Throughout March, Loop will be taking you behind the scenes of our most popular entertainment videos from last month’s awards broadcast. In each story, we’ll be highlighting the unique obstacles the production team faced as well as the associates who offered their talents to make it all happen.
For the first feature, we’re highlighting an associate who’s put the humor in the awards breakfasts for almost 15 years. Partner and senior regional service trainer Rob Murray is known for going above and beyond in not just his training role, but getting laughs as well. At the bi-annual Columbus market awards, he’s done everything from handing out personalized bumper stickers, wigs, or custom t-shirts to providing lighthearted fun at the expense of his fellow associates. This year, he jumped at the chance to star in a video that put a Connor Group spin on Jimmy Fallon’s thank you notes skit from The Tonight Show.
“I love doing skits for the awards celebrations,” said Rob. “I’ve always believed humor helps build our culture and brings everyone together.”
Dedicated to his craft, Rob took time on a Saturday morning in early February to meet up with the communications department production crew at CSO. Under his arm, he was carrying an obnoxiously large stack of Winners Circle cards to get ready for the shoot. Even after being asked to repeat each joke for multiple takes, the team completed the entire segment in under an hour. The result was an instant favorite amongst associates.
“Rob Murray could be my generation’s Morgan Freeman,” said fellow partner and regional service trainer Tad Hunter. “I’m just glad he gave a shout out to the unsung hero of the company, the maintenance golf cart! Just like Rob, it never complains and always performs.”
The praise for Rob’s performance didn’t stop there. Having written the script for the Winners’ Circle Card skit, partner Ryan Ernst was proud of his star associate.
“Rob has really developed a reputation – almost a cult-like following – for his awards presentations,” said Ryan. “We knew we wanted someone well-known, likable and funny for the skit. Rob was the obvious choice.”
When asked about his experience creating the video, Rob stayed true to his humble ways by passing praise to partner Aaron Helfferich and the communications department.
“They pretty much make me look like I know what I’m doing,” said Rob.
Whether it’s his talent or a little bit of luck, associates are already hoping to see a sequel during next year’s national awards broadcast.