About Us

Passages to Success is on a mission to empower business owners and entrepreneurs through tools, strategies, and connections for remarkable success.

We believe that success encompasses personal growth, meaningful relationships, and positive community impact. By providing vibrant networking opportunities, community events, and engaging brand content, we amplify our clients’ visibility and impact. With a background in banking and lending, we also offer valuable financial insights to support informed decision-making and long-term stability.

Ben Surratt
Founder & CEO

Ben Surratt’s journey embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship, community engagement, and the pursuit of a well-rounded life. His unwavering commitment to helping small businesses succeed and his passion for fostering meaningful connections make him a valuable asset to the entrepreneurial ecosystem and an inspiration to those around him.

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Ben Surratt, originally from Wisconsin, has called the Pacific Northwest home since 2004. Together with his wife Angela, they embarked on their entrepreneurial journey in 2011 and have been full-time business owners ever since. Passionate about supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, Ben founded and played a crucial role in the development of Passages to Success. This platform empowers and guides small businesses to overcome challenges and thrive in a constantly evolving landscape.
Beyond his dedication to the small business community, Ben finds joy in exploring the world with his wife and two children, immersing themselves in different cultures and experiences. Committed to making a positive impact, Ben actively volunteers with organizations such as SHARE Vancouver and the Evergreen School Board District Foundation. As an enthusiast of craft beer, you’ll often find him indulging in the rich flavors of local breweries and tap houses, appreciating the artistry behind each sip.
In his pursuit of personal and professional growth, Ben engages in mastermind sessions with fellow entrepreneurs and small business owners, exchanging insights and strategies. However, amidst the busyness of life, he always cherishes moments of laughter and connection with his loved ones, finding solace in their company.

Kimberly Keys
Founder

I was raised in Lakeland, FL and moved to Vancouver, WA at the very beginning of 2018 with my now husband Nathan and our dog Padme. Being in the Pacific Northwest has allowed me to take risks like becoming an entrepreneur. Passages to Success has been a part of my journey since its beginning and I’m excited to continue representing my voice as an entrepreneur and owner as the NEW Passages to Success is born.

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I moved from Lakeland, FL in 2018 to my now home, Vancouver, WA. I love everything there is to love by being in the PNW. I moved here with my husband Nathan and our dog Padme, and we love exploring all the beauty there is out here. Between the mountains, the coast, the Gorge, the delicious beer, the wine culture, the food…I could go on and on. The best part about being in the PNW, is Vancouver. My home has the best community and in a lot of ways is the reason I am an entrepreneur today. In October of 2020, I quit my retail job after 17 years to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I found new hobbies like painting and macrame, but my true love is supporting the local community. In the beginning of 2021, A Serendipitous Behavior Series, the podcast, was born! This podcast allowed me to connect with small business owners and create relationships that are still in my life today. During one of the podcasts, a business owner named Kurt asked me if I do any social media. Thus, Serendipitous Behavior, the social media business was created. Because of the podcast, I was able to meet the Business Over Beer guys we all know and adore. Then when they launched Passages to Success, I knew I had to be involved and became a founding member. Passages to Success helped my business with growth and development that I had never seen before. Being able to be surrounded by business owners of all levels and see how they struggle with the same things as I do, really showcased the power of this program. As every business does, changes were made. In January of 2023, the opportunity to be a partner with Passages to Success presented itself and now the NEW Passages to Success has been launched and I am part owner. What I hope to get out of the NEW Passages to Success (or P2S as I like to call it), is that business owners get the same great information and value from the old P2S, but with a new focus. Mental health is a huge piece of development and we have decided to shine more of a light on it. I am excited to see how this can evolve into something amazing!

Chris Toffler
Founder

Chris Toffler {Head of The Networking Group} – My journey in banking, my dedication to supporting businesses, my commitment to my family, and my efforts in building a stronger business community have shaped me into the individual I am today. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to continuing my journey of professional growth and community service.

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Our History

In 2019, Ben Surratt, along with his co-hosts Jonathan Kaylor and Jason Knopp, embarked on a mission to highlight the stories and experiences of small business owners and passionate individuals in their local community. Through their podcast, Business Over Beer, they shared the journeys of entrepreneurs and delved into the “why” behind their businesses, all while enjoying the flavors of local craft beer.

However, in 2020, the world witnessed unprecedented challenges as small businesses faced the impacts of forced lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to these trying times, Ben, Jonathan, and Jason recognized the need for a more proactive role in supporting local businesses. Thus, Passages to Success was born—a membership-based community dedicated to helping small business owners navigate the challenges they face and thrive in an ever-changing landscape.

Now, three years later, Ben Surratt, alongside Kimberly Keys and Chris Toffler, has taken the vision of Passages to Success to new heights. They have embarked on a journey to build upon the foundation laid by Passages and offer even more support and resources to the small business community. Together, they have founded the New Passages to Success—an evolution of the original concept, with a renewed commitment to empowering small business owners and entrepreneurs.

At the New Passages to Success, our mission remains the same: to provide a platform where small business owners can connect, learn, and thrive. We believe in the power of community and the transformative impact it can have on the success of businesses. By joining our growing community, you’ll benefit from enhanced opportunities, expanded resources, and a network of like-minded individuals who are passionate about supporting and uplifting one another.

Now is the time to be part of the New Passages to Success journey. Together, we will build upon the successes of the past and create a future where small businesses thrive. Join us today and experience the difference that a supportive and dynamic community can make for your business.

About Us

Ben SurrattFounder & CEO

Kimberly KeysFounder

Chris TofflerFounder

Our History

Ben Surratt
Founder & CEO

Kimberly Keys
Founder

Chris Toffler
Founder