Joe Apfelbaum recently sat down with Jocelyn Nager, Managing Partner of Frank, Frank, Goldstein & Nager, a New York-based debt collection law firm with decades of experience serving businesses across industries. In this conversation, Jocelyn opens up about how she built a thriving legal practice, the values that guide her work, and why her 15+ years of membership in the Executives Association of New York City has been one of the most significant investments she has made in her business and herself. From franchise introductions that changed the trajectory of her firm to the one-on-one meetings that turned contacts into lifelong allies, Jocelyn's story is a masterclass in what it means to network with intention.

Top Learnings & Key Takeaways

  • Strategic relationships drive real revenue. Jocelyn sums up her philosophy in one sentence: "Strategic relationships build business." Over 15+ years with EANYC, she has seen introductions from the group translate directly into major financial opportunities — including connections to franchise owners that opened significant new business channels she never would have accessed otherwise. For Jocelyn, the ROI of EANYC isn't theoretical. It shows up in her client roster and her bottom line.
  • Generosity and responsiveness are non-negotiable. The values Jocelyn has absorbed through EANYC — following up promptly, keeping promises, and showing up professionally every time — now define how her entire firm operates. She doesn't separate her networking standards from her business standards. Accountability is the expectation, not the exception, and consistency is a big part of why her relationships within the group have lasted as long as they have.
  • One-on-one meetings are where real relationships form. Jocelyn is clear that the most valuable networking doesn't happen in large rooms or at cocktail parties — it happens in focused, individual conversations where you take the time to genuinely understand another person's business, their challenges, and where you might be able to help. She makes these meetings a deliberate and regular part of how she engages with the EANYC community.
  • Who you bring into the room matters. Jocelyn's networking philosophy extends beyond her own business development. She is intentional about who she invites into EANYC — attorneys, managing agents, professional service providers — people who will add real value to the group and who the group will genuinely serve in return. Bringing the right guests, she believes, is one of the most meaningful contributions a member can make.
  • Debt collection doesn't have to feel adversarial. Jocelyn's firm, Frank, Frank, Goldstein & Nager, takes a consultative approach that starts with a free consultation and walks clients through every step of the process — from demand and mediation to arbitration, litigation, and judgment enforcement. They serve a wide range of industries, including real estate, food distribution, professional services, and lending, and their goal is always to resolve matters efficiently while protecting the client's interests.
  • Community compounds over time. After 15+ years, Jocelyn isn't simply a member — she's a board member, a recruiter, and one of the organization's most vocal advocates. The relationships she has built through EANYC have evolved into genuine friendships, trusted business partnerships, and a professional network she describes as truly irreplaceable. She has even brought her daughter to EANYC events to show her firsthand what intentional relationship-building looks like in practice.

Watch the Full Interview

To hear the full conversation between Joe Apfelbaum and Jocelyn Nager, visit the EANYC YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATlEuVTmyns 

About EANYC

The Executives Association of New York City (EANYC) is a professional networking group in New York City built for serious business owners and executives who believe that relationships are the foundation of lasting success. With a curated membership of industry leaders across sectors, EANYC creates the conditions for strategic introductions, trusted referrals, and long-term business growth. To learn more or inquire about membership, visit https://www.eanyc.com/
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