Frank Stranzl

Background

About Frank Stranzl

I’m relentlessly competitive with a drive to succeed no matter the challenge. Whether it’s summiting mountains, earning media, or dominating a Settlers of Catan board, I genuinely enjoy the pursuit of a goal as much as the outcome.Over 16+ years in my career, I’ve had the opportunity to lead, build, and create across sports, hospitality, and community-driven organizations. The story that best defines me, though, goes back to my time as a college athlete.I ran NCAA Division I track & field at Cal Poly, but think more Rudy than Joe Montana. I transferred in as an unrecruited walk-on from Santa Rosa Junior College. No invitations, no expectations. I just showed up. At my first tryout, I was surrounded by athletes who had competed at state championships and U.S. Junior Nationals. I hadn’t. For six weeks, I got beat badly before the coach cut me.Getting cut didn’t bother me. Quitting wasn’t an option.The following spring, I trained on my own and ran workouts immediately after Cal Poly’s practices. One day, Coach Crawford pulled me aside and handed me the summer training plan, along with a clear message: nothing is guaranteed. She made sure that part stuck.That summer, I committed fully. I was up at 6am for lifts, worked a part-time job at the Boys & Girls Club of Petaluma, and went to the track for evening workouts. I didn’t miss a single session. When I came back in the fall, I earned a spot on the team.That mindset still defines how I show up today. At The Olympic Club, I now play a version of Coach Crawford by building teams, creating opportunities, and pushing for excellence. The core hasn’t changed. I want to win, and I want to do it alongside people who are just as driven to raise the standard.