EP #157 Faith And Business Create Real Community In Fredericksburg

Most networking feels like a fast trade of names and job titles, then everyone disappears. We wanted something better, so we brought on Shari Courtney from Be The Bean to talk about how she’s building a Fredericksburg community where faith and business don’t compete, they strengthen each other. If you’ve been looking for genuine connection, leadership encouragement, and a place to belong, Shari lays out a simple, repeatable model that makes it easier to show up as your full self.We walk through what actually happens at Be The Bean gatherings: warm introductions, an encouraging mini message that can include scripture, speed networking that goes beyond surface-level prompts, and quiet personal reflection that helps ideas land. Shari also shares why the group is intentionally open to everyone. You don’t need to own a business, and you don’t need to fit into a religious box to participate. The aim is a welcoming room where neighbors can build trust, talk about purpose, and support each other through the real pressures of work and life.Shari traces the name back to John Gordon’s book The Coffee Bean and the leadership lesson behind it: when things heat up, you can soften, harden, or change the environment around you. We also talk about Be The Bean’s growth in Fredericksburg, including meeting locations at Rain downtown and Watercrest, plus a new monthly afternoon option called Second Cup with guest speakers. If you’re searching for a Fredericksburg VA networking group with a deeper focus on community, leadership, and personal growth, this conversation will give you clear next steps.Subscribe for more local stories, share this with a friend who needs community, and leave a review if the message resonates. What would it look like for you to “be the bean” where you live and work?Shari CourtneyBe the [email protected]