The Culture Behind Frankie’s Career Growth: Reaching The Next Level

Sometimes the best career opportunities come from the places you least expect.

In 2021, Frankie was working in real estate and had landed what he thought was his dream job. After realizing the role wasn't bringing him the fulfillment he hoped for, he called his wife, who was already working at Conway Oaks Dentistry, one of Operation Dental’s practices. Frankie told her that he would take any position the company had open. A week later, he joined Operation Dental as a Front Desk Patient Coordinator.

Frankie’s career started as a desperate career change, but became one of the best professional decisions of his life.

Throughout his career at Operation Dental, Frankie has learned that leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about being willing to learn, grow, and help others do the same. His leadership philosophy is simple: if someone comes to him with a problem, he may not always know the solution, but he’ll help find it. Whether through his own knowledge or by connecting people with the right resources, the goal is always the same: to work through challenges together, learn from them, and be better prepared for the future.

A major influence on that leadership philosophy was his Regional Manager, Vanessa. Vanessa had a unique ability to challenge Frankie in ways that pushed him beyond his comfort zone.

“Whether I was ready to hear it or not, and trust me, there were plenty of times I didn't want to hear it, but she never let me settle for what was comfortable,” said Frankie. “She challenged me, believed in me, and invested in my growth in a way that completely changed the trajectory of my career. She had this knack for pushing me right to the edge of my comfort zone and then reminding me I was capable of more than I thought. Looking back, so much of who I am as a leader today is a reflection of the guidance and sometimes brutally honest conversations she took the time to have with me.”

That mentorship became a defining part of Frankie's professional development and highlighted one of Operation Dental's core strengths: investing in people.

Throughout his journey, Frankie experienced firsthand how leaders at Operation Dental see potential in others before they see it in themselves, providing the support, guidance, and opportunities needed to help them grow. That trust has fueled Frankie’s growth through multiple roles and new challenges, helping him continuously expand his skills and perspective.

People often hear the word ‘culture’ and expect a corporate buzzword answer, but when asked about company culture, Frankie doesn't point to perks or corporate slogans. Instead, he points to experiences. While many view the company’s people before profits philosophy as just another tagline, Frankie says he's experienced it firsthand throughout his career.

"The truth is, I've lived it, and they actually mean it. It's not something that's said to sound nice and be forgotten about; it's something you see in the way people are treated every day," he says. “I’m a dad first before I'm anything else. Since joining Operation Dental, I haven't missed a single event for my kids. School programs, award ceremonies, field trips, you name it, I've been there."

The culture at Operation Dental is built on people genuinely caring for one another. Leadership invests in people, challenges them to grow, and supports them both professionally and personally.

That combination of support and accountability has had a lasting impact on his success.

Every position has provided Frankie with a new understanding of what it takes to make an office successful. By consistently stepping outside of his comfort zone and embracing new opportunities, Frankie advanced into the role of Office Manager at Dr. Phillips Dentistry, Operation Dental’s partner office. Now, he is stepping into a new leadership role as an Operations Manager for Operation Dental.

For Frankie, this promotion represents more than a new title.

"It's pretty surreal," he says. "It means I did it. I accomplished something I never really saw for myself when I first walked through the door. It’s proof that growth happens when you’re willing to get uncomfortable.”

Looking back, Frankie’s journey has been defined by growth, resilience, and a willingness to embrace challenges. He has learned that the most effective leaders focus on being the person who helps make things better, not on what’s wrong with the situation. It’s a lesson that continues to guide his leadership style today.

For team members hoping to grow their careers, Frankie's advice is simple: don't get too attached to a specific title.

One of the things Frankie has learned is that a mistake isn't the end of the world. It's usually the beginning of learning something new. The people who grow the most aren't the ones who never make mistakes. They're the ones who are willing to learn from them, adjust, and keep moving forward.

As Frankie prepares for this next chapter, he's excited to continue learning, expanding his impact, and helping others succeed. He encourages the team to stay coachable, embrace feedback, and remain open to opportunities that may not fit their original plan.

He admits he once thought he knew exactly where his career was headed, but Operation Dental had other plans. His story reflects what happens when Operation Dental’s mentorship, leadership, and culture come together to create growth opportunities.

"Working at Operation Dental means being part of a culture that challenges you, supports your growth, and helps you continue building on your own potential," Frankie says. "I'm truly grateful to be here."