Robert Carlson has extensive U.S. domestic and international business experience with corporations, universities and government agencies. He is well versed and knowledgeable in general management, project and business development, relationship building, synthesizing, problem resolution, importing and exporting. Additionally, he is fluent in oral and written Japanese. Carlson is a graduate of Brigham Young University and holds BA in Economics. He also attained his Master of International Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management. 

 

Ali Udawala is a Business Advisor at San Jacinto College, Pearland location. With a background in economics and accounting, Udawala immigrated to our country where over the last 30 years he has obtained SBA and conventional financing for his development, ownership, and management of retail stores, hotels, apartments, warehouses, and office buildings. Additionally, during his successful growth as an entrepreneur, he has consulted pro bono within his community assisting start-ups and providing accounting and management guidance to existing businesses.  At this point in his career, he has a sincere desire to give back to others in appreciation of his success. We feel fortunate to have such an accomplished businessman eager to share his experience and join us as an advisor.

Heather Jones is a graduate of San Jacinto College with an AA in General Studies. Heather brings to the San Jacinto College SBDC a plethora of skills acquired from 26 years of experience supporting high level industry executives and as a program coordinator. Additionally, Heather is uniquely qualified for her position in that she and her husband have been the proud owners of a thriving small business in South Houston for over 25 years where she has been and continues to be instrumental in the business's success.

Amy Reid is the Director of the Galveston County SBDC. She has owned and operated a veteran - owned small business since 2010. With more than 20 years of experience in small business ownership, human resources, payroll, marketing, web design, management, and facilities operations, she is a resource to small business owners on a variety of topics. She has more than 10 years of experience in business coaching and advising. Reid is active in the community and often speaks at small business networking groups and serves on several community committees.