“Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back, welcome back…” -John Sebastian
While I personally have never seen Welcome back, Kotter I can certainly appreciate the sweet, wistful, and playfully nostalgic tune that became the #1 pop single in May of 1976. We might as well have this playing in our heads as majority of membership entered those doors once again on June 3, 2021; a mere 64 weeks after our last fully in person meeting on March 12, 2020.
So, what did we do? We never stopped showing up week after week after week via Zoom. We worked in 3 hybrid meetings around November as an attempt to offer a variety of platforms. However, after reviewing the numbers, surveying membership in terms of their comfort level and taking membership dollars into account we knew the timing was simply not right. We decided then and there that when majority of membership was ready to return in person, we would do so and take every action necessary with setup to help make them feel comfortable. We set a projected date of first week in June, made everyone aware and just so happens state regulations eased up the week before. We had over 65 people join us in person and a handful on zoom week 1. The numbers have continued to increase week after week and we could not be more proud of our members individually and the chapter as a whole.
Fun facts about our Chapter…
What was the chapter like when it was created?
LeTip of Freehold, NJ was started 22 years ago at a Coldwell Banker off Rt 9. The founding 4 members consisted of a realtor, a mortgage broker, Linda Detore (Home & Property Inspector) and Lee Lederman (Real Estate Attorney). Linda and Lee are incredible members and are still with us today!
What makes our chapter different?
Initially, everyone notes our size. We have managed to remain over 100 strong throughout the pandemic and naturally there is a lot of power in numbers. We also have a 6 tip expectation monthly, which increased over the years given the amount of categories. However, even more special than our size is the culture, community and family that has been cultivated over time. We not only refer business back and forth and work effectively with our power partners… we check up on each other just like you would your parents, children, siblings, best friends, and neighbors. When one member is going through something we rally together, and the support is truly priceless. We have laughed together, cried together, prayed together, and celebrated together. I truly believe this is a major part of why most people stay through the years.
One of our most unusual categories?
Real Estate Education
Current open categories: (Send them our way!)
Auto leasing, Auto Detailing, Barber, Business Coach, Car Wash, Dermatologist, Digital Outdoor Advertising, Direct Mail Advertising, Catering/Meal Prep, Cleaning-Residential, Custom Woodworker, Dance Studio, Daycare Dog Groomer, Dog Walker, Limousine Company, Locksmith, Gold Buyer, Gym (Studio/Personal Trainer), Pediatrician, Preschool, Retail Stores (Men’s/Women’s Fashions), Social Worker, Sprinkler Systems, Tree Services, Videographer
LoraLee Cangialosi
Proud President, LeTip of Freehold, NJ
(Health & Nutrition)
www.freeholdletip.com
