Meet the Team

Ashley T. Caldwell, Founder & Owner

How does one become a trusted social media marketing consultant? In our case, it all began with an “aha” moment. Our founder, Ashley Thiesen Caldwell, was working on a marketing campaign for a small business owner when she had a thought: social networking, it seemed, had the potential to grow into something big. Something that could completely change the face of marketing and public relations. Something that could really set a brand on fire. (This, by the way, was looooong before the idea had become anything close to mainstream).

So after several years of working in traditional journalism and public relations, she decided to try something new. Working with that same small business owner, she switched her focus from conventional online marketing methods and fashioned a new, modern approach for connecting with potential customers. The result, suffice it to say, was one very happy client. And a new business venture: The Modern Connection.

Today, Ashley is a veteran social media marketing consultant who can turn anyone into a Twitter addict and get a Facebook business page blazing with active fans in a matter of weeks. From her home base in Charleston, SC, she empowers clients—from solopreneurs and startups to established businesses and nonprofits—with the technology and skills they need to succeed online.

Originally from Colorado, Ashley’s headquartered The Modern Connection in Charleston, SC, where she happily resides. She maintains a strong presence in the community and is widely known as the town’s “Social Media Geek”—a title she wears with pride.

Jessica Turner, Social Media Specialist

Several years ago, Jessica began to see a change in the way people were communicating with one another. A PR pro by trade, she noticed that these changes weren’t just on a personal level, but were altering the way she performed her job. Social media had entered the mainstream and public relations would never look the same.

So, she did what any person who wishes to remain relevant in their job market would do…she embraced the changing landscape with open arms.

As The Modern Connection’s social media specialist, Jessica does get to play around on Facebook and Twitter all day (we knew you were going to ask). But that’s just the tip of the iceberg – listening, monitoring, management, engagement – all play a vital role in an effective social media presence and Jessica has a keen understanding of how these elements tie in to an overall marketing strategy.

Her work experience has included national consumer and B2B PR campaigns for food, fashion, travel and lifestyle clients, including the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, the National Honey Board, Tommy Bahama Home, Montgomery Ward, Paul Frank and more.

Originally from Kansas, Jessica has also lived in Los Angeles and most recently moved to Charleston, SC from Madison, Wisconsin. She and her husband Nate love living in the Lowcountry (the lack of snow helps a bunch) and can’t get enough of the warm weather, beaches and friendly people.

Tim Mize, Web Developer & Designer

Bio coming soon!

Corey Chaleff, Business Development

In his “quest for the best” Corey is no stranger to the risks and rewards of business ownership. Having owned, managed and built a variety of successful businesses himself, Corey has the unique ability to assess business situations and recommend winning solutions.

Having extensive involvement in traditional marketing campaigns for his own endeavors, Corey was quick to realize the potential of online marketing and social media and incorporated them in his business operations.

Additionally, Corey has been involved with several successful marketing and sales campaigns for national companies, including Maytag, Mac-Gray, Rollins/Orkin and Assurance America Insurance, as well as countless regional and local companies. He has also provided campaign staffing needs for several national advertising agencies, including J.Walter Thompson, Lintas Media and Ketchum PR.

As The Modern Connection’s business development liaison, Corey uses a consultative approach to recommend business solutions to The Modern Connection’s clients and provides the important first steps in discovering the best social strategy for connecting them to their customer. Building connections, after all, is what Corey does best. Relating from an business owner’s point of view only strengthens Corey’s role with The Modern Connection and the relationships he fosters with our clients.

Southern hospitality, warmer weather and a desire to be closer to family drew this native New Yorker to Atlanta, where he currently resides. While he calls Alpharetta/ Johns Creek home, Corey still loves travelling to NYC to catch a Broadway show or eat in Little Italy. A renaissance man of sorts, Corey has also made a name for himself in the stand-up comedy arena and can be seen performing in numerous clubs across Atlanta.