Elevate Your Network. Empower Your Business.

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

NEXT EVENT: May 13th, 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.

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.

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 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.

The Vision Behind Pelican Networking

"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

At Pelican Networking, we believe professionals deserve more than just business cards and awkward introductions. They deserve a community built on growth, reciprocity, and real opportunity.

We don’t force referrals. We don’t push for sales. We teach you how to grow your business in meaningful, scalable ways—and connect you with people who are doing the same.

About Jake

Jake Hess is a seasoned entrepreneur, consultant, and business builder who knows what it takes to create lasting success. Throughout his career, he has worked alongside numerous businesses and celebrities, offering high-level consultative guidance to help them grow, scale, and lead in their industries.

As the founder of multiple companies—including SolarCon, the largest and fastest-growing residential solar conference in the United States—Jake has a proven track record of turning ideas into thriving enterprises. His expertise doesn’t stop at launching businesses; he has designed and implemented countless trainings in both sales and operations, empowering teams to perform at the highest level.

Jake is no stranger to the stage, but at Pelican Networking, his mission is bigger than the spotlight. He believes in sharing the stage—creating opportunities for you to showcase your product, service, and story to an audience ready to engage and support. When you connect with Pelican Networking, you’re connecting with a leader who’s invested in your success, not just his own.

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.