Twenty-five years ago, The Connors Group opened its doors with a simple mission: To help great companies find great people! What followed was a journey that no one could have fully predicted …
Over the past quarter century, we’ve navigated economic uncertainty, technological change, evolving industries, and shifting workforce trends. We’ve moved offices, expanded our service offerings, embraced new tools, and grown into a nationwide recruiting partner trusted by thousands of clients and candidates. Most importantly, we’ve built relationships that continue to define who we are today.
We asked several members of our team to share their favorite memories, proudest accomplishments, and reflections on what makes The Connors Group so special. Their answers remind us that while a lot has changed since 2001, the things that matter most have remained the same. We invite you to join us as we celebrate our 25th anniversary and look back through the eyes of the people who have helped shape our story.
It All Started With a Leap of Faith
The Connors Group was founded in June 2001 and opened its first office shortly thereafter. Like many startup businesses, the early days were filled with long hours, big ambitions, and plenty of uncertainty. Then, just a few months after launching, the events of September 11th unfolded and changed the world forever.
Co-Founders, Ken Peters and Jackie Connors, recall one of their proudest moments being what the team accomplished during that difficult period. “We endured 9/11 shortly after startup and were able to band together and become sustainable as a group”, says Ken. That resilience became part of the company’s foundation. The team pushed forward, continued building relationships, and steadily established a reputation for delivering talent solutions across technology, finance, and other key business functions.
More Than Recruiting
Ask anyone on our team what makes this profession meaningful, and you will hear a common theme: It is not about filling jobs. It is about changing lives. Some of the most rewarding moments come years after a placement is made. Managing Director, Sheri Breitstein says, “The joy of extending an offer and hearing the excitement in a candidate’s voice when they receive a job they truly want never gets old.” However, the best reward is hearing from candidates years later about the families they’ve built, the confidence they’ve gained, and the opportunities that changed the course of their lives.
Sometimes those relationships come full circle in remarkable ways. One of Sheri’s favorite stories involved helping the son of a longtime client secure his first professional role. “He was born just as I first met his father, and 24 years later, I helped him land his first real job.” Stories like that remind us that recruiting is ultimately a relationship business.
For Tricia Sentinella, Recruiting Director, Information Technology, ERP/EDI, one of her most memorable wins involved helping a candidate who had been unemployed for more than two years. “He and his wife were so grateful. It was very fulfilling for me to help someone through such a challenging time.”
Patti Richards, Managing Director, Digital, eCommerce & Information Technology, has felt most rewarded by getting to watch careers evolve over time. “It’s a proud moment when you look back on candidates you placed early in their career and have had the opportunity to see them grow into C-suite executives.” These are the moments that stay with you. Not because they show up on a report but because they impact real people.
Building Something Bigger
Over the past 25 years, The Connors Group has grown beyond its original focus areas. We’ve expanded our capabilities with dedicated sourcing support, added digital recruiting services, launched supply chain recruiting, invested in marketing and automation, and successfully transitioned to a fully remote operating model.
Along the way, the firm has connected with more than 100,000 candidates and worked with more than 15,000 client organizations. Yet when our CEO, Jackie Connors, reflects on what she is most proud of, her answer is simple: “The team we built over the years. Great people who care about the people we serve.”
Jackie’s sentiment is echoed by everyone at the company. For instance, Patti remembers how recruiting was completely new to her when she joined the company; yet, “Under the mentorship of Jackie and the extraordinary team of established recruiters, [she] was able to get up to speed quickly.” And, Tricia sums up the culture in just a few words: “The TEAM!!!” She goes on to describe how unusual it is to find such a collaborative environment within a such a highly-competitive industry. That collaborative spirit has helped The Connors Group navigate many changing markets, industry shifts, and countless business challenges over the years.
The Memories That Still Make Us Laugh
Of course, not every memorable moment has happened during a search assignment. Many of our favorite stories come from team events and celebrations. We’ve had multiple team members recount our famous New York City scavenger hunt. In fact, Sheri remembers it as one of the most fun team-building experiences she’s ever participated in.
Other highlights include our DISC training sessions, holiday celebrations, and Jackie’s legendary “Favorite Things” appreciation event. According to Jackie, putting those events together was just as much fun as watching everyone open their gifts.
These moments may seem small compared to business milestones, but they reveal something important about who we are. We work hard. We care deeply. And whenever possible, we make time to enjoy the journey together.
Adapting Without Losing Our Identity
Over the years, The Connors Group has embraced new technologies, expanded into new specialties, modernized operations, and adapted to changing client needs. Today, artificial intelligence and automation are disrupting talent acquisition in ways few could have imagined when the company first opened its doors.
Jordan Way, Senior Marketing Manager, says, “Technology is transforming how people discover opportunities, consume information, and make hiring decisions. Our job is to embrace those changes while staying true to what has always set The Connors Group apart: Genuine relationships, expert guidance, and a personal approach.”
Everyone on the team is energized by learning new ways to work while preserving the values that have always defined the company. Jackie’s outlook is bright. She believes innovation matters; however, relationships matter more than ever. Technology may change how we work, but it will never replace trust, empathy, communication, and human connection.
Gratitude Is the Attitude
Anniversaries naturally invite reflection. They also create an opportunity to look forward. Twenty-five years after opening our first office, we remain energized by the same purpose that inspired the company from the beginning: Helping people and organizations succeed!
We’re grateful for every employee who has helped build this company. We’re grateful for every client who has trusted us with their hiring objectives. And, we’re grateful for every candidate who has allowed us to play a small role in their professional journey.
Most of all, we’re grateful for all of the relationships that have made these first 25 years possible. To our employees, alumni, clients, candidates, and friends: Thank you for being part of our story!
Here’s to the next 25 years. Your success is who we know!!!
