The median age in Southlake is 42, according to the U.S. Census. When you factor out school-aged children, you're left with a fairly small sample size of people under 40. Rachel Porter, a native to Southlake, recognized that there was no outlet in town specifically for people her age to network and connect. A fairly recent graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Porter decided to take action. This summer, with the help of the Southlake Chamber of Commerce, she launched the Southlake Young Professionals Group. They have been meeting every month and invite anyone under the age of 39 to come join the fun.
I HAVE LIVED IN SOUTHLAKE … for as long as I can remember! My parents moved here over 20 years ago, when Town Square was still home to cows and horses.
I STARTED WORKING FOR RED DIAMOND HOME LOANS… after experiences in a variety of jobs and internships through high school and college. My dad, Mike Porter, started Red Diamond Home Loans in 2015. I was heavily recruited by my sister, Kelsey, and just couldn't say no!
AN AVERAGE DAY OF WORK IS… hopefully very busy! I spend a great deal of time on the phone with clients and Real Estate agents ensuring all the loans in progress are moving smoothly. I also strive to do networking events, office visits and one-on-one meetings to constantly be expanding my network.
I BEGAN ATTENDING NETWORKING EVENTS… around Southlake in early 2018 and met some great young professionals at Southlake Chamber of Commerce events. My parents, Mike and Mary, were both members of the Southlake Chamber, which is how I originally became involved. I met some great young professionals at events such as the Southlake Relationship Networking Group led by Ryan Peabody, the Monthly Luncheons and ribbon cuttings for local businesses. From these experiences, I knew we had plenty of great individuals to get involved!
THE IDEA TO START SOUTHLAKE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS … came from Peggy Martin, a local area realtor and family friend. I was at a happy hour event Peggy hosted when she introduced me to her son, Ross Martin, 23, and friend, Haley Fuller, 23. Peggy suggested we speak to the Southlake Chamber of Commerce about organizing a group of young professionals to connect with others and increase our involvement in the area. We collaborated with the Southlake Chamber of Commerce, and the rest is history!
IT HAS BEEN … amazing! We are so lucky to have the support of the Southlake Chamber of Commerce and the entire community. The kick-off event was a huge success, with over 50 attendees. Ever since, we have been developing the group and ensuring we add value for all young professionals in the area at our events.
THE MAIN EVENT IS CURRENTLY… our monthly happy hour, which occurs the second Friday of every month from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Here, young professionals in the area get to network and mingle with like-minded individuals. This is a great place to make both personal and professional connections, as well as find opportunities to get involved in the community.
THE GROUP'S AGE CAP IS 39 BECAUSE… we followed suit of similar young professional organizations in DFW. This age allows for a variety of participants, while maintaining a focus on the connection and development of the younger generation.
I THINK IT IS SO IMPORTANT… for young professionals to connect and support each other. Whether we are generating business referrals, networking for career opportunities, or simply making new friends, this is a special place for us to connect with like-minded individuals. We also have a widely diverse group of industries represented, which allows us to expand our network in ways we may not be able to without this group.
WHEN I'M NOT AT WORK, I'M… riding horses! I showed hunter/jumper horses all over the country throughout high school and professionally before beginning my career in mortgage banking. Riding is my passion, and I am at the barn any chance I get. In high school, I traveled across the country showing at nationally recognized hunter/jumper horse shows. I qualified and competed at ASPCA Maclay Finals and USEF Medal Finals, two of the highest-level equitation competitions in the nation. Now, I limit my riding to the weekends and work very hard during the week to be able to do so. It will always be my passion, and I am so lucky to continue to ride today!