CGM Member Spotlight: Mark Grieshaber, Edward Jones

Many people find themselves waiting until a major life event to think seriously about their retirement plan. 

Mark Grieshaber, a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones in Saline, believes confidence in your retirement plan and finances should come well before that point.

About Mark's Practice

He works with serious investors on complex financial needs, including:

• Tax-saving strategies
• Estate and wealth transfer planning
• Lost-income replacement
• Social Security and Medicare planning
• Behavioral coaching

He’s seen significant growth in his practice through the referrals from our networking organization. 

More Than a Financial Plan

Mark takes time to understand and relate to his clients, building trust that makes tough financial conversations easier.

A Network He Trusts 

He joined our networking organization to build a circle of professionals he could confidently send clients to. In doing so, he’s become more comfortable in networking and social settings and has contributed to meaningful business growth.

Interested in Joining CGM?

We're a local networking organization serving Ann Arbor and cities across Southeast Michigan.

Contact us today to arrange your Thursday morning visit.

Read the full member spotlight here. 

Why a Trusted Referral Network Still Matters

Even with advances in technology, Mark Bracey of Arbor One Mortgage believes one thing hasn't changed: people still want to work with people they know and trust. 

More Than a Mortgage

His approach has never been about how difficult a loan is or how much income it generates. This belief has shaped his 30-year career and is why he remains active in CGM, an Ann Arbor professional networking group.

The Inner Circle Advantage

For Mark, the biggest benefit is the inner circle he can provide for his clients. When someone requires help beyond financing, he already knows who to call! 

An Advisor Who Explains, Not Just Processes

Mortgage financing isn’t one-size-fits-all, and many buyers aren’t aware of the many options available to them. These options include down payment assistance, reverse mortgages, and more. 

Choosing an Experienced, Hands-On Lender

Mark encourages buyers to work with a lender who stays engaged throughout the process, rather than one who simply automates it. 

He applies the same standard to professional networking. With time, committed individuals who show up consistently earn referrals and trust. 

Learn more in our latest member spotlight. 

Interested in Joining CGM?

Get ready to grow your business through trusted relationships with a local professional networking group.

Contact us to arrange your Thursday morning visit today.

CGM Member Spotlight: Mark Bracey, Arbor One Mortgage

Many people think a mortgage is just about the interest rate. Mark Bracey of Arbor One Mortgage sees it differently. 

With 30 years in the business, he helps buyers and homeowners find financing that fits their situation and benefits them long-term.

About Arbor One Mortgage

Mark works with buyers and homeowners for a variety of mortgage services:

• Conventional
• FHA
• VA 
• Rural Development
• Reverse Mortgage
• MSHDA Down Payment Assistance Programs

Many of his clients come from our networking group, where members regularly refer trustworthy colleagues. He particularly enjoys guiding first-time homebuyers through what can be an overwhelming process.

Putting People Before the Loan

Mark doesn’t lead with the complexity of a loan or how much he’ll earn from it. His focus remains on achieving the best possible outcome for his clients. 

Credit Score, Explained

One major misconception Mark encounters is that credit health means only paying bills on time. In reality, a strong score opens up financing options that many buyers don't know exist. This is something Mark takes time to explain clearly.

A Network Built on Trust

We’ve provided Mark with referrals and given him confidence. Being part of this group means that when he sends a client to another member, he knows they will be treated with the same care he provides his own clients.

Learn more in our latest member spotlight. 

Interested in Joining CGM?

We’re a local professional networking group serving Ann Arbor and cities across Southeast Michigan. 

Contact us to arrange your Thursday morning visit today.

The Value of a Trusted Professional Network

Most clients want an accountant who provides clarity and context. 

This principle inspired Lisa Amador to join CGM (an Ann Arbor-based local networking group), where professionals connect through trust, education, and collaboration.  

More Than a Referral Group  

Many professionals join networking groups to create new business opportunities. While referrals are valuable, Lisa sees the most value in forming genuine relationships with other professionals. This philosophy also shapes her relationships with clients.  

Through consistent meetings and learning about each other's businesses, members can confidently refer each other - whether that's an accountant recommending a trusted colleague or a business owner endorsing Amador Accounting.  

Choosing an Advisor Who Educates  

Lisa encourages clients to select a professional who’s willing to educate, not just prepare their return. The right advisor helps clients understand their numbers, answer questions, and acts as a reliable resource year-round. 

That same standard applies to professionals she meets through her networking group: individuals willing to explain their work so referrals can be made with confidence.  

Stronger Connections, Better Resources  

Active networking provides access to professionals across various industries. 

For Lisa, this means having trusted colleagues to consult whenever a client needs guidance outside her own expertise.  

Learn more in our latest member spotlight. 

Interested in Joining CGM?  

Get ready to grow your business through trusted relationships with a local networking group. 

Contact us to arrange your Thursday morning visit today! 

CGM Member Spotlight: Lisa Amador, Amador Accounting

When people think of an accountant, the majority of them think solely of tax returns. 

Lisa Amador of Amador Accounting helps business owners with accounting decisions beyond tax season. She helps them understand their books so they can make better decisions year-round. 

About Amador Accounting 

Amador Accounting works with both individuals and small business owners for tax and financial planning services. 

Her main practice areas are contractors, landscapers, real estate investors, and growing businesses. Through years of experience, Lisa has noted that clarity (not just compliance) is what clients truly seek. 

Clarity Over Complexity  

Oftentimes, individuals come to Lisa without a clear picture of their financial situation. 

Before beginning tax preparation, she maps out where the client has been, their goals, and what must be tracked to achieve them.   

Her ability to map out financial decisions using bookkeeping, financial statements, and tax planning empowers clients to make informed decisions from day one.  

Education First  

Education is key to her approach, for both herself and her clients. 

She informs her clients of tax law and statement information while refraining from the use of technical jargon. 

Lisa prides herself on investing time beyond her required continuing education credits and learning from top professionals in the tax industry. In return, she provides proactive planning, not just reactive filing.  

Relationships Matter  

CGM (an Ann Arbor-based networking group) has connected her with many of the same professionals she has worked with for around 20 years. She’s found that the best referrals come from genuine relationships built over time through regular interaction.  

Learn more in our latest member spotlight.

Interested in Joining Our Networking Group?  

Get ready to grow your business through trusted relationships with a local networking group. 

Contact us to arrange your Thursday morning visit today!  

How Relationships Continue to Drive Long-Term Business Growth

Referrals have played an important role in Michigan Broadband Systems' growth for more than two decades. That focus is why Heather Gladden became involved with the Collaborative Group of Michigan, where professionals connect through trust, collaboration, and business networking. 

After years of membership, they’ve found more than that. They’ve become part of a community built around trust and collaboration that continues to create opportunities year after year. 

More Than a Referral Group

Many professionals join networking organizations to generate new business opportunities. While referrals are valuable, Heather Gladden believes the strongest benefits come from developing genuine relationships with other professionals.

By meeting consistently and learning about each other’s businesses, members build confidence in their recommendations.

Why Trust Makes a Difference

When referrals are made, your reputation is tied to that recommendation. 

At CGM, relationships are built over time, allowing members to refer with confidence because they know and trust the professionals they recommend.

Business networking becomes a natural part of helping clients find reliable resources.

Stronger Connections, Better Resources

One significant advantage of regular networking is access to professionals across various industries. Access to an inner circle of professionals allows members to better serve clients, family, and friends by connecting them with people they know and trust.

Learn more in our latest member spotlight. 

Interested in Joining CGM? 

Get ready to grow your business through trusted relationships and weekly business networking. 

👉 Contact us to arrange your Thursday morning visit today! 

CGM Member Spotlight: Heather Gladden, Michigan Broadband Systems

Many businesses upgrading their communications systems place more emphasis on the upgrade than on the planning itself. Heather Gladden of Michigan Broadband Systems believes the planning process is equally important. 

Much of Michigan Broadband's growth has come through business networking, exceptional customer service, and a commitment to putting clients first. With years of experience, they have seen how preparation helps businesses avoid communication challenges after installation.

Building the Right Foundation

One common concern clients bring to Michigan Broadband is ensuring extensions, departments, and employees are properly connected within the system.

Before implementation, the team collaborates with clients to create communication flowcharts that outline how calls should move throughout the organization. This ensures employees remain accessible and customers reach the right person when they call.

Service Beyond the Installation

They take a different approach to support. Rather than directing customers to a large call center, the team serves as the first point of contact and coordinates directly with vendors when necessary.

Their goal is to find the solution that best fits the client's needs, rather than promoting a certain product or service. 

Relationships Matter

Heather joined the Collaborative Group of Michigan because relationships have always played a crucial role in business growth. Over the years, business networking has connected her with professionals who share the same commitment to helping clients and building trust within the community.

Learn more in our latest member spotlight. 

Interested in Joining CGM? 

Get ready to grow your business through trusted relationships and weekly business networking. 

👉 Contact us to arrange your Thursday morning visit today!