When partner and regional head Brad Dykes’ started leading the Chicago market, it came with a long list of problems to fix. The culture was broken and our properties were off track.
Senior property manager Michelle Murphy recalled her mentor’s oversized “dad suits” and his unique way of igniting a turnaround.
“He has a special way of motivating and inspiring people,” Michelle said. “You can’t help but trust him.”
Fast forward half a decade, and Brad’s team in Chicago and beyond love his swagger. He possesses a natural ability to drive culture and develop our people.
“Brad can quickly understand how people tick,” senior trainer and director of learning and development Courtney Dies added. “He can identify what motivates you and use it to bring out the best in you.”
Courtney recalled the first one-on-one advice Brad gave her.
“I was in a new role and trying to perfect every little thing. Brad told me to stop acting like an Olympic diver and act more like a speed boat,” Courtney said. “He knew I needed to make waves to learn and grow.”
While the former bull rider carries around a cowboy persona, Courtney wants others in the Connor Group to know that’s not the only side to Brad. “He’s got a tough shell on the outside, but underneath is an extremely sweet man who cares a lot.”
The Loop asked Brad to reflect on his first five years with the company…
QUESTION: Five years ago, prior to TCG, where was Brad Dykes’ career?
ANSWER: Some 20 years of retail; yes, I’m old. I was head of stores at Cabela’s, an outdoor retailer and a division vice president at Dollar General, among other retailers.
Q: How did you find us, or did we find you and how?
A: Zach Rainwater reached out to me in early 2017. I definitely had an interest. I spent multiple days in the field along the way in Ohio and Texas. As I learned more about The Connor Group, I realized I very much aligned with the culture. Another job offer came through while The Connor Group offered me a position. But I knew the right move that would challenge me was coming here and learning a new business model. I haven’t looked back since.
Q: What was your first impression of The Connor Group?
A: Intense, driven, with very little corporate B.S. Exactly what I was looking for.
Q: Who was your first Connor Group mentor?
A: Bob (Lloyd) and Sal (Gracia). Both of these individuals spent time with me as I learned the ropes to be an effective SMT. I probably drove Bob insane over the first year as he babysat me in Chicago.
Q: Let’s say you bump into someone on their first day at TCG… what advice do you give them?
A: Two things: First, open your mind and learn our culture and business from the ground up. Second, don’t let our feedback rattle your confidence; we are direct and honest to help you make an impact faster.
Q: Favorite memory from your first five years?
A: The day Michelle Murphy was promoted to partner. She’s the first person I directly hired who has earned a promotion to partner. Her growth over the nearly four years we’ve worked together has been exceptional.
Q: How many transactions have you led? Do you have a favorite?
A: Over 30, I don’t have an exact count. My favorite is the next one to close.
Q: Best part of your job?
A: Working with truly elite people and helping them achieve more than they ever imagined.
Q: You’ve ridden bulls and have a black belt – what else would people be surprised to learn about you?
A: I love to cook, and my kids regularly put in special requests for the weekends.
Q: Favorite part of our culture?
A: We constantly challenge ourselves to do more, be better, and elevate our performance. When I think about long-term, multi-generational companies, becoming stagnant is a huge risk. Our culture will not allow or tolerate that mindset.