How One Introduction Created a Multi-Million Dollar Partnership with Theresa Bassett

What if a single introduction from a stranger you never saw again could change your entire life?

In this episode, Theresa Bassett, CEO of The Diamond Group and sales and marketing expert with over $550M in transactions, shares the remarkable story of how a mystery connector named Isabelle introduced her to Kelly Bassett at a running training group and then vanished forever. That one serendipitous moment transformed not only Theresa's personal life but her entire professional trajectory, leading her from Fortune 500 corporate sales to building a thriving 28-year-old family business that now employs a team of 20 and serves small businesses across the nation.

Theresa reveals how she "went in kicking and screaming" to entrepreneurship, initially unable to envision herself as a CEO, but discovered her true calling: equipping and empowering small business owners to triple their revenue, build legacy wealth, and create ripple effects that impact entire families and communities. From tripling a home builder's revenue in 18 months to helping a solo orthodontist open five offices and build generational wealth, Theresa's story is a masterclass in the power of partnership, resilience, and saying "yes" even when you can't see the full picture.

 

[00:05:29] What Theresa Does: Serving Small Business America

CEO of The Diamond Group: A sales and marketing growth revenue agency for small businesses

Why Small Business?

• Small businesses provide 86% of jobs in America

• Theresa counts it as one of her greatest privileges to employ a team of 20 people

• Every time a team member buys a car, house, or takes a vacation, it feels like a personal victory

[00:07:43] The Backstory: From Corporate to Coaching to CEO

• Trained as a sales professional working for major home builders

• Merchandised new home neighborhoods for the biggest builders in the world

• Coached business owners on sales and marketing one-on-one

• Believed in the power of personalized consulting to elevate brands

[00:08:55] The Life-Changing Introduction

• Both showed up at a running training group

• Neither could run "a lick"—couldn't even run to the corner

• A woman named Isabelle was at the front gate

• Isabelle: "Oh, you're new. There's this other new guy here too. His name's Kelly. I should have you meet."

[00:11:40] The Partnership Begins: Joining The Diamond Group

• Started an agency in San Francisco, California

• Left the radio industry as a producer to produce radio ads independently

• Known