"It's all about building relationships."
--Bob Young, Founder of biz2biz connections

Bob extends this simple, but powerful philosophy into all facets of life, and it's the foundation upon which he built biz2biz connections. He's a natural networker, and cares little if you're a member of the sanitation crew or a member of the board. To Bob, it's all the same. You're just a new friend he's eager to know. Even more, though, you're someone Bob hopes to help: to share a bit of wisdom, give a pat on the back, or introduce to a business contact.

Bob consistently goes out of his way to ask, "What can I do to help your business grow?" It's just his nature.

Even as a child, Bob was determined to excel. He was a model Boy Scout, and was elected Senior Patrol Leader of his Boy Scout Troop. Some of his fondest memories - and some of his most valuable lessons in discipline, commitment, and service - are rooted in his days as an Eagle Scout.

It's this knack for knowing how to be of service that has guided his eclectic career. Bob spent 26 years in the institutional foodservice business, and his experience when opening a new sales territory in St. Joseph, Missouri, exemplifies his positive work ethic and attitude. He quickly learned that, "St. Joe is a wonderful little town - with little being the operative word." So, he took a jaunt across northwest Missouri, and he discovered nursing homes, restaurants, and truck stops - all buying from his competitors.

No problem.

One by one, Bob turned prospects into friends. They then naturally became customers. Loyal customers who, even when Bob's competition slashed their prices, stayed with Bob because of his exceptional service, and his exceptional friendship.

Eclectic. Bob spent a couple of stints as an over the road trucker, totaling five years in all. He worked in marketing for an advertising firm, sold Harleys, helped launch a business coaching endeavor, and was a membership sales representative for the Ft. Lauderdale Chamber.

In fact, it was Bob's first Ft. Lauderdale Chamber event, before the chamber hired him away from an advertising firm, that set Bob on his current course. To hear him tell it, he was somewhat awestruck by the massive crowd, and "Slunk against the wall with my knees shaking." (Bob's a great storyteller, and this may simply be a tall tale, because no one in Kansas City has ever seen this side of him.) Bob was rescued by a chamber member who introduced himself, and showed Bob the ropes. When Bob discovered all he had to do was meander about and talk to people, he exclaimed, "This is awesome - I love to talk to people!"

Bob, of course, has been striking up conversations non-stop ever since.

Bob established biz2biz connections in 2008 to fulfill his vision of mentoring others to build relationships, to go the extra mile, and to give back to the communities in which we work. Bob's a fervent supporter of local charities and provides multiple opportunities each year for his fellow business partners to connect with worthy service organizations.

"True joy," says Bob, "is putting people together."

If you've yet to meet Bob, and to experience his generous entrepreneurial spirit, take in a biz2biz connections networking coffee. Bob's eager to get to know you, and to learn what he can do to help your business thrive.