Click with Rona

From Nuclear Engineer to Creative Leader: Rob Franks on Building Ron Dier Design

51 min · 29. apr. 2026
episode From Nuclear Engineer to Creative Leader: Rob Franks on Building Ron Dier Design cover

Beskrivelse

In this episode of Click With Rona, Rona sits down with Rob Franks—managing partner of Ron Dier Design—to explore an incredible journey that spans military service, engineering, and the world of high-end design. Rob shares how a chance meeting led to a decades-long partnership with artist Ron Dier, transforming a small pottery operation into a dynamic, design-forward business known for its iconic gold ceramics and statement mineral pieces. From working in nuclear power and living in Italy to helping build a creative brand from the ground up, Rob dives into the mindset shifts, leadership lessons, and “click moments” that shaped his path. This conversation is packed with insights on creativity, business growth, collaboration, and the courage to evolve—personally and professionally. — #ClickWithRona #Entrepreneurship #DesignIndustry #CreativeBusiness #Leadership   0:00 – Intro & Setting the Stage 3:53 – The Origin Story of Ron Dier 9:12 – Rob’s Early Life & Unexpected Path 11:22 – Joining the Military & Finding Structure 13:39 – Life in Italy & a Surreal Versace Moment 22:02 – Discovering Minerals & Scaling the Brand 30:15 – Letting Go to Grow the Business 36:17 – Balancing Creativity vs Business Operations 41:24 – Turning Ideas Into Reality 45:16 – Learning to Say No in Business

Kommentarer

0

Vær den første til at kommentere

Tilmeld dig nu og bliv en del af Click with Rona-fællesskabet!

Kom i gang

1 måned kun 9 kr.

Derefter 99 kr. / måned · Opsig når som helst.

  • Podcasts kun på Podimo
  • 20 lydbogstimer pr. måned
  • Gratis podcasts

Alle episoder

16 episoder

episode How Tina Tan Built a Real Estate Brand Through Service, Social Media & Grit cover

How Tina Tan Built a Real Estate Brand Through Service, Social Media & Grit

In this episode of Click With Rona, Rona sits down with Tina Tan to discuss her journey into real estate, the lessons she learned from a disappointing home-buying experience, and how that moment ultimately inspired her career. Tina shares how she built a thriving real estate business through genuine relationships, exceptional client service, and a strong social media presence. She opens up about helping first-time homebuyers navigate the process, creating trust in a competitive industry, and why treating every client with respect has been the foundation of her success. From leveraging Instagram to generate business to building a reputation based on authenticity and care, Tina offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and anyone looking to create a business centered on people. If you're interested in real estate, entrepreneurship, personal branding, or building a business through relationships, this conversation is packed with practical advice and inspiration. — #ClickWithRona #TinaTan #RealEstate #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #PersonalBranding #OrangeCountyRealEstate   0:00 – Intro & Meet Tina Tan 2:01 – The Bad Experience That Changed Her Career Path 7:08 – Why Serving People Comes First 12:42 – Building Trust in Real Estate 18:31 – Growing a Personal Brand Through Social Media 24:10 – How Instagram Generates 50% of Her Business 31:45 – Creating a Luxury Client Experience 38:12 – Entrepreneurship, Mindset & Growth 47:06 – Overcoming Self-Doubt & Finding Purpose 50:18 – Tina's Advice for Future Entrepreneurs

I går50 min
episode No Plan, No Loans: How Kristen James Built a Thriving Retail Business cover

No Plan, No Loans: How Kristen James Built a Thriving Retail Business

In this episode of Click With Rona, Rona sits down with Kristen James to talk about building a thriving retail business in the middle of uncertainty—and how one small pop-up during COVID unexpectedly changed everything.   Kristen shares how she went from selling vintage furniture and curated home pieces out of a temporary setup to opening an 8,000 square foot storefront with a loyal customer base and a business built almost entirely through authenticity and word-of-mouth.   They dive into entrepreneurship, trusting your instincts, growing without outside funding, balancing family life, and why staying genuine online matters more than ever.   This conversation is full of relatable business lessons, honest moments, and inspiration for anyone building something from the ground up. — #ClickWithRona #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #WomenInBusiness #InteriorDesign   0:00 – Intro & Meeting Kristen James 2:57 – From a COVID Pop-Up to an 8,000 Sq Ft Store 5:42 – Starting With Vintage Furniture & Side Hustles 9:55 – “There Was No Plan” 11:33 – Building a Business Through Authenticity 14:42 – Why Social Media Worked Naturally 18:06 – Family, Business & Finding Balance 22:14 – Learning What Customers Actually Want 28:08 – Why She Never Took Out a Business Loan 32:41 – The Reality of Running a Retail Store 36:55 – Trusting Yourself as an Entrepreneur 41:12 – Advice for Anyone Starting a Business

20. maj 202649 min
episode From Nuclear Engineer to Creative Leader: Rob Franks on Building Ron Dier Design cover

From Nuclear Engineer to Creative Leader: Rob Franks on Building Ron Dier Design

In this episode of Click With Rona, Rona sits down with Rob Franks—managing partner of Ron Dier Design—to explore an incredible journey that spans military service, engineering, and the world of high-end design. Rob shares how a chance meeting led to a decades-long partnership with artist Ron Dier, transforming a small pottery operation into a dynamic, design-forward business known for its iconic gold ceramics and statement mineral pieces. From working in nuclear power and living in Italy to helping build a creative brand from the ground up, Rob dives into the mindset shifts, leadership lessons, and “click moments” that shaped his path. This conversation is packed with insights on creativity, business growth, collaboration, and the courage to evolve—personally and professionally. — #ClickWithRona #Entrepreneurship #DesignIndustry #CreativeBusiness #Leadership   0:00 – Intro & Setting the Stage 3:53 – The Origin Story of Ron Dier 9:12 – Rob’s Early Life & Unexpected Path 11:22 – Joining the Military & Finding Structure 13:39 – Life in Italy & a Surreal Versace Moment 22:02 – Discovering Minerals & Scaling the Brand 30:15 – Letting Go to Grow the Business 36:17 – Balancing Creativity vs Business Operations 41:24 – Turning Ideas Into Reality 45:16 – Learning to Say No in Business

29. apr. 202651 min
episode From Startup Mistakes to Selling a Magazine: Renee Dee’s Journey & Lessons in Business cover

From Startup Mistakes to Selling a Magazine: Renee Dee’s Journey & Lessons in Business

In this episode of Click With Rona, Rona sits down with Renee Dee—founder of Iconic Life Magazine—to talk about entrepreneurship, resilience, and what it really takes to build (and eventually sell) a successful brand. Renee shares her journey from launching her first magazine with no experience (and learning through costly mistakes) to building a respected publication across multiple markets. She opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her career, including a defining lesson in integrity that ultimately paid off in a big way. From navigating uncertainty during the 2020 shutdown to expanding into new markets like Orange County, Renee offers real, practical insights on business, sales, and staying true to your values. If you're an entrepreneur, creative, or business owner, this episode is packed with wisdom on growth, risk-taking, and building something that lasts. — #ClickWithRona #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #Sales #BusinessGrowth 0:00 – Introducing Renee Dee & Her Next Chapter 3:04 – “If I Knew How Hard It Was…” 6:08 – “Every Problem Has a Solution” 8:21 – The $20K Mistake That Changed Everything 13:47 – Launching a Print Magazine… in March 2020 15:36 – Creative Distribution During COVID 17:31 – Unexpected Success & Client Results 20:00 – Expanding Into Orange County From Scratch 29:43 – Why Print Still Works in a Digital World 41:24 – When It Finally “Clicked”

15. apr. 202648 min
episode From No Plan to Purpose: Sandy DeAngelis On Building Community & A Life She Loves cover

From No Plan to Purpose: Sandy DeAngelis On Building Community & A Life She Loves

In this episode of Click With Rona, Rona sits down with Sandy DeAngelis—realtor, community builder, and the driving force behind the Floral Park Home & Garden Tour. Sandy shares her incredible journey from small-town South Carolina to California, including the bold decision to drive across the country alone in pursuit of something more. With no clear plan, she built a life rooted in curiosity, connection, and community. From helping shape one of Southern California’s most unique neighborhoods to leading a 30+ year home tour that funds scholarships and local initiatives, Sandy proves that success doesn’t require a straight path—just the courage to take the next step. This conversation is filled with stories, wisdom, and inspiration for anyone building a life, business, or community.   0:00 – “We Knew We Were Friends for Life” 5:45 – Meet Sandy DeAngelis 7:06 – Driving an Hour for Hot Chocolate 8:01 – Floral Park Home Tour & Scholarships 12:57 – Driving Across the Country Alone 17:25 – “I Had No Plan… And That Was Okay” 20:00 – Finding Floral Park & Vintage Homes 26:10 – 32 Years of the Home Tour 33:21 – What Makes the Home Tour Unique 49:10 – Why Community Matters Most

1. apr. 202650 min