The Connor Group just closed out its strongest September in three years, with more than 640 approved rentals portfolio-wide, a 35% increase over last year. Renewal rates are also trending up. After finishing 2024 at 47%, we’re now on pace for 55% to 57% from September through December.
That momentum didn’t happen by chance. It came from associates like sales leads Montel Morgan and Grace Fleischer planning ahead, staying disciplined and owning the process.
Montel’s month marked a strong start to a new chapter at Bayside Arbors in Tampa. He tied for first place on the Top Sales Associates leaderboard with 23 transactions, meeting his renewal goal and surpassing his approved rental goal.
For Grace and her team at Greenway at Mallard Creek in Charlotte, September was a return to form. She added 21 transactions to Greenway’s tally. September’s results show what happens when consistent planning meets relentless follow-through. Check out the full list of September’s sales standouts below.
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For Montel, September was about re-establishing himself. After transferring from Mezzo back to Bayside, he stepped into a property known for its relentless renewal program.
“The Bayside renewal program is no joke. It’s a beast,” said Montel. “Chrissie Beard, McKinney Snyder, Tiana Ochrang, the people who have been successful at Bayside are cultural icons. I knew I had to live up to that.”
Montel approached the month with discipline. He planned his week every Friday and revisited that plan every two days, tailoring his outreach based on residents’ circumstances.
“If a resident had a maintenance issue or something personal going on, that changed how I followed up,” explained Montel. “My strategy is always evolving.”
In the final stretch of September, Montel leaned on knowledgeable and believable resources for advice. Leaders like Tiana and Tanja Carter answered the call.
“They reminded me that it’s our job to create urgency in a way that still feels helpful,” said Montel. “You’re trying to retain someone you’ve built a relationship with, not pressure them.”
At Greenway, Grace’s success came from a mix of structure and renewed momentum. September marked her first full summer with The Connor Group, and her strongest performance yet.
“I worked my ass off and now I’m seeing the results,” said Grace. “It feels so good to renew the residents I moved in last year. The numbers reflect the long-term effort.”
As Grace explained, she couldn’t have done it alone. Guidance by property manager Karini Santana helped her reset expectations and sharpen her focus.
“Karini was my mentor early on,” said Grace. “When she got back to Greenway, she lit a fire under me. She pushes me to stop just being good at sales and to become great at it.”
That push worked. By mid-month, Grace was in stride, confident and motivated to not only hit her own transaction goals but help Greenway reestablish its reputation as a high-performing sales property. Recently promoted to sales lead, Grace sees her success as intertwined with the entire team’s, from management to maintenance.
“Every renewal means one less turn for our techs,” explained Grace. “Every happy move-in means fewer headaches down the line. We’re all connected.”
That attitude is part of what makes Montel and Grace stand out. They understand that top sales performance isn’t just about transactions. It’s about process, ownership and teamwork. For both, September wasn’t just a strong month. It was proof that the right mindset and a plan can make all the difference.