ignite education

Education and networking opportunities

ignite sparked by BBB Connecticut

BBB Foundation of Connecticut together with BBB Serving Connecticut is pleased to offer educational opportunities to engage business professionals together to hear industry professionals share their expertise on varying topics throughout the year.  

Attend an upcoming in person event

Join us for our in person events at our ignite space where you will experience monthly jolts of networking fueled with innovative speakers on relevant topics to foster knowledge, growth, and collaboration for the business community.  

Kelly Houston and Derek Jones

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Presented by Kelly Houston & Derek Jones of DK Brand Collective

Strong businesses start with strong people, whether you manage a team or run your business on your own. In this educational seminar, Kelly Houston and Derek Jones of DK Brand Collective explain how investing in communication, customer service, and professional development strengthens your reputation, increases repeat business, and reduces costly turnover.

For customer service-based businesses, every customer interaction counts. Training now costs far less than the price of losing clients, handling complaints, or constantly rehiring and retraining. This seminar gives you practical tools to improve service, build loyalty, and strengthen your business in an AI-driven world.

Attendees will leave with strategies they can use immediately.

DK Brand Collective is a women-led, minority-owned boutique consulting and training agency founded and owned by Kelly Houston. With a focus on leadership development, communication, and workplace performance, Kelly has built a people-first organization designed to help teams grow with clarity, confidence, and consistency.

DK Brand Collective is powered by a high-performing training team led by Derek Jones, Lead Trainer, who brings real-world leadership, coaching, and customer service expertise to every workshop.

In addition to the agency, Kelly and Derek also lead community-impact initiatives through the nonprofit DK Movement Cares, the trademarked clothing brand DK Movement, and their inspiring show Together We Solve: The Power Couple Podcast, all aligned with their mission of strengthening people and creating meaningful change.

DK Brand Collective delivers high-energy, results-driven workshops that provide practical tools, mindset shifts, and measurable improvements in teamwork, communication, and professional confidence. The mission: empower people, elevate workplaces, and drive lasting, real-world impact.

Thank you to our 2025 Foundation sponsors

Saatva operates exclusively online selling ultra premium luxury mattresses servicing every state in the Continental USA.

Sippin Energy Products offers delivery of home heating bio-fuel and propane as well as generator installations, heating and air conditioning sales, service, and installation, and excavation services.

Express Strategies LLC offers strategic communications and public policy consulting, as well as advocacy writing, project management and media relations.

Chelsea Groton Bank is a mutually owned bank with 14 locations throughout New London County and a lending center in Hartford County. Chelsea Groton offers checking, savings, and lending products, financial wellness programming, and hands-on support to help individuals, families, and businesses.