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You Don’t Build A Business Alone

October 27, 2026 | 4:00 – 6:00 PM
South Piedmont Community College 
1851 South Piedmont Street | Monroe, NC
Free to attend | Registration required

No Successful Business Is Built in Isolation.

Behind every entrepreneur’s journey are people who opened doors, shared advice, made introductions, challenged an idea, became a customer, or simply showed up at the right time.

Join Ascend704 and the Union County Chamber of Commerce for an engaging conversation with local business owners about the relationships and connections that have helped shape their businesses.

This won’t be a conversation about networking for networking’s sake. Our panelists will share candid stories from their entrepreneurial journeys—the people they’ve leaned on, the partnerships that made a difference, lessons they’ve learned about asking for help, and how building the right network has influenced their growth.

Whether you’re building something new, growing an established business, or looking to become more connected to the local business community, you’ll leave with practical insights—and probably a few new connections of your own.

Come for the conversation. Stay for the connections.


Meet the Panelists

Headshot of Kelly McFadden

Kelly McFadden
PHR Solutions

Headshot of Ryan Leak

Ryan Leak
Omega In-Home Service

Headshot of Neil Shaw

Neil Shaw
Amada Senior Care

Headshot of Monica York

Monica York
Matriarch Solutions


What We’ll Talk About

There isn’t one roadmap for building a successful business, but there are lessons we can learn from the people who’ve traveled the road before us.

During this candid conversation, we’ll explore:

  • The people who made a difference — mentors, peers, customers and others who helped along the way.
  • Relationships that opened doors — and how those connections developed.
  • Learning to ask for help — recognizing when you don’t have to figure everything out yourself.
  • Finding the right resources — connecting with expertise and opportunities that move your business forward.
  • Giving back as you grow — strengthening the entrepreneurial community for those coming behind you.

And because this event is about connections, we’ll leave time for you to make some of your own.


In Partnership With
         
                              

Panelists