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Networks Business deals group up – in a down year
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February 1, 2021Sarah Landman had been stuck on a problem at work for several months when she happened to mention it to her Legatus Networks business deals group.
Fellow Legate Dan Kerning spoke up and offered to help. “We connected offline,” Landman said, “and a 30-minute conversation fixed the problem.”
Landman, senior vice president of Insightful Philanthropy, had brought up her issue while giving a brief presentation on her work – something the group’s members have done to get to know one another. Since their initial conversation, Landman said Kerning, founder and CEO of Webhouse and a member of the Long Island Chapter, has reached out to see how she is doing.
Private, exclusive interaction
After joining the Naples Chapter of Legatus in the summer of 2019, Landman and her husband, Murl, were still fairly new members when the coronavirus pandemic hit in early 2020, just months after Legatus had launched its digital Networks platform. In addition to programs, announcements, speaker presentations, and special events, Networks offers Legates the opportunity for private, exclusive exchanges through groups based on such interests as wine and business deals.
In what turned out to be a stroke of timing genius, Networks was already set up to connect Legates through such groups while companies, organizations, and schools were scrambling to arrange for video conferencing in the midst of the coronavirus shutdown. And, as many businesses struggled during the shutdowns, the business deals group became a source of both practical and moral support to its members.
Resolving challenges
The Landmans, who belong to several Networks groups, were on the first 2020 Zoom call for the business deals group. Sarah said she had joined mainly because of the opportunity to connect with other business leaders. “It’s great to meet other members from all over the country. It’s something we were looking forward to doing at the Summits, but it’s fun to have that fast-tracked.”
Still, she never envisaged finding a solution to her business dilemma through the group. Nor did she expect to make such genuine connections with people. “I would go have dinner with just about every member that regularly attends. It’s a good way to get to know people personally and professionally.”
Sarah said the group also has been a place for her to collaborate and learn. “I consider it professional development for me. Because I’m younger in my career than most of the members, it’s great for me to learn from people who have walked the path before.”
Both she and her husband, who is CEO of National Chemicals, Inc., have made helpful connections with people who do work similar to theirs, she added. “It’s been such a great blessing to connect with fellow members from all over the place and have pretty open, candid business conversations. Everybody has a spirit of being helpful. Anytime you mention a challenge, everybody is racking their brains and thinking, ‘How can I help?’”
Expanded contacts
Additionally, Sarah said membership in the business deals group has widened and deepened the list of professionals to whom she can refer others. “It’s just nice to have a larger Rolodex of people who are the best of the best in their fields from all over and are Catholic and I feel confident referring.”
Steve Raymond, who coordinates the group, said it meets twice a month for an hour with 15 to 20 of the 25 members on each Zoom call. Members have used the early meetings to get acquainted, but also can suggest topics and present speakers.
Like Legatus Forums, anything discussed in the meetings is confidential.
Raymond, a member of the Bucks County, PA, Chapter and managing director of The DAK Group, Ltd., said the business deals group has been a great opportunity to expand his Legatus experience and his relationships beyond the 25 to 30 couples in his Chapter, especially because it is unlikely he will be able to attend a Summit anytime soon. “To me, these groups extend the experience of Legatus and it’s wonderful to be a part of them.”
Austin O’Connor, a member of the Boston Chapter and owner and CEO of Briar Group Restaurants, said the business deals group appeals to him because of the opportunity it provides to interact with other Catholic businesspeople. “There’s a trust level that’s increased because of Legatus. I think I feel a little bit more open than I might in another group.”
Although no one else in the group completely aligns with his business, which has yet to reopen all of its 10 locations, O’Connor said he has benefited from general advice and leads on possible products for his restaurants as well as learning about an investment opportunity.
He also values the emotional support he has received. “I get reminded that there’s only so much one can do in a situation, and having faith helps me get through these challenging times.”
JUDY ROBERTS is a Legatus magazine staff writer.
