Two women employed at the DiMatteo Group in Shelton were recently honored for their outstanding work on either the regional or state level. Rebecca D’Agostino of Meriden, a Benefits Account Executive received the Woman of Year Award from the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Fairfield County (HBRA). In addition, Kim DiMatteo of Bethany, a partner and vice president in the business, has been honored as a 2013 Woman of FIRE (Finance, Insurance and Real Estate) by The Commercial Record.
As the recipient of the Woman of the Year Award, D’Agostino was recognized for her contributions to the HBRA as well as the industry as a whole. She was selected for her devotion to the betterment of the HBRA; the advancement of the industry; and her reputation as a businesswoman.
Specifically, D’Agostino has shown outstanding support for the association through extensive committee and voluntary involvement. Her contribution to the HBRA over the last several years has included the Golf Classic and Membership Committees as well as Educational Seminars. She has worked at DiMatteo Group since 2008 and has been involved in the insurance industry since 1995.
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“I am very pleased that Rebecca was singled out for this noteworthy achievement,” said John DiMatteo, President of the DiMatteo Group. “Not only is she a great asset to our company but she is a superstar in the community who deserves this coveted award.”
The HBRA of Fairfield County is an association that represents and advances the interests of the home building, remodeling and land development industries in Fairfield County. Members are dedicated to quality and excellence in their craft. Since 1947, HBRA has strived to be a leader in providing innovative resources for its members.
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In addition, Kim DiMatteo received the Woman of FIRE award by The Commercial Record, an annual award that recognizes the key female players in the local FIRE sector. The third annual Women of FIRE award celebrates the best and the brightest women in the Connecticut FIRE industry. With the help of The Commercial Record readers, a group of judges sorted through dozens of nominations and chose 15 brilliant, innovative leaders.
“We searched for the best of the best – those women who are making a difference through innovation, hard work, team-building, philanthropy, mentoring or leadership – and these women demonstrate these exemplary qualities,” said Timothy M. Warren JR., CEO of The Warren Group, publisher of The Commercial Record.
“Maureen Hanley-Bellitto, President of HBRA of Fairfield County., added, “We all appreciate the effort and time Kim has devoted to the HBRA for years, and the benefits she has provided to those in the home building industry. We are so appreciative to have her back on our board of directors. I am personally happy that Kim has been recognized in such a special way.”
DiMatteo started her career in 1989 in the life insurance division of the John Hancock Insurance Company. Shortly after, she met her husband, John DiMatteo, who was moving back home to take over his family’s insurance business. She joined the family business and was asked to increase the company’s commercial insurance line.
At the time, the DiMatteo Group was selling about 90 percent personal insurance and 10 percent commercial insurance. The company currently sells about 15 percent personal insurance and 85 percent commercial insurance, mostly in the construction and real estate fields.
She helped grow the commercial business by being an active member of HBRA of Fairfield County. DiMatteo has been instrumental in offering and overseeing one of the only Insurance Programs for Residential General Contractors underwritten by The Hartford Insurance Company.
When not working, DiMatteo volunteers extensively in the community. She and her three children assemble about 100 Easter baskets for homeless children each year, filled with age-appropriate necessities.
She also is one of many family members who work on the DiMatteo Group’s Charitable Foundation. This non-profit was established by the family eight years ago as a tribute to their late father Anthony “Tony” DiMatteo, who was battling cancer at the time. The family started an Annual Golf Tournament as the main funding source for the foundation.
Through the generosity of friends, family members and customers of the DiMatteo Group, support for the golf tournament has grown increasingly year after year. This annual event has raised more than $225,000 for various local and national charities including The Kennedy Center, Juvenile Diabetes Association, St. Vincent’s Special Needs Services, Swim Across the Sound, the American Heart Association and Spooner House in Shelton.
“Our Family Foundation is committed to funding research, education and finding a cure for diseases that have touched the lives of our friends, families, clients and staff,” said John DiMatteo, President of the DiMatteo Group.
Founded over 53 years ago, DiMatteo Group, a family-owned and operated business, specializes in insurance, employee benefits, income tax and financial services. Visit wwwdimatteogrp.com for more information.
