40 Under 40: Connor Stakelin

Connor Stakelin Is involved in a variety of community organizations in and around the Columbia Basin. He has served on the boards for the Washington State Future Business Leaders of America, Together!, Thurston Regional Planning Council, Fortify Families and others.

Through the Moses Lake Taproom, which he co-owns with his father Will Stakelin, Connor works to support Columbia Basin craft breweries by offering their products. It’s more than about the beer though; charity bingo nights to support organizations such as Care Moses Lake and K-9 officers with area law enforcement agencies are also on the books. The business also offers a venue to local musicians and has an ongoing run and walk club that meets each Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. 

Connor works to bring more housing to the Columbia Basin and Pacific Northwest, both as a licensed broker and as the regional vice president for Fortify Holdings, a developer that produces affordable housing by building apartments and converting hotels into apartment complexes. 

Connor was born in Moses Lake and wants to give back as a professional, an entrepreneur and a member of the community.

“That’s what we’re after. Moses Lake is growing, it’s got new things to offer. And we want to be a part of that,” he said.