What People Say

Since 1988, ABA has been helping hundreds of its members become more connected with the business community and helping them grow personally and professionally while increasing their sales and improving their lives. Here are some selected testimonials from just a few of our members.

Member Testimonials

Ellen is an encouraging role model and exactly who I needed to meet during the start of my commercial real estate career. As a result of her guidance, I gained a sense of self-confidence in my abilities as an avid relationship builder. The most valuable part of my relationship with Ellen is knowing that I always have someone rooting for me. It’s incredibly reassuring to have someone who really cares and wants to help me succeed in my career and personal life.

The best part of being a proud member of American Business Associates is the fact that I have gained so many trustworthy supporters, a confidants, advocates and allies. In a world full of noise, Ellen emphasizes the advantage of being specific, not be afraid to let your guard down, be honest and open so that you build authentic long-term relationships. Her guidance has made networking fun and rewarding from a developmental perspective. I highly recommend Ellen and ABA to anyone who is new to their profession.

Hearing about the experiences, approaches, successes and failures of someone who has been in the field for 35 years is very important to my perception of what should be expected from networking for business development. I can say with full confidence that I could not have developed some of the most valuable relationships and friendships of my life without the help of ABA members and Ellen Volpe.

Thank you for the difference you’ve made in my, and so many other individuals’ lives.

– Gurpreet “Sonny” Singh – Sales Director @ Cushman & Wakefield

“More than just a place to give and get referrals, although that’s important, the group is a source of incredibly valuable business intelligence that helps me with both my prospecting and selling efforts. I can attribute as much as 70% (and no less than 40% in any given year) of my income directly to being in ABA. The members are like family to me, and I know I can count on them for help when I need it. One of the big differences is the facilitators, who have all been personally trained by ABA’s founder, Ellen Volpe. The facilitation team is intelligent, caring, inclusive and they know how to move a meeting along and make business happen for the members. I consider ABA to be a Business Development group…not just a referral group. The difference between ABA and other “networking” organizations will be obvious almost immediately. Anyone considering joining who wants to speak with a member first is welcome to contact me directly at jeff@jgsalespro.com. My membership in ABA is like gold…enduring and amazingly valuable. ”

-Jeff Goldberg of Jeff Goldberg & Associates

“When I joined my American Business Associates networking group I had no idea how different it would be. There is a genuine care amongst the group that you can tap into when you need advice, an introduction or just a fresh perspective. The professionalism of the group and Ellen shines through even when meeting during your opportunity calls with other ABA members. When you join a group that has been in existence for over 30 years, you quickly see why and it is a testament to the entire group. Thank you for having me.”

– Michael Halperin of Solarus Technologies Inc.

“Being in ABA has allowed me to connect with so many interesting, intelligent, and enlightened business professionals. I am a big believer in continuous improvement, and being part of ABA enables me to to continually improve both personally and professionally. I find myself constantly thinking about how grateful I am to be part of something that not only allows me to grow in those ways, but pushes me towards that growth. ABA is an amazing resource.”

-Chris Parlante of Oasis PEO

“Just got off the call with the Connect 4 opportunity call with some terrific people I otherwise wouldn’t have met. They were amazingly impressive and this was an hour very well invested. Thanks for making it happen!”

-Jeff Goldberg of Jeff Goldberg & Associates

“I couldn’t be more grateful to have found ABA when I did. It has elevated my career, purpose and view of how relationships should be, in a perfect world. I don’t know where I would be (personally as well as professionally) without ABA. Thank you for everything!! ”
-Benjamin Markan of Remco Agency

“Our ABA group is fantastic. I received two almost immediate responses. The two came highly recommended and I was able to pass those along. It also gave me an opportunity to set up a one to one meeting. I’m delighted at how fast people responded, especially since I am brand new. My sincere thanks to the ABA members! “

-Tammy Severino of Girl Scouts of Suffolk County

“Thank ABA for all they have done for me during my 20 year membership. The relationships continue with friendships and clients that I have made.  

Connecting my clients with members of the ABA made me look good but it gave my clients quality people to perform the services that they needed.

I did benefit from the client referrals as well as ongoing relationships with Attorneys and Accountants.

My daughter, Megan was able to work with American Express and Chase Bank while she was home from college, because of ABA members.  Megan is the COO for Saratoga Community Credit Union.

My son, Brian, built a relationship with an ABA member who worked for WALK 97.5FM. After college Brian worked for WALK Radio.

My son. Kevin was a Police Officer who was injured on the job. The ABA members from Every Council came to support Kevin and his family.

I built my Financial Planning business on Long Island.  Our daughter, son-in-law and 3 grandchildren live in Saratoga Springs, NY. I was ready to move my business to Saratoga Springs but I did not want to change my office landline phone number.  Larry Weiss, “Larry The Phone Guy” was able to transfer my 516 number to the 518 area. He also added some cool options.  It gets better.  Lynn and I bought a Condo in Stuart, FL.  We will be 15 minutes away from our son, Kevin, Catherine and 4 grandchildren. (we have 9 grandchildren). I called Larry and said I will be using my mobile phone but I do not want my mobile number to come up on caller ID.  He said No Problem, and showed me how to use my office number on the caller ID.

Ellen is well known for her relationship building but more importantly she is well respected.

Thank you, Ellen and all of the ABA members.”

Kevin D. O’Connor, LUTCF, CSA