In just two years and three months at The Connor Group, in-house counsel Kevin Hyland has proved to be relentless and results-driven. Kevin has helped close 71 transactions since May of 2019.
In August, Larry took the podium at the Central Support Office to announce our next partner. He directed our associates to a short video to hear more about Kevin’s wild success early in his career here.
“Whether you’re closing deals in a security breach or doing eight deals in nine days, you’ve proven time and time again you deserve to be partner,” partner Brock Wright said. “There’s no one I’d rather be in the trenches with.”
Loop recently caught up with Kevin to ask him to share insight on earning partnership, who he looks up to and advice for other associates.
What do you remember most from your partner presentation?
First, I remember all of the nice things that Larry, (CEO) Bob Lloyd, (CFO) Bob Holzapfel, and Brock said about me in the partner video. Second, I remember the huge smiles that my wife Tanya, my children and my parents had as they congratulated me. That was priceless!
What does it mean to be a partner?
It truly feels great to have your hard work recognized by the partnership committee. I also feel a stronger sense of obligation and responsibility to the other partners and associates at The Connor Group.
What’s been the biggest difference between before you became partner and now?
As a partner, you want to set a great example of how to live the core values. I believe partners have an obligation to embrace and enhance The Connor Group culture. Associates certainly have this obligation too, but as a Partner you need to serve as a beacon of the culture.
The Connor Group is in the midst of a record-breaking year for transactions. How do you stay cool under pressure?
Honestly, it is all about planning and focus. I know that I have said this before, but it is worth saying again – transactions don’t sneak up on you. We usually have about 60 days to close a transaction, so you just need to put a plan in place that specifically accounts for all of the steps required to successfully close the transaction. Even with the perfect plan, there is always a chance that something will go wrong. When that happens, you have to approach the problem from a solutions-oriented perspective. It just doesn’t help to get flustered or aggravated.
Who do you look up to the most as a mentor?
I look up to Larry and Bob Lloyd. Honestly, I am blown away by both of these guys. Larry’s vision and instincts are absolutely remarkable. Bob’s leadership and constant reinforcement of the culture are elite. Every time I interact with either of them, I get better. I learn something about our business, about leadership or about critical thinking.
What advice would you give others who are working to earn their way to partnership?
Be relentless in everything that you do. If you simply refuse to fail, you will continue to progress here at The Connor Group.
Any advice for associates?
Take time to reflect on the significant achievements this company continues to make. You are part of a company that is doing things that no one else in this industry is doing. Being part of something like this is special and shouldn’t be taken for granted.