In the recruiting department, being relentless and hitting your goals is expected. But elite performance long-term is where our recruiting all-stars shine.
Coined the “recruiting trifecta,” senior executive recruiter Doug McGraw, senior field recruiter Rita Johnson and partner and senior field recruiter Zach Rainwater have continuously exhibited grit and relentlessness. They recruit elite associates and are committed to TCG growth.
“Zach has an incredible work ethic, always making time to connect with candidates. You can always count on Rita to take every challenge we throw at her and Doug understands even the most complex roles, connecting with candidates and helps them see how TCG is a great fit for the right person,” said director of recruiting Angela Burns .
This trifecta recently celebrated their five-year anniversaries with the first longevity bonus payout. Longevity bonuses fall on significant anniversaries rewarding and recognizing associates for their relentless efforts throughout their careers.
Loop recently asked this trifecta to look back on their five years with us and answer a few questions.
Doug hires for some of our most unique positions with the company and has found elite talent along the way, including Dustin Werden, Ben Cotton, and Payton Stone.
QUESTION: How did you get recruited to work at The Connor Group? What was that process like for you?
ANSWER: I was reached out to by the recruiting coordinator at the time. It was thorough like all of our hiring here. I had to interview with Bob Lloyd twice (both via phone and in-person) and with Larry Connor.
Q: What was your initial impression of the Connor Group culture?
A: My initial thought was it is all talk and just words on a wall. Boy, was I wrong.
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: I have won a couple (generality) awards, but those don’t mean much because that’s in the past. I cherish the relationships I have built throughout the company that will hopefully last forever.
Rita has hired more than 250 associates in her five years, spanning from managers to sales and service associates. She is the go-to person for many recruiters about the systems and how to recruit with care.
Q: How did you get recruited to work at The Connor Group? What was that process like for you?
A: I received a call asking if I would be interested in a recruiting position. The process was very structured. I had the structured phone interview, then two in-person interviews with Chris Jemo and Bob Lloyd. The final step was coming in for the day in the field with the recruiting team.
Q: Who has been your mentor?
A: My mentor is Laura Rosile. Laura is always there to listen about a candidate, good or bad, or if I am having difficulty finding a candidate, she will give advice on where to post or different titles to find what we are looking for. She is an inspiration and has consistently maintained strong ethics while keeping a smile on her face. I thank her so much for her guidance and useful advice and count myself lucky for having you as a mentor.
Q: You’ve done a great job the past five years. What’s your secret?
A: There is not a secret to success at TCG. You must follow the processes and systems in place. You also must know that things can change, and you will have to adapt to those changes; otherwise, you will not be successful. You must hold yourself accountable and set clear expectations.
Zach has hired many successful Connor Group associates at multiple levels, including Brad Dykes, Tiffany Montoya, Katy Hood, Rebekah Roat, and Jenein Sous, just to name a few.
Q: How did you get recruited to work at The Connor Group? What was that process like for you?
A: I was originally recruited to be a manager, but on my initial call, I was asked about becoming a recruiter (which I loved doing in my previous role as a GM with Chick-fil-A) and progressed forward with recruiting instead. The recruiting process was very smooth and moved quickly. I met with Chris Jemo, Bob Lloyd and then did my day in the field. I accepted an offer within two weeks. I loved every second of it.
Q: If you could travel back to your first day, knowing what you do now, what would you tell yourself?
A: If I could travel back to my first day, I would tell myself to ask more questions. I didn’t know what I didn’t know, and I didn’t want to appear incompetent, so I didn’t ask questions. Knowing what I know now about TCG, I understand asking questions is a good thing as long as I’m asking the RIGHT people who have the knowledge and believability to answer those questions.
Q: What’s your best advice for other Connor Group associates for long-term success?
A: Follow our systems and processes, and it’s okay to make mistakes/fail. It’s a part of our culture. What’s important is holding yourself accountable when mistakes are made and learning and growing from them.