About Big Dogs

Local professionals at in-person San Diego networking event

About us

Who We Are

Here in San Diego, our Big Dogs chapter is recognized as the #1 networking group in San Diego, a place where professionals don’t just exchange business cards, but build lasting partnerships, share knowledge, and pass valuable referrals every single week.


We meet every Tuesday at 7:00 AM (online via Zoom), making it easy for busy entrepreneurs to connect before the workday begins. Our meetings combine the structure of proven BNI systems with the energy and personality that make San Diego networking events something members actually look forward to.

Business professional giving presentation at San Diego networking meeting

Our Mission

At Big Dogs, we live by the BNI philosophy of Givers Gain®: when you help others succeed, you succeed too. That belief drives everything we do.

Our mission is to:


  • Build a strong, supportive referral group where every member has the chance to shine.
  • Create consistent, meaningful opportunities through business referral services.
  • Be a trusted community for San Diego business networking events that deliver measurable results.

By showing up for one another and passing on qualified referrals, we create an ecosystem where small businesses and entrepreneurs thrive.

Why Big Dogs?

Because we play big. We give big. And we win big.

Networking doesn’t have to be stiff, awkward, or corporate. At Big Dogs, we bring professionalism and fun together in every interaction. Our chapter is built on collaboration, accountability, and a little personality that makes our weekly meetings stand out from typical San Diego business events.


That’s why our members consistently engage, support one another, and generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in referrals every year.

Who Joins Big Dogs?

Our members represent some of the most trusted and respected professionals in San Diego. From small business owners to experienced service providers, our chapter is made up of industries like:

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Real estate, law, and finance

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Marketing, design, and tech

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Contracting, construction, and home services

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Health, wellness, and lifestyle

If you’re serious about growing your business, joining a business referral networking group like Big Dogs can be a game-changer. Unlike casual mixers, our structured referral group ensures everyone has the opportunity to showcase their business and receive warm introductions instead of cold leads.

Our  Results

In the past 12 months, our chapter has passed over $154,000 in referrals between members, proof that networking done right leads to real results.


When you join Big Dogs, you’re not just attending another San Diego networking event; you’re tapping into a proven system that helps businesses grow faster and stronger. Members benefit from:

Meet Our Leadership Team

Behind every successful Big Dogs meeting is a group of dedicated leaders who keep the chapter running smoothly, build connections, and make sure every member gets the most out of their San Diego business networking events.



Our leadership team includes experienced professionals who guide the chapter, support members, and uphold the BNI philosophy of Givers Gain®. Each leader has their own unique approach to networking and business growth.

Headshot of Laurie Wakelam, Vice President of San Diego networking group

Laurie Wakelam

Vice President

Headshot of Hailey Kamfar, Secretary and Treasurer of San Diego networking chapter

Hailey Kamfar

Secretary/Treasurer

Headshot of Jonathan Yokoyama, Visitor Host for San Diego business referral group

Jonathan Yokoyama

Visitor Host

GoldBook Financial

Headshot of Ed Wilson, Chapter Director Consultant for San Diego networking group

Ed Wilson

Chapter Director Consultant

BNI San Diego

Headshot of Raymond Falvey, Chapter Area Director Consultant for San Diego networking events

Raymond Falvey

Chapter Area Director Consultant

BNI San Diego

Why It Matters

Networking is one of the most effective ways to grow a business, but only if it’s done with purpose. At Big Dogs:


You'll build

a network of professionals who actively advocate for you.


You'll gain

credibility by being part of a trusted San Diego referral group.


You'll enjoy

networking that’s both fun and results-driven.

Our chapter provides the accountability and support missing from most San Diego business networking events. That’s why our members stick with us, because the value is real.

Meet Us Before You Join

Want to get a real feel for who we are? Visit a Tuesday Big Dogs meeting as a guest. You’ll meet our members, see how structured networking works, and decide if we’re the right fit for your business.