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Forks First Networking

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Forks First Networking

Education is the kickoff to the Networking meeting provided by the prior week's spotlighted member. What is required of each member?

Forks First Networking is a group of business professionals from different industries who meet once a week to learn more about other businesses in the community and pass referrals to increase each businesses profits. All members will then give their 60 second commercial each week where they talk about the value of their business and what type of referral would benefit them. On a rotating basis one

member will be in the spotlight for their 10 minute presentation. This gives the member the opportunity to give the group a deep dive into the business and personal life of the sales professional we are networking with. After the 10 minute spotlight there will be a round of referrals and testimonials passed. Before the meeting is concluded there is a referral reality check and a door prize. Attendance (or a sub can fill in) and participation! What is the cost? $100 per year!!! Please send a message with your profession if interested. Only one sales professional per industry allowed in the group.

08/27/2026

What are your customers actually hiring you to do? 🤔

At this week’s Forks First Networking education portion, Thomas Passa with Thoma Spas S.A. shared an important perspective: customers aren’t simply hiring you for the product or service you offer—they’re hiring you to solve a problem.

Your product may be what brings them through the door, but the real value is in the solution you provide. 💡 When we focus on understanding our customers’ needs, challenges, and goals, we can better serve them and create an experience that goes beyond just making a sale.

Ask yourself: What problem does my business solve for my customers?

A great reminder that successful businesses don’t just sell products—they provide solutions! 👏

Want to surround yourself with other local professionals, grow your network, and gain valuable business insights each week? Come check out Forks First Networking!

08/24/2026

🎓 Forks First Networking Education: 5 Tips for Being a Good Leader

Matt Eggl with Farmers Union Insurance shared some valuable insight during our education portion on 5 tips for being a good leader. Great leadership isn't about having a title—it's about how you show up for and influence the people around you.

👂 1. Active Listening
A good leader listens to understand, not just to respond. Give people your full attention, ask questions, and make them feel heard.

🗣️ 2. Communicate Clearly
Clear communication creates trust and prevents confusion. Share expectations, goals, and information in a way everyone can understand.

💪 3. Empower Your Team
Give people the confidence, tools, and opportunities to take ownership. Strong leaders help others grow instead of trying to do everything themselves.

⭐ 4. Lead by Example
Your actions speak louder than your words. Demonstrate the work ethic, attitude, respect, and accountability you expect from others.

🛠️ 5. Give Constructive Feedback
Feedback should help people improve—not tear them down. Recognize what's going well, address areas for growth, and focus on solutions.

Thank you, Matt Eggl with Farmers Union Insurance, for sharing today's education! Great leadership can make a difference in every business, workplace, and community.

❓Want to be part of a group where local professionals connect, build relationships, learn from one another, and help each other's businesses grow? Message us to see what Forks First Networking is all about!

08/13/2026

🌟 FORKS FIRST NETWORKING EDUCATION 🌟

This week’s education was provided by Vanessa Richter with Blue Line Custom Detailing, who spoke about an important topic every business owner should think about:

“Your Reputation Is Your Brand.”

Your logo, website, business cards, and social media may introduce your business—but your reputation is what people remember.

Vanessa shared how the way we communicate, follow through, treat customers, handle problems, and represent our businesses all contribute to the reputation we build.

A strong reputation doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built through consistency, integrity, professionalism, and doing what you say you’re going to do.

Because at the end of the day, people may forget your advertising—but they won’t forget how you made them feel or whether they could count on you. 🤝

Thank you, Vanessa, for sharing this great reminder with the Forks First Networking group!

Want to grow your business through relationships, referrals, and accountability? Come check out Forks First Networking!

08/06/2026

This week's education at Forks First Networking was presented by Daryl Wockenfuss with Thermal Air, and it was a great reminder that taking a break isn't a sign of slowing down—it's a business strategy.

Did you know? Stepping away from work can actually make you a better business owner. Taking intentional breaks helps reduce stress, improve focus, spark creativity, and prevent burnout. Whether it's a 15-minute walk, a weekend with family, or a vacation, recharging allows you to return with a clearer mind, better decision-making skills, and more energy to serve your customers.

The best leaders know that taking care of themselves helps them take better care of their business.

Interested in growing your business through referrals, education, and relationships? Come check out Forks First Networking! We meet every Thursday morning and welcome one representative from each profession. If your industry is open, we'd love to have you visit and see how quality networking can help your business grow!

07/31/2026

💪 Did You Know? Regular exercise does much more than improve your physical health.

This week at Forks First Networking, Dan Fjestad with the Altru Family YMCA shared how consistent exercise can:
• Boost energy levels
• Reduce stress and improve mental health
• Improve focus and productivity
• Strengthen your heart, muscles, and immune system
• Lower the risk of chronic diseases
• Help you sleep better and recover faster

The best workout is the one you'll stick with. Even 30 minutes of movement most days of the week can make a significant difference in your overall health and well-being.

A huge thank you to Dan for reminding us that investing in our health is one of the best investments we can make.

🎥 Check out this week's meeting highlights—and if you're looking to grow your business, build meaningful relationships, and learn something new every week, come join us at Forks First Networking! We'd love to have you as our guest.

07/24/2026

💡 Did You Know?
This week's educational presentation was given by Kim Toso of Just 4 Pawz Day Spaw, who shared some eye-opening information about screen time and its effects on adults.

Excessive screen time has been linked to increased stress, poor sleep quality, reduced attention span, eye strain, and even decreased face-to-face social interaction. One simple tip? Try taking regular screen breaks, avoid devices before bedtime, and make time for real conversations—they're good for both your mental health and your relationships!

Thank you, Kim, for reminding us that sometimes the best way to recharge is to unplug.

07/09/2026

🌟 Forks First Networking Member Spotlight 🌟

This week's member spotlight is Jeff Green with NorthStar Inspections!

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make, and having the right information is essential. Jeff helps bring confidence to the process by providing thorough, professional home inspections for both buyers and sellers.

In addition to comprehensive home inspections, Jeff also offers radon testing which helps homeowners identify elevated radon levels.

Whether you're purchasing your dream home, preparing to list your current home, or simply want peace of mind about your home's air quality, Jeff provides the knowledge and expertise needed to make informed decisions and avoid costly surprises.

If you're looking for someone who values honesty, quality, and attention to detail throughout the home buying process, be sure to connect with Jeff at NorthStar Inspections.

At Forks First Networking, we're proud to have trusted professionals like Jeff helping our community make confident decisions every day!

07/03/2026

🌟 Forks First Networking Member Spotlight 🌟

This week we're highlighting Vanessa Richter, owner of Blue Line Custom Detailing!

Vanessa founded Blue Line Custom Detailing in 2018 with a commitment to delivering exceptional vehicle care and long-lasting protection. While the company offers complete interior and exterior detailing services, their true specialty is helping customers protect their investment.

Blue Line Custom Detailing provides a wide range of protection services, including:

✅ Professional paint correction to restore your vehicle's finish before protection is applied
✅ Diamond ProTech ceramic coatings for long-lasting gloss, chemical resistance, and easier maintenance
✅ Industrial and automotive undercoatings to protect against rust, corrosion, road salt, and harsh weather conditions
✅ Paint Protection Film (PPF) to defend high-impact areas from rock chips, scratches, and everyday wear
✅ PeelClear peelable paint protection

Whether you drive a daily commuter, classic car, work truck, motorcycle, heavy equipment, or an entire commercial fleet, Vanessa works to keep vehicles looking their best while preserving their value for years to come.

If you know someone who recently purchased a new vehicle, owns a high-end or collector car, manages a commercial fleet, or simply wants to protect their investment from North Dakota and Minnesota's demanding conditions, Vanessa would love an introduction.

Protect your investment today so it stays looking its best tomorrow!

06/26/2026

🌟 Forks First Member Spotlight: Jacob Johnson with PRO Resources 🌟

This week's member spotlight shines on Jacob Johnson with PRO Resources!

Jacob delivered an excellent presentation on why so many businesses choose to partner with PRO Resources. As companies grow, managing employees and staying compliant becomes increasingly complex. He explained some of the biggest challenges employers face, including:

✔️ Costly compliance mistakes
✔️ Keeping up with constantly changing employment laws
✔️ Growth limitations due to HR demands
✔️ Hiring and retaining qualified HR professionals
✔️ Navigating the complexities of employment law

Jacob also shared how PRO Resources helps businesses overcome these challenges through comprehensive HR expertise, proactive risk management, innovative HR technology, stronger buying power for workers' compensation and employee benefits, and the capacity to support businesses of all sizes.

If you're spending too much time worrying about HR, compliance, or employee management instead of growing your business, Jacob and the team at PRO Resources have the knowledge and resources to help.

Thank you, Jacob, for sharing how PRO Resources helps businesses protect themselves, support their employees, and focus on what they do best!

06/13/2026

🌟 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT 🌟

This week, we're excited to highlight one of our newest members, Mariah Richardson, Culture and Communications Coordinator with All Embracing Home Care!

All Embracing Home Care provides compassionate, personalized in-home care services designed to help individuals maintain their independence while receiving the support they need. Their dedicated team offers a variety of services that allow clients to remain comfortable and safe in their own homes while improving their overall quality of life.

All Embracing Home Care proudly serves clients across North Dakota, including Grand Forks, Fargo, and Bismarck, as well as Arizona in the Mesa and Phoenix areas. Their commitment to providing quality, relationship-focused care has made them a trusted resource for families seeking dependable in-home support.

A special shoutout to Mariah for stepping up during just her second Forks First Networking meeting and absolutely crushing her introduction! Getting up in front of a room full of professionals can be intimidating, but Mariah confidently shared about her role, her organization, and the impact they make in the communities they serve. She did an outstanding job and made a great impression on the group.

We're excited to have Mariah as part of the Forks First Networking family and look forward to watching her connections and business relationships grow.

Welcome, Mariah! 👏

Address

4720 Gateway Drive
Grand Forks, ND
58203

Opening Hours

8am - 9:15am

Website

facebook.com

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