PHOENIX, ARIZ. (Jan. 8, 2026) – Modern Business Development is pleased to announce its expansion into the Denver, Colorado market, and the hiring of Denver Director of Business Development Ashton Sakansky.
“We really leaned into one of our core values, ‘We ask what’s next,’ in 2025, and we are thrilled to see how the momentum has carried us into the new year and into a new market,” said Modern Business Development CEO Cassie Wells in announcing the opening of the Denver office.
Wells, a commercial real estate industry leader and business development expert, launched Modern Business Development, a woman- and minority-owned Firm, in 2023. MBD represents the niche market of subcontractors and service providers in Metro Phoenix who require business development services.
Modern Business Development also expanded its footprint in the Valley in 2025: Dr. Stephen Adamo was hired as Director of Business Development in the Tucson market; Abe Assad joined the team as the cold-calling expert; and Sammy Masters was promoted to Director of Business Development in the Phoenix market. In addition to business development services, Modern Business Development now offers in-person and remote Business Relationship Gardening Method© training classes.
“In 2026 we will still take all of our core values seriously, we put people first; we give back; we are contagiously fun; and we are consistent,” Wells said. “Ashton embodies these core values, and we are excited to see how she can serve the subcontractors and service providers in Denver, starting with Cherry Coatings.”
In the Denver office, Sakansky will work exclusively with subcontractors in the architecture-engineering-construction (AEC) industry, providing business development consulting.
A native of California, Sakansky graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management. She enjoys listening to electronic dance music, snowboarding, painting, and drawing.
Sakansky has a deep passion for giving back to the community, from working closely with her sorority, Chi Omega’s Make-A-Wish philanthropy, to serving on NAIOP Arizona’s philanthropy committee. Sakansky plans to continue this community involvement in Colorado.
“Modern Business Development’s approach aligns perfectly with how Denver does business – relationship-first and community-driven. I’m proud to represent a platform that helps companies grow through authentic connections and long-term strategy,” Sakansky said.”