Founder Years
1979
Driven by necessity during a housing recession marked by soaring double-digit interest rates, Terry O’Connor, Sr., establishes Terry O’Connor Sales to navigate the challenging economic landscape.
1985
After earning his Finance degree from Illinois State University, Terry O’Connor, Jr., joins the family business, Terry O’Connor Sales, bringing fresh energy and perspective to the company.
1989
Anticipating the company’s growth, Terry Jr. recognizes the importance of rebranding and expanding its offerings to include marketing services.
1991
Jennifer Allare joins O’Connor Sales & Marketing with the goal of gaining hands-on experience in the business while building a strong operational and marketing foundation to support the company’s future growth.
1992
Terry O’Connor, Jr. crafted a strategic plan focused on expanding sales and territory reach, paving the way for his transition into the role of President at O’Connor Sales & Marketing.
1997
Steve Lonsway takes a leap of faith by joining O’Connor Sales & Marketing, bringing his drive and determination to accelerate sales and expand territory across the Midwest.
1997
O’Connor Sales & Marketing formally incorporates, rebrands as O’Connor & Associates, Ltd., and undergoes a strategic restructuring that establishes Terry Jr., Steve, and Jennifer as owner-partners.
Pivots & Challenges
2005
O’Connor & Associates (OCA) expands into new markets—including the Southwest—to keep pace with the surging demand of the housing boom. During this period of growth, Andy Hackerson joins the ownership and leadership
2008
The housing boom crashes and turns into the Great Recession, creating massive layoffs and line of credit debt, with the owners as guarantors.
2009
Following the crash, OCA begins its recovery by developing and executing a refreshed business plan and strategic framework focused on structured, long-term growth.
2013 – 2014
By executing the 2009 business plan, OCA successfully eliminates all loan debt and enters a new phase of expansion with the addition of Taron Young to the team.
Growth & Expansion
2016
A manufacturing partner invites OCA to support expansion efforts in the Northeast, prompting the company to establish a professional sales presence in the region for the first time in its history.
2018
OCA’s dedication to expanding its professional sales footprint is demonstrated by its continued growth into the Southeast, with new operations launched in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.
2020-2025
Despite the challenges of COVID through 2025, OCA maintained its growth trajectory, expanding its team with 10 new sales professionals, a newly established Channel Sales role, a database manager, and a graphic designer to support evolving business needs.
Today
OCA currently employs 18 sales professionals serving clients across 44 states, with a strategic long-term vision to expand further into the Mid-Atlantic and Pacific Northwest regions.
In Memory of
Terry O’Connor, Sr.
March 15, 1936 – July 28, 2025
The legacy of your determination and entrepreneurial spirit still shapes our journey.