Through hands-on experience, I understand the two main elements of intrapreneurship, invention and entrepreneurship - and have practiced in those fields for over two decades.
Innovation Consultant:
During the six years that I worked as a hands-on Innovation Consultant, I was mentored by one of the best, Dr. Ron Sears. I participated in over 25 innovation projects for 9 firms, and led 13 of those. That’s where I learned that innovation is the result of process, not serendipity. Most of those projects focused on inventing breakthrough next-generation products. One of my favorites, however, worked a bit outside that norm. It explored re-inventing the entire Customer Experience for a major company and resulted in 20 initiatives being written into the company’s strategic plan. Although I’ve since created my own innovation process, I learned some of my guiding principles during that time. Plus, I left that engagement with the confidence of how to create innovation anywhere at any time.
Entrepreneur Coach:
As an entrepreneur coach I have helped roughly 4,000 startup entrepreneurs bring new products, services, and businesses to life. I’ve started and operated several venture accelerators and throughout that time helped many of those founders think through how to turn innovative ideas into reality. I’ve coached companies starting in basements and companies raising millions, in a wide range of industries and markets.
Solid Academic Background:
I hold an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth Graduate School of Business with concentrations in both Marketing and Finance. I was fortunate to be able to study product development with the awesome Abbie Griffin and strategy with the amazing Harry Davis. Upon graduation I was awarded the 1996 George Hay Brown Outstanding Marketing Scholar Prize. Fun fact: I did some group project work with current Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.
My Core Values
Part of your team
My aim is to act as part of your team, equip you with the skills and tools you need, and move on when you are comfortable. I’m not looking for a forever client, but I’m willing to stay as long as you need.
Hands-on
This isn’t a classroom. This is your business. You’ll best understand the value you can create when you are doing. Plus, why not create real intrapreneurship and value while you learn?
No conflict of interest
While we are engaged working together, I will not work with anyone else in your field. Ethics are ethics. Your peace of mind is important as we work together.
What Clients Say
I met with Steve about a year before I started my photography business. His questions (asked with kindness and curiosity) were direct, challenging and necessary.He helped me see what I couldn't at the time. He was planting seeds and giving me guidance that still sticks today. He helped me get honest with myself and my venture.My full-time photography business and career is going on 6 years strong now, and it was my conversation with him that was the turning point.I'll always be grateful to Steve for helping ignite that spark that I needed. Thank you!"
-Jared Christiansen
Professional Photographer
Website and Portfolio
Steve has been a great resource for me as I begin my entrepreneurial journey. He helped me navigate whether or not to pursue a 2nd business venture during the summer of 2025. After that conversation, I decided to pursue the 2nd business and have doubled the revenue of the existing service based business and generated over $50k+ in cash collected revenue during August, September, and October of 2025."
- Evan Roberts
Leads Tutors
LinkedIn“! sat down with Steve Franks at Fortezza on a rainy day for a coaching session about my business. I was confused on areas I should be focusing on and Steve let me see them from a different angle.
He was very tuned into what I was doing by listening and gave fantastic feedback and insights into my venture. I liked that Steve held a free train of thought formed meeting that allowed me to act as myself while being deeply understood, not a skill that everybody has.
I felt clarity after jumping to a section of focus pertaining to my business that I was currently unaware of. He inspired me with actionable takeaways that were practical to my business. I know am able to test the ideas for my own business and can’t wait to share the positive or negative results as doing business is very much an ongoing test.
Thank you Steve.”
-Alex Linsenmayer
Marketer
Instagram