Page 50 - BusinessWest September 28, 2020

Andrew Mankus
Director of Residential Dining Operations, UMass Dining; Age 35 Education: Western New England University (BS)
Andrew McConaha
A key part of the region’s university dining scene for the past decade, Mankus spent six years at UMass Amherst before successfully managing Westfield State University’s transition from Sodexo to self-operated. Three years later, he returned to UMass, where he oversees employee management and budgeting and conceptualizes creative and sustainable ideas for a dining program that generates 20,000 meals a day — and regularly ranks first in the nation in the Princeton Review. He’s also active in the community, running 5Ks to benefit various nonprofits as well as volunteering for groups like the Zoo in Forest Park and the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.
What goal do you set for yourself at the start of each day? I actually set myself up for a successful day the evening before. I go through all e-mails, read them, and either close that task out for the day, or add to my to-do list for the following day. This gives me a fresh start in the morning and helps me stay productive throughout the day. Within my position at UMass, I set a goal for myself to interact with at least 50 team members and 50 students each day. I enjoy the opportunity to interact with such a diverse group of people on a daily basis.
What do you do for fun? I love to go on walks and hikes with my wife and dogs.
In the warmer months, I love to go on a
bike ride to the local brewery scene here in Western Mass. I am a foodie at heart and love to experience the great local food scene we have in our area as well.
How do you relieve stress? Any workout is a great way for me to relieve stress. I also enjoy getting outside when the weather is nice to play a round of golf or recreational softball. During the colder months, a competitive game night with friends can really take my mind off stressful situations, even though I am known to be highly competitive.
What fictional character do you relate
to most, and why? Bruce Banner/the Hulk. Friends, family, and collegues would agree. I didn’t have any gamma radiation exposure or anything. I don’t think any further explanation is needed.
What actor would play you in a movie about your life? For no other reason than my wife would insist on it ... Robert Downey Jr., but as Tony Stark. I’ll go with it.
Owner and Head of Strength and Conditioning, Train for Life Inc. Age 34; Education: UMass Amherst (BS)
McConaha has built his business from rented-out space at Wilbraham Soccer City
to his own recently expanded facility, where he brings his passion for life and vitality to hundreds of members. From that platform, he also organizes fundraising events that give back to nonprofits and families in need.
What did you want to be when you grew up? When I was young, I remember wanting to go to school for marine biology and then work at Sea World, training seals.
I was fascinated by science early on; I had
a microscope in elementary school and
was always looking at anything I could find underneath it. I always knew I’d be doing something related to science, and later on, I definitely knew it would also involve helping people smile.
What three words best describe you?
Inspiring, vulnerable, compassionate.
What are you passionate about? I’m most passionate about uplifting others. From my work life to my friends and family, I always try to be a positive and motivating individual. As someone who has battled anxiety and depression for as long as I can remember, finding the positive in every situation is
something that has helped me, and I try to do for others as much as I can.
Who inspires you, and why? My mom has always been one of the biggest inspirations in my life. As a single mom, she did everything she could to be present in my life. I can’t remember a single game or event growing up that my mom wasn’t in attendance for. That’s something I’ll always cherish — that she made it a point to be present and proud of me for all that I’ve done.
What actor would play you in a movie about your life? If I had my pick, I’d have to go with Matt Damon because he is my favorite actor of all time.
What fictional character do you relate to most, and why? One of my favorite books
is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. The main character embodies someone that always pursues their dreams by following what the heart desires most. Throughout the story, there are many failures and lessons, and as someone who feels that I’ve been through a lot for the sole purpose of helping others, I always hope to continue to be able to follow my dreams and help as many people as I can along the way.
A26 SEPTEMBER 28, 2020
BusinessWest
Photo by Leah Martin Photography