The North Jersey Networking Collective
Join us for a casual, warm, and high-value evening designed for BUSINESS OWNERS, ENTREPRENEURS, FOUNDERS, and LEADERS.
May 14, 2026 | 6PM | GLEN RIDGE, NJ
The Details
We’ve all been to those stiff, high-pressure mixers where you leave with a stack of cards you’ll never look at. We’re doing things differently.
Thursday, July 30, 2026
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Fitzgerald's 1928 (Sidecar)
13 Herman StreetGlen Ridge, NJ 07028 (map)
Join us for a casual, warm, and high-value evening designed for the hustle of North Jersey business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders. No stiff suits required—just real conversations and strategic connections.
This Month’s Expert Insight
No keynotes. No dry lectures. Just real talk with local leaders about the wins, the hurdles, and what it actually takes to grow a business in North Jersey.
Stephen Ziegler | Founder, Backyard Cinemas.
Stephen is the visionary founder behind Backyard Cinemas, a premier event service dedicated to turning ordinary backyards, community spaces, and local venues into spectacular, larger-than-life outdoor theaters. Driven by a passion for entertainment and community, Stephen started the business with a simple goal: to bring people together through the magic of shared entertainment.
We’re sitting down with him to discuss:
Overcoming the "comfort trap" of a corporate paycheck.
Leveraging community to build your business confidence.
Practical takeaways on growth, resilience, and scaling a service business.
Meet Stephen: Stick around after the chat to ask questions and learn how to make your next big event a absolute blockbuster.
Connect | Collaborate | Succeed |
Connect | Collaborate | Succeed |
Meet Your Hosts
We’re "Community Curators," not gatekeepers. We’ll make sure you’re introduced to the right people.
Kimberly Amici | Founder of Amici Creative
Website Design and Brand Strategy
Douglas Steele | Owner & Managing Director - Supporting Strategies
Accounting for Small Business
A special thanks to our venue host: Fitzgerald's 1928 | Glen Ridge, NJ
What to Expect
You’re busy building your business. You don’t have time for forced elevator pitches or rooms full of people just trying to sell you something.
Networking shouldn’t feel like a chore. Here is how we’re doing things differently.
Small Bites of High-Level Content: No long, boring speeches. Just actionable insights from experts.
Warm Atmosphere: We’ve traded high-pressure pitches for high-value hospitality. Our goal is to make the room feel like a gathering of colleagues rather than a room full of strangers.
Diverse Industries: From creative designers to legal partners and financial experts.
Join us for a casual, warm, and high-value evening designed for the hustle of North Jersey business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders. No stiff suits required—just real conversations and strategic connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
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To find us, look for the entrance located to the left of the restaurant as you face the building. Go through the small parking lot toward the back to reach The Sidecar. We’ll have a sign posted to guide you in, but don’t worry if you end up at the main entrance, the restaurant host or hostess will be happy to point you in the right direction.
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We keep it "Casual." Whether you’re coming straight from a client meeting or a home office, come as you are, professional, yet relaxed.
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We recommend arriving 10 to 15 minutes early to give yourself ample time to find a spot. Street parking is available on Herman Street and Ridgewood Avenue; if you park on Ridgewood, you can take a quick stroll through the lighted alleyway next to the library. There are also a handful of spaces in the parking lot directly across the street, though we ask that you please avoid any slots labeled "Permit Parking Only."
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Because we curate the food and space based on headcounts, tickets are non-refundable. However, they are fully transferable—if you can’t make it, feel free to pass your spot to a fellow business owner!
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Not at all. We are "Community Curators," not sales reps. While we encourage sharing what you do, the goal is building real relationships and learning from our featured guest, not handing out stacks of flyers.
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Just your phone or a few business cards for the connections you’ll make. We’ll provide the environment, the expert insights, and the crowd, you just bring the conversation.