More than 200 business owners, entrepreneurs and community leaders descended on Dewey Beach June 26 for what has quickly become one of the region’s most anticipated events — the Delaware Business Owner Summit hosted by Blue Rock Financial Group.

Held at the Hyatt Place along the coastal backdrop of Dewey Beach, the summit delivered a full day of strategy, connection and forward-thinking content designed to help business owners build better, smarter and more sustainable companies. This year’s event featured 18 dynamic speakers, a sold-out crowd and one very big outcome: a $20,000 donation to Redefining Warrior Culture, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans thrive in civilian life.

This year’s speakers brought insight, inspiration and immediately usable tools to the stage. Carter McClung opened the day with a powerful message on the evolving role of the entrepreneur, challenging owners to shift from day-to-day doers to strategic visionaries. Katie Kutler shared hard-earned wisdom on building productive teams through empathy and culture, while Joel Brown energized the room with actionable strategies for leading multigenerational workforces.

Midday sessions included a standout panel featuring Mac Macleod, Steve Masterson and Patrick Aitken, moderated by Matt Sullivan, that offered candid reflections on what these founders would have done differently in their early years. Kyle Husni’s Q&A session broke down the real-world applications of artificial intelligence, showing business owners how to use AI to accelerate decision-making and customer growth. Mike Womer and Kiera Smale delivered a dynamic talk on the most overlooked opportunity in most companies — clarity around bottlenecks and behavioral blind spots.

Gov. Matt Meyer joined the event, highlighting the importance of small businesses right here in Delaware and how the state’s workforce strongly relies on the business owners that attended this conference.

The afternoon sessions provided tools for long-term strategy. John Dwyer detailed how blending personal and business finances leads to greater operational control. Neil Boyles reframed exit planning as a mindset shift that should begin years before a sale. And in a compelling interview, Dr. Robert Pedigo and Dr. Drew Brady shared the emotional highs and lows of what really happens behind the scenes of owning a successful medical practice and what it really looks like letting go of the businesses they built. The day ended with a thoughtful keynote from Delaware State Treasurer Colleen Davis, who reminded the audience of the critical connection between local business leadership, and the future of public policy and finance.

While the event was built for strategy and growth, it also carried a powerful mission. All proceeds supported Redefining Warrior Culture, an organization focused on equipping veterans with purpose and tools for civilian success. Thanks to ticket sales, sponsor support and community generosity, the summit raised $20,000, a record-breaking contribution.

“This wasn’t your typical conference,” said Stephen Bart, Blue Rock Financial Group operations specialist. “From beachside coffee chats to a post-event happy hour, the atmosphere balanced professionalism with personality. Attendees were encouraged to dress ‘beach business,’ reflecting the event’s tone — serious about business, but grounded in community and connection. The event brought together a community of business owners who believe in building better, not just bigger. Who understand that collaboration is more powerful than competition. And who see leadership not just as a position, but a responsibility. It was a reminder that when great minds come together with purpose, real change happens.”