Skip to content

The Network

  • SGForum
  • Calendar
  • Sign In
  • Contact
  • Twitter icon
  • Facebook icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Membership
    • Membership Benefits
    • Membership Sign-Up
    • Membership Directory
    • Sign In
  • Get Involved
    • SGForum
    • Calendar
    • Network Task Forces
    • Volunteer Opportunities
    • Local Board Openings
  • News
  • About
    • Leadership Council
  • Our Community
  • Membership
    • Membership Overview
    • Membership Benefits
    • Membership Sign-Up
    • Membership Directory
    • Sign In
  • Get Involved
    • Get Involved Overview
    • SGForum
    • Calendar
    • Network Task Forces
    • Volunteer Opportunities
    • Local Board Openings
  • News
  • About
    • About Overview
    • Leadership Council
  • Our Community
  • SGForum
  • Calendar
  • Sign In
  • Contact
  • Twitter icon
  • Facebook icon
  • Instagram icon

News

Former Network leader encourages community engagement
Mar 13Mar 13 //

Former Network leader encourages community engagement

On March 7, The Network for Springfield Young Professionals hosted its first CEO Series event of 2023, featuring Brad Erwin, president of Paragon Architecture.

Interviewed by The Network Leadership Council Chair Bryant Young, Erwin described his journey to becoming a business owner and community advocate. Although he never intended to call Springfield home long-term after moving here from Chicago, he found opportunities that gave him a reason to stay.  Erwin explained, “Realistically, The Network and Leadership Springfield are the reason why I stayed in Springfield and why Paragon Architecture exists. The exposure those programs offered provided me with the network and confidence to start my own business here.”

Erwin also shared how his volunteer service as The Network Leadership Council Chair in 2012 allowed him to learn about the collaborative nature of the Springfield community. “Our community allows you to be in the room because it really opens up to embracing YPs and giving them opportunities.” As evidence of this in his own industry, Paragon Architecture has been recognized as an “Emerging Professionals Friendly Firm” by the American Institute of Architects Central States Region.

When asked about one of the biggest lessons learned throughout his professional journey, Erwin encouraged YPs to “just show up – that’s where a lot of personal growth happens and where relationships are built.” In connection to his various volunteer leadership roles at the Chamber – including as a committee member, REACH volunteer, CLV participant, and more – Erwin challenged Network members to “Invite yourself to participate, don’t wait to be asked.”

In describing how young professionals can help move the needle for the future generations of the Springfield community, Erwin encouraged attendees to “Ignore the noise and don’t be fearful of the nay sayers.”

Erwin left young professionals with a challenge to shift their mindset. Recalling a moment when a former employer called to see if he would consider moving back to Chicago, Erwin realized he hadn’t given Springfield a fair chance. He decided to “stop residing in Springfield and start really living here” and encouraged Network members to do the same. He shared his own experience in embracing that idea: “I could see the potential for my life, my family and my business in Springfield and I knew I couldn’t leave without seeing it through.”

Post navigation

Previous: Preparing the next generation of community leaders

Categories

  • Access to Key Leaders
  • Civic Engagement
  • Community Engagement
  • Network News
  • Social/Networking
  • The Network Sponsors
  • Uncategorized

Archives

Share:

Twitter icon Facebook icon

Related posts

  • Preparing the next generation of community leaders

    Mar 9Mar 9 //

    Preparing the next generation of community leaders

  • March Spotlight: FosterAdopt Connect

    Mar 1Mar 1 //

    March Spotlight: FosterAdopt Connect

  • Past Network leaders reflect on impact of community involvement

    Nov 29Dec 1 //

    Past Network leaders reflect on impact of community involvement

Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce

202 S. John Q Hammons Parkway
Springfield, MO 65806

417-862-5567

Navigation

  • Membership
  • Get Involved
  • News
  • About
  • Our Community

Resources

  • Calendar
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
Interested in Joining?

Connect with Us

  • Twitter icon
  • Facebook icon
  • Instagram icon

2023 Presenting Sponsor

Old Missouri Bank
Interested in Joining?

© 2023 The Network