Connor Murdock

COMMUNITY ROOTS. Connor Murdock has always been driven by a deep sense of human connection. Raised by a single mother and a supportive network of “second moms,” Connor learned the value of community and perseverance from an early age. “My childhood was filled with moments that taught me the importance of having a vision and executing it,” Connor recalls. This ethos is the cornerstone of Basil, the company he co-founded, which is transforming the way creative and marketing teams collaborate and manage talent.

Growing up in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, a welcoming and liberal place, Connor was immersed in a vibrant community. His early experiences working in the same hotel as his mother laid the groundwork for his work ethic and passion for people. “Rehoboth Beach was more than just home; it was a place where I learned to appreciate diversity and community,” Connor shares. His entrepreneurial spirit was evident from a young age, whether selling snacks on the beach to raise money for the Rainforest Alliance or dreaming up grandiose school projects with his mom’s unwavering support.

Connor’s journey took a significant turn when he received a scholarship to attend The Hill School, a boarding school in Pennsylvania. “Hill ties never sever,” he says, reflecting on the strong sense of community that still connects him with his fellow alumni. This experience further fueled his desire to create something impactful and lasting. After high school, Connor pursued Film and Television Production at Boston University. It was here that his interest in media and entrepreneurship converged. Post-graduation, he navigated the competitive world of video post-production and design, eventually going freelance. “I knew I wanted to build something that mattered, something that solved real problems,” he says.

Connor’s professional and personal life took a pivotal turn when he met Dan, a software engineer, who would become his boyfriend and co-founder. “Dan noticed the inefficiencies in my freelance work and suggested we create tools to streamline the process,” Connor recalls. This idea evolved into Basil, a workforce CRM and planner designed to help creative and marketing teams manage their talent more efficiently.

Building Basil was no easy feat. “There were many iterations and a lot of grit involved,” Connor admits. They faced challenges with fundraising, product development, and market fit. Yet, their shared vision and complementary skills kept them moving forward. They brought in another co-founder, Tyler, who added operational and customer relations expertise to the team. “We’re a 100% LGBTQ team, and our diverse perspectives are our strength,” Connor notes.

EMPATHY AND INNOVATION. Connor believes that his LGBTQIA+ identity is a superpower in the business world. “Many queer folks are emotionally intelligent, which helps in understanding clients’ needs and building strong relationships,” he explains. This emotional intelligence, combined with their innovative product, has set Basil apart in the market. “We want to make freelance and contractor work more attainable and efficient for both the workforce and the companies that hire them,” Connor says.

Basil’s ambition is to revolutionize the dynamic between creative talent and the teams that rely on them. “We’re currently focused on creative and marketing teams, but our vision is to expand to other parts of the workforce,” Connor shares. Their platform aims to simplify talent management, project planning, and payment processes, making it easier for teams to collaborate and achieve their goals.

Reflecting on his journey, Connor acknowledges that being a founder is challenging, regardless of one’s background. “Don’t let other people’s perceptions of you or your identity become a barrier,” he advises. “The journey is hard enough without adding unnecessary obstacles. Stay true to your vision and persist.”