What we’re about
The Story
Founded originally in 2001 by a trio of Information Technology professionals in Metro Detroit, the Detroit Networking Organization was the “anti-group”.
Knowing that networking was the backbone of their success and their future, the three sought out the perfect group in which to identify and connect, but found only dysfunctional, cross-industry groups: the 7AM BNI organization where you give up your book of business to a florist, or to a local chamber meeting to be hounded by MLM and insurance sales reps, or to pay $20 to be in a loud nightclub with 300 people.
“Why can’t we simply network with other IT professionals in a casual environment?” they thought. Well, what started as three guys at a bar in Ferndale has blossomed to almost 8,000 members.
The Team Bob Waltenspiel
Bob Waltenspiel is one of the original founders and resident “Sales Guy” of the group, working for such tech giants as NTT, NEC, Hewlett-Packard, Dell, and most recently Cisco Systems. Bob was recently awarded the Elite 40 under 40 designation from L Brooks Patterson, he serves on the Tax Increment Finance Authority for the City of Auburn Hills. Bob is also on the Board of Directors for the German-American Marksmanship Club, served for 2 years as the President of the Auburn Elementary PTA, and is a regular speaker for the Michigan Shifting Gears program, winning 2013’s "Outstanding Contributor for the Transformation of Careers and Lives".
