BNI Kitsap Business Leaders - Port Orchard, 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. Mike Kennedy 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

Every strong chapter has professionals people know they can trust. We're fortunate to have Nicholas Zakaria and Khiama Boys as part of ours.

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

Thinking about visiting our chapter? Make sure you introduce yourself to Joe Higbee. Here's why.

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.

11/05/2025

Come listen to our very own Cody Manning with NEXA Lending.

He will be talking about investors in real estate. Specifically how DSCR loans work and how they can help build an investor’s portfolio. Excited to share!

🗓️: Wednesday - November 5th
⏰: 3:30-5:00
📍 Wh***ey Gulch, Port Orchard

Can’t make it but want to chat with Cody about mortgage stuff? Here’s his contact info:

📧: [email protected]
📱: 253-279-3626

10/22/2025

BNI - Halloween edition. Who wore it best?!

04/09/2025

Attention Kitsap Leaders! Take the next step in expanding your professional network and discovering new opportunities. Join us for a transformative event designed to empower, connect, and inspire.

When: Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 3:30 PM
Where: Wh***ey Gulch, Second Floor,
2065 Bay St, Port Orchard, WA 98366

Host: Tish VanRavenhorst, BNI Chapter Director Consultant

Strengthen your connections and cultivate success—don’t miss this chance to elevate your career and community impact!

04/01/2025

Attention Kitsap Business Leaders!

Take charge of your networking strategy and build connections that matter. Join us for Maximizing Your Networking Strategy: Set Goals, Track ROI, and Build Meaningful Connections.

When: Tuesday, April 2, 3:30 PM
Where: Wh***ey Gulch, Second Floor, 2065 Bay St, Port Orchard, WA 98366
Host: Karalena Smith, Briarwood Financial

Make networking work for you—don’t miss out!

03/25/2025

Berry Lake Home Services: 🏠 Discover the secrets to flawless roofing and gutter systems with Brad Ringstmeier of Berry Lake Home Services.

This session covers essential construction tips, innovative solutions, and a Q&A to tackle your home improvement challenges.

📅 Date: Tuesday, March 26 🕒 Time: 3:30 PM 📍 Location: Wh***ey Gulch – Second Floor, 2065 Bay St, Port Orchard, WA 98366

Join us to learn expert techniques, connect with like-minded professionals, and elevate your home's durability and style!

03/19/2025

Engineered Appraisals: Unlocking Property Value 🏡

Discover how to maximize your property's value with Kalanit Lagbas-Parks of Engineered Appraisals. This session includes expert strategies, a real-world case study of the appraisal process, and a Q&A to address your questions.

📅 Date: Wednesday, March 19
🕒 Time: 3:30 PM
📍 Location: Wh***ey Gulch – Second Floor, 2065 Bay St, Port Orchard, WA 98366

Join us to gain insights, connect with professionals, and unlock your property's potential!