The Connell Company LLC, founded in 1926 as Connell Rice & Commission Co., is a family-owned enterprise located in New Jersey. Over the years, it has transformed from a commodity trader focusing on rice and sugar into one of the largest privately-held corporations in the United States, specializing in real estate, hospitality, and equipment leasing. The company's evolution reflects a prudent management philosophy that emphasizes long-term growth and financial strength without the pressure of public earnings reports.
For more than a century, Connell’s legacy has been marked by careful stewardship of capital, allowing it to diversify and adapt its business offerings to meet changing market demands. Originally recognized as the world’s largest non-governmental rice trader, the company gradually transitioned away from this sector in the early 2000s, ceasing its rice operations in 2011 to focus primarily on real estate and hospitality.
Today, The Connell Company manages a mixed-use urban campus called 'The Park' in Berkeley Heights, NJ, encompassing 1.5 million square feet of luxury Class A office space, retail, and hospitality offerings, as well as multifamily developments. It emphasizes a lifestyle-based model incorporating wellness and community-oriented services. Connell's involvement in the hospitality sector has led to the development of innovative dining and entertainment concepts along with their real estate initiatives.
Additionally, Connell Equipment Leasing Company is positioned as one of the nation’s leading independent lessors in the middle-market leasing segment, providing a broad array of material handling equipment across multiple sectors.
With a commitment to personal relationships, flexibility, and community engagement, The Connell Company combines its extensive industry experience with a modern approach to business, ensuring its operations remain relevant in the ever-evolving market landscape.
