Meet Carly Wieland
Carly J. Wieland, CFP®, ChFC®, Wealth Advisor
Carson Wealth 3772 Fashion Square Boulevard Saginaw, MI 48603 (989) 792-7777 [email protected] |
Q: When did you begin working at your company?
A: I joined my company in February 2018. At that time, we were known as Abbs Retirement Planning Advisors. In January 2024, we rebranded as Carson Wealth. Our company has proudly been a member of the Saginaw Chamber for over 35 years!
Q: When did you become a Chamber Ambassador?
A: This year, 2025, is my first year as a Chamber Ambassador. I’m excited to connect individuals and businesses! If you ever have questions, feel free to reach out. If I don’t have the answer, I’ll find the right resources or connect you with someone who does.
Q: What motivated you to become an Ambassador?
A: Fear, in a way, motivated me. I vividly remember walking into my first Chamber event and being overwhelmed by a room full of unfamiliar faces. Finding one familiar person made all the difference. Now, I genuinely look forward to attending these events and seeing everyone. I want to be a welcoming presence at events, helping others feel comfortable and valued. Personally, I find fulfillment in assisting others and helping them achieve their goals, and this role allows me to do just that.
Q: What’s the most memorable connection you’ve made as a Chamber Ambassador?
A: I’ve made so many meaningful connections that it’s hard to pick just one. Through the Chamber, I’ve met individuals from a wide variety of industries whom I might not have connected with otherwise. These relationships have enriched both my professional and personal life.
Q: What Chamber event do you look forward to the most and why?
A: I always look forward to the Perc Breakfast. The best part is the networking before the event officially starts — meeting new people and catching up with familiar faces is such a highlight. The meeting itself is always informative and helps me stay updated on local happenings.
Q: What’s one networking tip you’d share with new Chamber members?
A: A networking tip I would share with Chamber members is, never underestimate the power of a smile — it breaks down barriers and makes you more approachable. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for an introduction. A mutual connection can create instant rapport and make conversations flow more naturally.
Q: Tell us one fun fact about you that might surprise people.
A: As a child, I was very shy. My parents even nicknamed me “Violet” because I would hide behind my hair like the character from The Incredibles. However, by the end of high school, I decided to shed my shyness — I realized I had too much to say and didn’t want to miss out on opportunities.
Q: What was your first job?
A: My first job was as a hostess at my grandparents’ restaurant, Villa D’Alessandro’s. I was 16 at the time, and after breaking my third tray of glasses, my Papa Joe told me the restaurant industry wasn’t for me.
Fun Fact: Last year, when my grandparents were short-staffed, I helped out as a waitress a few nights a week. This time, I didn’t break anything — I redeemed myself!
Q: What was your dream job as a child, and how does it compare to what you’re doing now?
A: In kindergarten, I dreamed of becoming a firefighter. Now, as a Financial Advisor, my role is very different, but I still help people. While I’m not battling physical fires, life’s unexpected events can feel just as overwhelming. I’m glad to help clients plan for, overcome, and prevent life’s challenges.
Q: What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
A: During my time at Saginaw Valley State University (Go Cards!), I was part of the Vitito Fellows Leadership Institute. In the program’s final semester, we studied abroad in Portugal over spring break. We met with many professionals there to discuss their business practices. It was an incredible experience!
Q: What inspires or motivates you to keep giving back to the community?
A: My motivation stems from my family’s story. My grandpa came to America from Italy at age 12, and my grandma arrived from Latvia at age 5. Out of all the places they could have raised their families, they chose the Great Lakes Bay Region. Thanks to the community’s support, they both lived out their version of the American Dream here. I want to help others achieve the same.
Published: January 2025
A: I joined my company in February 2018. At that time, we were known as Abbs Retirement Planning Advisors. In January 2024, we rebranded as Carson Wealth. Our company has proudly been a member of the Saginaw Chamber for over 35 years!
Q: When did you become a Chamber Ambassador?
A: This year, 2025, is my first year as a Chamber Ambassador. I’m excited to connect individuals and businesses! If you ever have questions, feel free to reach out. If I don’t have the answer, I’ll find the right resources or connect you with someone who does.
Q: What motivated you to become an Ambassador?
A: Fear, in a way, motivated me. I vividly remember walking into my first Chamber event and being overwhelmed by a room full of unfamiliar faces. Finding one familiar person made all the difference. Now, I genuinely look forward to attending these events and seeing everyone. I want to be a welcoming presence at events, helping others feel comfortable and valued. Personally, I find fulfillment in assisting others and helping them achieve their goals, and this role allows me to do just that.
Q: What’s the most memorable connection you’ve made as a Chamber Ambassador?
A: I’ve made so many meaningful connections that it’s hard to pick just one. Through the Chamber, I’ve met individuals from a wide variety of industries whom I might not have connected with otherwise. These relationships have enriched both my professional and personal life.
Q: What Chamber event do you look forward to the most and why?
A: I always look forward to the Perc Breakfast. The best part is the networking before the event officially starts — meeting new people and catching up with familiar faces is such a highlight. The meeting itself is always informative and helps me stay updated on local happenings.
Q: What’s one networking tip you’d share with new Chamber members?
A: A networking tip I would share with Chamber members is, never underestimate the power of a smile — it breaks down barriers and makes you more approachable. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for an introduction. A mutual connection can create instant rapport and make conversations flow more naturally.
Q: Tell us one fun fact about you that might surprise people.
A: As a child, I was very shy. My parents even nicknamed me “Violet” because I would hide behind my hair like the character from The Incredibles. However, by the end of high school, I decided to shed my shyness — I realized I had too much to say and didn’t want to miss out on opportunities.
Q: What was your first job?
A: My first job was as a hostess at my grandparents’ restaurant, Villa D’Alessandro’s. I was 16 at the time, and after breaking my third tray of glasses, my Papa Joe told me the restaurant industry wasn’t for me.
Fun Fact: Last year, when my grandparents were short-staffed, I helped out as a waitress a few nights a week. This time, I didn’t break anything — I redeemed myself!
Q: What was your dream job as a child, and how does it compare to what you’re doing now?
A: In kindergarten, I dreamed of becoming a firefighter. Now, as a Financial Advisor, my role is very different, but I still help people. While I’m not battling physical fires, life’s unexpected events can feel just as overwhelming. I’m glad to help clients plan for, overcome, and prevent life’s challenges.
Q: What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
A: During my time at Saginaw Valley State University (Go Cards!), I was part of the Vitito Fellows Leadership Institute. In the program’s final semester, we studied abroad in Portugal over spring break. We met with many professionals there to discuss their business practices. It was an incredible experience!
Q: What inspires or motivates you to keep giving back to the community?
A: My motivation stems from my family’s story. My grandpa came to America from Italy at age 12, and my grandma arrived from Latvia at age 5. Out of all the places they could have raised their families, they chose the Great Lakes Bay Region. Thanks to the community’s support, they both lived out their version of the American Dream here. I want to help others achieve the same.
Published: January 2025