Larry Connor: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|American real estate and technology entrepreneur}} |
{{Short description|American real estate and technology entrepreneur (born 1950)}} |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2020}} |
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2020}} |
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{{Infobox astronaut |
{{Infobox astronaut |
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|name = Larry Connor |
|name = Larry Connor |
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|image = |
|image = |
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|caption =Larry Connor in 2015 |
|caption =Larry Connor in 2015 |
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|type = [[Axiom Space]] |
|type = [[Axiom Space]] |
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|rank = |
|rank = |
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|selection = |
|selection = |
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|time = 17 days, 1 hour and |
|time = 17 days, 1 hour and 48 minutes |
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|mission = [[Axiom Mission 1]] |
|mission = [[Axiom Mission 1]] |
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|insignia = |
|insignia = |
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}} |
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'''Larry Connor''' (January 7, 1950) is an American real estate and technology business person, as well as a |
'''Larry Connor''' (born January 7, 1950) is an American real estate and technology business person, as well as a private astronaut certified by NASA.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Margetta |first=Robert |date=2022-02-02 |title=NASA, Space Station Partners Approve First Axiom Mission Astronauts |url=http://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-space-station-partners-approve-first-axiom-mission-astronauts |access-date=2023-01-20 |website=NASA}}</ref> Connor is the head of the Connor Group, a [[Real estate investing|real estate investment]] firm located in [[Dayton, Ohio]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=See why Larry Connor says Dayton has 'huge advantages' |url=https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/see-why-larry-connor-says-dayton-has-huge-advantages/DKAZWNEMZRCXHIJPPJVQEL62JA/ |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=dayton-daily-news |language=English}}</ref> |
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== Education == |
== Education == |
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Born in 1950 in [[Albany, New York]], Connor graduated summa cum laude in 1972 from [[Ohio University]] in [[Athens, Ohio]] |
Born in 1950 in [[Albany, New York]], Connor graduated summa cum laude in 1972 from [[Ohio University]] in [[Athens, Ohio]]<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.mydaytondailynews.com/news/lifestyles/dayton-native-doesnt-let-label-define-him/nnNW6/|title=Labels don't define local owner of billion dollar company|last=Beth|first=Anspach|date=August 26, 2015|publisher=Dayton Daily News|access-date=September 16, 2016}}</ref> where he was a member of [[Sigma Phi Epsilon]]. Connor was a member of ''Who’s Who of College Students'' and was one of 22 students out of a class of 4,500 undergraduates selected to the Ohio University J Club.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://ohiotoday.org/larry-connor-from-sea-to-space/|title=From sea to space |first=Jen Jones |last=Donatelli|publisher=ohiotoday.com|date=September 19, 2021|access-date=February 13, 2023}}</ref> |
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== Career == |
== Career == |
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From 1982 to 1990, Connor owned Orlando Computer Corp.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/CorporationSearch/SearchResultDetail?inquirytype=OfficerRegisteredAgentName&directionType=Initial&searchNameOrder=CONNORLAWRENCES%2520G208350&aggregateId=domp-g20835-157cba91-46f0-4754-b715-7a6fa24ddf06&searchTerm=Connor%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520Laurie%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520A&listNameOrder=CONNORLAURIEA%2520L130001488822|title=Detail by Officer/Registered Agent Name|publisher=search.sunbiz.org|access-date=September 16, 2016}}</ref> The company had operations in central Florida and Cincinnati, OH, providing hardware and software to businesses. |
From 1982 to 1990, Connor owned Orlando Computer Corp.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/CorporationSearch/SearchResultDetail?inquirytype=OfficerRegisteredAgentName&directionType=Initial&searchNameOrder=CONNORLAWRENCES%2520G208350&aggregateId=domp-g20835-157cba91-46f0-4754-b715-7a6fa24ddf06&searchTerm=Connor%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520Laurie%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520%2520A&listNameOrder=CONNORLAURIEA%2520L130001488822|title=Detail by Officer/Registered Agent Name|publisher=search.sunbiz.org|access-date=September 16, 2016}}</ref> The company had operations in central Florida and Cincinnati, OH, providing hardware and software to businesses. The Connor Group, a real estate investment firm, was founded as Connor, Murphy & Buhrman in 1992. Connor bought out his partners and established the Connor Group in 2003.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.connorgroup.com/about-us|title=About Us|publisher=The Connor Group|access-date=September 16, 2016|archive-date=September 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160903044410/http://www.connorgroup.com/about-us|url-status=dead}}</ref> Over the next 18 years, the Connor Group grew from $100 million in assets to $4 billion.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Our Communities |url=https://connorgroup.com/company|access-date=June 15, 2021 |publisher=The Connor Group}}</ref> |
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Connor co-founded Heartland Regional Power in 2004.<ref>{{Cite press release|url=https://www.firstbillingservices.com/docs/hrprelease.pdf|title=First Billing Services Acquires Heartland Regional Power|date=January 4, 2012|access-date=September 16, 2016|archive-date=June 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619131858/https://www.firstbillingservices.com/docs/hrprelease.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> First Billing Services, an [[online payment]] and bill processing platform also co-founded by Connor, later acquired the firm.<ref>{{Cite web|title=First Billing Services: Billing and Payment Solutions for Your Business|url=https://www.firstbillingservices.com/default.aspx|access-date=September 16, 2016|publisher=www.firstbillingservices.com|archive-date=September 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901090104/http://firstbillingservices.com/default.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2007, Connor founded the Connor Group Kids & Community Partners,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kidsandcommunitypartners.com/|title=The Connor Group Kids and Community Partners {{!}} Transforming Good Causes into Great Programs|publisher=www.kidsandcommunitypartners.com|access-date=September 16, 2016}}</ref> serving disadvantaged youth in communities where the Connor Group operates. |
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⚫ | Connor has been a member of the National Council of [[McLean Hospital]] since 2008.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mcleanhospital.org/about|title=About Us {{!}} McLean Hospital|publisher=www.mcleanhospital.org|access-date=September 16, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-trustees-recognize-new-named-professors/|title=Mayo Clinic Trustees Recognize New Named Professors|date=August 8, 2014|publisher=newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org|access-date=September 16, 2016}}</ref> Connor and the Connor Group have received awards including the 2014 Glassdoor Top 50 Best Places to Work in the US, Small and Medium-Sized Companies,<ref>{{Cite web|title=2014 Top Workplace|url=http://www.connorgroup.com/news/2014-top-workplace|access-date=September 16, 2016|publisher=The Connor Group}}</ref> a nomination to the Dayton Magazine 2017 Dayton Business Hall of Fame<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2017-12-01|title=Dayton Business Hall of Fame|url=https://www.thedaytonmagazine.com/dayton-business-hall-of-fame-2/|access-date=March 24, 2017|website=Dayton Magazine|language=en-US}}</ref> and multiple Dayton Business Journal Top 100 Businesses in the Region.<ref>{{Cite web|title=DBJ names Business of the Year winners for 2014|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/dayton/news/2014/09/29/dbj-names-business-of-the-year-winners-for-2014.html?page=all&ana=e_day_bn_breakingnews&u=gnOE7YHRPYPV1MtTIlETQcsQI42&t=1412025875|access-date=September 16, 2016|work=Dayton Business Journal}}</ref> |
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Connor co-founded Heartland Regional Power in 2004.<ref>{{Cite press release|url=https://www.firstbillingservices.com/docs/hrprelease.pdf|title=First Billing Services Acquires Heartland Regional Power|date=January 4, 2012|access-date=September 16, 2016|archive-date=June 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619131858/https://www.firstbillingservices.com/docs/hrprelease.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> First Billing Services, an online payment and bill processing platform also co-founded by Connor, later acquired the firm.<ref>{{Cite web|title=First Billing Services: Billing and Payment Solutions for Your Business|url=https://www.firstbillingservices.com/default.aspx|access-date=September 16, 2016|publisher=www.firstbillingservices.com|archive-date=September 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901090104/http://firstbillingservices.com/default.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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In 2007, Connor founded the Connor Group Kids & Community Partners,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kidsandcommunitypartners.com/|title=The Connor Group Kids and Community Partners {{!}} Transforming Good Causes into Great Programs|publisher=www.kidsandcommunitypartners.com|access-date=September 16, 2016}}</ref> serving disadvantaged youth in communities where the Connor Group operates. |
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Connor has been a member of the National Council of [[McLean Hospital]] since 2008.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mcleanhospital.org/about|title=About Us {{!}} McLean Hospital|publisher=www.mcleanhospital.org|access-date=September 16, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-trustees-recognize-new-named-professors/|title=Mayo Clinic Trustees Recognize New Named Professors|date=August 8, 2014|publisher=newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org|access-date=September 16, 2016}}</ref> |
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⚫ | Connor and the Connor Group have received awards including the 2014 Glassdoor Top 50 Best Places to Work in the US, Small and Medium-Sized Companies,<ref>{{Cite web|title=2014 Top Workplace|url=http://www.connorgroup.com/news/2014-top-workplace|access-date=September 16, 2016|publisher=The Connor Group}}</ref> a nomination to the Dayton Magazine 2017 Dayton Business Hall of Fame<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2017-12-01|title=Dayton Business Hall of Fame|url=https://www.thedaytonmagazine.com/dayton-business-hall-of-fame-2/ |
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In 2017, Connor lead fundraising efforts for the redevelopment of The [[University of Dayton]]'s indoor stadium, [[UD Arena]]. He was tasked with raising $33 million of the $72 million total. Connor made a substantial donation himself, before finding other donors to raise the amount required.<ref name=udarena>{{cite web |last1=Archdeacon |first1=Tom |title=Tom Archdeacon: Local adventurist spearheads UD Arena project |url=https://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/tom-archdeacon-local-adventurist-spearheads-arena-project/iKchGQpo7u8yJvvPlnhR4I |publisher=[[Dayton Daily News]] |date=October 8, 2017}}</ref> The stadium opened in 2019 following its renovation. |
In 2017, Connor lead fundraising efforts for the redevelopment of The [[University of Dayton]]'s indoor stadium, [[UD Arena]]. He was tasked with raising $33 million of the $72 million total. Connor made a substantial donation himself, before finding other donors to raise the amount required.<ref name=udarena>{{cite web |last1=Archdeacon |first1=Tom |title=Tom Archdeacon: Local adventurist spearheads UD Arena project |url=https://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/tom-archdeacon-local-adventurist-spearheads-arena-project/iKchGQpo7u8yJvvPlnhR4I |publisher=[[Dayton Daily News]] |date=October 8, 2017}}</ref> The stadium opened in 2019 following its renovation. |
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Connor co-founded First Billing Services in 2003, which provided payment solutions to utility and municipal government clients. In 2019, it was announced that it would be acquired by [[Atlanta]]-based, [[Paya Inc.]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Connor Group sells First Billing Services for $57.5M |url=https://www.daytondailynews.com/business/just-connor-group-sells-subsidiary-for/YYw1QdQf1q2QfHpmLPWuZL |publisher=[[Dayton Daily News]] |date=January 9, 2019}}</ref> |
Connor co-founded First Billing Services in 2003, which provided payment solutions to utility and municipal government clients. In 2019, it was announced that it would be acquired by [[Atlanta]]-based, [[Paya Inc.]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Connor Group sells First Billing Services for $57.5M |url=https://www.daytondailynews.com/business/just-connor-group-sells-subsidiary-for/YYw1QdQf1q2QfHpmLPWuZL |publisher=[[Dayton Daily News]] |date=January 9, 2019}}</ref> |
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During the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Connor made efforts to help alleviate effects of the pandemic for his employees. On April 23, 2020, he donated $1.6 |
During the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Connor made efforts to help alleviate effects of the pandemic for his employees. On April 23, 2020, he donated $1.6 million as bonuses to his associates, which was given to those on salaries under $150,000 per year.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Setty|first=Ganesh|title=A real estate CEO made $1.6 million in the stock market. Then he gave the money to his employees|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/01/us/boss-gives-1-6-million-to-employees-trnd/index.html|access-date=May 20, 2020|website=CNN|date=May 2020 }}</ref> He also agreed to fund [[childcare|childcare expenses]] and expanded the company-sponsored loan program.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Allen |first1=Terina |title=Employees Speechless After Getting Up To $9,000 Bonus Checks |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/terinaallen/2020/05/05/watch-employees-speechless-after-getting--up-to-9000-bonus-checks/?sh=33a816513a56 |work=[[Forbes]] |date=May 5, 2020}}</ref> |
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== Sports and personal interests == |
== Sports and personal interests == |
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Connor is a private pilot involved in several aerobatic competitions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pilot Larry Connor {{!}} International Aerobatic Club |url=https://www.iac.org/media-gallery/detail/1845/5205 |access-date=September 16, 2016 |website=www.iac.org}}</ref> |
Connor is a private pilot involved in several aerobatic competitions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pilot Larry Connor {{!}} International Aerobatic Club |url=https://www.iac.org/media-gallery/detail/1845/5205 |access-date=September 16, 2016 |website=www.iac.org |archive-date=April 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416114928/https://www.iac.org/media-gallery/detail/1845/5205 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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In 2000 and 2001, Connor was the winner of the [[SCCA National Championship Runoffs|SCCA Formula Atlantic National Championship]]. He also raced in 2002 to defend his title.<ref>{{cite web |title=SCCA Runoffs grids set |url=https://www.autoweek.com/news/a2113201/scca-runoffs-grids-set/ |publisher=[[Autoweek]] |date=September 19, 2002}}</ref> Later that year, he competed in the [[2002 24 Hours of Daytona]].<ref>{{cite web |title=SCC: Daytona 24: Race results |url=https://us.motorsport.com/grandam/news/scc-daytona-24-race-results/1950203/ |publisher=[[Motorsport.com]]}}</ref> |
In 1983, Connor had a single start in the [[Atlantic Championship]], named [[Formula Mondial]] North America at the time, and raced intermittently at various levels of SCCA and Formula 2000 competition since, as well as vintage racing. In 2000 and 2001, Connor was the winner of the [[SCCA National Championship Runoffs|SCCA Formula Atlantic National Championship]]. He also raced in 2002 to defend his title.<ref>{{cite web |title=SCCA Runoffs grids set |url=https://www.autoweek.com/news/a2113201/scca-runoffs-grids-set/ |publisher=[[Autoweek]] |date=September 19, 2002}}</ref> Later that year, he competed in the [[2002 24 Hours of Daytona]].<ref>{{cite web |title=SCC: Daytona 24: Race results |date=February 6, 2002 |url=https://us.motorsport.com/grandam/news/scc-daytona-24-race-results/1950203/ |publisher=[[Motorsport.com]]}}</ref> |
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In 2003, Connor was part of the winning team at [[Petit Le Mans]] in the LMP675 class.<ref>{{cite web |title=Champion wins at Petit, but Team Joest is champion |url=https://us.motorsport.com/alms/news/champion-wins-at-petit-but-team-joest-is-champion/2022700/ |publisher=[[Motorsport.com]] |date=October 20, 2003}}</ref> Connor also competed in the [[2004 24 Hours of Le Mans]].<ref>{{cite web |title=24 Heures du Mans 2004 |url=http://www.lemans.org/univers_sport/24hauto/live/ressources/pdf/classements_24h/fi_classement.pdf |publisher=[[Le Mans]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040619233914/http://www.lemans.org/univers_sport/24hauto/live/ressources/pdf/classements_24h/fi_classement.pdf |archive-date=June |
In 2003, Connor was part of the winning team at [[Petit Le Mans]] in the LMP675 class.<ref>{{cite web |title=Champion wins at Petit, but Team Joest is champion |url=https://us.motorsport.com/alms/news/champion-wins-at-petit-but-team-joest-is-champion/2022700/ |publisher=[[Motorsport.com]] |date=October 20, 2003}}</ref> Connor also competed in the [[2004 24 Hours of Le Mans]].<ref>{{cite web |title=24 Heures du Mans 2004 |url=http://www.lemans.org/univers_sport/24hauto/live/ressources/pdf/classements_24h/fi_classement.pdf |publisher=[[Le Mans]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040619233914/http://www.lemans.org/univers_sport/24hauto/live/ressources/pdf/classements_24h/fi_classement.pdf |archive-date=June 19, 2004}}</ref> In 2005, Connor signed with Genoa Racing to make his [[Indy NXT|Infiniti Pro Series]] debut at the [[Grand Prix of Indianapolis (Indy Lights)|Liberty Challenge]], but an airborne crash during qualifying left him out of the event, being credited with a finishing position despite not starting the race.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2005-06-17 |title=MIPS: Connor flips in Liberty Challenge qualifying |url=https://www.crash.net/indycar/news/21971/1/mips-connor-flips-in-liberty-challenge-qualifying |access-date=2023-10-30 |website=Crash |language=en}}</ref> He later came back at [[Watkins Glen International|Watkins Glen]], finishing 8th in his only start in the series.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2005-09-22 |title=MIPS: Connor returns at The Glen. |url=https://www.crash.net/indycar/news/22474/1/mips-connor-returns-at-the-glen |access-date=2023-10-30 |website=Crash |language=en}}</ref> |
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Connor is the founder of Team C Racing. Competing in the Truck Spec class, Connor won the [[Baja 1000]] in 2014.<ref name=udarena /> In June 2016, the team won the [[Baja 500]] Trophy Truck Spec series. Team C Racing recorded a winning time of 10 hours and 33 minutes, two hours in front of the second placed team.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pendleton |first1=Marc F. |title=Team C Racing wins Baja 500 |url=https://www.journal-news.com/sports/team-racing-wins-baja-500/j8btO2n3GVjgYBQ1pPGi1N/ |publisher=[[The Journal News]] |date=June 7, 2016}}</ref> |
Connor is the founder of Team C Racing. Competing in the Truck Spec class, Connor won the [[Baja 1000]] in 2014.<ref name=udarena /> In June 2016, the team won the [[Baja 500]] Trophy Truck Spec series. Team C Racing recorded a winning time of 10 hours and 33 minutes, two hours in front of the second placed team.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pendleton |first1=Marc F. |title=Team C Racing wins Baja 500 |url=https://www.journal-news.com/sports/team-racing-wins-baja-500/j8btO2n3GVjgYBQ1pPGi1N/ |publisher=[[The Journal News]] |date=June 7, 2016}}</ref> |
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In April 2021, Connor completed 3 dives in the [[Hadal zone]], part of the [[Pacific Ocean]] with depths below 20,000 ft. The dives were completed alongside Patrick Lahey, with the aim of better understanding of the geologic and biologic makeup of the Hadal zone. The three dives covered [[Challenger Deep]], [[Sirena Deep]] and a seamount in the [[Mariana Trench]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sheetz |first1=Michael |date=April 7, 2021 |title=Real estate entrepreneur aims to be first to reach space and the bottom of the ocean within a year |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/07/real-estate-entrepreneur-to-dive-to-mariana-trench-fly-with-spacex.html |publisher=[[CNBC]]}}</ref> Prior to April 2021, only two other people had explored the [[Sirena Deep]]: [[Victor Vescovo]] and [[Alan Jamieson]] in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baker |first1=Wayne |title=Larry Connor preps for dive to depths of Mariana Trench |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/04/08/ohio-larry-connor-dive-mariana-trench-date-set-april-2021/7122098002/ |publisher=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> Connor reported that he aimed to go both to space and to the deepest part of the ocean within the same year.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Espindle |first1=Mike |date=July 30, 2021 |title=Famed Explorer Taps Triton Subs For Latest Challenge...But That's Only Half The Story |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeespindle/2021/07/30/famed-explorer-taps-triton-subs-for-latest-challengebut-thats-only-half-the-story/?sh=4110b117925a |work=[[Forbes]]}}</ref> |
In April 2021, Connor completed 3 dives in the [[Hadal zone]], part of the [[Pacific Ocean]] with depths below 20,000 ft. The dives were completed alongside Patrick Lahey, with the aim of better understanding of the geologic and biologic makeup of the Hadal zone. The three dives covered [[Challenger Deep]], [[Sirena Deep]] and a seamount in the [[Mariana Trench]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sheetz |first1=Michael |date=April 7, 2021 |title=Real estate entrepreneur aims to be first to reach space and the bottom of the ocean within a year |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/07/real-estate-entrepreneur-to-dive-to-mariana-trench-fly-with-spacex.html |publisher=[[CNBC]]}}</ref> Prior to April 2021, only two other people had explored the [[Sirena Deep]]: [[Victor Vescovo]] and [[Alan Jamieson]] in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baker |first1=Wayne |title=Larry Connor preps for dive to depths of Mariana Trench |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/04/08/ohio-larry-connor-dive-mariana-trench-date-set-april-2021/7122098002/ |publisher=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> Connor reported that he aimed to go both to space and to the deepest part of the ocean within the same year.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Espindle |first1=Mike |date=July 30, 2021 |title=Famed Explorer Taps Triton Subs For Latest Challenge...But That's Only Half The Story |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeespindle/2021/07/30/famed-explorer-taps-triton-subs-for-latest-challengebut-thats-only-half-the-story/?sh=4110b117925a |work=[[Forbes]]}}</ref> |
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On April 8, 2022, Connor was a |
On April 8, 2022, Connor was a private astronaut on [[Axiom Mission 1]], traveling to the [[International Space Station]] (ISS).<ref name="ax1_ref1">{{cite web |last1=Howell |first1=Elizabeth |title=Ax-1's first all-private crew to space station would love a trip to the moon. 'The sights here are amazing.' |date=April 15, 2022 |url=https://www.space.com/ax-1-flying-space-sights-amazing |publisher=[[Space.com]]}}</ref> The mission was the first all-private space mission to the International Space Station, with Connor one of a four-member crew, serving as pilot.<ref name="ax1_ref1" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Thorbecke |first1=Catherine |date=April 8, 2022 |title=What to know about Axiom Space, the company behind the first all-private mission to the ISS |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/04/06/tech/axiom-space-spacex-launch/index.html |publisher=[[CNN]]}}</ref> At 72 years of age, Connor was the second oldest person to enter orbit, after [[John Glenn]] who entered space aged 77.<ref name="SciAm-20210126">{{cite magazine |author=Robert Z. Pearlman |date=26 January 2021 |title=Axiom Space Names First Private Crew to Visit Space Station |url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/axiom-space-names-first-private-crew-to-visit-space-station/ |magazine=Scientific American |via=SPACE.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Margetta |first=Robert |date=2022-02-02 |title=NASA, Space Station Partners Approve First Axiom Mission Astronauts |url=http://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-space-station-partners-approve-first-axiom-mission-astronauts |access-date=2022-02-17 |website=NASA}}</ref> Connor took heart cells to the ISS' microgravity laboratory.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Frolik |first1=Cornelius |date=April 12, 2022 |title=Live from space: Larry Connor checks in |url=https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/live-from-space-larry-connor-checks-in |publisher=[[Dayton Daily News]]}}</ref> |
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In May 2024, it was announced that Connor was behind the design and building of a $20 million submersible, the Triton 4000/2 Abyssal Explorer, and planned to voyage to the wreck of the [[Titan submersible implosion|OceanGate Titan submersible implosion]] with [[Triton Submarines]] co-founder [[Patrick Lahey]] to prove that a journey to the [[Titanic]] site is possible, and safe, and that the industry had made improvements in the wake of the OceanGate implosion.<ref name="sub1">{{cite news |title=Ohio Billionaire from Dayton planning to take sub to Titanic site to prove a point |url=https://www.local12.com/news/nation-world/larry-connor-patrick-lahey-ohio-billionaire-from-dayton-planning-take-sub-titanic-site-prove-point-triton-40002-abyssal-explorer-cincinnati-daring-expeditions-exploration-design-mechanical-oceangate-implosion-tragedy-tragic |access-date=28 May 2024 |work=WKRC |date=28 May 2024 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="sub2_WSJ">{{cite news |last1=Koenig |first1=Kevin |last2=Finke |first2=Brian |title=After the OceanGate Implosion, the Ultra Wealthy Still Can’t Resist the Deep Sea |url=https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/travel/submersible-industry-after-oceangate-6b412e70?mod=hp_lead_pos8 |access-date=28 May 2024 |work=WSJ}}</ref> |
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===Complete 24 Hours of Le Mans results=== |
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%" |
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|- |
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! Year |
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! Team |
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! Co-Drivers |
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! Car |
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! Class |
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! Laps |
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! {{Tooltip|Pos.|Overall Position}} |
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! {{Tooltip|Class<br>Pos.|Class Position}} |
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|- |
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! {{24hLM|2004}} |
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|align=left| {{flagicon|USA}} Intersport Racing |
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|align=left| {{flagicon|USA}} Jon Field<br>{{flagicon|USA}} Duncan Dayton |
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|align=left| [[MG-Lola EX257|Lola B01/60]] |
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| LMP1 |
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| 29 |
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| DNF |
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| DNF |
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|- |
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!colspan="8"|{{center|{{small|Sources:<ref>{{cite web|title=Larry Connor Results|url=https://www.motorsportstats.com/driver/larry-connor/results|access-date=30 October 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Larry Connor|url=https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/track-record/driver/larry-connor-5627|publisher=[[Automobile Club de l'Ouest]]|access-date=30 October 2023}}</ref>}}}} |
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|} |
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=== American open–wheel racing results === |
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([[Template:American Open Wheel driver results legend|key]]) (Races in '''bold''' indicate pole position) |
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==== Indy Pro Series ==== |
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%" |
|||
!Year |
|||
!Team |
|||
!1 |
|||
!2 |
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!3 |
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!4 |
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!5 |
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!6 |
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!7 |
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!8 |
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!9 |
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!10 |
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!11 |
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!12 |
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!13 |
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!14 |
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!Rank |
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!Points |
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|- |
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|[[2005 Infiniti Pro Series|2005]] |
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![[O2 Racing Technology|Genoa Racing]] |
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| [[Homestead-Miami Speedway|HOM]] |
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| [[Phoenix International Raceway|PHO]] |
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| [[Streets of St. Petersburg|STP]] |
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| [[Indianapolis Motor Speedway|INDY]] |
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| [[Texas Motor Speedway|TEX]] |
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| style="background:#EFCFFF;" |[[Liberty Challenge|IGP]] <br><small>14</small> |
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| [[Nashville Speedway|NSH]] |
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| [[Milwaukee Mile|MIL]] |
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| [[Kentucky Speedway|KEN]] |
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| [[Pikes Peak International Raceway|PPI]] |
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| [[Sonoma Raceway|SON]] |
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| [[Chicagoland Speedway|CHI]] |
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| style="background:#CFEAFF;" | [[Watkins Glen International|WGI]] <br><small>8</small> |
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| [[Auto Club Speedway|CAL]] |
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| style="background:#CFCFFF;" |'''20th''' |
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| style="background:#CFCFFF;" |'''40''' |
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|} |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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[[Category:1950 births]] |
[[Category:1950 births]] |
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[[Category:American astronauts]] |
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[[Category:Atlantic Championship drivers]] |
[[Category:Atlantic Championship drivers]] |
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[[Category:Axiom Space]] |
[[Category:Axiom Space]] |
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[[Category:Ohio University alumni]] |
[[Category:Ohio University alumni]] |
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[[Category:People from Dayton, Ohio]] |
[[Category:People from Dayton, Ohio]] |
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⚫ | |||
[[Category:Space tourists]] |
[[Category:Space tourists]] |
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[[Category:U.S. F2000 National Championship drivers]] |
[[Category:U.S. F2000 National Championship drivers]] |
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[[Category:Sportspeople from Albany, New York]] |
[[Category:Sportspeople from Albany, New York]] |
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[[Category:Businesspeople from Albany, New York]] |
[[Category:Businesspeople from Albany, New York]] |
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[[Category:SCCA National Championship Runoffs winners]] |
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[[Category:24 Hours of Daytona drivers]] |
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⚫ |
Revision as of 01:04, 4 August 2024
Larry Connor | |
---|---|
Born | Albany, New York, U.S. | 7 January 1950
Space career | |
Axiom Space | |
Time in space | 17 days, 1 hour and 48 minutes |
Missions | Axiom Mission 1 |
Larry Connor (born January 7, 1950) is an American real estate and technology business person, as well as a private astronaut certified by NASA.[1] Connor is the head of the Connor Group, a real estate investment firm located in Dayton, Ohio.[2]
Education
Born in 1950 in Albany, New York, Connor graduated summa cum laude in 1972 from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio[3] where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. Connor was a member of Who’s Who of College Students and was one of 22 students out of a class of 4,500 undergraduates selected to the Ohio University J Club.[4]
Career
From 1982 to 1990, Connor owned Orlando Computer Corp.[5] The company had operations in central Florida and Cincinnati, OH, providing hardware and software to businesses. The Connor Group, a real estate investment firm, was founded as Connor, Murphy & Buhrman in 1992. Connor bought out his partners and established the Connor Group in 2003.[6] Over the next 18 years, the Connor Group grew from $100 million in assets to $4 billion.[7]
Connor co-founded Heartland Regional Power in 2004.[8] First Billing Services, an online payment and bill processing platform also co-founded by Connor, later acquired the firm.[9] In 2007, Connor founded the Connor Group Kids & Community Partners,[10] serving disadvantaged youth in communities where the Connor Group operates.
Connor has been a member of the National Council of McLean Hospital since 2008.[11][12] Connor and the Connor Group have received awards including the 2014 Glassdoor Top 50 Best Places to Work in the US, Small and Medium-Sized Companies,[13] a nomination to the Dayton Magazine 2017 Dayton Business Hall of Fame[14] and multiple Dayton Business Journal Top 100 Businesses in the Region.[15]
In 2017, Connor lead fundraising efforts for the redevelopment of The University of Dayton's indoor stadium, UD Arena. He was tasked with raising $33 million of the $72 million total. Connor made a substantial donation himself, before finding other donors to raise the amount required.[16] The stadium opened in 2019 following its renovation.
Connor co-founded First Billing Services in 2003, which provided payment solutions to utility and municipal government clients. In 2019, it was announced that it would be acquired by Atlanta-based, Paya Inc.[17]
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Connor made efforts to help alleviate effects of the pandemic for his employees. On April 23, 2020, he donated $1.6 million as bonuses to his associates, which was given to those on salaries under $150,000 per year.[18] He also agreed to fund childcare expenses and expanded the company-sponsored loan program.[19]
Sports and personal interests
Connor is a private pilot involved in several aerobatic competitions.[20]
In 1983, Connor had a single start in the Atlantic Championship, named Formula Mondial North America at the time, and raced intermittently at various levels of SCCA and Formula 2000 competition since, as well as vintage racing. In 2000 and 2001, Connor was the winner of the SCCA Formula Atlantic National Championship. He also raced in 2002 to defend his title.[21] Later that year, he competed in the 2002 24 Hours of Daytona.[22]
In 2003, Connor was part of the winning team at Petit Le Mans in the LMP675 class.[23] Connor also competed in the 2004 24 Hours of Le Mans.[24] In 2005, Connor signed with Genoa Racing to make his Infiniti Pro Series debut at the Liberty Challenge, but an airborne crash during qualifying left him out of the event, being credited with a finishing position despite not starting the race.[25] He later came back at Watkins Glen, finishing 8th in his only start in the series.[26]
Connor is the founder of Team C Racing. Competing in the Truck Spec class, Connor won the Baja 1000 in 2014.[16] In June 2016, the team won the Baja 500 Trophy Truck Spec series. Team C Racing recorded a winning time of 10 hours and 33 minutes, two hours in front of the second placed team.[27]
In April 2021, Connor completed 3 dives in the Hadal zone, part of the Pacific Ocean with depths below 20,000 ft. The dives were completed alongside Patrick Lahey, with the aim of better understanding of the geologic and biologic makeup of the Hadal zone. The three dives covered Challenger Deep, Sirena Deep and a seamount in the Mariana Trench.[28] Prior to April 2021, only two other people had explored the Sirena Deep: Victor Vescovo and Alan Jamieson in 2018.[29] Connor reported that he aimed to go both to space and to the deepest part of the ocean within the same year.[30]
On April 8, 2022, Connor was a private astronaut on Axiom Mission 1, traveling to the International Space Station (ISS).[31] The mission was the first all-private space mission to the International Space Station, with Connor one of a four-member crew, serving as pilot.[31][32] At 72 years of age, Connor was the second oldest person to enter orbit, after John Glenn who entered space aged 77.[33][34] Connor took heart cells to the ISS' microgravity laboratory.[35]
In May 2024, it was announced that Connor was behind the design and building of a $20 million submersible, the Triton 4000/2 Abyssal Explorer, and planned to voyage to the wreck of the OceanGate Titan submersible implosion with Triton Submarines co-founder Patrick Lahey to prove that a journey to the Titanic site is possible, and safe, and that the industry had made improvements in the wake of the OceanGate implosion.[36][37]
Complete 24 Hours of Le Mans results
Year | Team | Co-Drivers | Car | Class | Laps | Pos. | Class Pos. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2004 | ![]() |
![]() ![]() |
Lola B01/60 | LMP1 | 29 | DNF | DNF |
American open–wheel racing results
(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position)
Indy Pro Series
Year | Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | Rank | Points |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2005 | Genoa Racing | HOM | PHO | STP | INDY | TEX | IGP 14 |
NSH | MIL | KEN | PPI | SON | CHI | WGI 8 |
CAL | 20th | 40 |
See also
References
- ^ Margetta, Robert (February 2, 2022). "NASA, Space Station Partners Approve First Axiom Mission Astronauts". NASA. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
- ^ "See why Larry Connor says Dayton has 'huge advantages'". dayton-daily-news. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
- ^ Beth, Anspach (August 26, 2015). "Labels don't define local owner of billion dollar company". Dayton Daily News. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
- ^ Donatelli, Jen Jones (September 19, 2021). "From sea to space". ohiotoday.com. Retrieved February 13, 2023.
- ^ "Detail by Officer/Registered Agent Name". search.sunbiz.org. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
- ^ "About Us". The Connor Group. Archived from the original on September 3, 2016. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
- ^ "Our Communities". The Connor Group. Retrieved June 15, 2021.
- ^ "First Billing Services Acquires Heartland Regional Power" (PDF) (Press release). January 4, 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 19, 2012. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
- ^ "First Billing Services: Billing and Payment Solutions for Your Business". www.firstbillingservices.com. Archived from the original on September 1, 2017. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
- ^ "The Connor Group Kids and Community Partners | Transforming Good Causes into Great Programs". www.kidsandcommunitypartners.com. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
- ^ "About Us | McLean Hospital". www.mcleanhospital.org. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
- ^ "Mayo Clinic Trustees Recognize New Named Professors". newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org. August 8, 2014. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
- ^ "2014 Top Workplace". The Connor Group. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
- ^ "Dayton Business Hall of Fame". Dayton Magazine. December 1, 2017. Retrieved March 24, 2017.
- ^ "DBJ names Business of the Year winners for 2014". Dayton Business Journal. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
- ^ a b Archdeacon, Tom (October 8, 2017). "Tom Archdeacon: Local adventurist spearheads UD Arena project". Dayton Daily News.
- ^ "Connor Group sells First Billing Services for $57.5M". Dayton Daily News. January 9, 2019.
- ^ Setty, Ganesh (May 2020). "A real estate CEO made $1.6 million in the stock market. Then he gave the money to his employees". CNN. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
- ^ Allen, Terina (May 5, 2020). "Employees Speechless After Getting Up To $9,000 Bonus Checks". Forbes.
- ^ "Pilot Larry Connor | International Aerobatic Club". www.iac.org. Archived from the original on April 16, 2022. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
- ^ "SCCA Runoffs grids set". Autoweek. September 19, 2002.
- ^ "SCC: Daytona 24: Race results". Motorsport.com. February 6, 2002.
- ^ "Champion wins at Petit, but Team Joest is champion". Motorsport.com. October 20, 2003.
- ^ "24 Heures du Mans 2004" (PDF). Le Mans. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 19, 2004.
- ^ "MIPS: Connor flips in Liberty Challenge qualifying". Crash. June 17, 2005. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
- ^ "MIPS: Connor returns at The Glen". Crash. September 22, 2005. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
- ^ Pendleton, Marc F. (June 7, 2016). "Team C Racing wins Baja 500". The Journal News.
- ^ Sheetz, Michael (April 7, 2021). "Real estate entrepreneur aims to be first to reach space and the bottom of the ocean within a year". CNBC.
- ^ Baker, Wayne. "Larry Connor preps for dive to depths of Mariana Trench". USA Today.
- ^ Espindle, Mike (July 30, 2021). "Famed Explorer Taps Triton Subs For Latest Challenge...But That's Only Half The Story". Forbes.
- ^ a b Howell, Elizabeth (April 15, 2022). "Ax-1's first all-private crew to space station would love a trip to the moon. 'The sights here are amazing.'". Space.com.
- ^ Thorbecke, Catherine (April 8, 2022). "What to know about Axiom Space, the company behind the first all-private mission to the ISS". CNN.
- ^ Robert Z. Pearlman (January 26, 2021). "Axiom Space Names First Private Crew to Visit Space Station". Scientific American – via SPACE.com.
- ^ Margetta, Robert (February 2, 2022). "NASA, Space Station Partners Approve First Axiom Mission Astronauts". NASA. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
- ^ Frolik, Cornelius (April 12, 2022). "Live from space: Larry Connor checks in". Dayton Daily News.
- ^ "Ohio Billionaire from Dayton planning to take sub to Titanic site to prove a point". WKRC. May 28, 2024. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
- ^ Koenig, Kevin; Finke, Brian. "After the OceanGate Implosion, the Ultra Wealthy Still Can't Resist the Deep Sea". WSJ. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
- ^ "Larry Connor Results". Retrieved October 30, 2023.
- ^ "Larry Connor". Automobile Club de l'Ouest. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
External links
Media related to Larry Connor at Wikimedia Commons
- 1950 births
- American astronauts
- Atlantic Championship drivers
- Axiom Space
- Living people
- McLean Hospital people
- Ohio University alumni
- People from Dayton, Ohio
- Space tourists
- U.S. F2000 National Championship drivers
- 21st-century American businesspeople
- American real estate businesspeople
- Racing drivers from Dayton, Ohio
- Racing drivers from New York (state)
- Sportspeople from Albany, New York
- Businesspeople from Albany, New York
- SCCA National Championship Runoffs winners
- 24 Hours of Daytona drivers
- Indy Lights drivers