Meet Lisa Franz | Owner, Frank’s Gentlemen’s Salon

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisa Franz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The important factor behind Frank’s is the team. I want to work with people who are better than me, who push me to be a better leader. The team at Frank’s is super cohesive and we hold each other accountable everyday. Our culture is focused on goals and being better, as a person, friend, and teammate. Even those who no longer work here have taught me more about my business and leadership. As a team we are not afraid of failing because it means we pushing outside of our boundaries. Another important value is humor, we laugh a lot. We laugh at ourselves loudly and often. It’s refreshing to walk through the doors daily and know there are laughs ahead.

I am blessed to have surrounded myself with an amazing support team of professionals from all industries. Their counsel, guidance and support are invaluable to me as an owner. Many of whom are strong women who have broken the mold in terms of leaders and professionals. They have shown in my darkest moments that I am not alone and help me with constructive and honest feedback. Without the support of these people I would have fallen and not returned upright, I have a network of people that I am able to call on with whatever the job has thrown my way, and the camaraderie shown is truly beautiful.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I grew up in Steamboat into a long line of ranchers. My family goes back 5 generations in the Yampa Valley, so I am truly a small town girl at heart. I attended Cu Denver and quickly fell in love with theatre. As it stood I had no talent on the stage, but I found I fit in backstage, hanging lights, building sets and stage management. I worked my way through college teaching kids theatre at homeless shelters and after school programs and at a couple theaters in Denver.
I worked in theatre after college and decided if I was going to plant roots in this city I needed to go another direction. I made my way into cosmetology and found a lifestyle that suited me. I opened up my first salon in the Highlands neighborhood and sold it 7 years later, when I decided to commit full time to Frank’s which I had opened in 2017.
I knew Frank’s was special and it needed my full attention in order to thrive.
Frank’s came about one day in 2016. I had missed a phone call from a number I didn’t recognize and listened to the voice mail. Little did I now it was to be my future business partner…
AS it turns out, Burton had attended college with friends of mine from highschool. Long story short, once you’ve been vetted by a Steamboat Sailor the rest is just details.
Franks has now been open over four years and we are busier than ever.
I think what is special about Franks is the team and the heart. They are motivated, accountable and hilarious. We value culture here and foster a sense of community in the Ball park Neighborhood. We are collaborative and love adding value to the culture and community on Larimer.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would start with Larimer Street and visit Herb’s Bar. It is truly a neighborhood place with the best people and amazing music. Next would have to be a show at Red Rocks, no matter who we were seeing it always inspires a sense of awe. Denver has grown so much and the food landscape is so vast and diverse. My favorite go to restaurant for out of towners is Cuba Cuba. The atmosphere is literally transformative and the food delicious.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am blessed to have surrounded myself with an amazing support team of professionals from all industries. Their counsel, guidance and support are invaluable to me as an owner. Many of whom are strong women who have broken the mold in terms of leaders and professionals. They have shown in my darkest moments that I am not alone and help me with constructive and honest feedback. Without the support of these people I would have fallen and not returned upright, I have a network of people that I am able to call on with whatever the job has thrown my way, and the camaraderie shown is truly beautiful.

Website: https://www.franksdenver.com

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