Jenna Giustino 
We all know that “adulting” comes with its fair share of responsibilities, and work is a big part of that. But finding your people, the ones who are just as motivated, passionate, and driven, can make all the difference. That’s exactly where Shore Hustle comes in. Based in Asbury Park, Shore Hustle is a local chapter of LeTip that’s built a space for young professionals to connect, collaborate, and support one another in a real way. And with a rooftop networking event coming up on April 30th at Watermark, there’s never been a better time to get involved. Read on to get to know Shore Hustle, the community behind it, and what to expect, including event details.
The Backstory: LeTip
Shore Hustle is part of LeTip, a group that launched in 1978 with a focus on building strong professional relationships and generating quality business referrals.
Today, it’s grown into one of the largest privately owned networking organizations in the country, with more than 250 chapters across the U.S. and Canada. Shore Hustle brings that same foundation to the Jersey Shore, with a more local, community-first feel.
Shore Hustle: Values
Out of those 250 chapters, Shore Hustle is Asbury Park’s own. The group brings together young professionals across industries, from real estate and finance to home services, wellness, design, and beyond.
It’s not just one lane. It’s a mix of specialties, which is exactly what makes it work. The goal is simple: grow professionally while building real connections with people who are just as invested in their work and their community. And for many members, that sense of connection goes far beyond business.
“When I joined Shore Hustle, I was new to the area and in my business,” member Sasha Buerano shared. “This group introduced me to business owners, professionals, and local families that are not just connections, but loyal customers and life-long friends.”
How It Works
Shore Hustle meets on Thursdays at 7:00AM at Motion City Media, located inside the Shoppes at the Arcade in downtown Asbury Park. FYI: It’s an early start, but intentionally so, making it easy to head into the rest of your workday after.
Meetings begin with time to connect over coffee, whether that’s catching up, sharing referrals, or setting up one-on-one meetings. From there, the structure includes updates from leadership, a featured member presentation, and quick “30-second commercials” where each member shares what they’re currently working on and what types of referrals they’re looking for.
The presentations are a highlight. Topics range widely depending on the member, but always bring something valuable to the table, from financial planning and cybersecurity to home maintenance and branding insights.
Outside of meetings, members regularly meet one-on-one around town, which is where relationships deepen and collaboration really takes shape.
The Vibe
The energy is welcoming, collaborative, and genuinely supportive of local businesses. There’s no pressure to be perfect or overly polished. It’s about showing up, being open, and finding ways to help each other grow. That sense of support is something members consistently come back to.
Colleen Fagan shared that being part of the group means “motivating, encouraging, and coaching each other.”
Meet the Members
The Shore Hustle network includes professionals across a wide range of industries. Here’s a look at some of the members who make up the group:
Real Estate, Mortgage + Insurance
Jillian Costa of Trident Abstract Title Agency focuses on business development and creating a seamless closing experience for clients. Since joining, she’s found the group has given her “the opportunity to build trusted industry connections and grow [her] professional circle.”
Michael A. Murcia of Advisors Mortgage Group serves as membership chair of Shore Hustle and as a mortgage professional, he guides clients through the home financing process with a relationship-driven approach. He shared that “thanks to the support of the group and the reliable professionals I’ve worked with over the years, my mortgage business has succeeded in both good and bad markets.”
Sarah Maes of The Ross Maghan Agency provides tailored insurance solutions through an independent, client-first model. She shared that being part of Shore Hustle has shown her the value of collaboration, especially when she can offer clients “a trusted referral” whenever they need it.
Sasha Buerano of Sasha Buerano Agency of State Farm helps individuals, families, and small businesses protect what matters most through personalized insurance coverage. Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “It’s a community that has seen me through the sale of one business and starting out fresh with the next, helping me grow exponentially during the height of COVID. Eight years into this group, I’m grateful for every person it has introduced me to that helped me get to where I am today.”
Stacey Donadio of Century 21 Thomson & Co. specializes in helping buyers and sellers navigate the market with a strategic, client-focused approach. Through Shore Hustle, she’s built a trusted vendor network, sharing that it has positioned her as the go-to resource who always “has someone to recommend.”
Business, Finance + Consulting
Brian Gianforte of CBIZ, and current President of Shore Hustle, works as an employee benefits consultant helping organizations evaluate and manage their health programs. Through the group, he shared it has “led to many opportunities” and helped grow his client base.
Colleen Fagan of Jersey Senior Advisors brings a unique perspective as a registered nurse turned insurance advisor, providing unbiased guidance across major carriers. For her, the biggest impact has been the people, describing it as “being surrounded by young, driven entrepreneurs who have become genuine friends.”
Vincent Pungello of Pungello Advisory provides financial and operational consulting for private equity and service-based businesses. He noted that the relationships built through Shore Hustle have expanded his understanding of “different businesses and their day-to-day challenges.”
Home, Design + Local Services
James Burkimsher of Mold Recon specializes in mold remediation, air quality testing, and demolition services. Through Shore Hustle, he shared that his “largest job to date” came directly from a connection within the group, helping expand his business.
Kellie Smith of California Closets designs custom storage solutions for homes, from closets to offices and beyond. As a newer member, she described the group as “an immediate warm welcome” filled with people she would confidently recommend.
Michael Gassaway of Off The Hook Home Inspections provides detailed home inspections and ongoing support for homeowners. Within his first year, he built strong relationships and noted he “never would have made these connections” without the group.
Scott Kirk of Nova Heat and Air provides residential and commercial HVAC services, helping clients troubleshoot and solve issues efficiently. Over time, he’s built “many great connections and friendships” that have supported his business.
Veronica Holbert of Casa Sol Design Studio leads full-service interior design projects, from new builds to large-scale renovations. She shared that Shore Hustle reinforces “the importance of community-driven business growth,” something that closely aligns with her work.
Health, Wellness + Recovery
Stephen Bruno of Thrive Spine and Sports Rehab provides chiropractic care alongside physical therapy and recovery services designed to help patients get back to feeling their best. Since joining Shore Hustle, he’s found it has helped him “create a diverse and fun network in a new environment.”
Together, the group is made up of all different specialties, making it easy to connect, collaborate, and send trusted referrals to people you actually know and trust. As member Michael A. Murcia put it, “It takes a village, and this group provides that community.”
Want to Network?
For those looking to see what Shore Hustle is all about, the group is hosting a rooftop networking mixer on April 30th from 6:00PM to 9:00PM at Watermark.
It’s a chance to meet local professionals, make real connections, and enjoy a night out with waterfront views as the backdrop.
The event is free to attend, so it’s an easy way to step into the community. To RSVP and read more about the event, click here.
The Details
Shore Hustle meets every Thursday at 7:00AM at Motion City Media (658 Cookman Avenue #5, Asbury Park). For those interested in attending, DM the group’s Instagram page to inquire about meeting details.