Jonathan Connors

President, Elite Productions

Born and raised in St. John’s Newfoundland and Labrador, Jonathan Connors is the President and General Manager of Elite Productions. He oversees the company’s strategic planning, client retention, and stakeholder relationships, as well as the development one-of-a-kind events.

Having a love for creating and designing is a major reason why Jonathan quickly fell in love with the event industry. He is known for doing events differently and believes that a company’s event is an extension of their marketing strategy. This is why he works the corporate image into every event, with the understanding that each event has a purpose. Whether it is to sell a product or message to a consumer, or boost brand recognition, using a company’s image has been a pillar of Jonathan’s design process.

Being heavily involved with the not for profit industry through Elite and independently, Jonathan assists organizations to maximize their events, through sponsorships, ensuring they achieve the highest ROI, and guests have a memorable time and take away the organizations message. Jonathan believes in the benefits of entrepreneurship and volunteers with Junior Achievement in this spare time, helping teach todays youth about building a business.

We asked Jonathan:

The OGM: What does sustainability mean to you?

Jonathan: Sustainably is about building strong foundation for your business. Building strong relationships with your employees, suppliers and clients to me is always the key to any sustainable business model. Each component is just as important as the others, lose one and it weakens your business’s foundation.

The OGM: Have you had a mentor?

Jonathan: I have been fortunate through out my life to be surrounded my many influential and inspirational people that I have considered a mentor. Many of whom where serial entrepreneurs and that where always there do give me the facts, whether it was good or bad. My most considerable mentor though would have to be my Father. He has helped me take advantage of so many experiences and opportunities in my life. He has always been present to coach me whenever needed, or give me a kick in the butt when that was needed. Its safe to say, I defiantly wouldn’t be the businessman I am today without his help.

The OGM: What does success mean to you?

Jonathan: To me success always meant doing something that you generally enjoy while making an impact on the community around. I also feel successful when I see my team in the field acting that same manner, smiling and helping each other out even when the situation is tough. When we are willing and able to go the extra mile and help out with charitable events, this is makes us feel successful.

The OGM: If you were to describe your career in three words, what would they be?

Jonathan: Determined, Ambitious and Diverse

The OGM: What advice would you give to someone looking for a career in the Energy Industry?

Jonathan: To me, it would be the same way I treat every client meeting or meeting with my staff. Put your cards on the table. Treat every opportunity as if it’s the opportunity of your career. Do you research, take initiative, and never accept being average or something being okay. Always challenge yourself to do better and achieve greater and don’t be afraid to work from the bottom up. In the end it will give you the strongest foundation.

The OGM: Describe a milestone in your career?

Jonathan: October 3rd is actually a big milestone for the team at Elite and myself, it’s Elite’s 5th birthday.

The OGM: Describe a challenge you faced in your career?

Jonathan: There where two main challenges that I faced in my career, age and isolation. I had just turned twenty-one when Elite was founded and during my early career I thought that my age was something to be hidden. We did everything possible to make elite seem like an older company. It was only a few years ago when we did a complete rebranding of Elite that I understood that my age was one of the strongest things I bought to the table. I had a way of looking at situations differently and I had a strong ability to adapt technology to many of these situations. Another huge challenge has always been Newfoundland’s isolation. My events require items to be shipped in or guest to be flown, which can be quite difficult with Newfoundland’s weather. This always keeps my staff and myself on the edge of our seats on game day. As no matter what happens the show must go on.

The OGM: What impact does technology have on your career?

Jonathan: It’s our life’s blood. Everything we do is based around technology and every eighteen months there is a new way to do things. It’s probably one of the most exciting parts of the job. I’m using technology now that never existed when I first entered this industry and I’m sure what I’m using today will be completely obsolete in five years.

The OGM: What do the next five years look like in your career?

Jonathan: EXCITING! I do not want to give too much away but here is a lot of new things happen with Elite in the next few years. With many new event spaces opening and major developments in technology myself and my team can’t wait.

The OGM: What does Energy mean to you?

Jonathan: Growing up I always had a love for physics. I loved how scientific definitions can apply in all aspects of life.
Energy is a property of objects, which can be transferred to other objects or converted into different forms, but cannot be created or destroyed.
Everything in our world runs on different forms of energy, ourselves included. The hard part is figuring out the most effective use and conversion of energy to ensure we maximize our potential, with our event or with our day.

The OGM: What is your favorite APP on your phone?

Jonathan: I have been addicted to Apple Music since its release.

The OGM: What impact will the Millennial Generation have on the Energy industry?

Jonathan: I believe the millennial generation has learned the importance of sustainability. That it is vitally important not to just live in the present but plan for the future. I believe the millennial generation will bring a lot of corporate responsibility and sustainably to the energy industry.

The OGM: What Social Medium do you use on a daily basis?

Jonathan: Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram, Snapchat and Fitbit

The OGM: Do you use Social Media for work?

Jonathan: Absolutely, everyday! I believe that social media has evolved to the point that every company needs to be in control of their social image. Social media has developed to the point that regardless of whether or not a company is trying to be present online, people are talking about you and its important to be aware of the message and control it to the best of your ability.

The OGM: What do you think of Social Recruiting?

Jonathan: I think it’s a great tool that is opening up new potential for everyone in the work force. It’s great because it allows employees and employers to sift though profiles to find the perfect fit for each position. It also helps individual work reach beyond the job posting in their immediate area and see the opportunities in the global market. With the current work shortages in our province I believe it’s one of the most important tools at our disposal