Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Glenn.
Michael, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
It started about 8 years ago when Ian McDaniel, Rich Clark, and Michael Glenn met at the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. Our goal at the Chamber was to network and strengthen our community. During that time, we realized we had a lot of the same interests- promoting local businesses, networking, and surfing of course. In 2014 we decided to form the North County Board Meeting as a way to further our initiatives with these 3 pillars. In addition to Ian, Rich, and Michael, we reached out to a wide range of associates of ours to form a board of directors – Todd Regan, Marcelo Bengoechea, Rudy Vasquez, Jonathan Hanwit, and Scott Holmen. At that point we asked ourselves how we could use the strength of the group to better our community and decided on charitable work for our 4th pillar. 5 years later we’ve raised over $50,000 for local charities and the group is over 100 members strong.
Has it been a smooth road?
The biggest struggle has been getting the word out. Since we’re a non-profit that relies on part-time help from our members, public relations is our biggest obstacle as we’d like to get more members to promote local businesses and raise additional money for charities.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with North County Board Meeting – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Our charity is based on 4 pillars:
1. Promoting local businesses.
2. Networking.
3. Charitable work.
4. And finding an excuse to surf!
We’re unique in that there are no dues but the group is open to surfers. It gives us our focus and it’s easy for any member to have a conversation with each other. Networking in general is tough as you need to find a common theme to break the ice when introducing yourself. Our passion for surfing makes that happen.
We’re most proud of strengthening our community. North County San Diego is a special place to live and work and we’re helping grow that idea.
What sets us apart from others is our monthly meetings. Since we’re surf focused, we’ll have ‘Surf Meetings’ on the beach before work where various surf companies will bring products to demo, we eat some breakfast, network, and catch a wave or two. We also have evening mixers at surf owned businesses. It’s a chance for the owner to network with the group and promote their business. And we also throw fundraisers a few times a year. Whether it’s a holiday toy drive, our annual golf event, or a silent auction & dinner, it’s our biggest events with the members.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and the least?
Our area is unique for it’s creativity and energy. There are a lot of business professionals with active lifestyles that blends into their work/life balance. Entrepreneurs in our communities can take advantage of the access they have to artists, visionaries, craftsmen, free-thinkers, venture capitalists, and more. And what’s not to like about our area?! We’re growing, housing is somewhat affordable compared to other metropolitan areas of California, and our weather is terrific.
Contact Info:
- Website: ncboardmeeting.org
- Phone: 7604025249
- Email: northcountyboardmeeting@gmail.com
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition, please let us know here.
