Events
Connect by Beyond Business
Connect by Beyond Business
An annual event connecting the Beyond Business community together through stories, encouragement, and conversations on how we are allowing the Lord to transform our work.
Coming July 16, 2026
The Mehling Center
15200 County Rd.
Tyler, TX 75704
Have questions? Email [email protected]
Guest Speakers
MARIO ZANDSTRA
Mario Zandstra serves as President of Holt Lunsford Commercial, where he works alongside Founder and Executive Chairman Holt Lunsford to lead the firm across Texas, overseeing leasing and management across approximately 100 million square feet of commercial real estate with 175 employees.
Before joining HLC, Mario built an extensive career spanning commercial real estate — including roles at Transwestern Commercial Services, The Staubach Company, and CBRE — alongside a 25-year ministry career serving organizations such as Pine Cove, East-West Ministries, Family Legacy, and Redeemer City to City with Timothy Keller.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern California and serves on the boards of several for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Mario lives in Dallas with his wife Lynelle and together they have seven adult children and fifteen grandchildren.
FRITZ HAGER
Fritz Hager is a West Point graduate who served as an armor officer during Operation Desert Storm, earning the Silver Star for gallantry during the liberation of Kuwait.
After leaving the military, he held executive leadership roles including CEO of NSG Corporation, where he led a successful turnaround and sale generating a ten-fold return on investment. In 2009, Fritz answered a call to church ministry and has since served as Executive Pastor for Administration at Bethel Bible Church in Tyler, TX, helping grow the church from one to four campuses.
He later earned his law degree from UNT Dallas College of Law, graduating Cum Laude and scoring in the top 3% of bar takers nationally, and now leads Hager Law, recognized as the top pro bono family law firm in Smith County in 2025. Fritz lives in Tyler with his wife Sarina and their six children.
FAQs
Who is this event for?
This event is designed for believers in East Texas who want to integrate their faith with their everyday work. Whether you’re a business owner, leader, employee or are still figuring out the vocation God has given you – we believe that our faith can inform all of life and when we gather together, we can help each other flourish!
What can I expect from this event?
We believe in equipping God’s people for work he has given them to steward. At Connect 2026, you will hear from various guest speakers who have been implementing faith in the context of work, connect with others on this journey and be provided with a designated time to reflect on what God may be placing on your heart in this season of work and life.
Will breakfast be provided?
Yes! A light breakfast and coffee will be waiting for you when you arrive!
When does registration close?
Tickets will be available for purchase until July 9th.
Can I bring my team?
Absolutely! We encourage you to not come alone. This time is better spent with those you can continue the conversation with. Tables of 8 are available to purchase.
Is my ticket refundable or transferable?
Yes! If something changes and you can no longer attend, please let us know and we can issue a refund up until July 9. If you would like to give your ticket to another, please let us know who will be taking your place.
Additional Questions?
Please contact [email protected] for help!