Four years ago, Richie Rentner,
president, founded the Business Club of Weston. Today it is still
going strong with 120 members, most of whom live or work in Weston.
The group is a one-of-a-kind networking club. It only allows
one person per profession so members within the group do not
compete with each other. The club has a wide variety of professions
including attorneys, accountants, florists, travel agents, real
estate agents, limousine drivers, junk movers and even a doggy
bakery. Several areas, like the law, are broken into subspecialties
to allow more people to join the club.
Many members own their own businesses or work in sales. Some
work out of their homes and like the social interaction that
they may not get the rest of the week.
"Voice mail and e-mail have made it a much colder world
than it used to be," said Rentner. "The group allows
members to establish business relationships which ultimately
lead to referrals."
The club meets every Thursday, at 7:30 am, at the 84 Diner. Meetings
last approximately one hour and cost five dollars to cover the
cost of breakfast. Members can order anything they want from
the menu.
Rentner begins the meeting by introducing guests. Next, each
member responds to a weekly topic and also has an opportunity
to tell the group about his own profession. Some weeks a group
member gives a short resentation. |
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Many other one-of-a-kind networking groups have formed in the
Weston area that have strict attendance policies and a tructured
environment for passing referrals. The Business Club of Weston
is more casual. The attendance policy is not enforced and referrals
are passed informally. "We are much more lenient than the
other groups," said Rentner. "There is enough aggravation
in business. We want to have fun."
Ruben Holschauer was one
of the first members of the group. He owns a printing business
and estimates that more than 20 percent of his business is generated
from the club. He recently received one lead from a member that
generated 12 additional leads.
"I have created a camaraderie with many of the other members,"
said Holschauer. "We all help each other."
Joe Kovac, owner of Kovac
Automotive, has also gotten a tremendous amount of business from
the club. He frequently uses other members' services and finds
it convenient to know a pool of people that he can call. He turns
to his club directory when he need his windows washed, refrigerator
fixed or any other service. "I feel confident that I can
trust all of the members to do a high quality job," said
Kovac.
Most professions are already represented in the group. Some of
the more unique professions, however, may still be available.
For more information on The Business
Club of Weston, explore this website. To reach Richard Rentner
directly, call 370-9409. |
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