Lessons from Legends: Networking & Discussion with Dennis Bernard and Matt Lester

Join NEXTWork, NEXTGen Detroit and Gesher’s top-tier networking program for an
inspiring event with two Detroit business (and philanthropic) legends— Dennis
Bernard, Founder and President of Bernard Financial Group, United Jewish
Foundation Past President and JVS (now Gesher) Past President and Matt Lester,
Founder and CEO of Princeton Management and Jewish Federation Past President.
Dennis and Matt, both pillars of the community, will be joining us to share
lessons learned from pivotal moments, overcoming setbacks and how their
involvement with Federation and the greater Detroit Jewish community has
impacted their businesses.

$18 includes networking, drinks and light appetizers.

Thank you to our chairs:
Adam Blanck, Stephanie Bloom Lucker and Josh Ketai

Meet Our Speakers
**Dennis S. Bernard **
Dennis Bernard is the founder and Managing Partner of Bernard Financial Group;
one of the largest privately owned national commercial mortgage banking firms.
Mr. Bernard received his undergraduate degree from Miami University and an MBA
from Case Western Reserve University. Mr. Bernard has received numerous awards
and commendations for his community, philanthropic and business involvements.
Annually named to Metropolitan Detroit Top100 Business Leaders. Mr. Bernard
was recently named as one of Michigan’s Most Influential Leaders. Mr. Bernard
serves on the executive board of Jewish Federations of North America and is
currently their national chair of Government relations. He is past president
of the United Jewish Foundation.

**Matthew B. Lester **
Matthew B. Lester is the founder and Chief Operating Officer of Princeton
Enterprises, a leading multifamily investment and management firm with a
diverse portfolio of residential and commercial properties nationwide. A
graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Southern
California, he established Princeton Enterprises in 1995 and has guided its
growth into a nationally recognized company. Mr. Lester is a respected speaker
and educator, frequently presenting at real estate and community events. Mr.
Lester recently served as president of the United Jewish Federation and was
awarded the Frank A. Wetsman Young Leadership Award. He also recently received
Yeshiva Beth Yehudah’s Outstanding Leadership Award. A dedicated
philanthropist and civic leader, Mr. Lester remains actively involved in
charitable and community initiatives.

NEXTWork is brought to you by Gesher Human Services and NEXTGen Detroit.
Special thanks to the Hadas and Dennis Bernard NEXTWork Endowment Fund.