Taylor Russo steps into the role of Reno Connection Network Board President for 2026, bringing years of experience and fresh ideas to an organization that has become central to the local business community. As a mortgage broker dedicated to helping homebuyers navigate their financing options, Taylor combines his professional expertise with a genuine passion for building meaningful business relationships. His appointment comes at an exciting time for RCN, as the organization continues to expand its reach and impact across the Reno area. Business owners and networking professionals will find Taylor's leadership approach refreshing, practical, and focused on creating real value for members.
Taylor has spent years proving his commitment to professional development and community building through various leadership positions. He served as President of the Reno Tahoe Young Professionals Network, where he worked to connect emerging leaders and help them advance their careers. His role as President of the University of Nevada College of Business Alumni Association allowed him to strengthen ties between the university and local business professionals. Taylor also dedicated his time to the Reno Optimist Club and the Executive Association of Reno, demonstrating a consistent pattern of service across multiple organizations.
These leadership experiences have shaped Taylor's understanding of what business connections mean to local professionals. Each position taught him something unique about networking, mentorship, and community engagement. Taylor observed firsthand how powerful professional relationships become when they are built on genuine interest and mutual support. His experiences across different organizations also gave him insight into what makes networking events and associations truly effective. This background positions him well to lead RCN during a transformative year for the organization.
Taylor's commitment to volunteer leadership extends beyond his desire for personal recognition or advancement. He believes that business owners and professionals have a responsibility to give back to the communities that support their success. By taking on these leadership roles, Taylor models the kind of engagement he hopes to inspire in RCN members. His history shows that he walks the talk when it comes to building and strengthening professional communities. This dedication forms the foundation of his vision for RCN's future.
Taylor has set ambitious goals for RCN in 2026, focusing on bringing fresh energy and resources to networking events. One of his primary initiatives involves securing new sponsors who can help expand the reach and quality of RCN gatherings. He also plans to introduce members to new and unique venues across Reno that have never hosted RCN events before. This approach keeps the networking experience exciting while ensuring that members encounter fresh environments and different audiences at each event.
Over the past five years, RCN has built an impressive track record of never repeating a venue. This commitment to variety sets RCN apart from other networking organizations and gives members something to anticipate at each gathering. Taylor intends to maintain this standard while actively seeking out hidden gems and up-and-coming spaces throughout the Reno area. New sponsors will help make these events more accessible and enjoyable for attendees. The combination of new venues and expanded sponsorship creates more opportunities for meaningful business connections to form.
Finding new sponsors requires more than just reaching out to familiar names in the business community. Taylor plans to identify companies whose missions and values align with RCN's commitment to fostering genuine professional relationships. He understands that effective sponsors do more than provide funding; they contribute to the event experience and demonstrate their investment in the local business community. This thoughtful approach to sponsorship will elevate the quality of RCN events. Members will benefit from better venues, enhanced refreshments, and a stronger sense of community support behind every gathering.
Many professionals approach networking with the wrong mindset, viewing it as a short-term transaction rather than a long-term investment. Taylor believes that successful business connections develop over time through consistent effort and genuine care for others' success. The most valuable networking relationships are built on a foundation of giving first, without immediate expectation of return. When business owners focus on helping others solve problems or find solutions, they naturally become someone others want to help. This philosophy will guide RCN's culture and the experiences Taylor creates for members.
The principle of giving more than you receive transforms how people approach professional relationships. When Taylor encounters a business owner who needs a particular service or connection, he makes the effort to facilitate that introduction. He does this not because he expects immediate reciprocation, but because he understands that relationships built on helpfulness create lasting value. Over time, the business community takes notice of people who consistently show up for others. These individuals become trusted connectors whom everyone wants to know and support.
Real business growth happens when professionals see each other as collaborators rather than competitors. If someone connects a business with a valuable referral partner or new client, that business owner will naturally want to return the favor. The gratitude and goodwill that develops from genuine help create a powerful network effect. Members who embrace this approach find that their businesses grow as their professional relationships deepen. Taylor's emphasis on this philosophy will remind RCN attendees that the best networking outcomes come from a sincere desire to help others succeed.
Taylor’s leadership at the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce reshaped how business connections were built in Northern Nevada. Under his direction, the Chamber became a highly engaged organization that brought together local businesses, nonprofits, and professionals from across a wide range of industries. His ability to unite both collaborators and competitors created a new level of energy and participation within the business community.
During his tenure, the Chamber experienced rapid and sustained growth, expanding from 500 members to 2,500 members in just three years. This growth reflected Taylor’s strategic approach, strong relationship-building skills, and clear understanding of what business leaders in highly competitive industries need to stay connected and engaged. Financial institutions, hospitality leaders, and small business owners alike found value in being part of a network that was active, visible, and driven by purpose.
One of the most visible examples of Taylor’s impact was the creation of Biz-Ball, a signature event that transformed traditional networking into an unforgettable community experience. The three-on-three basketball tournament brought together major corporations, local organizations, and small businesses in a way that was both competitive and collaborative. With the National Basketball Association serving as the title sponsor, 100 company teams competing, and more than 100 local business booths on display, Biz-Ball stands as a defining example of Taylor’s ability to turn connection, creativity, and leadership into lasting community impact.
Beyond his leadership roles, Taylor has established himself as a trusted mortgage broker committed to making homeownership accessible and affordable. He offers an Employee Mortgage Program that partners with local businesses to provide discounted rates to their employees when they purchase a home. This program demonstrates how Taylor combines his professional expertise with his commitment to supporting the local business community. Companies participating in the program gain a valuable employee benefit that costs them nothing while their workers access meaningful savings. The program strengthens Taylor's connections with local employers while helping their teams achieve homeownership goals.
Taylor recognizes that many first-time homebuyers feel overwhelmed by financing options and worried about down payment requirements. He educates clients on various pathways to homeownership, including programs that require little or no money down at closing. His approach removes barriers that often prevent people from taking the step toward property ownership. Beyond first-time buyers, Taylor also works with real estate investors looking to expand their portfolios. He stays current on investment products and strategies that help clients build wealth through real estate.
Taylor's expertise in mortgage brokerage has made him one of the most knowledgeable professionals in the Reno area when it comes to home financing. He has built relationships with multiple lenders and brokers who can address virtually any financing need. Whether someone needs conventional financing, FHA loans, investment property mortgages, or specialty programs, Taylor connects them with qualified professionals. His role as a connector extends naturally from his mortgage business into his networking activities. Members seeking financial solutions for themselves or referral partners will find Taylor an invaluable resource.
Taylor's appointment as Board President represents an opportunity for Reno business owners to engage more deeply with the connections they build. By attending RCN events throughout 2026, members will experience the energy and vision that Taylor brings to the organization. Each gathering offers a chance to expand your professional network while exploring new venues and meeting new people. The organization's commitment to varied locations and quality sponsorships means every event brings something fresh to the experience.
Whether you are a business owner seeking referral partners, a professional looking to expand your network, or someone curious about the possibilities that strong business connections create, RCN offers the platform. Taylor's philosophy about networking—that it requires consistent effort, genuine care for others' success, and a long-term perspective—will shape how you experience these gatherings. Members who approach networking with this mindset find that both their business and personal satisfaction grow substantially. Many attendees also discover the rewards of volunteering on nonprofit boards, deepening their engagement with the community and their professional network. Mark your calendar for the next RCN event and experience firsthand the value of building meaningful business connections in Reno.