Shared Ground with Jon Jeffreys in Hampden

Dialogue Miles

Jan 12

I first met Jon Jeffreys, CEO of Callahan & Associates, Inc., during COVID at the suggestion of my longtime friend, Doug Fecker, former CEO of Wright-Patt Credit Union. Doug believed Jon and I shared similar values and a passion for learning—and he was right.

Over the next two years, Jon and I spent time exchanging insights that supported his organization’s growth and gave me a deeper understanding of the credit union space as I was building siY, LLC.

Although we haven’t worked as closely in recent years, our connection has remained strong through golf outings and our annual luncheon in Maryland. This year, we met at Daniella’s Restaurante in Hampden, followed by a walk—the beginning of our Dialogue Miles™ journey together, which will continue next year in Pittsburgh at Jon’s childhood nine-hole golf course.

That next stop carries meaning for both of us. I lived in Pittsburgh for years, and we share a deep appreciation for the game of golf. Those shared experiences have a way of grounding the conversation and strengthening the connection.

What Surfaced Along the Way

As the walk progressed, a few themes began to take shape:

Take pride in the growth of those closest to you.
Not by taking credit, but by showing support. For Jon, that’s his growing family; for me, it’s my grandson.
Your lowest professional points don’t define you.
We often avoid sharing these stories out of fear of judgment, but doing so helps us—and others—grow.
Find common ground.
Shared experiences create joy and deepen relationships.
Confirm the next meeting before you leave.
Time slips away quickly.
Friendship can be the best path forward.
When trust exists, relationships often evolve from professional to personal. Still, never forget the foundation—professional connections can provide leverage later, but only when approached with unselfish intent and a spirit of helping each other.

What stood out most to me is how relationships evolve over time. They may begin in a professional setting, but when trust is present and people continue to show up, they become something more durable.

Dialogue Miles™ continues to reinforce that for me. Shared movement creates space for honest conversation, and honest conversation reveals what matters most.

Next stop: Pittsburgh, where our conversation will continue on familiar fairways.