This February, we celebrated 12 new Super Out of the Gate winners across eight markets. This award goes to new associates who hit the ground running, making a big impression with their work early in their careers. Here’s a closer look at this determined dozen with bright futures at The Connor Group.
Amber Troutman & Alexandria Miller– Operations & Sales Managers, Atlanta
Amber and Alexandria started their Connor Group careers one month apart in May and June of 2022. Their training journey was just the beginning for this dynamic duo. Now they’re working together to run our newest Atlanta acquisition, Flats at Perimeter Place.
“They went to Raleigh to train and tested out around the same time,” partner and area manager Payton Stone recalled. “Their test outs coincided with the closing on the new property, and I knew they were the right two to take on the challenge.”
Laura Brennan & Heather Buchanan– Managers in Training, Charlotte
In Charlotte, these two managers started within 30 days of each other and are quickly learning to master our processes and systems.
“Heather started in August, and she just has those ‘X factor’ qualities that you either have or don’t,” sales manager Elizabeth Zornow said. “Her second week in, she stopped as she headed home to help us clean up trash. She is a go-getter and a relator.
“When I look at Laura, she is so analytical and eager to grow. She wants to master anything you give her. She knew the standards as quick as any trainee I’ve ever seen. They are both meant to be in their roles. I am excited for their test outs and their successes to follow.”
Jazmine Beninate– Sale Associate, San Antonio
Jazmine started with The Connor Group in July 2022. In just under a year, she performed at an elite level in Dallas and relocated to San Antonio to help position Reserve at Canyon Creek for sale.
When she won Super Out of the Gate, senior manager Krystal Ware recalled it being a full circle moment.
“At the August 2022 awards, Jazmine watched sales associate Amber Parker win the award,” Krystal said. “She was at my table and told me, ‘I am going to earn that award,’ and she did. Jazmine is hungry and constantly owning her development. I am so proud of her.”
Jazmine increased her overall rating to an 8.25 within her first six months, took 176 pieces of traffic during her first month after training, and achieved her approved rental goals four out of six months.
Mari Quiroz– Manager in Training, Denver
Mari started in October 2022 and quickly showcased her sales abilities. During her first month with the company, she achieved five approved rentals on a goal of three. When Gardens at Cherry Creek flooded on Christmas Eve, Mari stepped up and owned the problem. That evening, she left her Christmas dinner, called restoration companies, and showed up on-site at 11 p.m. to ensure her residents were taken care of.
“Mari has a relentless mindset,” partner and regional trainer Jessica Clark said. “She will always do what needs to be done.”
Natalie Alexander, McKinney Ferland- Managers in Training, Raleigh
Chris Underwood– Turn Tech, Raleigh
Three Raleigh associates shined as Super Out of the Gate winners. Natalie Alexander and McKinney Ferland started at Reserve at Cary Park, and according to partner and regional trainer Kia Fenty, they’re knocking it out of the park. They helped the property drive $82,007 of rent roll growth in 2022.
“Natalie and McKinney are both gritty,” Kia said. “They jumped right in and started driving results at Reserve. Both ladies live our core values in everything they do. They have already made an impact which you see in their results.”
Partner and senior director Erica McLoughlin is excited to have Chris Underwood at Trinity Commons, executing turns and work orders.
“He is the most culturally aligned technician I have ever worked with,” Erica said. “He is bought into our culture. He knew the core values and the house within his first few days on the job. I am extremely impressed with him.”
Haylee Wilson– Sales Associate, Nashville
Haylee started with The Connor Group in September 2022. From her day in the field, regional trainer Ashley Matos knew she would be a good fit.
“She came to Louisville and has the best smile and confidence in her ability. She asked great questions and jumped right in,” Ashley said. “She is extremely proactive, always knows where she is on her goals and the properties- she is so cultural with using her planner and never lets anything get past her.”
Her positive attitude is felt throughout the market, helping motivate and inspire the entire Cross Creek team.
“She is a cheerleader for the property,” partner and region head Kristen Rutledge added. “She is inspiring to her peers.”
Maritess Ahler– Sales Manager, Louisville
Maritess fit into our culture from day one. She recently tested out in March with a score of an 8.04, eager to make an impact in the Louisville market.
“She quickly acclimated to the culture and jumped in,” Kristen said. “When she was in training, you wouldn’t have known she was in training. She has amazing leadership skills and is someone new associates look up to.”
McKinney Snyder– Sales Manager, Tampa
McKinney is the definition of grit and is fully bought into our Connor Group processes and systems. She moved across the country to begin her Connor Group career with us in Tampa and is a driving force behind the success we’ve seen at Bayside Arbors.
“McKinney helped guide Bayside Arbors to the number one rent roll property two years in a row,” Kristen said. “This could not have been accomplished without her tenacious sales ability, exceeding her renewal percentage every month. She’s helped us achieve $400 average renewals and exceeds her personal sales goals monthly, with a lead-from-the-front mentality. This is just an awesome start to a tremendous career for her.”
Congratulations to our Super Out of the Gate winners!