TO BE FRANK
, the life story of philanthropist and businessman Frank Morsani, explores his inspiring journey of hard work, perseverance and integrity—delving into detail about the winning management style that has defined his entire career. Frank has truly lived the American Dream—and his message to young people is that they can live it, too.
This is a uniquely American portrait of a down-to-earth man from humble roots. Coming of age in Oklahoma during the Great Depression, Frank took on the responsibility of running his family’s farm as a young teen, while his father traveled as a pipeline welder. His immigrant Italian grandparents’ steadfast work ethic formed a legacy that Frank brought to his Korean War service on a naval aircraft carrier, his career as a nationally successful automobile dealer, as a champion of small business who aided three U.S. Presidential administrations, and as Chairman of the Board of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Frank and his wife Carol’s lifelong commitment to giving back to their community has supported and sustained diverse areas in their adopted home of Tampa Bay, from education and medicine to culture and sports.Their unstinting efforts have strengthened the University of South Florida, the University of Tampa and their alma mater of Oklahoma State in significant and lasting ways.
Frank’s remarkably successful management and leadership approach, forged through hands-on experience in both business and the Navy, are detailed in a special chapter.
Unfailingly straightforward and engaging, Frank and Carol have lived their values—touching and improving the lives of others through far-reaching commitments to their community and the wider world. Theirs is a story that embodies key lessons—benefits for us all, no matter our walk of life.