The Endeavor mentor network is an integral part of Endeavor’s model. Endeavor Louisville’s 40+ mentors not only help interview and offer feedback to candidates throughout the entire selection process, but they continue to actively provide support to our current Endeavor Entrepreneurs and promote entrepreneurship across the region.

As Endeavor Louisville adds entrepreneurs to our portfolio, we intently seek out and invite business leaders to join our local mentor network. Consequently, as this list grows, it becomes increasingly important to formalize this network. So, on September 18th, Endeavor Louisville hosted our first-ever Endeavor Mentor gathering at the home of two Endeavor Louisville mentors, Leonard “Nappi” Napolitano and Kevin Borland. The goal of the event was to formalize, engage, and better connect our network. Additionally, it served as a thank you to our mentors.

Over 25 members of Endeavor Louisville’s network, including various mentors, entrepreneurs, and our team, attended the event at the three-story, early nineteenth century home situated on the edge of Louisville’s Cherokee Park. Everyone gathered in a large, dark, wood-covered living room located on the side of the house. While the space had the feeling of a mid-nineteenth century smoking room, it still offered a cozy and sophisticated atmosphere for the event.

Both seasoned and new mentors filled the space, networking with one another and with the Endeavor Entrepreneurs while simultaneously sipping on cocktails and snacking on appetizers of mini hotdogs and spanikopita. The gathering allowed for easy conversation and, ultimately, allowed the Endeavor Louisville network to better get to know one another and connect.

Additionally, our Endeavor Louisville office released our Mentor Guidebook at the event. This guidebook provides information on Endeavor, the role of Endeavor Mentors, and a list of our active mentors. This serves as another means of formalizing Endeavor Louisville’s network while also clearly outlining the expectations of Endeavor Mentors.

At the end of the night, mentors were invited to grab complementary Endeavor Louisville t-shirts on their way out the door as a way of officially welcoming them to our network. All in all, the evening was fun and productive, and we look forward to hosting similar events in the future.