community.
Favorite spots in Fairfield? The Sinclair, J.B Percival, and 55 Wine Bar.
RAJIV SHARMA, MD, Interventional Radiologist & Medical Director of CT Image Guided Surgery
How long have you worked in Fairfield? 2 years.
What’s your favorite thing about what you do? Improving the quality of life for my patients. You never know what someone is going through so improving even a small part, is something I strive to do.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Keep on smiling and treat patients as if they were part of my own family.
What are you most proud of? My three kids (8, 6, and 5) that my wife and I are raising. We moved from Florida to Connecticut during the pandemic and they have been extremely adaptable.
What one word would you use to describe yourself? Committed
What one word would your friends use to describe you? Competitive
What’s the one thing about you few people know? I was the starting point guard for my high school basketball team.
Which local causes do you support? Girl Scouts of America and Sandy Hook Promise.
Daily mantra? I like this one from the Rock: “Be Humble, be hungry, and always be the hardest worker in the room”.
What do you love most about Fairfield? Fairfield has a bigger city/college town feeling with hard working people and that incredible beach vibe.
Favorite spots in Fairfield? I love to eat! Here’s my short list: Mecha Noodle Bar, Artisan, Colony Grill, and Gruel Britannia
RYAN SHEPPARD, CPA and Partner at Knight Rolleri Shepard
How long have you worked in Fairfield? 20 years.
What’s your favorite thing about what you do? I truly enjoy helping my clients succeed and educating them at the same time.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Don’t make excuses. There may be more gifted people in the world but don’t let anyone out work you.
What are you most proud of? My family of course and our employee’s commitment to providing the highest standards.
What one word would you use to describe yourself? Dedicated
What one word would your friends use to describe you? Dependable
What’s the one thing about you few people know? I ride my Harley Davidson every chance I get.
Which local causes do you support? Operation Hope and anything that supports children and families.
Daily mantra? Don’t waste energy on things you can’t control; focus on what you can control and own it.
What do you love most about Fairfield? Fairfield is a beautiful town filled with very friendly people. I also love the beaches, the restaurants, and downtown.
Favorite spots in Fairfield? The Pantry, the beach, and of course Starbucks!