North Star Networking Referral Team

North Star Networking Referral Team Our Mission is to grow each others business by promoting meaningful relationships and quality referrals.

This week at North Star Networking, we got a show from one of our favorite storytellers, Jim Granunke from Stop Go Studi...
06/11/2026

This week at North Star Networking, we got a show from one of our favorite storytellers, Jim Granunke from Stop Go Studio.

Jim brought the movie theater to us, complete with popcorn for the full experience. He shared stories about traveling to different cities, taking his Mini Cooper out for a spin, and a few very entertaining fictional encounters with celebrities.

Jim never fails to tell a great story and make the room laugh, and that talent connects directly to the incredible work he helps create at Stop Go Studio.

Stop Go Studio helps businesses tell their story through branding videos, commercials, testimonials, and other strategic video content. With experience in television, film, and video production, they know how to turn a message into something people actually want to watch. They are creative, collaborative, thoughtful, and genuinely invested in helping local businesses show up well.

Thank you, Jim, for reminding us what a great story can do. That’s the power of video. If your business has a story worth sharing, Stop Go Studio is a great team to help bring it to life.

Members of our group volunteering with United Way of Central Minnesota at the Kick Summer Hunger event!
06/05/2026

Members of our group volunteering with United Way of Central Minnesota at the Kick Summer Hunger event!

Outside of our weekly North Star Networking meetings, we also make time for monthly lunches at local restaurants around ...
05/27/2026

Outside of our weekly North Star Networking meetings, we also make time for monthly lunches at local restaurants around the area.

It’s a chance to support fellow small businesses, build stronger relationships, and get to know each other beyond the 60-second commercials and referrals.

Good food, good conversations, and a room full of people genuinely cheering each other on. That’s the kind of networking that matters. 😃

This week at North Star Networking, we heard from Eileen Theisen with Envision Capital Mortgage Lending! Eileen shared i...
05/21/2026

This week at North Star Networking, we heard from Eileen Theisen with Envision Capital Mortgage Lending!

Eileen shared insight into today’s mortgage market, what buyers are experiencing this spring, and why having the right lender matters more than ever. One of the biggest takeaways was that mortgage lending is not one-size-fits-all. Eileen works to intelligently shop loan options and help clients find solutions that fit their specific goals and financial situations.

Whether someone is purchasing their first home, upgrading, refinancing, or simply exploring their options, having a knowledgeable guide through the process can make all the difference. 🏠

Thank you, Eileen, for an informative presentation and for helping educate our group on today’s ever-changing housing and lending market!

This week at North Star Networking, our president, David Vee led an engaging and valuable presentation focused on improv...
05/14/2026

This week at North Star Networking, our president, David Vee led an engaging and valuable presentation focused on improving both 60-second commercials and 10-minute presentations within the group.

Strong communication is one of the most important parts of networking, and this week’s presentation gave members practical tools to become clearer, more intentional, and more effective when presenting their businesses.

For the 60-second commercial, the recommended structure included:
• Intro
• Body
• Ask
• Tagline/Closing

The discussion emphasized the importance of making sure fellow members understand not only what a business does, but also how to identify strong referrals and opportunities for that business.

David also covered key elements of an effective 10-minute presentation, including:
• Clearly explaining what you do
• Teaching members how to refer you
• Using less text on slides
• Making sure the presentation has purpose

The presentation was a great reminder that effective presentations are not about overloading people with information. Clear messaging, intentional structure, and meaningful connection make the biggest impact.

A big thank you to David V. for taking the time to help strengthen our members' communication and presentation skills. Growth like this helps make North Star Networking a stronger referral group and a stronger business community overall.

Thank you, David!

This week at North Star Networking, we learned more about Elevation Construction and the work Derick Hall is doing right...
05/07/2026

This week at North Star Networking, we learned more about Elevation Construction and the work Derick Hall is doing right here in Central Minnesota.

Elevation Construction specializes in additions, remodels, decks, exterior buildings, garages, and post-frame construction, with a strong focus on quality craftsmanship, communication, and treating clients like family. But one of the exciting updates Derick shared is that Elevation Construction is now also offering full new home construction services. 🏡

From transforming existing spaces to helping families build their dream home from the ground up, Derick’s passion for construction and helping people really shines through in the work his company does.

If you’re planning a remodel, addition, new deck, exterior building, or even a brand-new home build, be sure to connect with Derek Hall and Elevation Construction. Great things are happening over there! 🔨

Another great Tuesday meeting with North Star Networking!This week, we had the opportunity to hear from Dan Schepers of ...
05/01/2026

Another great Tuesday meeting with North Star Networking!

This week, we had the opportunity to hear from Dan Schepers of Lamar Outdoor Advertising, who shared some really valuable insights into the power of billboard advertising.

Something that he pointed out was that people can skip radio ads, fast-forward through TV commercials, and scroll right past digital ads… but you can’t skip a billboard when you drive by it. It’s there, whether you’re actively paying attention or not. That kind of visibility is powerful.

Dan also talked about how billboards work alongside your other marketing efforts. It’s not either/or. It’s about creating multiple touchpoints so people see you in different places and start to recognize and trust your brand over time.

If you’re looking to get your business seen and stay top-of-mind in your community, reach out to Dan for your outdoor advertising needs. He’s a great resource to have in your corner!

Another great North Star Networking lunch in the books 🙌One of the best parts of this group is that it doesn’t stop at o...
04/24/2026

Another great North Star Networking lunch in the books 🙌

One of the best parts of this group is that it doesn’t stop at our weekly meetings. We make time to get together outside of that too, whether it’s for lunch, coffee, or just connecting in a more relaxed setting. These monthly lunches are such a great way to actually slow down, have real conversations, and get to know each other beyond the quick updates and handshakes.

And let’s be honest… this is where a lot of the real relationships are built. Sitting around a table, sharing stories, talking business, and finding ways to support each other in a genuine way.

We also love supporting our local businesses while we do it, which makes it even better. Good food, good people, and a room full of connections that actually mean something.

If you’ve been thinking about checking out North Star Networking, this is a perfect example of what we’re all about!

We had an incredible turnout for Visitor Day this week 🙌Seriously… the room was full, the energy was high, and there wer...
04/22/2026

We had an incredible turnout for Visitor Day this week 🙌

Seriously… the room was full, the energy was high, and there were so many new connections being made. Conversations were happening everywhere you turned, people meeting for the first time, exchanging ideas, sharing what they do, and already finding ways to support each other. That’s the kind of networking that actually matters.

It wasn’t just “show up and pass business cards.” It was real conversations, real relationships starting, and a whole lot of momentum being built in one room.

Huge thank you to everyone who came out and made it such a great morning. You made it what it was.

And the best part? You don’t have to wait for Visitor Day to experience it. We welcome visitors anytime.

If you’re looking to grow your network, meet solid people, and be part of something that actually feels genuine, come check us out. Message the page or reach out to one of our members, we’d love to have you join us!

⭐ Tomorrow’s the Day: North Star Networking Visitor Day ⭐Looking to meet new people and make some genuine connections? T...
04/20/2026

⭐ Tomorrow’s the Day: North Star Networking Visitor Day ⭐

Looking to meet new people and make some genuine connections? This is your chance!

Join us tomorrow, April 21st, from 8:30–10:00 a.m. at the Stearns History Museum.

No pressure. No need to prepare anything. Just show up, grab some coffee, and connect with other local professionals.

Whether you’re a business owner, part of a team, or just looking to expand your circle, you’re welcome here.

If you’re thinking about coming, reach out to a North Star Networking member or send us a message here on the page. We’d love to have you join us!

Come check it out!

Address

Stearns History Museum, 235 South 33rd Avenue S
Saint Cloud, MN
56301

Opening Hours

8:30am - 10am

Website

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