Join us for a sneak peek of the ventures at Pitch Night, March 31st and the finished product at our 10th Annual Launch Night, May 12th.
1.) What was your introduction to Tribe 12?
Way back in 2011 or 2012, I remember seeing an event about celebrating four people who never had a b’nai mitzvah, so this party was in their honor. Well, I knew one of those being celebrated, so I decided at the last second to go. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made because it introduced me to a great organization, a new set of friends, and the ability to see Philadelphia as a Jewish adult in a way I hadn’t been able to before.
2.) What motivated you to take part in the Fellowship?
I’ve witnessed the last six or so classes go through and each time I’ve watched, I’ve gotten motivated to make the jump. I’ve seen businesses flourish and be recognized outside of the Jewish community, whether they’re a for-profit or a non-profit. I decided that there’s “no day but today”, so I closed my eyes and took the leap.
3.) Which elements of the Fellowship did you find most enjoyable? Most difficult?
I truly enjoy working with others and seeing how their ventures are growing from idea to implementation. I also enjoy working with the professionals, whether it’s my coach, peer mentor, or the guest speakers on a weekly basis and learning from their experiences. And it all started with the retreat. The most difficult is the unknown – not knowing what you don’t know.
4.) How did your venture begin?
My love for social media and sharing knowledge came back in 2004. As time has progressed, I noticed the need of having a digital presence online, whether it was a business or an organization, and I wanted to be part of their journey.
5.) How did it change throughout the Fellowship?
As a former cast member at Disney World, there’s been one quote that has always stuck with me – “The only constant in life is change.” My venture is always changing, whether it’s rebranding my own website, being open to consulting, or the structure in general.
6.) How is your venture influenced by your Judaism?
I always want to help others and gemilut hassadim (acts of loving kindess) has always resonated with me. Kindness is showing someone a way to do things that they may not have thought of before in order to help better their business or organization. I am focusing on smaller Jewish organizations and companies that don’t have much of a digital presence.
7.) What are your future goals and plans?
My goal is to build this company into as big as it could be. I want to put 100% of my focus on helping others build and showcase their business.
8.) What does Jewish community mean to you?
The Jewish community means everything. It means being there for one another. It’s family – even when you’re not related by blood.
9.) What are you looking forward to for Launch Night?
I’m looking forward to showcasing my and my cohort’s hard work in front of the larger Jewish community. Launch Night is a diving board into the pool of opportunity and adventure. The fellowship has changed so many lives, from the presenters to the supporters in the audience.
10.) What is your nerdiest hobby?
I am a real-life walking version of Glee (or most recently the Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist). And I also love a good board game night with friends.
11.) Where would we find you on a Friday night?
You might find me at the game, the theater, trying a new restaurant, or just enjoying a relaxing night in.
12.) What is your favorite thing about yourself?
I always try to see the good in people and in situations. I love making others laugh by always finding a pun in everything.
Learn more about Michael Saks and his venture here. Follow him on Instagram and Facebook!
Join us for a sneak peek of the ventures at Pitch Night, March 31st and the finished product at our 10th Annual Launch Night, May 12th.
Written by: Carly Goldberg, Tribe 12 Intern, carly@tribe12.org
