Every month, Mint Motors in Fort Myers brings together contractors, small business owners, and service providers from all over Southwest Florida for a free networking meetup event designed to build real business connections. This Contractor Networking Event happens every 3rd Thursday of the month, and it’s quickly becoming one of the best meetups for tradespeople, small businesses, and growing companies in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, and nearby areas.
This event is all about connecting hard-working business owners in a relaxed, friendly environment—plus free BBQ lunch, great conversations, and the chance to learn from others in your field. Whether you’re a contractor looking to grow, a service provider trying to meet new clients, or a small business owner wanting to expand your network, this monthly meetup gives you a place to talk, share ideas, and build relationships that can help your business move forward.
Why the Contractor Networking Event Exists
Southwest Florida is full of skilled contractors, tradespeople, and business owners who are busy every day building, fixing, installing, and serving customers. But many of these professionals don’t get a lot of time to meet others in the area who are doing similar work. Mint Motors created this event to fill that gap.
We wanted a simple place where contractors could:
- Meet other business owners in the community
- Build trusted relationships
- Support each other with referrals
- Learn what other trades and services exist nearby
- Enjoy a free BBQ lunch
- See work vans and upfitting options without pressure
The idea is straightforward: better connections mean better business. When contractors know each other, work tends to flow more easily. Jobs get shared, leads get exchanged, and everyone grows together.
Where the Event Happens
The event takes place right at Mint Motors in Fort Myers, in the heart of Southwest Florida. Our dealership specializes in work vans, fleet vehicles, and commercial upfits, so it’s a natural gathering point for contractors. You’ll meet trades from all backgrounds:
- HVAC
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- General contractors
- Flooring installers
- Roofers
- Pressure washing
- Landscaping
- Pool service
- Pest control
- Solar installers
- Handymen
- Remodelers
- Painters
- Small business owners of all kinds
If you rely on a work van or service vehicle, you’ll feel right at home.
Free BBQ Lunch for All Contractors
Food brings people together, so we keep it simple: free BBQ lunch every 3rd Thursday.
Grab a plate, eat, talk, share stories, and enjoy yourself. There’s no cost and no catch—just a friendly way to show appreciation to the hard-working business owners in our community.
Many contractors tell us they come as much for the food as for the networking, and that’s perfectly fine. The goal is to relax, hang out, and build genuine connections.
A Strong Networking Opportunity for Contractors in SWFL
Networking can feel difficult or uncomfortable at big business events, but this meetup is totally different. It’s relaxed, welcoming, and easygoing. Contractors talk naturally while standing around the grill, checking out vans, or chatting under the tent.
Here’s what you can expect:
H2: Meetup with Other Contractors Who Understand Your Work
You’ll meet people who know what it’s like to run a business in Southwest Florida’s heat, humidity, storms, and busy seasons. Many conversations end up being about:
- How to find reliable help
- What tools are working best
- How to handle tough customers
- Local supply houses
- Insurance questions
- Service pricing
- Business tips
- Lead sharing
Some contractors find new partners. Others find subcontractors. Many exchange numbers and talk again later.
H2: Build Local Connections That Can Help You Grow
If you’ve ever said, “Do you know someone who does…?” then this event is for you. Everyone is here for the same reason—to grow, meet people, and support each other.
Contractors often walk away with:
- New referrals
- New business contacts
- Helpful advice
- Social media followers
- New friends
- Business opportunities
Southwest Florida is growing fast, and the contractors who stay connected often grow with it.
Hosted at Mint Motors – See Work Vans and Ask Questions
While the event is mainly about networking, it also gives contractors a chance to walk through the lot and see commercial vehicles without pressure. Mint Motors is known for:
- Reliable work vans
- Clean titles
- Clean Carfax units
- Fair pricing
- Commercial financing
- Van upfitting guidance
- Ready-to-work setups
If you need a cargo van, transit van, box truck, or service vehicle, this is the perfect time to ask questions and explore vans in person. You’ll be able to talk to someone about:
H3: Choosing the Right Work Van for Your Trade
Different trades require different setups. We can help you understand:
- Roof heights
- Payload
- Shelving options
- Bulkheads
- Ladder racks
- Cargo space
- Fuel type
- AWD vs RWD
- Upfitting ideas
You can ask anything—from “Which van lasts the longest?” to “What size upfit do I need for my tools?”
H3: Growing Your Fleet as Your Business Expands
Many small businesses in SWFL grow quickly once they start getting referrals and building a name. We help guide contractors on when it might be time to add a second or third van—so they can take on more work and keep up with demand.
Why Contractors in Southwest Florida Love This Event
This monthly meetup has become popular for a few simple reasons:
H2: Real People, Real Conversations
There’s no formal structure. No speeches. No pressure. You grab food, talk with others, walk around, and enjoy the afternoon.
It feels more like meeting with friends than attending a business event.
H2: Free BBQ and a Friendly Environment
Everyone loves free food. But more importantly, this event gives contractors a place to unwind, meet new people, and talk about daily challenges in a way that only other contractors truly understand.
H2: Central Location for Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Lehigh Acres
Because the event is held at Mint Motors on Fowler St, it’s easy for contractors from:
- Fort Myers
- Cape Coral
- Lehigh Acres
- Estero
- Bonita Springs
- North Fort Myers
- Alva
- San Carlos Park
- Punta Gorda
to stop by during the day.
Who Should Attend
This event is open to anyone who:
- Works in a trade
- Owns a small business
- Offers a service
- Wants to expand their network
- Wants to build local relationships
- Is new to the area
- Wants free BBQ
- Wants to meet other hardworking people
Even if you’re just starting your business or thinking about becoming a contractor, you’re welcome.
When It Happens
Every 3rd Thursday of Every Month
Time: Usually mid-day (we can adjust details anytime)
Where: Mint Motors – Fort Myers, FL
Come by whenever you can. Stay as long as you want.
H2: Why This Event Matters for the Contractor Community
Contractors are the backbone of Southwest Florida. You build homes, repair systems, install equipment, maintain properties, and keep the community running. This event gives contractors a place to feel supported, valued, and connected.
We’ve seen great things happen through these meetups:
- Businesses teaming up on large projects
- Contractors helping each other with leads
- Service providers connecting with trades
- New friendships forming
- New fleet vans purchased at the right time
- People finding mentors
- New companies growing faster
When contractors connect, the whole community wins.
H2: How to Join the Next Contractor Networking Event
You don’t need to RSVP. You don’t need a ticket. You don’t need to sign up.
Just show up.
Here’s all you need to do:
- Mark your calendar for the 3rd Thursday of the month.
- Stop by Mint Motors in Fort Myers during the event time.
- Grab some BBQ.
- Talk to people.
- Make connections that help your business grow.
That’s it.
H2: Summary – A Monthly Contractor Meetup Event That Helps Your Business Grow
The Southwest Florida Contractor Meetup Networking Event at Mint Motors is one of the best places for tradespeople and small business owners to meet new people, share ideas, find new opportunities, and enjoy a free BBQ lunch. If you work in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, or anywhere in Southwest Florida, this is your chance to connect with others who understand your work and your industry.
Friendly people, helpful conversations, great food, and a location full of work vans and business solutions—this event truly has something for everyone. Make plans to join us on the next 3rd Thursday and become part of a growing contractor community.