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Pat Moreggi: Building Connections through Networking

Pat Moreggi has spent nearly 20 years as a realtor and throughout that time she’s tried many ways to get her name out. In 2011, she heard about Business Networking International (BNI) and decided to look into creating a group in North Haven.

“I started researching BNI and people had said it wouldn’t work in North Haven, but having lived here all my life, I didn’t understand why it couldn’t,” says Pat.

Pat met with a BNI director and began doing the legwork required to set up the group. The North Haven chapter was chartered in 2012 and has since grown to 20 members. At the onset, Pat was nominated to be president, a position she held for two years.

“I love that we’re supporting people and businesses in North Haven,” says Pat. “It’s a fun group and we love to have visitors. It’s interesting to see what businesses are out there and be able to support each other.”

According to BNI.com, BNI’s mission is “to help members increase their business through a structured, positive, and professional ‘word-of-mouth’ program that enables them to develop long-term, meaningful relationships with quality business professionals.”

The North Haven group meets weekly on Tuesday mornings and begins with time to socialize before the business section of the meeting. At each meeting, every member gets one minute to talk about his or her needs that week.

“Each member introduces themselves with who they are and what they do, and give an elevator commercial of what would be a good lead for them that week,” says Pat. “Then we rotate a featured member who speaks for 10 minutes before closing with referrals.”

Pat became a realtor in 1984 and worked through 1991 when she gave up her license to raise her two daughters. She and her husband Dominic flipped several properties during that time. After her daughters were grown, she returned to real estate in 2004 at Beazley, which transitioned to Prudential CT Realty before becoming Berkshire Hathaway.

“I hit the ground running when I came back,” says Pam. “I really like helping people, seeing them in their own environment, and listening to what their needs are, whether they’re dealing with illness, divorce, a growing family, or downsizing. I try to immerse myself in what their needs are and their situation and do my very best by them.”

Having lived in North Haven her whole life, Pam is very familiar with the town and the people in it. Her husband’s family is from the area and she has formed many strong friendships over the years.

“I’ve been working here for so long, selling houses to people and then selling houses to their children. It’s fascinating and makes me feel like part of community,” says Pam.

Working with the BNI group over the past few years has further deepened those connections as the members of the group are all committed to attending the weekly meetings. If group members cannot make a meeting, they are required to send a substitute to the meeting.

In addition to the weekly meetings, many group members get together for recreational activities as well, golfing or participating in golf tournaments together or discussing business over coffee. The group also hosts get-togethers and just held a party with their families at a member’s home. There is also a holiday party in the winter.

“I have forged so many friendship through this group,” says Pat. “It’s just wonderful and it’s fun. There are people in the group I never would’ve gotten this close to just being a realtor so that’s rewarding to me.”

With meetings held every Tuesday morning, Pat encourages those interested to stop into a meeting as a visitor. People are permitted to come twice as a visitor before applying to join.

“Come on down and have a cup of coffee with us and see what it’s all about,” says Pat, who also noted visitors should bring business cards. “It’s a fun and very friendly group.”

The North Haven Sachem BNI Group meets every Tuesday at 7:15 a.m. at Best Western. The business networking group is seeking new members; walk-ins are welcome. Meetings include a free breakfast. For information, contact Pat at 203-239-4663 ext. 116.