Two years ago, Michael Grottola, 67 of Upper Saddle River, N.J., lost his job as a senior executive in charge of technology at global auditing company during a mass layoff of top management as a result of the Great Recession. Initially devastated and depressed, Mike slowly regained his characteristic energy and enthusiasm. He reflected on his lifetime of experience and decided to become an independent consultant, helping new business founders gain access to capital. Through his own new consulting business, Mike has now become a partial owner of a startup energy conservation company.

“I took the skills and talents I’ve been blessed with, I’ve matched them to up to market need, and I’ve been able to see a way forward, and go for it,” Mike said. He views his age, experience and gray hairs as valuable assets in his burgeoning entrepreneurial activities. “I’m having a blast,” he said.