Business Brew

"The Lost Art of Customer Service." That's the topic for the March Business Brew with Staci Clary Staci Clary is a recognized agent of customer service, making the most of every minute for her clients. RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/gGN3xZZZ With a Broadcast Journalism degree from Gonzaga University, Staci has 30 years of experience as an on-air PBS Pledge Host and voice actor, perfecting the art of warm, engaging first impressions. As an entrepreneur, Staci understands the value of digging deep and staying self-motivated. She invested two and a half years as a receptionist for a large corporation, gaining a firsthand understanding of how customer telephone interactions shape relationships and drive success. In 1992, Staci founded Hold On Now, which helps businesses turn hold time into revenue-generating experiences. In 2021, she reactivated her real estate license, partnering with Chris Ennis to help clients sell or find their perfect homes. With expertise in customer service, audio production, and public speaking, Staci is driven by a focus on connection, service, and results—making the most of every opportunity for her clients. #BusinessBrew #Spokane #networking

The next Business Brew is this Friday! Kelli Thompson and Fred Houck, MBA, will be the guests. They will discuss "A Groundbreaking Approach to Funding New Businesses." 🗓️ Friday, February 7th, 2025, from 7:30 am to 9:00 am 📍 The Hive - A Spokane Public Library RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/gU6svYZd #BusinessBrew #Spokane #networking

Business Brew in February features Kelli Thompson and Fred Houck, MBA, as they talk about "A Groundbreaking Approach to Funding New Businesses." WHEN: Friday, February 7th, 2025, from 7:30 am to 9:00 am WHERE: The Hive - A Spokane Public Library RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/gU6svYZd Kelli Thompson is the Program Coordinator for Gonzaga University's New Venture Lab, where she brings local entrepreneurs and motivated college students together in a collaborative environment, enabling students to learn business through hands-on experience. Each semester, Kelli leads student teams as they work with entrepreneurs to tackle their real-world challenges, delivering actionable solutions such as market research, financial analysis, and social media strategies. This provides valuable experience to students while delivering entrepreneurs the support needed to grow and refine their ventures. With a background as a financial advisor and business owner, Kelli relates personally to the challenges entrepreneurs face. She has owned and successfully sold several businesses, gaining firsthand experience in scaling operations, navigating market trends, and leveraging technology to drive growth. Her role as a mentor and pitch coach further highlights her commitment to guiding new businesses toward sustainable success. Whether it's helping entrepreneurs refine their vision, secure funding, or build a compelling narrative, Kelli is passionate about equipping them with the tools, resources, and confidence to bring their ideas to life. Fred Houck graduated Mead High and then served in the U.S. Navy (1986-1990) as a Plane Captain for the P3 Orion at Moffett Field, CA. After, he earned a business degree from Gonzaga in 1995. He then worked as a District Director for the Boy Scouts of America for 9 years in Spokane, managing thousands of volunteers and scouts. In 2003, after completing his MBA at Gonzaga, Fred transitioned to financial services, working as both a Commercial Banker and Financial Advisor for 20 years. Recognizing a gap in startup funding, he founded Dream Funders in 2023, a non-profit organization aimed at helping new businesses secure capital. The organization received 501c3 status in August 2024 and plans its kickoff fundraiser and business networking event for March 7th, 2025. #BusinessBrew #funding #networking #Spokane

Coffee with Courtney Altringer CFP® tomorrow! Register at the link below and join the conversation, discussing "Failing Forward in Business and in Life." Courtney grew up in the world of competitive ski racing at Schweitzer Mountain and continued to race at the Division I level at the University of New Mexico. Her passion for competition led her into a career as a Financial Advisor, where she joined her father in the profession. Courtney has worked hard to become a Certified Financial Planner, and earned her Master of Science in Financial Planning. She will be speaking on her failures, and continually looks to help people become more comfortable with failing—big or small—in all areas of life and how to keep moving forward. Today is the last chance to register, so ping a friend and enjoy coffee from Brew Peddler and starting your day right at Business Brew! https://lnkd.in/gjiMGjkM StartUp Spokane SLAB visuals Spokane Public Library

Did you miss the November Business Brew with Kitara, pronounced KIT-TAH-rah Johnson? Don't worry! The full "episode" is now available on YouTube. Kitara Johnson is a national diversity, equity, and inclusion speaker and trainer for the military, state agencies, schools, businesses, hospitals, and municipal organizations. She joined Business Brew to discuss "Pursuing Purpose and Passion." #PurposeDriven #Spokane #BusinessBrew

The Business Brew 2025 "season" kicks off January 10th. Our guest on January 10th, 2025, will be Courtney Altringer CFP®, who will be discussing "Failing Forward in Business and in Life." Courtney grew up in the world of competitive ski racing at Schweitzer Mountain and continued to race at the Division I level at the University of New Mexico. Her passion for competition led her into a career as a Financial Advisor, where she joined her father in the profession. Courtney has worked hard to become a Certified Financial Planner, and earned her Master of Science in Financial Planning. She will be speaking on her failures, and continually looks to help people become more comfortable with failing—big or small—in all areas of life and how to keep moving forward. https://lnkd.in/gx2EB4_v #BusinessBrew #Spokane #networking

Have a hard time making our morning Business Brews? That's ok! This month, we're doing a happy hour! When: Friday, December 6th, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Where: Badass Backyard Brewing 1415 N Argonne Rd Spokane Valley, WA 99212

Tomorrow is Business Brew with Kitara, pronounced KIT-TAH-rah Johnson! Come have some Brew Peddler coffee and join a thoughtful conversation with host, Josh King, MBA at The Hive. Kitara Johnson is a national diversity, equity, and inclusion speaker and trainer for the military, state agencies, schools, businesses, hospitals, and municipal organizations. An inspirational voice, you won't want to miss! Register: https://lnkd.in/gZvF5s9U Business Brew is a simple idea—just coffee with a business expert. Business owners and entrepreneurs can ask questions and get real-time answers and feedback. The agenda and structure are simple and meant to inspire natural conversation. It’s an informal gathering designed to support the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Spokane region.

Curious about Spokane’s hidden business resources? Check out September's Business Brew recap featuring Mark Pond, Business Research Librarian at Spokane Public Library. Mark shared insights on how Startup Spokane is becoming the ultimate front door for entrepreneurs, offering high-value tools, resources, and connections that are often out of reach for individual businesses. Whether you're starting fresh or have been in the game for years, Business Brew offers a relaxed setting to get expert insights over a cup of coffee. Don’t miss the next chance to connect and learn in November! 👉 Watch the full interview with Mark to dive deeper into the valuable library resources: https://lnkd.in/gx6UqDff ✅ RSVP for the November Business Brew featuring Kitara, pronounced KIT-TAH-rah Johnson: https://lnkd.in/g8KB3Enz #BusinessBrew #PublicLibrary #business

Business Brew returns on Friday! "Discover How the Library Can Support Your Business Growth" On Friday, September 13th, Business Brew returns to The Hive. Our guest will be Mark Pond with the Spokane Public Library and StartUp Spokane. We'll chat about the secret power of public libraries and how to leverage it for business success. SEATS ARE LIMITED! RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/gwjWsxs5 Business Brew is a simple idea—just coffee with a business expert. Business owners and entrepreneurs can ask questions and get real-time answers and feedback. The agenda and structure are simple and meant to inspire natural conversation. It’s an informal gathering designed to support the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Spokane region. #BusinessBrew #business #Spokane