Today we’d like to introduce you to William Franks.
Hi William, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
During my last interview, I focused more on the Brand at our current state, but this time I would like to dive into what actually got me to this point.
Growing up, in a small town in Mississippi I never had dreams of being a business owner. I always strived to be the CEO of American Express or some Fortune 5oo company. I could say that I didn’t have any examples, but after reflecting of my life I realized that my father gave me the perfect example.
He was always doing something, as I would say, when I was younger from having his own lawn care business to partnering with his friends to start their own Remodeling business. I didn’t have a mind for those things at that point in my life, only for what they brought me. Fast forward to college, I remember walking to class one day and a thought came to me. I thought, “Why go to school to be a doctor when you can own the hospital and hire the doctor” and that’s when it all begin for me.
This happened to me in 2004 but it wasn’t until 11 years later that I begin to live my dream. As I stated earlier that it was the example that I had in my father that actually birth my desire for entrepreneurship. So I say this that it is very important that children see us and hear us because what we do will impact them.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I think when you look up the word Entrepreneur the word hardship is associated with it lol. With that being said I have faced several hardships through this Journey with most of them happening in the 1st year. I’ve faced lawsuits, bankruptcy, and the closure of my brick & mortar, but through it all, it has been my determination, willingness to change, and consistency that’s kept me going. I say these things not to negate my faith because my faith has giving me the determination, willingness, and consistency to overcome all of these hardships.
In order to embrace this journey, you have to have something that grounds you and gives you a greater purpose in life other than just making money because if you don’t and you’re not making money then you could easily give way to the tons of negativity you will be challenged with daily.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Philanthropy is at the heart of what I do. Every business owner needs to have an exit plan when it comes to running a business. You see it all the time where business owners step down from the CEO roles to take a less restricting role such as Chairman of the Board. The reason being is that they are tired of the day to day task and feel that having a new energy or new set of eyes can keep the business evolving.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My parents deserve the utmost credit because without their support and encouragement then I would not be where I am. I would also like to give credit to Tommaso Melani, the owner of Stefano Bemer, because he took me under his wings and taught me the art of shoemaking and the importance of quality over quantity.
Contact Info:
- Email: Franksfootwear@yahoo.com
- Website: Franksbespoke.com
- Instagram: @franks.international.footwear
- Facebook: Franks International Footwear
Image Credits
Marissa Russell
Meanwhile Media
