Founded in 2001 by Bob Waltenspiel, the Detroit Networking Organization (launched as Detroitnet.org) was the “anti-group”.
Knowing that networking was the backbone of his success and their future, he 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?” he thought. Well, what started as three guys at a bar in Ferndale has blossomed to over 9,500 members.
In 2007, the group started a wildly popular blog series called “Don’t Be That Guy”, figuring publishing the “don’ts” of business networking would make the group that much more stronger. In 2011, we were awarded viewer’s choice “Most Valuable Blogger” from CBS under the ‘Local Affairs’ category.
In 2009, during the down economy, we recognized that traditional Job Fairs were not the getting the job done. The group expanded to offer the “Pink Slip Party” concept, where the only attendees could be people looking to hire IT professionals, and IT professionals looking for work. As a result of these Pink Slip Parties, and the monthly casual networking meet ups, over 2,000 people have found jobs. This is a testament of the laid back nature and the removal of the “cattle call” atmosphere typically found at job fairs.
In 2013, responding to the call of “there really isn’t a good local tech podcast”, the “IT in the D Show” hit the Internet. Coupled with their own banter, they bring in studio guests from local IT staffing companies, business owners and C-level executives. The show is available wherever you listen to podcasts.
In 2014, the group rebranded as “IT in the D”, growing the group from what started it: the need to connect the local IT industry casually, “networking Detroit, one beer at a time”.
In 2018, Bob and Dave were speakers at the TedX Detroit Conference.
By 2023, IT in the D has become the largest and longest running Information Technology networking organization and podcast, exceeding 9,500 members. The podcast, celebrating 10 years, is now hosted by Bob Waltenspiel and Randy Walker where we provide an insider look into the Detroit tech scene.