These are comments of the type often heard about our own Frank Brown. All who know him understand, agree, and can add considerably more accolades to this characterization.

About the time Frank and his family moved to Jacksonville in the mid 1990s, CPR came into being. One of it's founders, Frank associated with Garry Wiggins, Paul Schwend, Charlie Wilson, and a handful of others to create our organization which now meets monthly in groups numbering in the hundreds, maintaining long dreamt of Christian activities in the meantime.

Frank's successful career spans many years, in many places. Surely each has been made better because of his presence there, beginning in Nashville where he was born and would return many years later. He grew up in Indianapolis and in 1972, after graduating from Perdue with a degree in psychology, Frank set out with youthful vigor and ambition, charged with an enthusiasm toward making the world a better place to live. And that he has done in many ways.

Following Perdue, Frank attended Central Bible College (Springfield, MO) where he obtained a degree in theology. Next, he served as a youth pastor/youth counselor for a teenage center in Michigan City, Indiana. This was the only formal exception to an adult career in food service; and it is also that which Frank points to with pride as a strong character building phase. Venturing into corporate America, his career path through the restaurant industry begins in 1974 with Church's fried chicken. He worked as a manager and new store opener for 25 stores in Louisiana and Mississippi.

Before establishing the present business of his own (more about this later) he worked with Shoney's, Captain D's, and Arthur Treachers. It was with the latter that Frank came to Jacksonville and, hopeful to his many friends, it is Jacksonville where the Brown family will stay.

Among Frank's first loves is helping develop people to their full potential. Examples include many alumni of his restaurants around the US, who are now serving in leadership positions. A follower and advocate of the principles of John Maxwell, Frank lectures frequently on that subject.

The fast food delivery system-literally, delivery to homes and/or businesses-is the basis of Frank's current emphasis. The Steak Around Restaurants, which promise to be his greatest success ever. No stranger to hard work, Frank spends nights and days all week long developing these new restaurants, training employees and taking on all the activities necessary to bring them success.

Frank places all importance on family. He and wife Raylene, members of Evangel Temple, understand the value of a balance between business and family. Certainly, they recognize there are frequent opportunities for combining efforts in each area; but each ultimately has its separate place in the eyes and lives of the Browns. Son Ryan is in the Steak Around business with Frank, while attending FCCJ. They love to spend time as a family unit in a variety of recreational activities, including skiing in Colorado and Utah.

The first Steak Around Restaurant has now opened in the Regency area and is operating quite successfully. Another is expected to open shortly in Orange Park, with plans for 6-8 to be operating by the end of 2001. Frank's franchise entitles him to exclusive Steak Around operations throughout all Florida.

A vigorous, committed Christian, Frank was once asked: if he were not in the restaurant business, what would he choose? His answer "Be a motivator, helping people with challenges they face."

CPR, Jacksonville, Florida and indeed, America, are all most fortunate to have among us, Frank Brown. He is a motivator who helps us all with our challenges, by examples he sets.