Alec Rios saw a problem many young professionals face.

You can achieve everything you want and still end up alone in your penthouse.

Sound familiar?

In this episode, Alec shares how he built the Young Professionals Network in Austin.

It's not your typical networking group.

They combine Chamber of Commerce-style connections with real community building and nonprofit work.

Whether you're building a business or just trying to find your people in a new city, this conversation offers practical wisdom about doing both well.

00:00 Intro

00:31 Meet the Host & Guest: Alec Joins Reanimated Stories

01:23 What Is Young Professionals Network? Building Community in Austin

01:59 From Chamber of Commerce to Creative, High-Energy Events + Giving Back

03:45 Why Alec Started It: Moving to Austin, Finding the Need & the Elvis Lesson

06:36 Where YPN Is Headed: New Chapters, Bigger Events & Future Conferences

07:47 Who Shows Up: Entrepreneurs, Nonprofits & Monthly Volunteer Pop-Ups

09:49 Building the Team Like a Media Company: Roles, Content, Newsletter & Podcast

11:54 Inside the Events: Topgolf Origins, Vendors, Sponsorships & Going Bigger

14:58 Biggest Lessons Learned: Commitment, Follow-Through & Event Planning Reality

18:12 How to Connect + Who Should Join (Young in Spirit)

19:26 Outro

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Connect with Alec

Website: austinypn.com

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About Reanimated Stories: Hosted by Roger Jorns, I talk with awesome business leaders about their story and we explore how to reimagine work, life, and design.

Connect with Roger:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/roger-jorns

Website: reanimationdesign.com

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