about the

founders

Hi there!
Derek Coburn here. We wanted to give you a quick overview as to how CADRE came to be, and who it is for.

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Derek Coburn

I began my career as a financial advisor in 1998 and built a successful wealth management practice, mainly through cold-calling in the early years and networking later on. I joined high-level networking groups and professional organizations and met some great people. Unfortunately, I also met a lot of professionals who were only interested in themselves and what they could gain from our interaction. Why was it so hard to meet people with a give-first mindset interested in developing long-term relationships?

Through trial and error, I began to find my people, which led to co-founding CADRE in 2011 with my wife, Melanie. I share how I did this in my #1 Amazon Bestseller, Networking Is Not Working.

I sold my wealth management practice in 2019, although I still maintain a working relationship with a limited number of clients.

The only thing I enjoy more than introducing people to amazing ideas and humans is being the best husband and father I can be.

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Melanie Coburn

I have always been passionate about connecting and helping others. As Chief Relationship Officer (CRO) for our unique community, I advocate for and support over 120 CEOs and business leaders full-time. As CRO, I serve as a liaison, strategically connecting complementary members and helping to ensure that initial meetings grow into mutually beneficial relationships. Much of this connection takes place at the events which I carefully plan and execute in person and online. I love creating impactful experiences that push our members to grow and ultimately deepen their relationships with one another.

A Maryland native, former DC resident, and current Virginia resident, I love the DMV and actively support its small and local businesses. Prior to graduating from the University of Maryland, College Park (B.S. Marketing, 1999), I was a professional cheerleader for the Washington NFL franchise (formerly the Redskins). In 2001, I became the Marketing Director for the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders - the first-ever marketing position devoted exclusively to cheerleaders in the NFL.

Over the 10 years that followed, I built a very diverse network. This aspect of my professional life resonated with me, forming what is now a firm belief that by deepening your existing relationships, you inspire your connections to become word-of-mouth marketers - in a sense, cheerleaders - for you, and ultimately expand your network. Confident in the value of this unique approach to networking, Derek and I launched CADRE in 2011. We are honored to be able to serve this incredible community and look forward to more time with our #ChosenFamily ahead!