Built for people tired of pretending bad networking is good business.

A note from our founder

Michael Root, Founder

Welcome to DES Group Networking. DES stands for “Do Epic Shit,” and while the name may get your attention, the mission is much deeper than that. DES was created on a simple belief: great things happen when good people come together.

Throughout my career, I’ve learned that success is rarely achieved alone. The strongest businesses, careers, and opportunities are built through relationships. That’s why I started DES Group Networking — to create a community where professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders can connect in a meaningful way, share knowledge, support one another, and grow together.

What makes DES different is that we focus on authentic relationships before transactions. We believe that when people genuinely know, like, and trust one another, opportunities naturally follow. Every event is designed to unite the professionals who plan, finance, build, and support the places where we live, work, and gather.

As a small personal touch, I handcraft the wooden bowl featured at each DES event. It serves as a reminder that meaningful things are built over time, with care, intention, and craftsmanship — the same principles that guide our community.

Whether you’re attending your first event or have been part of DES from the beginning, thank you for being here. I look forward to meeting you, learning your story, and helping you build connections that create lasting impact.

Keep Doing Epic Shit.
— Michael Root, Founder, DES Group Networking

Michael Root

Founder

Michael Root is the Founder of DES Group Networking, where DES stands for “Do Epic Shit.” A relationship-builder at heart, Michael is passionate about connecting business professionals, creating opportunities, and helping others succeed. With more than 27 years of experience in architecture, construction, and project management, he brings a unique blend of leadership, business development, and craftsmanship to every endeavor. An avid woodworker, Michael personally creates the signature wooden bowl featured at each DES event. Through DES Group Networking’s growing presence across multiple states, he continues to foster meaningful connections, promote local businesses, and build communities where professionals thrive together.

Jacqui Sabo

Panel member

Jacqui Sabo is founder and owner of Arizona Interior Resource (AIR), delivering workplace design and office furniture solutions across the U.S. and Canada. With 30+ years spanning commercial real estate, design, construction, and contract furniture, she helps organizations create workspaces where people feel healthy, connected, and empowered — without sacrificing productivity. Jacqui previously served as Vice President of Sales at Goodmans Interior Structures (a Herman Miller Authorized Dealer), leading teams in Phoenix, Tucson, and Albuquerque. An MBA graduate, she is also a certified sales trainer. AIR is WBENC-certified, and Jacqui is active in trusted-advisor and industry communities, advancing well-being and performance.

Caitlin Penny

Panel member

Caitlin Penny is the founder and brand expert behind Copper Theory Creative, a brand strategy and design studio helping businesses clarify how they are seen, remembered, and chosen. Known as “Joan of Art” by her team, Caitlin blends strategy, storytelling, and sharp visual direction to help brands move from scattered to unmistakable. Her work centers on perception: the signals a business sends before a conversation ever happens. Through brand strategy, design, workshops, and speaking, Caitlin helps founders and organizations build brands that feel aligned, credible, and impossible to ignore.

Teresa Delatorre

Panel member

Teresa Delatorre is the National Account Manager for Aire-Master and has a background in Business Development and customer service. She is passionate about building meaningful relationships, creating strategic partnerships, and connecting people with opportunities that drive success. Known for her client-first approach, Teresa is committed to fostering trust, open communication, and exceptional service. Her dedication to leadership, collaboration, and helping others has made her a trusted resource among clients, colleagues, and industry professionals alike.

Outside of work, Teresa enjoys traveling and exploring new destinations, continuously seeking new experiences and perspectives. She can often be found perfecting her golf swing on the course, enjoying time with friends and family, or attending live music events. Her enthusiasm for connecting with people extends beyond her professional life, reflecting her genuine appreciation for community, relationships, and making the most of every opportunity.

Wade Vaughn

Panel member

Wade Vaughn is the Senior Business Development professional for K CORP, a veteran-owned mechanical contractor and service provider based in the Greater Phoenix area, with extensive experience building strategic relationships and delivering HVAC & plumbing solutions for commercial facilities and building operators. He is passionate about connecting people, identifying opportunities, and helping organizations improve operational performance through trusted partnerships and exceptional service. Known for his relationship-driven approach, Wade enjoys collaborating with facility leaders, contractors, property managers, and business professionals to create mutually beneficial outcomes and long-term success. He believes that business is built on trust, strong relationships, and a willingness to help first — bringing enthusiasm, integrity, and a people-first mindset to every interaction. When he's not working, you'll likely find Wade BBQing, not counting his golf swings, and finding new ways to bring great people together — because he believes the best opportunities often start with a simple conversation.

Gabriel Gasca

Panel member

Gabriel Gasca is an SBA Commercial Loan Officer with Midwest Regional Bank who helps entrepreneurs and business owners secure the capital needed to acquire businesses, purchase commercial real estate, and fuel growth through equipment, inventory, and working capital financing. With more than 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, Gabriel brings a practical, solutions-driven approach to helping businesses scale and succeed. Known for making strategic connections and finding creative solutions, he is passionate about supporting ambitious founders and business owners who are willing to take calculated risks, pursue big opportunities, and, in true DES fashion, Do Epic Sh*t!

Samantha DeRose

Phoenix panel member · Liminal Public Relations & Communications

Samantha DeRose is an award-winning publicist and co-founder and president of Liminal Public Relations & Communications, a strategic communications agency specializing in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC), commercial real estate (CRE), building products and nonprofit sectors. After a decade in PR, Samantha recognized a common challenge: great companies were doing incredible work, but many of their best stories were going untold. Through media relations, executive thought leadership, award strategy and strategic storytelling, she helps brands earn recognition, strengthen their market presence and connect more meaningfully with their audiences. Samantha believes the best business opportunities begin with authentic relationships and a well-told story.