Earlier this month, we said farewell to Freedom Consulting Group’s first employee, Frank F… Frank retired after decades in the industry and 12 wonderful years with our company. We are so thankful for all that he contributed to both FCG and our clients, and wish him the best of luck as he moves on to this next adventure. As a parting gift, Frank agreed to sit down with us to talk about his life and career, and bestow upon us a few words of wisdom. Check it out:

What initially drew you to FCG and what encouraged you to stay for 12 years?

I was working for another tech company and was not satisfied with my employment. I decided that I would update my resume and begin attending job fairs to see if I could find an employer that would make better use of my skills. Before I hit the streets, I received a call from Scott Beall inviting me to lunch to discuss an opportunity that he thought I might be interested in. When lunch ended, I accepted an offer for employment and became Freedom Consulting Group’s first employee. The understanding that I had with the partners was that as long as they kept me challenged and busy, I would work for them. It just took 12 years for them to run out of things for me to do.

What advice would you give to those just starting out in the field?

Make sure that you are doing the kind of work that you want to do and enjoy doing it. If you don’t enjoy the work, it will impact your performance and your attitude toward the job. You should be looking forward to the challenges that each new day brings.

What are some of your favorite memories from working at FCG?

I have had a great time working for FCG. I really enjoyed my job. I think my favorite memory was the day that my supervisor informed me that I would no longer be required to complete the annual self evaluation form.

If you had to identify one thing, what would you say was the key to a successful career in the industry?

Having a diverse skill set. If you can switch between being a database administrator, system administrator, or a programmer, you have a better chance of being chosen for a position than someone who is focused on one skill only.

We hear you’re known for fiddling with things at home. What’s your first project going to be after you retire?

I have been dealing with computers for 50 years. I’m also interested in electronics. I am working to combine both of those interests by trying to create projects using the Arduino microcontroller and the Raspberry PI. I also enjoy building things so I will be doing some woodworking projects. 

As you begin this next adventure, what are you most excited for? What are you going to miss?

I am most excited about having the freedom to pursue anything that I want to do without having to work around the concerns and obligations of a daily job. I will miss the daily interaction that I had with my coworkers and teammates. 

Any parting words for your fellow FCGers?

It is my opinion that FCG is the best company that I have ever worked for. I hope that over the course of your careers, you will all feel the same way and that you all will give your best to keep FCG at the top of the list of best companies to work for.

Have a great memory of Frank that you’d like to share? Leave us a comment below!