Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Kessel.
Hi Justin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Justin’s journey began with over two decades in the home services industry before branching out as an entrepreneur in 2016, launching Kessel Group Insurance Solutions. While growing that business, he became deeply involved in local networking groups and quickly discovered a real passion and talent for connecting people and helping them succeed.
That passion led him, in 2019, to purchase a Network in Action (NIA) franchise—turning networking into his full-time profession. Since then, he’s earned Franchise of the Year twice and remains one of the top five NIA owners nationwide.
As NIA expanded its group offerings, Justin evolved his business into NetworkingATX—a dynamic hub that brings together entrepreneurs, trades professionals, and community connectors under one umbrella, helping each person find the group that best fits their goals.
Outside of business, Justin has been married since 2011 to his wonderful wife, Kristen, and together they’re raising three amazing children in Pflugerville, Texas, where they’ve made their home for over a decade—and where both work side by side from their home office.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course not! I don’t think any entrepreneur’s path is truly smooth—if someone says it is, they’re either incredibly lucky or not telling the full story. For me, some of the biggest challenges have been learning when and how to end business partnerships, clearly defining how my groups stand apart from the larger, more traditional networking organizations, and managing the early-stage balancing act of investing in the right tools and systems before the revenue fully caught up.
Each of those hurdles taught me something important about leadership, clarity, and patience—and they’ve all helped shape the business I run today.
As you know, we’re big fans of NetworkingATX. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
NetworkingATX is all about helping business owners build real, meaningful connections that lead to measurable growth. We bring together multiple types of networking experiences under one umbrella—so instead of trying to fit every professional into the same mold, we match people with the community that fits them best.
Our foundation comes from Network in Action (NIA), which focuses on experienced professionals who want high-quality connections, resources, and accountability. From there, we expanded into Trades Together, a mastermind-style network specifically for construction trade owners and those who support them. And most recently, we launched RevShare Referrals, a program that lets anyone—members or not—earn money by referring business to our verified, background-checked members.
What sets us apart is the intentionality behind everything we do. Every member is vetted, every group is professionally facilitated, and every meeting is designed to help people actually build relationships, not just hand out business cards. Members get access to an entire suite of business tools—social media videos, online review software, and ongoing sales and leadership training—all included with their membership.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that NetworkingATX has become a trusted local hub for business growth and collaboration. We’ve built a culture where entrepreneurs feel supported, valued, and genuinely connected—and where every introduction has purpose.
At its core, NetworkingATX isn’t just about growing your business—it’s about growing your network the right way, surrounded by people who share your values and want to see you succeed.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
It’s funny—some of the details start to blur over time—but what really stands out are the simple moments. I loved having a bunch of friends over, all of us crowded around the TV playing fighting games for hours, or running around the field behind my house playing paintball until it got dark. Those were the days when life was just about fun and friendship.
And if we’re counting early “almost wins,” I did snag second place in my fifth-grade spelling bee—so that was nearly my shining moment! Haha.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://networkingatx.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/networkingatx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/networkingatx
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/networkingatx/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkingATX
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@networkingatx
