2024 Ones to Watch - Industry Leaders: John Connor, Vantage Builders

Three skills that you use every day in your position: 

Listening, accountability, and transparency.

Best book, podcast, or app for aspiring leaders: 

Find Your WHY by Simon Sinek

Best advice for new leaders in 10 words or less: 

Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you. 

What was one of your biggest challenges as a leader and how did you overcome it? 

One of my biggest challenges came during a period of growth when we had to scale quickly to meet new opportunities. We needed to maintain our company culture and ensure that new team members aligned with our core values. By strengthening our training programs, implementing internal assessments, and setting clear goals, we turned a challenge into an opportunity. The hard work paid off, aligning our team’s strengths with the company’s long-term vision. 

What makes this nominee an Industry Leader?

“Since joining the Vantage Builders’ team in 2023, I’ve seen firsthand how John Connor and Ed Silva’s passion for construction motivates and shapes everything they do. They are committed to providing growth opportunities for employees and developing strong client relationships, and that really sets the tone for the company.” - Greg Sawin, director of operations, Vantage Builders.