Close
Enter your
text here

WE ARE AMERICA’S JOBS TEAM.

America’s future relies on people like you to foster a dynamic economy. It’s a big responsibility, but you are not alone in shouldering the weight. You are part of America’s Jobs Team!

You know—as do we—that the business of creating jobs is hard work, requiring more than just a little bit of elbow grease. You’ve got to have: deep industry knowledge; community and workforce familiarity; a keen understanding of how incentives impact corporate financials; an ability to form deep relationships and create unity; and perseverance.

Over the years, the Consultant Connect team has assembled a war chest full of experiences and partnerships that we draw on daily to do our work. Listen to our America’s Jobs Team podcast for lessons and inspiration from our team. We always want to outdo our best, and we bet you do too!

Listen to the America’s Jobs Team podcast below, or find it on iTunes.

Episode 024: Chris Strayer | Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
 Episode 024: Chris Strayer | Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Chris Strayer, senior vice president at Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, talks with Nick Riashi about his insights on the importance of building the right team, as well as always being open to guidance and mentorship. Chris shares his thoughts on why having a plan is one of…

read more
Episode 023: Mike Harvey | Northwest Arkansas Council
 Episode 023: Mike Harvey | Northwest Arkansas Council 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Mike Harvey, chief operating officer at Northwest Arkansas Council, joins Carla Sones on today’s episode. Their conversation dives into the advice Mike has for people that are in a leadership position for the first time, as well as why Mike thinks today’s pace of work can be a…

read more
Episode 022: Danny Chavez | McKinney Economic Development Corporation
 Episode 022: Danny Chavez | McKinney Economic Development Corporation 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Today, Danny Chavez of McKinney Economic Development Corporation joins Nick Riashi on the podcast. Danny talks about how keeping an open mind is vital to staying relevant in today’s fast-paced world, and why it’s so important to make sure you have all the information before making decisions. He…

read more
Episode 021: Vivian Howard | A Chef’s Life
 Episode 021: Vivian Howard | A Chef’s Life 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Ron Kitchens had the chance to do an interview with Vivian Howard of the TV show “A Chef’s Life.”  Vivian’s determination to make the community where she grew up a better place to live is incredible. In today’s interview, she shares how she went from wanting nothing more…

read more
Episode 020: Ashley Cagle | Wake County Economic Development
 Episode 020: Ashley Cagle | Wake County Economic Development 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Ashley Cagle from Wake County Economic Development joins Nick Riashi to talk about her journey in economic development and leadership thus far. Ashley shares her advice on how to continue finding the thrill in your job, as well as how she sets boundaries that allow her to be…

read more
Episode 019: Kenny McDonald | Columbus 2020
 Episode 019: Kenny McDonald | Columbus 2020 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Kenny McDonald from Columbus 2020 joins Carla Sones to talk about all things leadership. Kenny and Carla discuss how the onslaught of information in today’s world can be a challenge, and what Kenny admires most about his team. He shares several great leadership lessons, and talks about how…

read more
Episode 018: Jeff Mayes | Consumers Energy
 Episode 018: Jeff Mayes | Consumers Energy 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Nick Riashi talks with Jeff Mayes. Jeff shares how he makes deliberate commitments to learn about things that make him uncomfortable. He talks about how he transitioned from politics to economic development and what he has learned along the way. Jeff also shares his advice on how to…

read more
Episode 017: Heidi Smith | Tennessee Valley Authority
 Episode 017: Heidi Smith | Tennessee Valley Authority 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Heidi Smith joins Carla Sones for an interview exploring Heidi’s leadership journey. Heidi shares some great advice about leading by example, especially with regards to having a “do whatever it takes to get it done” attitude. She talks about why it’s crucial to own your mistakes and why…

read more
Episode 016: Brian Hilson | Economic Development Association of Alabama
 Episode 016: Brian Hilson | Economic Development Association of Alabama 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Brian Hilson, Rural Development Specialist at the Economic Development Association of Alabama and former CEO at the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA), shares his insights on leadership. His passion for leading with goodwill and integrity is clear. Brian talks about the importance of being an open communicator and having…

read more
Episode 015: David Rumbarger | Community Development Foundation (Tupelo, MS)
 Episode 015: David Rumbarger | Community Development Foundation (Tupelo, MS) 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: David Rumbarger joins Carla Sones to share his leadership journey and insights. David talks about how constant change is a challenge for today’s leaders and his advice for emerging leaders of “we did this, not me did this” is so simple yet so powerful. David shares who in his life…

read more