BNI Olympic Business Exchange - Silverdale, USA

08/18/2026

Having a great insurance agent in your network is about so much more than knowing who to call for a quote. Farmers Insurance - Steven Barela Agency is the person our members get to know, trust, and feel good about introducing to the people in their lives. We're fortunate to have them in this chapter.

Why Every Business Should Know a Great Property & Casualty Insurance Agent

Most people think property & casualty insurance agents sell insurance.

The best ones do so much more.

They're often one of the first calls people make when life changes.

Buying a home.
Moving into a new apartment.
Purchasing a car, boat, RV, or motorcycle.
Adding a teen driver.

Protecting the things that matter most.

But they're also the person you call after a car accident.

When a tree crashes through your roof.
When your basement floods.
When something unexpected turns your world upside down.

A great property & casualty insurance agent celebrates life's milestones with you, but they're also there to guide you through life's setbacks. They answer the phone, explain what happens next, advocate for you, and help you navigate moments that can feel overwhelming.

Those conversations often lead to questions that have nothing to do with insurance.

"Do you know a good contractor?"

"Can you recommend a restoration company?"

"Who's a trustworthy roofer?"

"Do you know a good financial advisor?"

"I need an electrician...a plumber...someone I can trust..."

A great property & casualty insurance agent doesn't just provide coverage. They provide confidence, guidance, and trusted relationships when people need them most.

That's why they're one of the most valuable relationships a business owner can have.

At BNI, you'll meet professionals like this every week, people who build their businesses by building trust, serving others, and connecting clients with the right people at the right time.

Ready to build a stronger business network? Visit www.bnipnw.com and ask Higgins, our AI assistant, to help you find the chapter that's the best fit for your business. Prefer to talk with someone directly? Reach out to Micki at [email protected]. I'd be happy to help.

08/10/2026

Great relationships start with great people. If you're looking to connect with professionals like Ariel Zufelt, come visit us and see what our chapter is all about.

Why Every Business Should Know a Great Mortgage Lender

Many think mortgage lenders help people finance a home. The best ones do so much more.

They're often one of the first professionals someone turns to before making one of the biggest financial decisions of their life. Whether it's buying a first home, upgrading for a growing family, refinancing, purchasing an investment property, or rebuilding after a financial setback, great mortgage lenders help people understand what's possible.

Those conversations often lead to questions that have nothing to do with financing.

"Do you know a good real estate agent?"

"Can you recommend a financial advisor?"

"Who do you trust for homeowners insurance?"

"Do you know a good contractor...estate planning attorney...a CPA...a banker...?"

A great mortgage lender doesn't just help people secure a loan. They help people build the right team to move forward with confidence.

That's why they're one of the most valuable connections a business owner can have.

At BNI, you'll meet professionals like this every week. People who build their businesses by building trust, serving others, and connecting clients with the right people at the right time.

Ready to build a stronger business network? Visit www.bnipnw.com and ask Higgins, our AI assistant, to help you find the chapter that's the best fit for your business. Prefer to talk with someone directly? Reach out to Micki at [email protected].

07/29/2026

Strong chapters are built by strong professionals. Tara Criner Scouten is one of the reasons our chapter is so valuable. She's given over 200 referrals that have resulted in more than $1.3 million.

Why Every Business Should Know a Great Real Estate Agent

Most people think real estate agents help people buy and sell homes.

The best ones do so much more.

They're invited into some of life's biggest transitions—buying a first home, growing a family, relocating for a new career, downsizing after retirement, navigating divorce, caring for aging parents, or helping settle the estate of a loved one.

Those moments often come with questions that have nothing to do with real estate.

"Do you know a good financial advisor?"

"Can you recommend a contractor?"

"Who's a trustworthy insurance agent?"

"Do you know an estate planning attorney?"

"I need a painter...a mover...an electrician..."

A great real estate agent isn't just opening doors to homes. They're opening doors to trusted relationships.

That's why they're one of the most valuable connections a business owner can have.

At BNI, you'll meet professionals like this every week—people who build their businesses by building trust, serving others, and connecting clients with the right people at the right time.

Ready to meet professionals like these? Visit BNI Pacific Northwest at www.bnipnw.com and ask Higgins, our AI assistant, to help you find the chapter that's the best fit for your business. If you'd rather talk with a real person, call or email Micki at 360.649.6589 or [email protected]. I'd be happy to help.

07/03/2026

As we head into the Fourth of July weekend, I've been thinking about how many people it takes to help a business succeed.

Clients who choose to work with us. Referral partners who recommend us. Friends and family who encourage us when things get tough. Employees, contractors, mentors, advisors, and fellow business owners who share ideas, support, and sometimes a much needed reality check.

Running a business can feel like a very individual journey, but hte truth is that none of us gets very far alone.

This week, I'm especially grateful for the poeple who continue to invest in one another, support local businesses, and help create stronger communities through the relationships they build every day.

I'm also grateful for those whose service, and contributions helped make those communities possible in the first place.

I hope you have a wonderful Fourth of July and a have a chance to spend time with the people who matter most.

Happy Independence Day from BNI Pacific Northwest.

07/02/2026

Every renewal tells a story. It's a business owner choosing to continue investing in relationships, choosing to keep showing up for fellow members, and choosing to keep building a business through trust, referrals, and community.

We're proud to recognize 9 professionals who renewed their BNI memberships in June.

Together, they represent more than 71 years of commitment to BNI. That's more than seven decades building relationships, supporting one another, and helping businesses grow. And, we're excited to celebrate Heather Halliday who's just getting started with her first renewal!

Please join us in congratulating:
✨Nicky Bruce - # Virtual Community Connectors
✨Tom Kulhman - Capital Business Referrals
✨Michele Doyle - Olympic Business Exchange
✨Noah Anacker - Peninsula Business Partners
✨Maria Merrick - Peninsula Business Partners
✨Steve Dilley - South Sound Business Promoters
✨Steve Franklin - Success by Referrals
✨Duncan Sinclair - Success by Referrals
✨Heather Halliday - Waterfront Professionals

If you are looking for a trusted professional in one of the industries represented here, we encourage you to connect with them. These business owners have made a long-term commitment to serving clients and supporting their local business community.

And, if you've ever wondered why so many professionals continue renewing year after year....

Come visit a BNI chapter and experience it for yourself.

www.bnipnw.com

06/23/2026

Delay Success or Accelerate Failure is BNI Podcast #965.

Networking is a marathon, not a sprint.

One of the biggest reasons people become frustrated with networking is that they expect results too quickly.

Strong referral relationships take time.

Trust takes time.

Credibility takes time.

This message from Dr. Ivan Misner is a great reminder that meaningful business relationships are built over months and years, not days and weeks.

Watch the Reel:

01/08/2025

Today, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first meeting of the first chapter of BNI.

06/19/2024

We're so excited to have Matthew Barrett Solar King of Kitsap as our feature presenter tomorrow! We invite you to join our virtual networking group to hear Matthew speak about Solar Services, have an opportunity to share about your business, and connect with business leaders in Kitsap County!
Register online or Comment below for an invite!

06/12/2024

We are honored to have Larry Kalahiki as our featured speaker tomorrow morning! Be sure to register today so you can be a guest at this virtual networking group!

Larry is the trusted insurance agent at Larry Kalahiki Insurance and Financial Services Agency and holds the "Business Insurance" seat! Go show his business page some love and check out his website for more information: https://agents.farmers.com/wa/gig-harbor/lawrence-kalahiki/

You won't want to miss this!

Be our guest at this networking group of business professionals located here in Kitsap County. Have a moment to share about your business and hear from other leaders in the area. Make new connections and expand your network.

See you there!

06/05/2024

Come join us Tomorrow Morning June 6th at Maynards in Silverdale for a networking meeting of local business leaders!

You can register online: https://bnipnw.com/en-US/index

We're delighted to have Mieke Anderson from B&B Auto Repair and Sales as our Featured Speaker! Be sure to go check out their page and give this local and family run business your support!

Hope to see you there!