Video: Locals Make Connections Through Monthly Breakfast Club

It was hard to say what was more popular at Friday's Chapin Hill Advisors Breakfast Club meeting—the chocolate chip pecan muffins or the morning biscuit pizza.

"I have to tell people I have a day job as an investment advisor—that I'm really not a caterer," quipped Kathy Boyle, president of Chapin Hill Advisors, an investment advisory firm based in Manhattan, as she put the early arrivers to work setting out labels for an array of dishes while she frosted the last of the unadorned muffins.

The financial advisor and gourmet cook combined her talents to bring people together for a meal, conversation and networking at Bedford Hills Lighting & Home. Alternating locations each month, she has showcased approximately 10 local businesses a year since 2006, bringing potential new customers to the host location and sparking relationships both among symbiotic and disparate businesses.

"All types of connections have been made from folks being hired, lawyers drafting wills for people to a pair of dog sitters getting engaged," said Boyle. "I've seen a hair salon and masseuse teamed up to do a day of beauty and a limo gain several new customers. I have made wonderful connections, too."

Boyle, a Bedford resident, started the monthly gatherings in 2006 with 13 people, hosted in her satellite Katonah office, which was moved to Bedford in 2008 before being closed a year later. Since Boyle closed her Westchester offices she began rotating locations and this year added a non-profit sponsorship component.

She has a natural gift for gab—evidenced in her frequent television appearances as a finance expert on such shows as CNBC and Fox News—but never takes center stage as she introduces people, mentioning common connections within a group to get a conversation started.

She said a small amount of money is raised through each breakfast, along with visibility for the non-profit and the number of potential volunteers. Mike Keane of in Bedford Hills offered to service the van for a local resident who was disabled, and that's just one of many examples, she said.

Feburary's featured non-profit was Westchester Habitat for Humanity. Executive was on hand to let attendees know how to get involved,  through donating either time or money. [For more information, click here.]

Sharon Silverman, a psychotherapist who just started a new organization, A New Chance Animal Rescue, said she hoped to raise awareness of her new venture. "I'm hungry for help," she said.

Julie Vosler, designer and owner of the Katonah-based Interior Creations, said she had recently moved to the area and was excited for the chance to make new acquaintances.

Chris Nichols, owner of the host store, said for her, getting to know people where you work and live is what it was all about. "It's about getting people involved," she said.

For more highlights of the breakfast, check out the video posted with this story.

If you would like more information on how to join the next breakfast club meeting, email Boyle here.