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Ryan Paugh
Community builder and entrepreneur
Ryan Paugh is a prominent entrepreneur and community builder, currently serving as the President, COO, and Co-Founder of Community.co, a company focused on creating and managing professional communities for ambitious professionals and global brands. His career began with the co-founding of Brazen Careerist, a platform designed for high-achieving young professionals, where he led community development efforts. This venture was recognized as a significant social network for Generation Y entrepreneurs by Mashable.
In 2010, Paugh co-founded the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) alongside Scott Gerber, an exclusive organization for top entrepreneurs under 40. YEC has gained a reputation as one of the most elite networks of its kind, providing its members with vital resources and connections, contributing to the generation of billions in revenue and the creation of numerous jobs.
At Community.co, established in 2015, Paugh and his team aim to innovate the landscape of professional organizations by launching various vetted communities that enhance networking and business opportunities. His work has earned him recognition as a "cult legend" in the online community-building sphere, and he is dedicated to fostering strong membership experiences for executives and entrepreneurs across the country.
Paugh is also the author of Superconnector: Stop Networking and Start Building Business Relationships that Matter, which outlines strategies for effective networking in the digital age. He holds a degree in Journalism and Business from Penn State University.12
Highlights
As the week comes to a close, I'd like to highlight our series of Forbes Councils newsletters for a unique #FollowFriday. Over the past few months, we've worked to create publications that offer a "Pulse" on what our members are thinking about in their respective businesses and industries.
I'm so proud of the team behind these newsletters, and I've become an avid reader myself. It's a reminder to celebrate the outstanding collective of global executive leaders and entrepreneurs we've brought together.
Special thanks to Analissa Cantu Severn, Erin Ambrose, Brittany Tatum - Flores, Dale Jones, MBA, Rashad Nasir, Phly Jambor, Nick Vendetta, Jen Williamson and Amy Caracappa, UXC for their exceptional work.
I invite you to explore our Pulse newsletters, covering topics like technology, entrepreneurship, career growth, finance, sales, and marketing. There's something for everyone, so please take a moment to check them out and share them with anyone who might benefit from a regular dose of inspiration.
Today, I approach you with a heart brimming with mixed emotions—excitement, gratitude, and a hint of nostalgia. After nearly 15 unforgettable years steering the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), Scott and I are stepping into a new chapter, entrusting the leadership to two exceptional individuals: Jessica Aiello and Chase Damiano.
Jess, a familiar face within the YEC family, embodies our core values with her long-standing membership and profound understanding. Chase, with his fresh perspective and operational acumen, complements Jess's strengths, forming a leadership duo without equal.
Our decision was deeply considered, part of a larger narrative that saw the involvement of a remarkable group of investors—early members from respected organizations like Entrepreneurs' Organization and YPO. Their wisdom and backing have been pivotal, enlightening us with lessons that have shaped our decision to embrace this next stage of growth for YEC, a journey we're eager to support as observers from the sidelines.
Departing from a community-centric venture like YEC is inherently challenging. This community has evolved into an extension of myself, where members have become lifelong friends, not merely customers. The solace, however, lies in the enduring nature of these relationships, which accompany us, offering solace amidst transition.
Today’s announcement is as much a celebration of Jess and Chase's upcoming tenure as it is an expression of our sincere gratitude towards you, our members. Your unwavering support and inspiration have molded YEC into the dynamic community it is today.
Lastly, our journey would have been impossible without the support of countless individuals who’ve been with us through every high and low. While it's impossible to name everyone, please know that your contributions have left a mark on YEC and on me personally. I am profoundly thankful for your role in our story.
Morgan Brady, Ashley Grant, Corey Jones, MBA, Ryan O'Connell, Donna Fenn, Tina Wells, Jeremy Johnson, Jordan Goldman, Shama Hyder, Robert Calise, Stephen Kearley, Michael Caito, Scott Fritz, Finnian Kelly, Phil LaBoon, Jeff Avallon, Charles E. Gaudet II, Sumi Krishnan, Cassandra Sousa, Nicole Keller Niss, aPHR™, Jeff Gabel, Alfredo Atanacio Cader, Brent Beshore, John Hall, Dan Schawbel, Erik Huberman, Ilya Pozin, Jonathan Steiman, Josh Golden, Matt Peters, Brennan White, Natalie MacNeil
