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 solely think 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! 

How CGM Helps Professionals Like Dr. Andrew Gessert Grow Through Professional Referrals

When Dr. Andrew Gessert opened Pivotal Chiropractic in Ann Arbor, his focus extended beyond the clinic. He wanted to build genuine relationships with the professionals around him. 

Having this mindset is what led him to the Collaborative Group of Michigan, where growth is driven by connection and professional referrals.

Why Relationships Matter 

In a competitive market, skill gets you in the door — but trust keeps you there. Cold outreach has its limits. The real opportunities come from a network of professionals who know your work and believe in it.

For Dr. Gessert, that difference has shaped how his practice has grown. 

What CGM Changed 

"CGM helped introduce my business to a network of professionals," he says. Members meet consistently, build relationships, and naturally develop connections over time.

Because trust is built before referrals happen, the process feels organic rather than transactional.

Why It Works 

Pivotal Chiropractic’s treatment model depends on long-term patient trust. CGM mirrors that same structure, where trust comes first, and referrals follow. 

Professional referrals continue to be one of the most valuable drivers of sustained growth for his practice. 

Is CGM Right for You? 

If you’re a motivated professional in Ann Arbor who prefers growth through connections, our group may be a strong fit.

👉 Join CGM and start building meaningful professional referrals through trusted relationships today: https://www.collaborativegroupofmichigan.com/join