Buying Local Podcast · February 13, 2026 · 53 min
The Power of Structured Networking: Gold Star Referral Clubs | Buying Local #64
In this episode of Buying Local, Mike and Matthew sit down with Bob Fitch, Chris Leuzinger, and Shawn Moodie to break down how Gold Star Referral Clubs helps business owners grow through structured networking, relationship-building, and consistent referrals. They explain what makes their group different, how meetings are run, and why trust-based connections often outperform traditional advertising. To learn more about them and Gold Star Referral Clubs, visit goldstarreferralclubs.com . 0:00 Introduction and the topic of Gold Star networking 1:05 Guest introductions (Bob Fitch, Chris Leuzinger, Shawn Moodie) 2:10 Chris explains what Nourishing Minds Tutoring does 3:00 Shawn talks about entrepreneurship and being a credit consultant 4:00 Shawn explains what Gold Star Referral Clubs is 5:20 Breakdown of the weekly meeting structure 6:15 Comparing Gold Star to other networking groups 7:55 “Structured, but still fun” networking environment 8:35 Bob compares networking to “dating” and finding the right fit 10:05 Gold Star is becoming more like a business family/community 12:45 Chris talks about expanding Gold Star into Glens Falls/Queensbury 13:50 Matt shares the “younger perspective” on networking 16:00 Introduction of “cross-clubbing” (visiting other chapters) 16:50 Chris explains how cross-clubbing expands opportunity fast 18:05 Shawn explains the “abundance mindset” and category flexibility 20:20 ROI discussion: how referrals outweigh membership cost 30:35 Real-life example: networking = connecting people who need help 34:55 Mike explains leveraging networks to reach ideal clients 36:55 Best practices: one-on-ones and building trust faster 42:05 Staying “top of mind” and why consistency matters long-term 52:25 Closing thoughts and where to find Gold Star