They don’t have a secret handshake, initiation ritual or a fancy clubhouse, but 15 South Jersey companies have teamed up to offer a one-stop network of business solutions to entrepreneurs on the move.

The group is known as the Jersey Business Leaders, and its membership consists of South Jersey business owners willing to bring a consistency of effort and skill to challenges ranging from communications and construction to marketing and makeovers.

“A business moving to the area, or starting up, upgrading or changing in any way here will benefit from our network,” says Gregory Gutos, the founding member Jersey Business Leaders. His USAPhone.com communications company was one of five charter members of Jersey Business Leaders when it started four months ago. Now there are 15 members.

“We’re the power of 15 rather than one,” says Gutos. “We’re bonded together based on a commitment of excellence. When we send a business owner from one of our members to another for solutions across the spectrum, the owner knows that we "all" stand behind the quality of our product and service.”

The Jersey Business Leaders offer more than IT help or advertising opportunities as part of their wide range of skill sets. They also hope to play a role in helping out in South Jersey when a need exists, such as when they raised money for the surviving family members of Burlington County resident Michelle Ferrel who perished with her son in a February fire.

“That’s just a small example of how we can help,” says Gutos. ‘We want to be a force in South Jersey for causes that make sense.”

Gutos is adamant that Jersey Business Leaders is not out to nudge aside other business support organizations like the chambers of commerce.

“There’s a place for other organizations, obviously,” he says. “Here’s where Jersey Business Leaders is different – we are the owners willing to deal directly with business owners or decision makers for any organization that is purchasing products for their company.  You can buy in confidence... knowing that each member relies on the members for continuing referrals and business opportunities. We not only have an obligation to our customers but also to the members of the Jersey Business Leaders! Each JBL member is pre-approved by the members..."before" becoming a member.

Well, in our group, being the owners, we can make things happen fast and there is no membership fee, concluded Gutos.

“The application process is simple: a majority vote for new candidates based on the reputation of the new owner’s business success,” says Gutos. “Remember, we’re standing behind each other. We’re networking partners. If I install a new phone system for a customer, I can recommend with confidence where they can get an excellent service and value on an office fit-out, furniture, copiers, computers, security or legal help, for example.”

Gutos has been working at and building business relationships for the past 30-plus years in South Jersey, living first in Cherry Hill and now Moorestown. Meetings are "family friendly" and JBL members invite business owners and family as guests! The JBL looks for entertaining places to meet, like the Camden RiverSharks and the Pinsetters bowling lanes. We are planning a JBL meeting at the Spectrum for a Philadelphia Soul game... maybe even get to meet with Jon Bon Jovi!  (co-owner of the Phila Soul football team)