Laura Dinan Haber and Paul Tyler are both joining the ride for the third year in a row, bringing with them a deep appreciation for the event’s mission and the communities it celebrates. These returning riders know the route, the rhythm, and the real reason behind the ride: to connect with the innovators, entrepreneurs, and local leaders shaping Connecticut’s future one mile at a time.

Meet Laura Dinan Haber, Innovation Brand Director at Nassau Financial Group ⚙️

Why She Rides:
Laura is returning to the Tour de Connecticut for her third consecutive year, and for her, it’s a ride that keeps giving back. “This all started with a nudge from Doug Roth (managing director of investments at Connecticut Innovations)—though he may deny it!” she says. With a front-row seat to Connecticut’s innovation ecosystem, Laura uses the ride to reflect on the state’s progress and connect with the people helping move it forward.

Local Favorite:
Laura’s go-to spot? Pratt Street in downtown Hartford. “Whether I’m grabbing a bite at Vaughan’s Public House or shopping at Hartford Prints, there’s always a cold pint and a warm smile. It’s the kind of place that puts the heart in Hartford.”

Company Connection:
At Nassau Financial Group, Laura helps lead with bold thinking and creative storytelling. “Our mantra is: Be bold. Be innovative. Be memorable,” she says. “As a member of our Triathlon Team, the Tour is a two-wheeled training ground, where personal performance meets purpose.”

Fun Fact:
Laura is a seasoned hiker, and her sixth time summiting Mount Washington was extra special…she did it alongside her identical twin sister.

Meet Paul Tyler, Chief Marketing Officer at Zinnia ⚙️

Why He rides:
Also marking his third year in the saddle, Paul sees the Tour as a perfect blend of exploration, connection, and inspiration. “There’s nothing better than going on an adventure on a bike and meeting some really interesting entrepreneurs changing the Connecticut economy,” he says. Paul thrives on the unexpected conversations and ideas that emerge between climbs and coastlines.

Local Favorite:
Paul’s Saturday mornings often start at Zumbach’s Gourmet Coffee in New Canaan, a cozy community hub that’s welcoming to bikers, classic car lovers, and conversation-seekers alike. “It’s welcoming to people with passions. Any Saturday you will find bikers and classic car owners leisurely enjoying an engaging community that is so typical of Connecticut.”

Company Connection:
As CMO at Zinnia, a life insurance and annuity technology company, Paul is focused on transforming how people engage with financial security. “Like the Tour, we’re on a journey too – to simplify the technology behind life insurance,” he says. “Our destination is to make life insurance more accessible for everyone and help people lead a stress-free life in retirement.”

Stay tuned as we continue to highlight more riders, share stories from the road, and celebrate the local businesses and vibrant neighborhoods that make this ride, and this state, so special.