For the last 10+ years, Fran Herrington has meant much more to Geile/Leon than what is in her job description. True, she keeps the numbers in line and business running smoothly — but it’s her cheerful demeanor and personable nature that we’re going to miss most.
Fran is slowly transitioning into retirement, but that doesn’t mean she will forget her ad stories over the years. From her initial job in advertising, to the first time she was introduced to Tim Leon and Dave Geile years ago — “I knew it was a cool place to work from the beginning.”
A graduate of Webster University, Fran started working for ad agencies after the manufacturing company she was employed with moved out of state in 1982. Some may call her a natural in the biz, handling the finances, hiring for new accounts and budgeting projects with ease. As the business manager for Geile/Leon, Fran always let us G/Lers know when the latest rounds of timesheets were due (Adam Arriola).
It’s true; we are going to miss Fran around G/L as she heads off for retirement, but everyone is very excited for her. Although she enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the agency life, she said she will appreciate having more time to spend with her family. Fran plans to travel to the mountains and visit more historical sites with her husband, Mel, once they are both done working. Looking back at one of their travel adventures that stood out, Fran reflects, “We went for the 400th anniversary of Jamestown in 2007, and the Queen of England was there!” Fran and Mel make a great team. When G/L moved its offices back in 2007, Fran handled all the logistics for the move, and Mel came in to help put the finishing touches on the office.
Trumping her passion for history and gardening, the most influential force in Fran’s life is her church. She regularly attends each weekend service and founded the Calvary Fellowship Free Will Baptist Church Food Pantry with her husband, which helps over 50 families a year. Fran laughs, “My husband and I started giving to our church community when we were young adults to help the elderly. Now we’re older and we’re still the ones doing the giving!” Fran delights in being able to help people and uses her sharp accounting eye for detail to ensure that every recipient’s needs are met. “With the sluggish economy, many of our recipients have been laid off couples with young children. Because of this, we primarily collect baby food and diapers, in addition to canned goods,” says Fran.
“Dave and I will both greatly miss Fran,” reflects Tim Leon. “She had a definitive impact on the success we’ve achieved, but more importantly, she had had a positive effect on all of our lives. Her faith and Christian values set a great example for us all. She and Mel have good hearts, and they have helped so many people over the years.”
Fran’s work ethic and genuine relationships around G/L have truly meant something to us all over the past decade, and we wish her all the best as she begins her retirement. Congrats Fran!
To donate to the Calvary Fellowship Food Bank, call the church office at 636-225-4684 for drop off instructions.
Drink of Choice: Iced Tea with Lemon