Sept. 8, 2020 – The Connor Group announced six partner promotions at the company’s first-ever national awards broadcast in August. Associates promoted to partner include Brad Dykes, regional vice president, Jessica Clark, area manager, Amanda Barnes, property manager, Jon Coontz, maintenance, Brittney Merritt, maintenance and Zach Rainwater, recruiting.
“People make the difference,” founder and managing partner Larry Connor said. “We have great systems and strategies, but without the right people none of that matters. As a company, we also believe in sharing the wealth. It’s the right thing to do.”
The Dayton-based real estate investment firm used innovative solutions to reward and recognize associates amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Typically, the company announces partner promotions in-person at biannual awards breakfast celebrations. This year it launched a national awards broadcast across its 14 markets to celebrate promotions while following social distancing recommendations.
“We saw an opportunity to raise the bar and recognize elite performers on a national level,” said Connor. “The broadcast recognized six new partners, 10 national award winners, and more than 350 regional award-winners across 40 properties.”
The partnership program at The Connor Group is unique. Partnership is open to anyone, in any position within the company. Each partner holds an ownership stake in The Connor Group and its properties. Within five to seven years of becoming a partner, an individual can receive income from the partnership equal to 100 percent of their pay, above and beyond their normal paycheck. Partners aren’t just executives – they are sales associates, property managers, maintenance technicians, administrative assistants, groundskeepers, and central office support.
“We’ve always asked people to think and act as if they are owners in the company,” said Connor. “What’s the best way to do that? Give them ownership interest in the organization.”
The program is funded entirely by Connor’s net worth. The Connor Group plans to grow from more than 50 partners today to 100 in the next 10 years.
About The Connor Group
The Connor Group, founded in 1992, has grown from $0 to more than $2.8 billion in assets. The real estate investment firm owns and operates luxury apartments in Austin, Tampa, Nashville, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Chicago, Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, Dallas, Denver, Louisville, and in its home state of Ohio. The Connor Group has won numerous national awards for workplace excellence, culture, and innovation.