July 13th marks a significant day in Connor Group history. On this day in 2020, two associates started at The Connor Group after making career changes, one from the restaurant industry, and the other from retail.
Partner and regional vice president Kristen Rutledge and partner and director of evaluations Ashley Matos started at the Connor Group on the exact same day four years ago.
“I was at Cross Creek when Kristen came into the mix,” Ashley said. “I was glad to have another female around.”
“When I first met her, it was exciting to see someone who was already so involved,” Kristen said. “She was super smart, and you could tell immediately. She understood the business really quickly.”
Kristen and Ashley hit it off and built a relationship that has propelled them into leadership positions within the organization.
Last week, Ashley was promoted to director of evaluations.
“I knew it was coming for about two months now, but it still felt good to be recognized,” Ashley said.
This is Ashley’s third promotion in four years at The Connor Group.
“If I would have asked myself four years ago if I would be where I am today, I would have told you no,” Ashley said. “At this point, the sky’s the limit.”
When Kristen met Ashley four years ago, she spotted her potential right away.
“I always knew she was going to do more with the organization,” Kristen said. “She’s always had that want and desire. When that exists in someone, quite honestly, it’s part of my job to help them to get to that next level.”
The two bonded over two things: bourbon and sports.
“We have this SEC rivalry which is kind of a problem. She’s a Georgia Bulldogs fan, which I can respect unless Kentucky’s playing them,” Kristen said.
“We always have something to talk about which I think makes our relationship special,” Ashley added.
When asked what makes them a good team, Kristen and Ashley answered the question the same way: they’re opposites.
“Kristen is super well refined and put together. I am not at all,” Ashley said. “I came from restaurants, so she helped me navigate a more professional environment, which I’m very appreciative of.”
Kristen even helped her level up her wish list.
“We’ve come so far. Now, she puts Gucci belts on her wish list,” Kristen added.
Kristen and Ashley use their differences to their advantage when it comes to accountability and problem-solving.
“She’s not someone who’s always going to tell me what I want to hear,” Kristen said. “She’ll give me the feedback that I need to hear and vice versa. You don’t always get that and I think it’s very important.”
In the last four years, Kristen and Ashley have been together through everything from the Waterford Place sale in 2022 to Ashley’s partner promotion in February. Her relentlessness has opened doors in her career.
“When you’ve been a part of somebody’s career, and I have been, the whole four years, it makes you feel really proud to see that development and growth,” Kristen said.