Episode 147

Building a Business That Doesn't Depend on You with Melissa Franks

Growth can expose cracks once covered. In this episode, Amy talks with Melissa Franks, Founder of On Call COO and fractional COO, about what changes when a company can no longer rely on its founder to make every decision.

Drawing on 20 years in corporate leadership, from administrative assistant to COO of a $350 million business, Melissa explains why founders stall after early success. She shares ways leaders can spot warning signs, stay connected to daily work, explain decisions, and bring employees into problem-solving.

Listeners will hear why leading indicators matter as much as revenue, how curiosity and collaboration help uncover problems, and why growth depends on clear roles, trust, and operational capacity. Melissa’s message is simple: build a company that can keep moving without the founder carrying it all.

In this episode, you will hear:

  • Recognizing when the founder has become a bottleneck
  • Warning signs in cash flow, margins, and team morale
  • Looking beyond revenue to retention and leading indicators
  • Explaining decisions and building trust with the team
  • Solving business problems through curiosity and collaboration
  • Building a company that can grow without relying on one person

Resources from this Episode

amycalandrino.com

creorlando.com

thecalandrinofoundation.org

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

All Episodes Previous Episode

About the Podcast

Show artwork for Long Position
Long Position
Commercial Real Estate, Business & Long-Term Thinking

Listen for free

About your host

Profile picture for Amy Calandrino

Amy Calandrino

Amy Calandrino, SIOR, CCIM, is a Director at Cushman & Wakefield with deep experience representing small and mid-sized businesses, family enterprises, and private investors throughout Central Florida and beyond. She is known for being a thoughtful listener, a creative problem-solver, and a strategic advisor who helps clients make informed decisions that support both their business goals and long-term wealth creation.

With a career rooted in guiding entrepreneurs and families through pivotal real estate moments, Amy brings clarity, structure, and actionable strategy to every assignment. She has completed hundreds of transactions across office, flex, and retail properties, and clients rely on her strong command of market trends, valuations, and space needs particularly within Winter Park and Greater Orlando. Her experience is backed by the SIOR and CCIM designations, reflecting her commitment to expertise and excellence in the industry.

In addition to her advisory work, Amy is the author of From Perfect to Real: Ditch Perfection, Shift Your Mindset, and Thrive on Your Terms, where she shares her SPORT Success System® for high performance. She is also the host of The Performance Mindset Show, a podcast featuring candid conversations with leaders in business, real estate, and entrepreneurship.

Committed to strengthening her community, Amy co-founded the Calandrino Foundation with her husband, Phil, to equip youth with the skills and mindset needed for entrepreneurship and financial empowerment. She also serves on the Park Avenue District Board in Winter Park.

Amy lives in Central Florida with her family. Outside of work, she enjoys golf, running, and staying active with her two children. Her faith, family, and dedication to helping others grow continue to guide her both personally and professionally.