Taking Care Written by
Fra Michael Kawochka (Buffalo, '91), Tri-State Area Alumni Club
The Sammy Tri-State monthly business networking dinners have been going strong, despite a temporary pivot to Zoom. We have rotated venues between Manhattan, Westchester, Long Island (and even City Island) to keep it fresh and varied. We have also hosted catered affairs at our member's homes, backyards and upscale restaurants. As the group enters its fifth year, we find ourselves back in midtown Manhattan on the last Tuesday of the month. While the roster has waxed and waned since inception, the core group remains intact. Members range in age from 20 - 80, with that comes diversity in thought and perspective. Our Business Networking Group is a monthly dinner group for business owners and executives. Mutual moral aid and support is our mantra. It is a safe space to let our professional and personal challenges. Colleagues, and often competitors can become your best collaborators. Discretion and trust is non-negotiable. Membership is by invitation.
the
Octagonian
guard down and work collectively on our
22
Since inception, the group has made more
In addition to the great friendships, I have
than 80 introductions, resulting in 40+
also made great business connections. The
deals closed and $10M in business booked.
group has had a positive influence on both
Some introductions are bridges to other
my personal and professional life. If you're
referral partners and spheres of influence,
not involved in Sammy Tri-State now, I highly
others are for speaking engagements to
recommend it!”
position brothers as thought leaders in their respective fields. Often, introductions are
DINNER MEETING FORMAT:
made on behalf of a son or daughter who is looking for an internship or career advice.
An agenda is curated by the steering
These are priceless nonetheless.
committee for each dinner meeting: sometimes it is a Brother of the Month
Fra Fred “Uncle Freddie” Komson (NYU ‘61)
Spotlight, or a guest speaker. The Chair is
offers one such case study:
our facilitator and timekeeper. A Recorder
“Sammy Tri-State is an excellent networking
takes minutes. A Sergeant at Arms keeps
forum, with capabilities beyond just
chatter to a minimum. Roles are rotated to
business. When my wife needed hip surgery,
keep it fresh.
my inbox overflowed with suggestions and offers of introduction. We interviewed
Usually we break down a current business
several capable surgeons, chose wisely and
topic or trend from our respective business
had a successful outcome. Benefits beyond
vantage points, e.g. What are the tax
a balance sheet are what this alumni club is
implications of taking a PPP loan? Someone
all about.”
in the room is an expert on that.
For Fra Matt Morse (SUNY Stony Brook
There is time allotted for a mastermind
‘03) business is personal:
session, where a brother can present a thorny issue with which they would like an
“The Sammy Tri-State Business Group has
outsider’s or specialist’s perspective: getting
been fantastic for me. It has given me the
paid; dealing with a difficult client; hiring for
opportunity to reconnect with brothers I
an open position; salary benchmarks; and
haven't seen in years, meet brothers from
succession planning are all topics hashed
other chapters and generations.
out at the dinner table. SAM.ORG