40 Under 40, Class of 2013

Nicholas Gapinski

Company

Heartland Growers, Westfield, Ind.

Job Title

Chief Operating Officer

Accomplishments

Responsible for running 30-acre facility with 125 full-time employees while achieving safety, efficiency and profitability goals; Works with non-profit organizations to help plant vegetable gardens that are helping feed the underprivileged.

Extracurricular

Favorite flick: “”Hoosiers.”” “”I love rooting for the underdog…”” Hobbies: Golf, skiing, hunting and fishing

Fun Facts

Continuing the family legacy: Nick is the grandson of Aart and Cornelia Van Wingerden and is the oldest of nine children his youngest sibling is 17 years younger than him.