Small Business Growing

About Fran O’Neal

Dr. Fran O’Neal is deeply committed to the owners and associates who work within the small business world.

His commitment and experience has evolved over many years to encompass a creative mix of large organization consulting, academic pursuit, small business “total immersion,” and a lifetime of passionate interest and professional involvement in the human aspects of business and organizational success.

For Fran, the whole journey started in the land of cheesesteaks and soft pretzels (that would be his home town of Philadelphia).  His career path on the road of organizational development started behind a drum set.   He was a working drummer during most of his high school years and this love of music was actually the bridge to his career path.

Fran’s working career is focused on individual, team, and organizational growth and development.  He has worked as an analyst, program developer, manager, trainer, small business owner, and consultant in both small organizations,  major corporations, consultancy firms, large federal agencies, and educational institutions.   He has authored academic papers, presentations, leadership and team building programs and assessment tools.  Fran has trained and/or consulted with managers and others from hundreds of corporations and has developed a reality-based perspective on leadership skill, effective teams, and business growth.

He is deeply immersed in the world of small business.  As a business owner, he knows the immense dedication required to grow a successful enterprise.  Fran is currently involved not only in running several business ventures, but he is also conducting research with a special focus on small business leadership.  One of his great passions in life is an ongoing dedication to advancing the capabilities of small business leaders.  He believes that emotionally and operationally healthy workplaces make a lasting contribution at every level.

Fran is a veteran, having served three years in a US Army band in Germany.  His wife of over 30 years, Kathy O’Neal,  is also a business partner.  Fran and Kathy have two daughters, Devon and Kelsey and they live in Chantilly, Virginia.   His formal education includes degrees in Theology as well as Sociology, along with a Doctorate in Human Resource Development from The George Washington University.

The commentary you will find on Small Business Growing is premised on a set of beliefs and convictions about both the worth and dignity of people, as well as the endless possibilities of business to grow and improve.  We believe this happens when we are morally grounded, creatively energized, and understand the need to never stop learning.  If any of these three dimensions are missing, we believe the business will fail to reach its highest and best level.

To reiterate a famous quote in a different context, small business owners and their associates are the salt of the earth.  The salt must never lose its savor!

You can contact Fran at: franoneal@smallbusinessgrowing.com or by clicking here.