Irene Waitzman never had the chance to meet Edward Coombs in person but feels like she knows him just the same.
A long-time entrepreneur and owner of Strategic Connection and Political Connection, Irene met Edward’s mother, Tina, after Edward’s 2011 death. Around the same time, Irene was grieving the untimely death of her nephew, Michael, who was a year older than Edward. Through her friendship with Tina, and later the Coombs family, Irene came to know the standout lacrosse player with a winning smile.
“I feel like I’ve known him all my life,” she said. “I love the family.”
Irene and her team play at the Edward Taylor Coombs Foundation’s golf outing each year. Since the first or second outing, Irene has supported the event as the top sponsor. For the 10th annual event in 2021, Irene, through her company Strategic Connection, kept that generous backing going and donated a surprise $34,000 gift to further the Foundation’s scholarship efforts. The number 34 symbolizes Edward’s jersey number for the Marist College Red Foxes. The Coombs family incorporates Edward’s number as much as possible into the Foundation, selling ETC Foundation hats for $34, for example.
Backing the Foundation keeps Edward’s legacy alive, helps young men and women receive scholarships for college and is a “good way to support my nephew,” she said.
“I hope to be part of it for many, many years,” she said.
Irene’s support is borne out of her love of making connections – something that has helped to further her career as well. Since graduating from Villanova University in 1985, the Swarthmore entrepreneur has started several businesses on her own and helped “at least” five or six people start their own businesses.
“I have that entrepreneurial spirit,” she said.
She founded Political Connection in 1993. Three years ago, she launched “an offshoot” of that business – Strategic Connection.
“We provide communication services for growing businesses,” she said, adding that the company assists with Websites, graphic design, social media and more. “Any type of communication need.”
Irene recruited her husband, Doug, out of retirement to assist with human resources and staffing for the company, which employs 150. Strategic Connection serves small and growing businesses nationally.
Kyle Fiorelli, a 2019 Millersville University graduate, began working for Strategic Connection following graduation. He works on business development, seeking out small businesses in need of communication services, including outbound calling and text messaging. Once clients are in place, Strategic Connection is “with them every step of the way.”
