This August, The Connor Group celebrated six months of impact across 16 awards breakfasts in every market and at our Central Support Office. Among the highlights: seven associates earned the company’s highest honor: promotion to partner.
Becoming a partner is a milestone that recognizes not only results, but also leadership, accountability and the ability to elevate others. Each of these new partners has made a lasting impact in their markets and across the company.
Josh Eades – Recruiting
When senior field recruiter Josh Eades joined The Connor Group in 2021, he was surrounded by elite operators who set the standard for accountability. He matched their discipline with results of his own—so much so that at one point, nearly 80% of manager hires in his department can be traced back to him. Josh now leads recruiter training and is focused on building a long-term foundation for the company’s future.
Brooke Cunningham – Cincinnati
Brooke Cunningham, who once drove by CSO every day as a teenager dreaming of working here, has gone from rookie to partner in three years. She is known for her ability to build relationships while executing at the highest level. Brooke’s promotion at the Cincinnati-Dayton Awards Breakfast came as a shock to her, but not to anyone who has seen her relentless work ethic.
Katie Smith – Training
Katie Smith’s journey came full circle in Columbus. She still remembers sitting in the audience at her first August Awards in 2020, watching someone else promoted to partner. Five years later, it was her turn. Katie has become known for her ability to drive culture and create elite teams. For her, partnership is proof that with consistent effort, any role can become a path to the top.
Chrissie Beard – Louisville
In Louisville, general manager Chrissie Beard unlocked her next level of leadership. In just four years, she has risen from sales associate to partner, transforming properties in Nashville, Tampa and Louisville along the way. Chrissie has a proven ability to win in every market, inspiring others to achieve at the highest level.
Marie Almberg – Minneapolis
Known for her positivity and ability to steady others in chaos, Minneapolis manager Marie Almberg earned partnership after five years of grit and growth. Her consistent results and cultural influence have made her a leader associates want to follow. For Marie, the achievement is also personal: “I come from a blue-collar family. Nobody has been this successful in a career. This is a future.”
McKinney Snyder – Tampa
McKinney Snyder, a manager in Tampa, brings a mix of grit, resilience and inspiration. In her three years with The Connor Group, she has faced seven hurricanes without slowing down. McKinney has raised the bar for her market. “Getting partner feels like a whole new chapter,” she said. “Now, who else can I help get there with me?”
Krystal Ware – Training
In Dallas, training director Krystal Ware earned partnership after five years of consistent impact across Texas, Phoenix and beyond. She has built a reputation for investing in people, challenging associates to get better and driving results at every stop. Krystal now steps into partnership ready to continue shaping the next generation of talent.
Across markets and departments, each of these seven new partners has a unique story. But they all share the same qualities: discipline, results and a commitment to making those around them better.
Congratulations to Josh, Brooke, Katie, Chrissie, Marie, McKinney and Krystal on earning The Connor Group’s highest honor.