Networking to generate business leads

Nearly 40 people inject an early morning jolt to their working day by meeting weekly on a Thursday from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. with Breakfast Connect, a business networking group, at Pantano’s on Broadway in Hewlett.

There is no fee to join the group, unlike other networking organizations. Members buy their own breakfast that could include eggs, pancakes, hash browns, oatmeal, bagels, donuts, coffee and juice and an opportunity to meet and mingle with individuals in a variety of businesses.

Hewlett resident Andrew Liebowitz established the group in 2012 after being part of Business Network International, a networking organization that had members paying dues and was more formal in tracking if business referrals were generated.

“We have people from the Five Towns, surrounding communities as well as from Syosset and Smithtown,” Liebowitz said, as he helped Dawn Stark of Dawn’s Destinations in Oceanside place her sign on the wall. “We generate direct referrals, all by personal introduction, and there is a better chance to be successful. In addition, everyone here has become friends.”

Jonathan Mendelsohn of Money by Jonathan overwhelms a visitor with his enthusiasm for his business that serves to obtain the most advantageous deal for clients on business loans, cash advances and credit card machines. According to Mendelsohn, he has completed 50 deals since the inception of his business in 2014.

“I literally sell better than 99 percent of my competition and my clients get the best deals,” he said. “I am careful about who I do business with and I rather not do a deal than harm a client.”

Stark joined Breakfast Connect in January after learning about it from a friend. Her travel business is beginning to pick up and through the group she has booked three trips, she said. “It’s inclusive and you get to meet people and every week generate referrals for your business,” Stark said. “The Internet is for looking and a travel agent is for booking,” she said a little later when members were going around the room introducing themselves and their businesses.

Based in Oceanside as part of Christina M. Panzarella, P.C., Christina A. Sammartino said the two-attorney law firm that specializes in real estates, estates and probate has generated business from being part of the networking group. “Recently we got two clients and people here are helpful with things you need,” Sammartino said.

Not only do members have an opportunity to introduce themselves and their business, but also their products. East Coast Roast, an Island Park-based small batch artisan coffee roasting company owned by the Comuniello family passed around samples of their coffee; the aromas were unique.

Though busy ensuring that the food for the meeting put out and breakfast orders for Pantano’s are filled, Mike Pantano spends some time at the meeting. After 17 years in Hewlett, Pantano said the name of the game is recognition. “You have to keep telling people who you are and what you do,” he said, noting that he plans on opening Milan’s Brick Oven Pizza adjacent to Pantano’s in October.

Liebowitz, whose business is Bellmore-based Perri Funding Corp., said the group is looking for new members, preferably in businesses that are not currently represented in Breakfast Connect. “To resist is business missed,” said Liebowitz, who could be contacted at (516) 790-4829 or andrew@lexremmarketing.com.