A Morning of High-Octane Connections and Inspirational Leadership

On a crisp April morning in Avondale, Arizona, I took a scenic drive that ended at the iconic Phoenix Raceway—a location known for speed, competition, and thrill. But on April 11, 2025, it was home to a different kind of horsepower: the Accelerent Breakfast Networking Event, hosted by Forward Tilt and powered by Benefit Commerce Group.

Phoenix Raceway and Mountain in Avondale Arizona

Though I’m not KNOWN as a NASCAR fan, I left the event with a renewed belief in the value of unexpected experiences. Every handshake, every story, and every piece of insight felt like fuel for both personal and professional growth.

What is Accelerent? And Who Powers It?

The event kicked off with a warm introduction by Scott Crites, who described Accelerent as more than just a business platform—it’s a movement. It’s about developing strong, strategic partnerships that drive referrals, growth, and opportunity.

This breakfast was a testament to that mission. Backed by the support of Benefit Commerce Group and the visionary leadership of Forward Tilt, the event blended high-value networking with world-class inspiration.

Driving Success: What Business Leaders Can Learn from NASCAR

Leading by Example

Keynote speaker Dale Jarrett, a NASCAR Hall of Famer and current NBC Sports commentator, delivered more than just anecdotes—he delivered impact. One of the most powerful stories he shared was about his father leading a pack of drivers into the wrong lane during a race's pace lap. His takeaway? Leaders are always being watched. Whether you know it or not, your actions set the tone for others.

Investing in Your Most Valuable Asset – Yourself

In another captivating moment, Jarrett recounted the toll racing took on his body—losing up to 12 pounds during a single race due to extreme heat and energy output. Despite investing heavily in high-tech car components to shave off milliseconds, he realized the most valuable investment he could make was in himself.

He partnered with a trainer and transformed his performance by focusing on physical health first. As he put it, "Take care of the physical, then the mental and performance will follow."

Find “Your Strengths, Your Ways”

To close, Jarrett left the audience with a powerful challenge: “Find your strengths, your ways"—the unique skills and traits that only you can bring to the table. That’s how you get better than your competition.

Business Strategy Tips Inspired by the Track

The themes of the morning resonated far beyond the racetrack. Here are a few standout takeaways every professional should consider:

Value lives in every interaction—even those that fall outside your comfort zone.
Your health fuels your business. Energy management isn’t optional for peak performance.
Silent leadership is powerful. You don’t need a spotlight to lead effectively.

Meet the Minds Behind the Morning

Special recognition goes to Michelle Heeb, President & CEO of Forward Tilt, whose leadership helped orchestrate an event filled with substance and connection. Her presence, alongside Scott Crites and the teams behind Accelerent and Benefit Commerce Group, emphasized the strength of collaboration across industries.

The crowd was a blend of driven professionals, local business leaders, and inspired entrepreneurs—each there not just to listen, but to engage and elevate.

More Than Just Breakfast – A Pit Stop Toward Progress

The Accelerent Breakfast at Phoenix Raceway wasn’t just another networking event—it was a pit stop for progress. From Dale Jarrett’s empowering words to the community-building energy in the room, the morning proved that success doesn’t come from speed alone—it comes from intentional movement in the right direction.

Whether you're in business, leadership, or just looking to connect with purpose-driven professionals, Accelerent is a platform worth watching—and joining.

Frequently Asked Questions About Accelerent Networking Events

Q1: Who can attend Accelerent Breakfast events? A: Business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals looking to grow their network and learn from industry leaders are all welcome.

Q2: Where can I find upcoming Accelerent events? A: Visit the Accelerent website or follow Forward Tilt and Benefit Commerce Group on LinkedIn.

Q3: What was Dale Jarrett’s main message? A: Invest in yourself, lead with integrity, and leverage your unique strengths to gain a competitive edge.