When you look at the partner wall at CSO, there’s one name that stands out with a unique title: Patrick Dorsey, Partner in Absentia.
“That was not my idea,” Pat joked. “That was like, we don’t accept his retirement. We don’t accept that he went anywhere. He’ll be back. That’s what that means.”
And he is back. Pat, who officially retired in 2019, has returned to The Connor Group, bringing with him decades of experience, an unwavering connection to our culture and a renewed passion for the future of technology—specifically artificial intelligence (AI).
A Journey Rooted in Partnership & Adventure
Pat’s journey with The Connor Group began nearly 20 years ago, but his connection to our managing partner, Larry, dates back even further—to when Pat was just 14. The two met through Larry’s brother-in-law, and their friendship has been marked by Larry’s adventurous spirit.
“Larry’s always been an adventurer,” Pat shares. “That sense of adventure is reflected in the company—taking measured risks while staying true to our culture. That hasn’t changed at all.”
After spending years in the defense industry and corporate world, Pat founded Dorsey and Associates, with The Connor Group as its anchor client. He began working with Larry in 1996, developing custom applications for a small portfolio of properties, some of which remain in use today. By 2006, Pat decided to go full-time with The Connor Group.
“Larry said, ‘Why don’t you come work for us?’” Pat recalls. “In our typical fashion, we worked out my employment agreement on a napkin at a bar over dinner. True story.”
From there, Pat played a pivotal role in launching Regional Billing Services in 2000 and later co-founding with Larry First Billing Services in 2012. First Billing Services, which began as an extension of Regional Billing, grew into a standalone company offering payment solutions to government entities before being sold in 2019.
Lessons from Failure
Pat’s time with The Connor Group hasn’t been without its challenges. From early attempts to automate processes to experiments with outdated technology like Palm Pilots, there were moments of failure.
“We’re never afraid to try things at The Connor Group,” Pat says. “I’ve been the guy in charge of trying—and sometimes failing. But those failures lead to better solutions. You could say I’m a professional at first-time failures.”
Leading the Way with AI
Now, Pat is spearheading efforts to integrate AI into our business operations, working closely with the Marketing Department and Tech Ops to consolidate company data and make data-driven decisions.
“We’re starting with traffic,” Pat explains. “The goal is to generate highly focused, qualified traffic that aligns with our underwriting process and brings potential residents through the door.”
By centralizing and analyzing data, the team plans to create models that identify trends and enhance decision-making across all departments.
“This process will make us more productive and effective,” says partner and director Ross Johnson, who meets with Pat weekly on this initiative.
What sets The Connor Group apart is its approach to AI – using it to empower people, not replace them.
“No matter where you work, you want to be at a company that values people,” Pat says. “It’s a whole different mindset when you use technology to help people rather than replace them.”
Ross adds, “With this technology, you can turn your strengths into superpowers.”
Long-term, Pat envisions AI becoming an integral part of The Connor Group’s operations.
“By the end of this journey, we’ll have our own version of ChatGPT, focused specifically on our business. That’s the holy grail,” he says.
For Pat, this project isn’t about money—it’s about passion.
“I haven’t seen anything this fascinating since the internet,” he says. “AI is going to blow the internet away.”
Beyond his technological contributions, Pat remains deeply committed to The Connor Group’s culture.
“It’s not an easy place to work,” he says, “but what makes it special is always going to be the people and the culture. Our benefits, compensation, and investments all come from hard-earned life lessons. That’s why we live the culture. It’s real.”
Through every challenge and success, Pat continues to embody The Connor Group’s values, pushing the boundaries of innovation and inspiring the next wave of growth.