River City Six: Frank X. Leonard

Meet Frank X. Leonard, Vice President of Business Development for Strictly Business Magazine in Omaha!

How did you get started in the business?

I started delivering papers when I was in 7th grade. They told me there would be incentive pay when I personally brought on a new customer in addition to the ones that I originally had. So I focused on great delivery, putting the paper right next to the door so it was easy to reach right down and grab it without going outside to retrieve it. No other delivery boy did that at the time. My customers would tell their neighbors and I grew my route 50% in a year, thus making more money with my increased customer base. That’s when I realized I wanted to be in business.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

Balance. When you’re a driven individual it is hard to not just see your business as your life. My wife Kelly has helped to keep me grounded in faith and family first, then business.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

Looking back over 35 years in business, I’ve worn many hats. Business advisor/coach is my favorite. With that in mind, it’s when a past client has seen great success and they tell you that in part it was because of your advice and guidance.

Tell us a little about your family.

WOW! Do you have all day? I have been married to my wife Kelly for 30 unbelievable years. She is the backbone of our family. We have four beautiful children, three of whom are married to equally bright and talented spouses. Our youngest is a freshman in college.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

I enjoy spending time with my wife chasing down a great buy on an antique.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?

Although I’m from the East Coast, I would spend all day long on my wife’s family ranch outside of Dunning, NE working cattle or putting up hay.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

My dad once said, “If you’re not making a positive impact with what you’re doing it is not worth the time and certainly not worth the money.”

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?

Servant.

If you could have a super power, what would it be?

Mind reading, mainly to stay away from negative people and their negative thoughts.

Which talent would you most like to have?

To be musically inclined.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?

I would love to be a pilot; I love to fly airplanes.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?

I am heavily involved with my local church and supporting their missionary work around the world.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?

The latest was The Power of Communication by Helio Fred Garcia.

What is your favorite movie?

Jason Bourne.

What is your favorite TV show?

Person of Interest.

What is your favorite local restaurant?

Any place I can get a great steak. Since I’m new to the area, recommendations are certainly welcome!

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?

Jesus.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

Phone: (571) 437-6201; Email: frankx@strictlybusinessomaha.com.