Samantha Ballenger

About Samantha Ballenger

I\'m a lifelong entrepreneur with a passion for building businesses that connect people, solve meaningful problems, and create freedom—not just for myself, but for those I serve.As the Co-Founder of Network After Work, I helped scale one of the largest business networking communities in the U.S, hosting live events across 86 cities and connecting over 1 million professionals over the years. What started as an idea over drinks turned into a movement that redefined what networking could look like.Post-COVID, I’ve been channeling my experience into launching and scaling new brands—most recently, The Traveling Perfumer (a fragrance brand inspired by global travel and memory).My superpowers?Turning napkin sketches into six-figure businessesCreating loyal audiences through storytelling and brand authenticityBuilding communities that feel like familyI\'m currently focused on: Buying and scaling businesses in hospitality & lifestyle Building product-led brands that help people feel more connected🧠 Coaching and empowering new entrepreneurs to go full-timeIf you\'re into entrepreneurship, building community, luxury hospitality, or want to collaborate—Let’s chat.

Experience

1. Co-founder

   Network After Work

   Jun 2009 — Present

   Co-created one of the largest business networking platforms in the U.S.Scaled operations from a single city to over 86 metro areas nationwideProduced hundreds of events annually with thousands of attendeesSecured major brand sponsorships and media coverageAdapted post-pandemic by transitioning to digital and on-demand offeringsOver the past 15+ years we have helped over professionals from across the country grow their professional networks, expand their influence and gain new business opportunities. http://networkafterwork.com

Education

• DePaul University

  BS, Psychology

  2001 — 2005