It was your average morning at Wheaton 121 in Chicago. Senior manager Jenein Sous was prepping for the day, filling out her Franklin Planner, when her phone rang. It was partner and regional head Brad Dykes. Jenein answered, and Brad immediately said, “I need Freddy’s help in Texas. Have him call me as soon as he gets in.”
Within four hours, lead technician Freddy Martinez boarded a plane for San Antonio to help with turns at Reserve at Canyon Creek.
In Freddy’s three years at The Connor Group, he’s earned a reputation for helping out with anything, anywhere, at the drop of a hat.
In his time with the company, Freddy has spent significant time in nearly half of our markets – Chicago, Raleigh, Denver, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and Minneapolis. Whether it was spending 45 days in Texas helping repair busted pipes from a historic winter storm, or spending 30 days at West Village to catch the property up on turns and setting us up for the largest sale in company history, Freddy is always ready and eager for any new challenge.
“I love learning. I want to learn something new every day,” said Freddy. “Working in other markets at different properties gives me more opportunities to learn. It gives me more experience and helps me elevate my game.”
Freddy’s positive, can-do attitude and willingness to jump in have allowed him to impact properties and associates across the country.
“Freddy has a global impact on the organization and brings the absolute best attitude on the planet,” said Brad. “His willingness to pick up and go wherever he is needed is crazy. His energy and positivity are contagious. He leaves a lasting impression anywhere he goes.”
Although Freddy prides himself on the broad impact he’s had, it’s his high standards and commitment to his team and his residents that sets him apart.
“I’ve only worked with Freddy for the past four months at Wheaton, but I already have more stories than I can count where Freddy’s gone above and beyond,” said Jenein. “He lives and breathes our culture. He always puts the team and our residents ahead of himself. He’s one of the most selfless people I’ve ever worked with.”
Recently an elderly resident at Wheaton 121 needed a walker assembled. Her son was unable to come by and help her that day, and she needed the walker to move around her apartment and the property. Knowing she needed help, Freddy took it upon himself to put the resident’s walker together on his lunch break.
Talk to any associate who’s worked with Freddy – they’ll have a similar story to share. No matter the property, the market, or the situation, Freddy is All In all the time.
“Freddy’s global footprint on the organization is remarkable. It really speaks to his mindset,” said partner and senior director Michelle Murphy. “He thinks beyond just the property he’s at. He’s always thinking about the organization as a whole and how he can make the biggest impact.”
As we prepare to expand to 55 properties across 22 markets by 2027, Freddy is excited about the opportunity to further expand his impact and experience. “At the end of the day, I just want to help out wherever I can and be a resource for anyone in the company,” said Freddy. “Seeing properties succeed motivates me, so the more properties I can help, the better.”