Long before business networking groups became common, a small circle of South Jersey professionals gathered at the original Downbeach Deli with a simple goal: Help one another succeed.
That first meeting at Central Square Mall in October 1993 drew six or seven people. More than three decades later, the Cape Atlantic Business Network continues bringing local professionals together each week to exchange referrals, share information and build relationships.
Ken Steinberg of Parkshore Development, Daren Perone of Servpro Emergency Services and Greg Sykora of Erco Ceilings were among those who helped establish the organization. Other early members included Ed Hitzel, Kevin Dixon, Steve Fenwick, Dave Thierman, Tom Sidrane, Ron Mossman, Jim Robson and Jim Malamut.
Several current members have participated for more than 30 years, including representatives of Fireplace People, KY Derby Stores, SJ Hauck, Office Concepts, Copiers Plus, Ryan Insulation and Drywall, Advisors Mortgage and Signarama.
The group follows a one-business-per-category model, giving each member exclusive representation in a profession or industry. Prospective members are vetted to ensure they will participate and contribute.
The formula is straightforward: Bring three leads, pay for lunch and finish within one hour.
If 25 people attend and each brings three leads, 75 referrals are exchanged. Even if only 10% apply to a business, that can create seven or more opportunities the owner might not have discovered otherwise.
Members present their leads during the meeting, allowing time for questions and collaboration while keeping the program moving. About 24 people regularly attend, creating a team that looks for opportunities for one another throughout the week.
When an urgent job or opportunity arises, members do not wait for the next meeting. They call each other directly.
Those connections have produced results. A lead for office space resulted in Parkshore Development selling a building. A referral from Copiers Plus helped Signarama secure a major digital-sign project. A Servpro referral led to the second-largest furniture order in Office Concepts’ more than 30-year history.
Members connect clients with trusted resources and expertise, helping projects move from beginning to end. They also share updates about community projects, market trends, legislation and industry developments.
Trust is central to the group. Because members sometimes discuss clients, projects and other sensitive matters, conversations are treated as confidential.
Over time, business relationships have become friendships. Many members have worked together for decades and gather socially outside the meetings.
“We are people who produce results, and we all have each other’s best interests at heart,” Perone said. “We are people you can count on.”
Unlike many networking organizations, the Cape Atlantic Business Network charges no membership dues. Members pay a flat fee for lunch. Meetings are now held at The Point Diner in Somers Point.
Those interested in learning more may contact Perone at dperone@servproteamgibbs.com or 609-412-4606.
