We’re officially into the Summer vacation time of year. Life’s schedule gets a little more chaotic for some and slows down for others. Whichever side of the fence you’re on, you can still start off your Wednesday by joining the Hometown Networking Group at the Kyle IHOP as we do every Wednesday morning, rain or shine…(except for holidays.) This week was no exception.
We’re meeting so often we even start dressing alike. Here we have members Irene Melendez from Broadway Bank and Trish Wilder from Edward Jones coming in dressed as the “polka dot sisters”. Polka Dots never looked so good!
This week’s Member Spotlight was Jim Collins with Firelight Laser. 
Jim shared some of his family history including the fact that he heard his future wife’s name on the loud speaker in H
igh School with all the awards she was getting etc and finally in his Junior year he had a chance to meet her and as they say the rest is history. We won’t mention his age but he did say this was 39 years ago…so you do the math.
He and his wife have two sons and it’s clear his family is a HUGE part of his life. I’ve known Jim for years and still I heard things about him today that I didn’t know. I do know that back in 2009 Jim was looking for other career options, because as many of us found out, there was a recession on and jobs were hard to come by. So resourceful people like Jim, made their own opportunities.
A friend told him about Laser technology and Jim checked it out and the result is Firelight Laser. Jim describes the laser process as a blend of art and technology. He also claims he can pretty much laser anything, as he proved a couple of years ago by lasering on another member of the networking groups arm cast. Yep a cast. Wouldn’t say there would be much demand for that but it was fun to see proof that he can laser pretty much anything. He even showed us how he can laser on something as little as a toothpick and the words still be readable. The technology has come a long way and is nothing short of amazing.
The truth is engraving and lasering go far beyond what we would think of, Jim says you’re only limited by your imagination. He engraves things like: weapons of all kinds, wine glasses, bottles, wood items of all shapes and sizes, acrylic, sports equipment like bats, gloves, clubs, Yeti cups or Yeti-knockoffs, promotional gifts, client gifts, musical instruments, awards and trophies of all kinds and signs. Literally the list goes on and on.
In fact one of Jim’s mottos is:
“WE MAKE IT YOURS”, “
Anything you can get on the computer screen, we can get on material.”
Jim really means it! So if you’re looking at personalizing a gift, or you need awards, or nametags or you just want that unusual thing for the hard to buy for family member…consider having something engraved. Firelight laser is conveniently located 1 1/2 blocks off I35 at 1645 Main Street, Ste B Buda, Texas 78610 . Or call Jim at 512-814-8927. You are going to be surprised at your options.
Education Moment: Celeste Messer with Adkor Group with Maxavenue took the moment today to remind members that sometimes a small business owner sometime needs to take that drastic step of; “Firing a Client”.
Granted it’s not an easy thing to do but there are some people you can never please no matter how hard you try and they are a drain on your energy and your resources. So it’s always a good reminder that as a small business owner YOU have the right to choose who you work with. You owe it to yourself and your employees to “fire” those clients that aren’t a good match for your business…sometimes the money is simply not worth it.
Upcoming Events:
Sue Ferrill’s turning 90! There’s going to be a celebration on June 23, at 2pm at Kyle United Methodist Church at 408 W Lockhart St, Kyle TX 78640 to celebrate Sue’s 90th birthday. Sue wants us to remind folks…no gifts. Sue is a jewel so if you’re in town come join in to celebrate this wonder.
“Wet-working” on the River: (instead of ‘net’ working….get it?…) on the river is coming up June 20th. Ron Martin and his lovely wife Stacey are hosting this annual event. The group be meeting in Gruene at Gruene River Company 11am for a potluck picnic. Then the plan is to get into river about 1 probably ending around 4 or 5. It was agreed that each member can bring a guest (or two) significant other and/or potential networking members and HNG will pay the $15 ticket (for a
tube and a ride back to the car). This is the 3rd year that Ron and Stacey Martin have hosted the event and it’s a fun and wet way to get to know some people.
Balloon Festival : Remember to hold open Labor Day weekend for the Pie in the Sky Balloon Festival. Estimates are we may have 20,000 people coming in for the event.
Sip and Savor: The Rotary’s annual Sip and Savor is right around the corner in the fall so keep your eyes peeled for info regarding date/time/location.
Workshop on how to improve your SEO : Rob Oskins from Blue Crest Media, is still planning on having a training regarding easy ways (he promised even I can do it) to use videos to improve your SEO and position on Google. Date/Time and location is still up in the air.
Upcoming meeting, Member Spotlight and Education Minute Speaker Schedule:
JUNE
20th: Everend Thorne ET’s Home Repair Education Moment: Rob Oskins
27th: Joe Wargo CPA Education Moment: Trish Wilder
JULY
4th REMEMBER NO MEETING Have a wonderful Fourth of July!!!!!
11th Paulette Sanford Kohler’s Crossing Dental Education Moment: Irene Melendez
18th Stephanie Murphree Republic Veterinary Hosp Education Moment: Rob Oskins
25th Courtney Dieckman US Health Education Moment: Trish Wilder
NOT A MEMBER AND INTERESTED IN FINDING OUT MORE HOMETOWN NETWORKING GROUP?
Come check us out. We welcome you to join us on Wednesday morning and meet some great local business owners. What have you got to lose? Your first breakfast is on us! Dues are $60/quarter or $200/year. If you’re not ready to commit or can’t manage to come every Wednesday but you would still like to connect? We have an option for you. You are welcome to come any time you’d like and pay $10.
The group meets every Wednesday morning at Kyle IHOP 5401 Kyle Centre Dr, Kyle, TX 78640 (I35 Southbound Access
Rd, just South of Kyle Expressway and I35 intersection). Informal networking begins at 8:15, Meeting begins at 8:30 and ends promptly at 9:30.
You can find out more about our group at: https://hometownnetworking.org