BW Voices: New Jacket Business Network builds connections, success
Tony Peebles ‘98, BW Director of Alumni Engagement
08 July 2026
BW is introducing a professional network that unites individuals who are deeply passionate about building relationships, sharing industry expertise and expanding their professional networks.
Recent graduate Mark Wilson ’26 talks with Ron Boynar ’93.
Jacket Business Network (JBN) is a premier alumni affinity group explicitly designed for business professionals, entrepreneurs and industry leaders within the Yellow Jacket community.
Created by alumni, for alumni, this professional network bridges the gap between different generations of BW graduates by providing key opportunities for mentoring, relationship-building and networking.
The primary mission of the network centers around two distinct pillars:
Distinguished Alumni Speaker Series: High-profile events featuring C-suite executives, corporate leaders and prominent BW graduates sharing strategic and leadership insights.
Informal Social Gatherings: Casual mixers designed to encourage organic professional relationship-building and corporate connections in relaxed environments.
Exclusive digital space for member engagement
To maintain momentum between in-person events, JBN features a private Jacket Business Network LinkedIn page. This digital platform serves as an exclusive space for members to:
Discuss emerging market trends.
Share internal job openings and career advancements.
Connect directly with fellow Baldwin Wallace business professionals worldwide.
Inaugural event uniting 100+ YJ4L
The Jacket Business Network officially marked its debut with an energetic inaugural gathering at Oswald Tower in downtown Cleveland. The milestone event drew more than 100 BW alumni and friends, excited to foster professional ties and establish a foundation for the group's future growth.
The evening showcased top-tier executive insights, blending leadership strategy with Baldwin Wallace pride. Trustee and Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel '75 delivered a powerful speech focusing on leadership, integrity and building a winning team culture.
Also instrumental in emphasizing the importance of the professional network was Oswald Companies CEO Robert Klonk, who opened the evening by welcoming the community to the venue and highlighting the strength of regional business ties.
BW President Lee Fisher followed up with his remarks to the crowd, emphasizing the unique collaborative spirit that defines the Yellow Jacket alumni base and celebrating the official launch of this vital initiative.
Special recognition was given to organizers Ron Boynar '93 and David Allen '93, whose leadership and dedication brought this collective business vision to life. As President Fisher noted following the event, "This gathering served as a powerful reminder of what makes the BW community special."
Next event is in August
On Wednesday, Aug. 25, the Jacket Business Network will welcome featured speaker Nick Barlage, CEO of the Rock Entertainment Group and the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers, to the Oswald Center.
How to Join the Jacket Business Network
Jacket Business Network is a business-focused affinity group open to all alumni interested in building professional relationships. Participants can join via LinkedIn.
BW President Lee Fisher was one of several speakers at the inaugural event.
Jim Tressel ’75 spoke on leadership, integrity and building a winning team culture.
More than 100 YJ4Ls gathered at Oswald Center.
Guests to the Jackets Business Network event included Jake Pease ’98 and Christy Conrath ’07.
(l-r) John Adamczak ‘21 and Andrew Cox ’92 were among the attendees.
Among the event festivities was a raffle, with the winning the winning ticket being pulled by Jim Tressel, who is standing alongside BW’s Director of Alumni Engagement Tony Peebles ’98.
