After moving across the country and settling in Nashville, general manager Nicole Turk quickly adapted to her new surroundings. She started her Connor Group career at Waterford Place, training under the wing of Ashley Matos. Just eleven months later, Nicole was in disbelief, earning National Top Rookie for her outstanding performance out of the gate.
“I still don’t completely believe it. I was so happy to be nominated, even just to be amongst that group,” Nicole said.
The emotional celebration at the February Awards Dinner came after a challenging year of learning and development. Roughly 90 days into Nicole’s training, we sold two of our three properties in the Nashville market.
“It was a blessing in disguise because she got to spread her wings sooner,” Ashley said. “I can vividly remember the end of June, Valerie Ellis and I sat down with her and said, ‘hey Nicole, we all committed to going to Louisville.’”
After expediting her operations training, Nicole took the reins at Cross Creek. The results she drove over the last six months of 2022 were nothing short of impressive.
“Five of six months she achieved renewals, approved rentals and traffic, exceeding NOI and driving $68,000 in rent roll,” partner and regional head Kristen Rutledge said. “She’s done nothing but keep it together for us in Nashville.”
Nicole proved she had the discipline, self-accountability and the right mindset to be successful.
“I remember calling Nicole last May and telling her she was off track on her approved rental goal,” Ashley said. “Nicole responded and said, ‘don’t worry about it. I’m sending you five files, and I’m on track.’ I knew right then she’d do great.”
She’s developed not only her career, but the entire Nashville market. She’s helped develop new service associates after senior lead tech Matt Brewer and turn tech Ben Driscoll left for Louisville. Ashley’s also used her as a go-to resource for new managers in training.
For Nicole, earning this recognition just shy of her first anniversary with the company was huge. It was a moment of pride she was thrilled to share with her team and family.
“It feels great to be recognized. It was a big risk for me to leave the hotel industry, something I’d been doing since high school, where I felt like I knew everything. I was looking for a challenge, and The Connor Group definitely delivered on that. It just came full circle getting National Top Rookie,” Nicole said.
Now with her first year in the books, those around Nicole are confident her Connor Group future is bright.
“I am super excited about her future and look forward to great things to come,” Kristen said.