JULY 8 • 2021 | 45

says of M3Linked’s capabilities. “Business 
owners and entrepreneurs don’t always 
have a lot of people when they’re at the 
top who can help them. When they get 
involved in a community like this, they 
have all the resources they need to move 
their business forward and get guidance.”
The way M3Linked works, Nelick 
explains, is that it builds communities of 
entrepreneurs, business owners, attorneys, 
CEOs, investors, celebrities and founders. 
The platform brings these individuals 
together using different experiences 
within the community.
There is an entry-level membership 
where members can join special events, 
receiving 60 seconds to tell people about 
their professional background, their 
mission and their motivation. From there, 
members can create breakout groups with 
two to three people who might be able to 
help them out.
There are other levels as well, including 
one called “Masterminds” where eight to 
10 people meet every month for half a 
day, diving into one another’s businesses 
and solving various business problems. 
For now, many sessions are remote, but 
Nelick says in-person events are picking 
back up as COVID-19 restrictions ease.
“The biggest difference between us 
and some of our competitors is that you 
don’t have to attend every meeting, and 
referrals aren’t a requirement,” Nelick 
says. There’s also a strict membership 
vetting — only members with true 
intentions to help others can join. “We’ve 

turned away people that are worth 
millions and millions of dollars because 
we realize they’re only there for the take.”

EMOTIONAL MOMENTS
Even on a personal level, Nelick says the 
networking he’s witnessed has moved 
him greatly. “I’ve sat through many 
Masterminds, and every time I do, at least 
one person ends up crying,” he recalls. 
“People really love it when they come to 
us. They say they’ve finally found the right 
type of organization and community.”
Nelick says M3Linked looks for 
members who have a positive attitude 
and a lot of energy. “It’s a business 
collaboration, and everybody knows 
within the organization that if you help, 

you’ll get help.”
He also believes M3Linked provides 
a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs 
and other professionals to scale their 
businesses across the country, since they 
can meet with people in different markets 
(for example, a Detroit business owner 
can meet with a Los Angeles business 
owner to discuss bringing that particular 
business to another market). The virtual 
meeting capabilities, Nelick says, make this 
possible.
“We like to say we’re spearheading the 
collaborative revolution,
” Nelick continues. 
“Our short-term goals are to expand into 
the top metro markets in the United States. 
After that, our plans are to go international 
and go worldwide.
” 

HERE’S TO

Former U.S. ambassador to Morocco 
David T. Fischer received, in 
Washington, the Alaouite Wissam of 
the Order of Commander, which was 
awarded to him by HM King 
Mohammed VI. The royal decoration 
was presented to Mr. Fisher by the King’s ambas-
sador to the United States, Her Highness 
Princess Lalla Joumala, during a ceremony held 
at the residence of the Moroccan Embassy. The 
Wissam was awarded to the former U.S. ambas-
sador in recognition of his efforts to strengthen 
bilateral relations and close friendship between 
the two countries. Fischer served as ambassador 
to Morocco from 2020-2021. He currently serves 
as chairman of Troy, Michigan-based Suburban 
Collection Holdings. 

The Michigan 
Bankers 
Association 
announced the 
election of William 
B. Kessel, presi-
dent and CEO of Independent 
Bank as chairman of the board 
of directors. Mr. Kessel joined 
Independent Bank in 1994 as 
vice president of finance, was 
appointed to serve as the 
company’s president as of 
April 2011 and chief executive 
officer in 2013.

Adat Shalom 
Synagogue cele-
brated Rabbi 
Aaron Bergman’s
bar mitzvah year at 
Shabbat morning 
services July 3, 2021. Rabbi 
Bergman joined the Adat 
Shalom clergy July 1, 2008. 
On June 6, 2021, Rabbi 
Bergman was awarded an 
honorary doctorate by the 
Jewish Theological Seminary, 
marking 30 years since his 
ordination.

Guests gather to watch a live event 
in the Birmingham headquarters 
of M3Linked: clockwise from left, 
Carolyn Koblin, Steven Nelick, Roy 
Sadler, Franka Sadler and Stacy 
Latona.

