You know your neighbor’s car, their dog’s name, and probably their Amazon delivery schedule. But their actual name? Not a clue. A new north Phoenix networking group wants to change that, kicking things off somewhere unexpected: a place where throwing axes is more common than exchanging business cards.
Desert Ridge Hub launches its first Resident Appreciation Night on Thursday, Nov. 12, at The Mighty Axe at High Street. The free gathering invites neighbors, entrepreneurs, and local businesses to make some real connections. Because knowing your neighbors shouldn’t require borrowing a ladder or chasing their runaway dog.
Less Awkward Networking. More Actual Neighbors.
Greg Kraus, founder and community technology lead at GetLocal.Social, believes people get so comfortable in their routines that they miss opportunities to connect.
His solution? Give everyone a reason to mingle.
“We’re not creating traditional networking events. They’re relaxed community gatherings where neighbors can meet, make friends and support local causes,” Kraus says.
There’s also a digital twist. Attendees can RSVP, receive an event ticket, and exchange contact information through personal digital cards with a quick scan or tap. No mystery business cards floating around the bottom of a purse. And no forgetting that interesting person’s name five minutes later.
For Kraus, a Desert Ridge resident of about 20 years, the event brings a longtime vision to life while connecting a community already taking shape.
Good Neighbors, Good Causes & A Little Axe Appeal
Helping organize the evening is Desert Ridge resident Lani Adams, a top-producing Coldwell Banker Realty agent with Scottsdale-based The Omni Partners.
“Come join us at The Mighty Axe for great food, fun, and a relaxed night focused on bringing our community together,” Adams says. “We’ll also be supporting the Starbright Foundation and celebrating the people who make Desert Ridge such a great place to call home.”
The event will spotlight local businesses Andrea Art Studios and Elderberry, with High Street/CBRE among the partners. Think neighborhood mixer meets local business showcase, minus the stiff introductions and painfully rehearsed elevator pitches.
Your Neighborhood Just Got A Social Upgrade
Desert Ridge Hub combines in-person gatherings with a digital platform connecting residents to neighborhood events, businesses, and community causes. Businesses can join for free, even outside Desert Ridge. Apparently, good neighbors don’t believe in strict ZIP code boundaries.
And Kraus isn’t stopping there. Quarterly gatherings are planned, while GetLocal.Social aims to eventually bring similar hubs to other communities. The goal? Turn familiar faces into actual friends. Who knows? You might finally learn the name of the person you’ve been waving to for three years.
Insider Takeaways
- No Desert Ridge Address Required: Residents, entrepreneurs, and businesses from surrounding communities are welcome.
- Business Cards Go Digital: RSVP, receive a ticket, and exchange contact information with a quick scan or tap.
- Local Love Takes Center Stage: Andrea Art Studios and Elderberry will be featured, with support for the Starbright Foundation.
- More Mingling Ahead: Quarterly gatherings are planned, with hopes of expanding into other neighborhoods.
Resident Appreciation Night takes place Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Mighty Axe, 5410 E. High St., Suite 102, Phoenix. Admission is free. For information and RSVP details, visit DesertRidgeHub.com.
