Early Life
Born on January 7, 1950, in Albany, New York, Larry Connor showed an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age. He graduated from Ohio University in 1972 with degrees in English and History.
Rise to Success
Connor's business career began early; he started a house painting business in high school. He later owned Orlando Computer Corp. from 1982 to 1990. In 1991, he co-founded The Connor Group, which has become a significant real estate investment firm. He bought out his partners in 2003. The Connor Group has grown to a $5 billion portfolio operating in 18 markets across the US.
Key Business Strategies
Connor's strategy focuses on maximizing value, seeking quick returns, and improving properties. He targets underperforming properties and aims to enhance their value quickly. The firm's annual rate of return is 30.4% and has sold over $6 billion in properties since 1995. He emphasizes a strong company culture based on core values. The Connor Group hires people from outside the real estate industry, focusing on personality traits and an unconstrained mindset.
Philanthropy
Connor is involved in philanthropic efforts through The Connor Group Kids & Community Partners, which supports disadvantaged youth. The organization has devoted $175 million to nonprofit causes, including the Greater Dayton School, Ohio's first private non-religious school for under-resourced students, founded in 2022.
