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.