In 2011, Freddy Goerges launched Houston Young Professionals through his LinkedIn network. Mr. Goerges truly understands the value of making new connections using social media networking and building relationships with his followers. Within two years, he was able to reach a vast network and create events that have consistently proven value and success. That is what sets Houston Young Professionals apart from other organizations…executing events with the right balance between business networking and social fun.
Interview By: Lights Camera Action
Talking about professional mixers, the one person that is the driving force for such events and organizations is Freddy Goerges, the President & Founder of Houston Young Professionals. 
Lifestyle Editor Ruchi Mukherjee sat down for a quick conversation with this busy body.
You are the President/Founder of Houston Young Professionals. What inspired you to start the organization and tell us more about it?
Why I started HYP is a question I always get asked along with “how do you have the energy”. But to explain why I started HYP, I need to share with you who I am and the journey I have traveled
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I grew up shy and was always afraid to start a conversation. I didn’t know how to network or organize, but what I found out was that for the most part, so is everyone else.
Most people would rather play it safe and not take a risk or chase their dreams. I was dreaming of a new me, a new me that would take a risk on the one person that matters the most and that was “me”. I started challenging myself to talk to more people and to listen to what they were saying, thinking or feeling. I realized that I have a “better me” and that we all have this “best” in them. That we are able to bring out this “best” at will.
I found that the more I was passionate, happy, and excited about what I was doing; others wanted to be a part of that too.
I started Houston young Professionals to give the young professionals in Houston a place where they can be encouraged to meet new friends, advocate for each other and give of their time and back to the community.
Houston Young Professionals is an outlet for organizing what I was missing in other organizations that I belong to personally and professionally. I wanted something for young professionals by young professionals. But more than that, I wanted to be the change that I saw in me and I wanted to share and show others how they too can be that positive change.
What is your idea about success and a successful young professional?
Success is measured in many ways. It can be measured by self-growth, spiritual, money, friends and the list goes on. Success for me is when you have made an impact on your community or even on an individual. If you have inspired a better change on the way things are done or even a better way of thinking. For me, it is important to give and help others. When everyone around you is successful, you are truly blessed. When you help others realize their dreams, your success will come in ways you cannot expect or dream of.
Your thoughts about the young leaders of Houston today?
Houston has many great young professionals who are leaders and givers in the community. It is this spirit that makes Houston the best city in the US.
Lights Camera Action is so excited to feature the upcoming Gatsby Soiree hosted by the Houston Young Professionals and Fashion Houston. Tell us about the event.
The Gatsby Soiree is a mixer of culture and fun. It is a themed event that will create an atmosphere once lost but we will go back in time, back to the roaring 20’s. So I encourage everyone to come dressed as we will spot the best-dressed gal and gent.
You are involved with so many charities. How do you do it and what inspires you?
This is the 2nd question I always get, “How do I have the energy?” I am not 100% sure how I do it. I have a lot of passion and strong desires. When your goal and drive is to help others and give of yourself, I think that you have to give thanks to a higher power. When you ask just for yourself, you will get very little, but when you ask “How can I give more?” the flood gates open and you are given the right tools at the right time to give your best.
