Elevate Your Network. Empower Your Business.

An exclusive weekly networking group built for growth-minded professionals, startups, and high-performing service providers—meeting monthly at THE LOT La Jolla.

NEXT EVENT: August 5, 2025 | 8AM | THE LOT

Why Pelican Networking?

Where Business Meets Real Growth

We’re not your average networking group. At Pelican Networking, we’re building a space where connections turn into partnerships, and collaboration leads to expansion. Forget pitch fests and one-sided conversations...this is where community thrives. Meeting weekly at THE LOT, La Jolla.

Meet at THE LOT, La Jolla

Located in the heart of La Jolla, THE LOT is more than just a venue: it's an experience. This ultra-luxury destination combines the sophistication of a high-end cinema with the comfort of premium dining and hospitality. Featuring reserved leather recliner seating, in-seat food and beverage service, artisan cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and state-of-the-art digital laser projection and sound, THE LOT offers an atmosphere unlike anything else in San Diego.

As the home of Pelican Networking, THE LOT sets the tone for an elevated experience from the moment you arrive. It's not just a meeting—it's a curated gathering of ambitious professionals, surrounded by the kind of luxury and service that inspires bigger thinking, stronger connections, and greater success.

PARKING IS ALWAYS FREE!

Spotlight Presentation

Take center stage and let your business shine. Each event features one member who gets the floor to share their story, unique value, and how the group can support their growth.

As a spotlight presenter, you'll receive:

Plug-and-play access to display your presentation on the big screen so you look like the expert you are
The option to bring your own videographer or let us provide one at cost to capture content for your brand
A captive, engaged audience of high-performing professionals ready to connect and collaborate

Every member will get their turn—this is your moment to elevate your presence and grow your influence.

What You’ll Gain

Pelican Networking is a Group That Gives Back: This isn’t about one person winning. We’ve built a community where every member contributes to the success of the whole, creating momentum that lifts everyone at the table.

Genuine Connections

Build meaningful relationships with other high-performers who are as invested in your success as they are in their own. We prioritize collaboration over competition, creating a space where trust is built and referrals happen naturally.

Growth-Focused Guidance

Learn how to market, scale, and sharpen your business from real industry pros who’ve been in the trenches. Each session is designed to deliver practical, real-world strategies—not just motivation.

Curated Guest Speakers

Each weekly event features guest speakers who bring high-value, actionable insights you can actually apply. We cut through the noise and focus on tools, tactics, and stories that spark real growth.

From Brothers to Business Titans

Brothers Brent Attaway (center) and Bennett Maxwell (right) are two powerhouse entrepreneurs Jake had the honor of working with. Within six months of hiring him, they successfully sold their company. Bennett used the momentum to launch Dirty Dough, now with hundreds of franchises, while Brent authored two books and built CRMX, a company responsible for generating hundreds of millions in client revenue.

The Visionaries Behind Pelican Networking

Jake is constantly surrounded by some of the strongest business and sales leaders in the country. He uses those relationships not just to elevate his own ventures, but to open doors for others, sharing insights, creating opportunities, and helping driven professionals grow alongside him.

"I’ve been to dozens of networking groups. Most of them exist to benefit the host, not the people in the room. I created Pelican Networking because I wanted to flip that."

- Jake Hess, Founder

Pelican's Mission

To elevate the experience of professional networking by offering a space where growth-minded people can learn, connect, and thrive—without the gimmicks.

Our Philosophy

We believe that real success is built through collaboration, not competition. At Pelican Networking, we foster an environment where genuine connections, shared knowledge, and collective growth come first.

Our Promise

We promise to always put our members first, creating opportunities for you to learn, connect, and thrive without hidden agendas or gimmicks. Every event, every conversation, and every connection is designed with your growth in mind.

Our Guarantee

We guarantee an elevated networking experience that prioritizes value, professionalism, and authenticity. If you're looking for another transactional meet-and-greet, this isn’t it—here, you’ll find a true community ready to lift you higher.

We’re Looking for Industry Leaders

Pelican Networking is exclusive by design—we welcome just one representative per professional category to foster trust, eliminate competition, and maximize referrals.

We’re actively looking for standout professionals in (but not limited to) these fields: