Where I'm From
I’m a fifth-generation Texan, born and raised in Houston. Frank Elementary School in Klein is named after my great-great-grandfather, Martin Frank, who came to Texas in 1853.
With 16 children, 31 grandchildren and 83 great-grandchildren, I can assure you that if you have spent any time in the Greater Houston area you’ve likely met one of my relatives.
My family are all serial entrepreneurs; there was a time when I could mention Johnny Frank’s Auto Parts or Pettigrew Smith Auto Supply and everyone in Houston had a connection to those places (or at least recognized the names). The rest of them are mostly doctors, deeply ingrained and connected to the people in the community.
I’ve enjoyed how my family’s deep history helps me connect to people in the region throughout the years.
Where I Live
I live in Austin now, because it better suits the needs of my family and, in truth, my personality. I love the international flavor of Houston, but I love the vibe of Austin. The intersection of conservative and liberal politics combined with tech innovation intertwined with nature…with an overlay of Willie and classic Austin weirdness.
To me there is nothing better than spending a day working hard on something creative and meaningful and ending the day hiking the Barton Creek Greenbelt, swimming in Barton Springs or paddling on Town Lake (as much as I admire the former first lady, you can call it Lady Bird Lake but to me it’s still Town Lake).
Where I've Been and
Where I'm Going
I’ve been to almost every state and traveled the world a bit (but would love to do more and maybe even live overseas). Iceland, Norway, Denmark and Scotland are on the short list of next places to visit with my family.
I visited Germany and Africa in 1985, went to the World Expo in Vancouver in 1986 (with visits to most major spots across western Canada), went to England to study at Cambridge in 1995 (and took a brief tour of Great Britain after), and grew up taking regular trips to the eastern and western coasts of Mexico.
We spend a lot of time in Colorado and Utah these days, but my favorite place is northeastern New Mexico. I look forward to retiring outside of Santa Fe or Taos, spending my days hiking, skiing, reading, writing, painting and traveling.
Rooted. Yes.
Adventurous? Absolutely.
And I look forward to more globetrotting when time allows.