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!  

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! 

CGM Member Spotlight: Dr. Andrew Gessert, Pivotal Chiropractic

Many people seek chiropractic care for pain relief, feel temporary improvement, and then see symptoms return. Dr. Andrew Gessert of Pivotal Chiropractic in Ann Arbor takes a different approach—focused on structural correction rather than short-term symptom management.

Many of his patients are from professional referrals and networking, often arriving with a stronger level of trust and understanding before treatment even begins.

The Structural Approach 

Dr. Gessert evaluates the spine like a structural engineer assessing a building, identifying foundational shifts that can contribute to headaches, back pain, sciatica, and radiculopathy.

Rather than temporary fixes, his approach focuses on rebuilding structure for longer-lasting outcomes and clearer patient understanding of the process. 

What Does Treatment Look Like?

Treatment begins with a complimentary consultation, followed by an exam and a personalized plan that may include:

• In-office spinal corrections
• Spinal remodeling exercises
• Home exercise programs

The goal is long-term independence, not ongoing dependency.

Beyond Symptoms 

He emphasizes that chiropractic care is grounded in doctoral-level musculoskeletal training and supported by research showing structural correction may reduce the need for more invasive care later.

Building Long-Term Outcomes 

Dr. Gessert joined CGM to connect with local professionals and build trust-based relationships that extend beyond his practice. Over time, that network has continued to generate consistent professional referrals.

👉 Learn more in our latest article. 

Ready to grow through trusted connections?

Join CGM and strengthen your network through professional referrals:
https://www.collaborativegroupofmichigan.com/join