Dan Haar started reporting on business at age 3, touring factories with his parents instead of amusement parks. He joined The Hartford Courant in 1981 as a photographer after graduating from Wesleyan University. He has covered most beats in business and finance, as well as state and national politics. He edits and produces business special sections, including The Courant's Top Companies section, which was cited in 2005 by the Society of American Business Editors and Writers as best in its category. He began as business and economics columnist in September, 2001.