FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. – While Ryan Anderson may have been unable to attend Tuesday evening’s Business Meets Sunset networking social because his mom surprised him for his birthday, the Palm Coast Business & Professional Network director knew the event was in capable hands with his colleagues carrying the torch.
Hosted atop The Compass Hotel in Flagler Beach on June 23, the rooftop gathering brought together members of the Palm Coast Business & Professional Network, along with entrepreneurs and professionals representing businesses and organizations from across Flagler County. The event served as both a celebration of connection and a reflection of the organization’s legacy as Flagler County’s longest-running business networking group, marking 25 years of service to the local business community.
For Anderson, the value of networking cannot be overstated—especially for small business owners navigating the early stages of growth.
“Networking is probably the most important thing a small business owner can do, especially at the infancy age of starting with the business,” Anderson said. “No matter where you’re at in your business, really. Those relationships that you build with networking with those in the community are better than any sort of paid advertisement or online solicitation that you could ever do.”
He emphasized that authentic, face-to-face relationships remain one of the most valuable assets a business owner can build.
“If you have a tangible, in-person, intentional relationship, it’s invaluable,” he said. “Going to those events and showing up and being there with your people—it’s obviously a great time to be out in the community, but also just strengthens those relationships and it strengthens your business.”
Anderson’s connection to the organization began through mentorship. He credits longtime member Deborah Sapton for introducing him to the group and ultimately opening the door for his involvement.
“My mentor, Deborah Sapton, had a seat in that group, and then she offered me the seat,” Anderson shared. “I didn’t really do much research, if I’m being honest. I was just so fortunate that I was able to be in that group.”
Over time, Anderson says the knowledge he has gained from fellow members has been as valuable as any referral.
“The business owners in there, the wisdom that I’ve learned from that group—if I never got a referral from that group, it’s been worth every single meeting that I’ve attended,” he said. “Just from what I’ve learned from other business owners. The wins, the losses, all that stuff. It’s just been like free college.”
As director, Anderson says one of his key goals is to help bring younger business professionals into the fold and foster the next generation of leadership.
“One thing that we’ve really been pushing for is trying to attract a younger audience,” he said. “Not necessarily calling us mentors or anything like that, but I would like, based off my experience, to share that with others because we have so much knowledge throughout that room that it would almost feel like we’re doing ourselves a disservice not to share that with the younger generation.”
Longtime member Jay Scherr said the evening reflected exactly what the organization has stood for over the last quarter-century.
