Pinstripe project manager Nikki Devereux met Leeward in the beginning of 2017. They instantly clicked, and chatted over coffee for more than two hours about a video project for Leeward’s franchise brand, Big Frog Custom T-Shirts and More. Leeward’s description of the Big Frog brand and family was so enticing that Nikki instantly wanted to be a part of it in any way possible! In the end, her role was to film the 2017 Frogathon, and she had a great experience doing so. Frogathan is a 4-day event where all the Big Frog franchisees come together in St. Petersburg, FL for education, mingling, food, drink, and fun.
“The Big Frog team made me feel like a part of their family, and every person I met was kind, happy, and energetic. Big Frog brings that out of you and that’s what was so compelling when I first met Leeward – he was all about the franchisees, taking care of them, making sure they were successful, making sure they were HAPPY. I wanted to be a part of that,” Nikki said after filming the event. Stay tuned for the video, coming soon in the portfolio!
Name: Leeward Bean
Title: Chief Executive Frog
Company: Big Frog Custom T-Shirts
City: Dunedin, FL
Web site: www.bigfrog.com and www.bigfrogfranchise.com
What inspired you to found Big Frog Custom T-Shirts?
A young couple who worked with me at another company wanted to start their own business.
What do you like most about the your industry and community?
Helping people start their own businesses and making people smile when they get their new favorite T-shirt.
What challenges does your industry face?
Managing and directing 90 independently owned and operated business.
How do you measure your success?
How well our franchisees do.
What has been your greatest accomplishment in your career?
When we sold our last company, eleven people became millionaires.
What do you think is the biggest mistake companies make when working in your industry?
Not focusing on the franchisees.
What is the most interesting trend you see in your industry?
The ability to produce one T-shirt at a time cost effectively.
How has technology helped your work?
The extremely high resolution and reliability of the direct-to-garment printers.
How do you stay on top of your field?
Always putting the customer first and under promising and over delivering.
What resources do you recommend? (Books, magazines, web, etc.)
My favorite book is ‘Start With Why’ by Simon Sinek.
If you could give one piece of advice to Tampa Bay companies, what would it be?
Get up every morning with a positive mental attitude and listen to what people have to say; especially your customers.
What was your first job?
Selling eggs door to door when I was six years old.
What are your hobbies?
Fishing!
Favorite food?
Cuban sandwiches
Last book you read?
