- Serving the Triad & Foothills of North Carolina
- surryconnect@gmail.com
Next Level Networks is built on a set of core beliefs that guide how we show up, how we lead, and how our community operates.
These beliefs shape our culture more than any rules ever could.
These aren’t just words on a wall — they’re how we show up.
For ourselves, for each other, and for the people we serve.
Our vision is to build a network of local business communities that feel personal, grounded, and human even as they grow.
We believe strong local chapters, connected by shared values and a broader community, create opportunities that go far beyond any single meeting or referral.
As we grow, our focus remains the same: protect the culture, support our members, and build something weʼre proud to steward for the long term.
Next Level Networks is growing thoughtfully across North Carolina, with plans to expand throughout the East Coast over time.
Growth for us isnʼt about scale alone itʼs about building chapters led by people who believe in connection, learning, and community. We take our time, invest in leadership, and prioritize fit over speed.
If youʼre interested in helping bring Next Level Networks to your area, weʼd love to start a conversation.
Stephen Bass is a business owner, husband, and father who cares deeply about building meaningful relationships and strong communities.
Like many business owners, Stephen spent time in traditional networking groups
and experienced both the value and the frustration that often come with them.
While the connections mattered, the pressure to perform, the transactional dynamics, and the rigidity never fully aligned with how he believed people actually build trust and grow together. He wanted something different not just a better networking group, but a space where people could grow without feeling like they constantly had to prove their value.
That desire ultimately led to the creation of Next Level Networks. Stephen envisioned a community where relationships come before transactions, learning is shared openly, and people feel supported while still being encouraged to grow. A place where consistency matters, but being human does too.
That same philosophy shows up in Stephenʼs work outside of Next Level Networks. He works closely with business owners as an employee benefits advisor, helping companies make thoughtful, long-term decisions that support
both their people and the health of the business. His approach is grounded in clarity, education, and stewardship, values that shape how he leads, connects, and builds community.
Together, these experiences inform Stephenʼs role at Next Level Networks, where
he remains focused on protecting the culture, prioritizing trust, and building something people genuinely want to be part of.
Jakob brings heart, focus, and an entrepreneurial mindset to everything he does.
He’s the connector — the strategist, encourager, and operator behind the scenes helping to launch new chapters, equip leaders, and guide the network’s growth.
Driven by a passion for helping people rise to their potential, Jakob makes sure Next Level Networks doesn’t just grow — it grows well, with alignment and purpose.
The best way to understand Next Level Networks is to experience it. Visit a chapter, meet the people, and decide if this community aligns with how you want to grow.
