Dean Connors is a real estate investor, business owner, music manager, and musician. An active member of the Ohio Valley business and philanthropic communities, he is a seasoned and skilled business leader with expertise in both business-to-business and business-to-consumer sales and marketing. He is a cum laude graduate of California University of Pennsylvania with bachelor degrees in both communications studies and sport management, and is currently authoring a book on business philosophy and strategy.
ENTREPRENEUR
An entrepreneur at heart, Dean has founded several successful businesses and is the chief executive officer of CMS Bankcard Services, a leading provider of payment processing, alternative lending and ATM services. He owns several commercial and mixed-use properties in downtown Wheeling, West Virginia and is proud to be a part of the area’s economic resurgence. He is currently seeking new investment opportunities and partnerships in Wheeling and beyond.
ENTERTAINER
Dean’s love of music began in childhood and has spanned his entire life. From marching in the band for tiny crowds under the Friday night lights at his hometown high school football games—to serving as an on-air personality and program director at a #1 rated radio station—to playing drums in front of thousands of screaming fans at one of the largest country music festivals in the nation, time and again, Dean’s experiences have validated his deep belief in the immense power of music to profoundly impact people’s lives.
SPEAKER
Dean is an engaging and entertaining speaker and presenter. Whether as a keynote speaker or master of ceremonies, he uses unique and relatable stories—combined with a razor-sharp wit and high-energy style—to educate and inspire his audience, while providing best practices and strategies to succeed in business and life.
ACTIVE CITIZEN
Dean formerly served on the village council of Rayland, Ohio. He was also appointed by the mayor of Wheeling to the Waterfront Enhancement Committee, an advisory group charged with studying ways to improve the economic viability of the city’s extensive waterfront area. In 2016 – 2017, he served two terms as president of the Circus Saints and Sinners club, an association of successful business professionals dedicated to fellowship and charitable giving. During his tenure, he oversaw fundraising efforts resulting in over $60,000 raised for local charities.
