Recently, the Baltimore Business Journal honored John S. Connor Inc. at an awards banquet as a 2026 Family-Owned Business Award Honoree. The Baltimore Business Journal presented 17 local companies with editorial awards recognizing their overall merits, achievements, innovation, ethics, and philanthropy. All honorees are family-owned, some for multiple generations, and are deeply committed to their work and the Baltimore area.
In attendance were Lee Connor, Chairman; Butch Connor, President; Pat Connor, General Manager (pictured above); and other staff members.
Company President Butch Connor gave an account of the company’s origins, beginning with John S. Connor receiving his customs and broker’s license in May 1917. He started the business with $100 borrowed from his mother. Tragically, John passed away young, leaving behind a wife and 10 children. His brother, Walter, took over the helm.
Leadership then passed to Butch’s uncle, Charles, followed by his father, Paul, and then to his cousin, Lee Connor (still chairman) and now to himself. Lee’s son, Pat, is now involved, and other family members are poised to join the team, according to Butch.
John S. Connor initially operated from the Marine Building, where it remained for its first 76 years. In the 1990s, the firm relocated to downtown Baltimore’s World Trade Center, and in 2004, it moved to its current location in Glen Burnie after Hurricane Isabel damaged the World Trade Centre.
“We all are very cognizant of our relationship as family members and relatives,” he said. “At the same time, we’re business partners. We’re very fortunate it has worked quite well for us,” Butch acknowledged.
Photograph courtesy of Baltimore Business Journal.
