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We are Passionate About Serving
Economic Developers.

We're building communities through economic development by curating profitable relationships between development professionals and location consultants.

Our Philosophy

Consultant Connect bridges the gap between leading economic developers and location consultants, providing a platform to gain transparent feedback, invaluable insight, and lasting business relationships.

Where It All Began

The concept grew out of the need seen first-hand, by its founder, Kalamazoo, Michigan-based Southwest Michigan First, how economic developers and site selectors can find themselves on opposite sides of the road and how money can be easily spent without results. With its roots in local economic development, this team knows what works – and what doesn’t.

Our Team

Carla Sones

President

Site Consultant Relations, Visionary

Read Carla's Bio
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Nick Riashi

Investor Relations Expert

Collaborations + Partnerships

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Stephanie Van

Project Manager

Events + Logistics

Read Stephanie's Bio
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Molly Dixon

Events Director

Community Consultant, Curator

Read Molly's Bio
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Kaiden Gustafson

Creative Manager

Graphic Designer, Visual Storyteller

Read Kaiden's Bio
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Carla Sones

President

Carla, the President of Consultant Connect, guides the team in establishing connections and partnerships between economic development professionals and site location consultants. Carla is dedicated to keeping the team connected to the nation’s most active and diverse network of site consultants, ensuring the right consultants are matched with each project. Additionally, she supports organizational and professional development through leadership training, strategy, and coaching. With a background spanning over 10 years in leading community mobilization projects focused on health equity, Carla has channeled her passion for creating meaningful job opportunities into developing impactful events and training modules for economic developers. She is a Certified Gallup Strengths Coach and holds a Bachelor of Science from Western Michigan University. Outside of work, Carla enjoys family time with her husband and five children, participating in sports activities, indulging in reading and puzzles, and fueling her soul with a passion for travel.

Nick Riashi

Investor Relations Expert

Nick focuses on Investor Engagement for the Consultant Connect team. He channels his days into understanding clients’ needs for site consultants and their role in attracting businesses to local communities. With a robust portfolio of 40+ events annually, Nick is consistently on the ground, engaging with clients to discern optimal partnerships. Joining Consultant Connect in 2016, Nick brings a wealth of experience from his time at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. There, he specialized in securing sponsorships and driving ticket sales for the university’s athletic department. Nick’s career has always been centered on fostering connections and aiding clients in problem-solving. Nick holds a B.A. in Sales and Business Marketing from Western Michigan University. A devoted father to Weston, Paisley, and Beckham, Nick immerses himself in “Dadventures” when not at work—whether it’s exploring the beach, enjoying a round of golf, or visiting parks. Beyond family, Nick is a fervent advocate for an active lifestyle. From golf and tennis to traveling and cooking, he makes the most of his free time. His love for sports also transcends his professional life, mirroring his genuine appreciation for clients and consultants within the Consultant Connect family.

Stephanie Van

Project Manager

Stephanie serves as Consultant Connect’s project manager, where she plays a pivotal role in the success of all C2’s events and logistics. With over 10 years of experience in office administration and client services, Stephanie brings a wealth of expertise to her position. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations from Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI, she has a comprehensive background that complements her practical skills. In her capacity as a project manager, Stephanie is dedicated to ensuring the seamless execution of Consultant Connect events. Her responsibilities encompass organization of event details, communication with clients, coordination with vendors, and management of team roles. She adeptly manages schedules, oversees logistical arrangements, and maintains a keen eye for detail, guaranteeing that all facets of events unfold seamlessly. Outside of work, Stephanie finds joy in reading, game nights with friends, and cooking with her husband. In addition, Stephanie is a creative entrepreneur as the founder of BKH Candle Co.

Molly Dixon

Events Director

Molly is the chief event curator and visionary at Consultant Connect. Her role involves designing unique experiences that facilitate relationship-building between economic developers and site selectors. Molly also provides consultation to communities and economic development agencies, assisting them in creating events that highlight regional assets and tell their unique stories. She constantly has her pulse on the latest trends and has a knack for adding that special touch that will leave everyone talking. Prior to joining Consultant Connect, Molly worked for Western Michigan University as the International Student Events Coordinator, creating thoughtful and comprehensive opportunities for international students to make Southwest Michigan feel like home. Molly holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish & Sociology from Western Michigan University and is working towards her master’s in business administration and management. Outside of work, Molly enjoys playing volleyball, cooking, and attempting to train her two cats to walk outside.

Kaiden Gustafson

Creative Manager

Kaiden oversees all facets of Consultant Connect’s marketing, design, and material needs. He maintains Consultant Connect’s branding and visual identity while telling the C2 story through social media, event materials, and marketing collateral. Kaiden’s expertise lies in art and design, shaped by his experience as a creative intern for Western Michigan University’s football team throughout college. Kaiden is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Fine Arts at Western Michigan University for Graphic Design. Outside of work, you can find Kaiden hunting for thrift store finds, chasing down a good concert, working through his movie and music queue, making art on the side, and cheering on the Western Michigan and Denver Broncos.