A little over a year ago, you were working alongside your father at Sun Interiors, continuing the legacy he built. Now, you’ve made a cross-country move, stepped into a leadership role at APEX Group, and taken on new industry responsibilities. What has this past year taught you about growth, opportunity, and navigating change?
It’s been a wild ride, I can say that much – but if you know me, you know that when I decide to do something, I go all in. Leaving my family business was one of the toughest decisions of my life, but I was able to take the leap and find growth in a dynamic new city. Starting from the ground up in an entirely new business market planted me into some humbling and challenging situations, (hellooo cold calling), but it is there that I realized truly how much I had learned from my time at SUN. The gut instincts, the business discernment. My dad is still my biggest supporter & although we don’t work together anymore, I feel firmly that I am continuing the Franzella legacy.
You’ve quickly made an impact at APEX, recently earning a promotion to Vice President of Sales & Operations. How has this transition shaped your perspective on leadership, and what excites you most about this next chapter in your career?
This was a quick & wild surprise, that after 5 months, my superiors trusted in my skill set enough to take me to the next level. All I’ve ever wanted is a seat at the leadership table, because I believe I have things to say that matter, and they are delivered with an intense level of passion & investment in our industry. It was not a light decision to accept the responsibility of managing a large team & an entire branch location. Your focus shifts and is less on your individual success. It becomes about cultivating a great working environment and providing your team members support, so that they find success of their own. I’m pushed beyond my limits every day but am so gracious for the opportunity to elevate my career. I’ll admit that there are days where imposter syndrome creeps in, but as a young woman, it feels really validating.
You were also recently asked to join the Starnet Floorcare Advisory Board. What does this opportunity mean to you, and how do you hope to contribute to the conversation around floor care at a national level?
I’ve never responded yes to an email faster! My dad is one of the founding members of Starnet and it has been the backbone of my career & development in the flooring industry. You can say I have an emotional connection to the cooperative & the incredible members involved. My fellow peers on the board are decade long friends as well as some of the most intelligent people in maintenance that I know. We are the next generation, and this committee gives us the platform to share our perspectives & bring awareness to this vital part of the flooring world. Floorcare is cool, I swear.
This year’s Women’s History Month theme is Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations. Who are some of the women who have influenced and inspired you, and how do you hope to pay that forward in the flooring industry?
I know you shouldn’t pick favorites, but two of my biggest female inspirations are my dear friend Ellen Zucker, and Kaddy Hamilton of W.C. Carpenter. Ellen is built a lot like me & is everything I want to emulate in my career. She is a powerful presence in a room and delivers her expertise with confidence and honesty. Kaddy is mother to my closest industry friend (hey Cecil) and has opened her door to me, not only to their Virginia office for training, but to her personal home & family as well. She moves humbly but has continued a family legacy & with the help of her team created explosive growth. I was recently asked to be a mentor in the WIFI mentorship program and was incredibly honored that other women were eager to learn from me. We all know we don’t stop learning, but together with our shared experiences and strengths, we’ll be a powerful force.
Looking ahead, what’s next for you? Any personal or professional goals you’re excited to chase this year?
Professionally? I feel content right now. Maybe that’s the new grey hairs talking that I’ve gained from leadership haha… but this is a big rung on the ladder that I’ve climbed. I want to embrace it and enjoy this season. Now personally? New day, new experience. If I like it, I’m digging in. I have a thing for classic cars, and I really want to continue learning everything about the makes, models, and what’s under the hood. There’s so much goodness in the past that I don’t want to skip over. I genuinely believe life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.
About APEX Group Denver
At APEX Group, we believe that specialized surface care is not a luxury. It’s a strategic investment. Our care services not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space but also contribute to long-term savings, operational efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
In an ever-evolving world, we are the constant you can depend on.
