Meet My Network: Featuring Annette Blum and Jesse Blum

* Meet My Network is a monthly blog series where Alyce highlights outstanding individuals within her network to share their professional and personal accomplishments


Is there anything better than introducing people you not only know, like and trust but actually love, admire and are extremely grateful to have in your life? For me, making strategic and meaningful connections is why I do what I do. I believe that there’s nothing more gratifying than when I’m able to highlight the work, talent, and accomplishments of others and share it with the world!

For the inaugural ‘Meet My Network’ series, there are no two people I’d rather introduce than my Sister, Annette Blum, and Brother,Jesse Blum.

Creative, resourceful and ambitious are three words that automatically come to mind when I think of my sister. She’s not only an accomplished professional, but is the best friend everyone wishes they had and she happens to live in San Francisco, which is a great place to visit if you love amazing food, like I do.  

She pays the bills as a Product Marketing Manager at Cisco Systems and has been a valued member of the Cisco team for the past 7 years. Prior to that she received her B.A. from Emory University, lived and worked in NY for eight years and moved to the West Coast in 2008 to complete an M.B.A from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management.

While her professional and academic accomplishments are a force to be reckoned with, I want to highlight the work Annette does in her community through an incredible social enterprise she created and facilitates called, Shalon. Shalon was born out of the idea to bring people together from different backgrounds, faiths, ethnicities etc to have real conversations around issues that affect all of us as human beings and as members of the communities we live in.

The Shalon Series takes place once a quarter (give or take) and combines a delicious catered dinner + wine pairings while highlighting an important and relevant topic of conversation so that attendees can learn, discuss and share ideas on how to get involved and make positive impacts in their own communities. Check out some of Shalon’s past events here or if live in or are planning to visit the Bay Area click here to see Shalon’s upcoming events!

Who’s the kindest, most thoughtful person you know? For me, it’s easy to identify, it’s my brother, Jesse. He is a natural leader, community organizer and is extremely passionate about two things: pets and cars. He’s been a volunteer at the Denver Dumb Friends League for years and has been an active community member volunteering for Jewish Colorado, The Anti-Defamation League and Rose Community Foundation. Jesse has combined his passion for the auto industry and people by serving others as a professional Auto Broker.

Before pursuing a profession in the auto industry Jesse received his B.A. in Economics from the University of Colorado at Boulder (Go Buffs!), traveled all across the U.S. as the Coordinator of Chapter Services for the ZBT fraternity and lived and worked at both Steamboat and Vail Ski Resorts. (If you’re looking for an awesome ski buddy, look no further than Jesse!)

Now, you may hear auto broker and say to yourself, “What the heck is an auto broker?”. Let me  explain. An auto broker is someone who does all the backend work to help find you the perfect car, new or used and handle all the financial components as well. Think of a realtor, but for cars.

While the auto industry might not have the best reputation when it comes to honesty, customer service and transparency, I can say with full confidence that Jesse takes those negative stereotypes and destroys them. It doesn’t take more than a few minutes of talking with Jesse or reading some of his reviews to understand how wonderful the car buying/leasing process can be when you have Jesse by your side. He makes the entire process easy, smooth, and comfortable, but don’t just take my word for it, go ahead click here to read his reviews.

He’s not just any auto broker, but ‘The Chosen Auto Broker’ for that matter. So the next time you’re looking for a sweet new ride, or a reliable mode of transportation, I hope you’ll consider reaching out and connecting with Jesse. His quiet nature, genuine care for others and immense knowledge of the auto industry makes him the perfect person to work with. Click here to read more about Jesse and the brokerage firm, H.M. Brown that he represents.

Now & Then

Thank you, Annette and Jesse, for all you’ve taught me and for your endless support! I’m beyond blessed to call you my siblings, mentors and best friends!

#NetworkingWorks #inspired5280

 

 

Alyce Blum