A decade ago, partner and senior payroll and benefits manager Wendy Green was looking to move to the Cincinnati area to move closer to family. Wendy was about to become a grandparent and wanted to live near her daughter.
She found a career home in the accounting department at the Central Support Office, now known as the Financial Impact Team. She has spent 10 years living the culture, earning a partnership and impacting all associates through her work.
Wendy shared with Loop her favorite moments, mentors and advice to all associates.
What does your 10-year anniversary at The Connor Group mean to you?
My 10-year anniversary with The Connor Group marks a milestone of working for an elite organization that values its associates and provides a unique culture I follow daily and consider a roadmap in both my professional career and my personal life.
What do you remember most from your interview?
The one thing I remember the most from my interview was interviewing with partner Bob Holzapfel who was our CFO at the time. I was so nervous. In my eyes, Bob was the man, the top dog if you will. Yet, Bob made me feel at ease. I still hold Bob H. in the highest regard.
What do you remember most from your first day?
On my first day, the accounting team made the biggest impression on me. Each person was so nice to me.
What were your initial impressions of Connor Group culture?
The Connor Group culture is unmatched by any other organization. I have seen over the years that The Connor Group culture is not just hung on the wall or put into words on a page. Those who succeed with The Connor Group live the culture each and every day both professionally and personally.
What advice would you give to someone just starting at The Connor Group?
The best advice I could give a new Connor Group associate is to soak up the culture and live it daily. In addition, learn the systems and follow them. They do work. But most importantly, I would tell them to love what they do! It’s easy to do at The Connor Group.
Who was your first Connor Group mentor?
Bob Holzapfel has always been my first and greatest mentor. I have learned a great deal under his tutelage.
What was your role or position before working here?
Customer service is something I’ve always had my hand in, whether it was working in payroll/benefits, collections, domestic/international customer service or even driving a forklift and managing a production team to make sure the customer received quality products. Yes, I drove a forklift and trained associates on forklift safety.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was younger, I wanted to work for the FBI as an investigator. That is until I realized I had to train in dark buildings and alleys. I knew I always wanted to work with and help people. Payroll and benefits and customer service gave me that opportunity.
How does that align with what you do now?
I feel very fortunate to be afforded the opportunity to do what I do now. Although I enjoy the analytics and other portions of my job, I am happiest when I can dive into an associate’s insurance issue, or just be an ear for an associate.
Did you have concerns about taking the job?
I didn’t have any big concerns when taking the job as I had the experience. The most important thing going through my mind was doing the best job I could and learning and growing with The Connor Group.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of raising two children who have become wonderful adults. I am also proud of working for such an elite organization and with such elite and caring individuals.
If you could go back to your first day The Connor Group, knowing what you know now, what would you tell yourself?
Be confident!