Bill Meador, founder, Roanoke United Network
Next ROANOKE
Creating a network
Native returns home to start a business and a young professionals network by Rebekah Manley
C
all it insurance for a growing young professional population. Bill Meador, a 30-year-old Cave Spring and 2005 James Madison University graduate, not only returned to his hometown — where he owns an independent insurance agency — he star ted a networking group for young professionals in the Roanoke area. In November, Meador formed the Roanoke United Network, a young professional networking group that meets once a month after work at various restaurants. “This is a great oppor tunity for young professionals here in the Roanoke Valley to come together, share sales ideas and techniques that have been proven successful, and also just come out to meet new friends and unwind after a long and stressful day at work,” says Meador. “I strongly encourage anyone who is new to Roanoke to attend one of our monthly meetings to socialize and meet other like-minded individuals,
Photo by Sam Dean
both on a personal and business level.’’ While Meador’s insurance business is currently a one-man show, he has plans for growth in the next few years. He envisions a five-plus person team including one or two customer service representatives along with a few sales associates, each specializing in a particular line of insurance. Meador visits clients as insurance agents have always done, but he also reaches out to clients online, updating his Facebook page weekly with pitches and tips for clients and potential clients. A January post read: “For any brides-to-be out there, make sure to stop by my booth at the bridal show this weekend…” Another one: “Please take a minute to read the attached article from my website...some good information about lessons learned from Superstorm Sandy!” Mixed in with the information was a picture of his daughter’s first Christmas.
Roanoke Business: How do people get connected to Roanoke United Network online between meetings? Meador: I created a Facebook group, Roanoke United Network, to post information about upcoming events, as well as to allow business owners and those who work in sales to post information about their company or product to the young professional demographic here locally. This is a great way to make an informal sales pitch and let everyone know why and how their product or service is better than the rest. As of right now there are more than 160 members in the group, and it is growing day-by-day. RB: What could happen to encourage young professionals to move here? What would you say to someone interested in moving to Roanoke? Meador: I believe that slowly but surely Roanoke is becoming an attractive place for
young professionals to live and begin their careers. I remember when I graduated from college in 2005, the last thing I wanted to do was move back home to Roanoke. However, as the years have gone by, I’ve begun to truly appreciate what Roanoke has to offer. With all the building renovations and new businesses in downtown Roanoke, this will attract — if it hasn’t already — more young professionals to move to this area, or in my case, move back to this area after college. Not to mention all the outdoor activities Roanoke has to offer! RB: How do you find balance with family and work? Meador: My wife and I have an eight-month-old daughter named Emerson. Sometimes it is tough to balance the work/ home life since every day is different, but I always make time to spend with my baby girl before she goes to bed each night.
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