Radio Interview

I recently got a chance to sit down and do an interview with my friend and former student Jane Hash. She host's a online radio show to support and advocate for people with disabilities. She's got a great personality and her shows definitely aren't boring.

Click on the link below to listen!

http://hashitoutwithjane.podomatic.com/entry/2012-09-30T19_11_24-07_00

Frank and Dakota....Fundraisers

I have a special relationship with my friend Dakota. His dream is to be a professional motivational speaker and a college graduate. He's currently working on both.

Dakota has Down Syndrome, but he and his family don't allow let that slow him down. After you meet him, you'll feel like you need to do more with your life.

I first met Dakota while working at the Phoenix Zoo. After a few conversations, I learned about his speaking dreams. He asked me to be his speech coach. I agreed and the rest is history. I've watched him speak infront of 1,000 people without flinching.

I've also had the opportunity to speak with Dakota several times. One of the speeches we've done together is speaking for Special Olympics Arizona. Last year we were asked to speak during the "Ask" portion of the program. We asked people to make donations. Last year we raised $80,000.

This year we were invited back to do the "Ask" again. I recently received an e-mail from the planning committee. After speaking at this Breakfast with Champions, Dakota and I help raise over $100,000 in on site donations!

The money will go to support sports and activities for over 13,000 Special Olympics Athletes in the state of Arizona! Amazing!

Enjoy some of the pictures from the event.

Enjoy some of the pictures from the event.

New Job!

Everyone has watched the news and always here stories about people looking for work. People who are qualified to work but aren't given an opportunity to work. People just giving up.

I know how all of those people feel. Five years ago, I moved to Arizona to start a new life with my wife. I was going to be a full-time speaker, travel the world, run my mouth for a living and live the good life.

Then the economy crashed and people weren't looking for speakers or trainers. People were watching their money. I continued to speak as others left the business. The only problem was...the pay is very inconsistent. I worked several part-time jobs in the attempt to make ends meet. Some people asked, why part-time jobs? They were the only ones that would hire me.

I really don't know why I was never offered a "real job" over the last five years, it just didn't happen. I would go out and speak. Post fun blogs posts and give a "positive" face on Facebook. In reality, life was tough. Bills couldn't be paid and I was tired of watching tv reports talking about what people need to do to get work.

I learned that the people who would help me would be the people who truly care about me. I also learned that I would have to be honest with the people who cared about me. How do you do that?

I stopped living a lie and sent an e-mail out to all the people I knew cared about me. I left them know that I needed work. I sent them a copy of my resume. I asked for their help. Instead of spending all of my time contacting people I didn't know and didn't care about me, I contacted the people who do.

Next thing you know, family and friends started sharing ideas with me. Some were good, some didn't work, but I had options. Speaking work started coming in too!

I know have a new job. The job? I work at an Auction House. I'm an Account Manager and a Recruiter for an Auction School. The company is called Auction Systems and located in Phoenix, Arizona. What do I do? You can read the flyer I designed above, or I can describe it to you this way.

I find stuff for Auctioneers to sell and I find people to sell the stuff that needs to be auctioned. My jobs is a cross between the show Pawn Stars and American Pickers. Some of the things I've seen come to auction are amazing. Great stories I'll share in future Blogs.

I'm enjoying this "job" because the company took the time to see what I could really do. It helps that my new boss (Kara) told me about the company too. I'm being allowed to use all of my skills and talents. I was even able to speak a little bit during one of the auction school classes.

I even get to sneak in a few speeches and shows too. Did you happen to check out my "Ride" at the top?

 If any of you reading this want to learn how more about the Auction Business, contact me! I can let you know how to make money by auctioning items, running auctions or how to save money by buying at auctions.

I definitely have to thank GOD for placing me in the right situation after 5 years of searching for a job. I 'm in the right spot doing something I really enjoy.

I hope everyone reading this can find something they enjoy too!

It's a Boy!

On September 4th I got the best Birthday Gift ever! I went to the doctors office with Kelly for the sonogram that would let us know if our baby was healthy, growing and the sex.

It was amazing to hear the heartbeat for the first time. Then the utra sound technician let us know that everything looked good and strong. Then it happened...."HE" showed off his "STUFF!"

Our baby decided it was time to show off exactly who he was! We are going to be the parents of a bouncing baby boy!

The rest of the the check-up had our son showing off several time his boyness!

2013 is going to be an Amazing year when our first child is born in around the end of January.

What a great birthday. Time with my wife and learning we're going to be parents of a healthy baby boy.

Movie to see

With Kelly and I expecting the first addition to our family, certain movies and tv shows have more meaning.

I recently flew to the east coast for a speaking job. The movie played during the flight was "What to expect when you're not expecting." The movie is loosely based on the popular pregnancy book that my wife has me has me consistently renewing at the library.

The movie is about several couples living in Atlanta, Georgia and their adventures as parents and expecting parents.

The movie may not have been popular in theaters, but everyone I know who is a parent and is an expecting parent have loved the movie. I liked it so much, I had to rent it again to watch with Kelly.

You'll laugh a lot through the movie. One of the reasons I liked it so much, is I can relate to several of the scenes in the movie. The being dejected about not getting married. Friends being scared of children. House hunting. Wondering if you'll be a good parent. The truth about what women go through being pregnant.

The next time you're looking for something to rent, I suggest you give this flick a try.

Leave it to Mom!

My mom is in town visiting and one of her first comments to me...."I haven't seen any blog posts lately."

I started this blog to keep my family up-to-date on what's going on in my life.

I guess it looks like nothing has been happening.

The truth! Lots have been happening! Time to blow up the blog!

Blog # 700!

Kelly and I are having a baby! More details in  2013! Blog number 700 is VERY SPECIAL!

Thanks Mom!

I got a birthday card from my mom today. In the card she thanked me for keeping in touch and for typing this blog.

Just like many of you, she reads this blog to keep up with what's going on in my life.

Speaking of life, there are times we let "life happen." It's a term my friend Rodger and I have. We use the term when we have plans to do something then "life happens" and your plan changes.

I planned to post 104 blogs this year. I'm way behind! I let life happen, but not the way I want it to happen.

After reading my mom's card, I realized that I haven't posted anything for almost 3 months! Wow!

That will change! I look at the picture above and I know the answer. I am the person who loves to share information with people and put smiles on their faces! When I blog, things just feel right.

So, enjoy and be on the look out for TONS of blogs! I will make time to blog and not use the excuse of "I'm busy."

Remember make to live life, don't just "let it happen."

I'm lucky to have my wife!

People always talk about the people who support them in their dreams and pursuits. This blog entry is for my amazing wife. Being married to a performer/speaker is very tough. When times are good, they are good, when times are tough, boy are they tough! You never know how much money is truly coming in. Your hopes get super high when people show interest in you and those hopes come crashing down when budgets get cut, businesses close and unexplained events just seem to happen.

It's always good to have someone there to help support you mentally, physically and fiscally! The person who does this for me the most is my wife Kelly. I don't have enough space to say all the things she does for me. Having her there physically and other times spiritually is what I enjoy . Seeing her smile or share an idea with me drives me. Having her kick me in the butt when I needed doesn't always make me happy, but her input is wanted, needed and appreciated.

Nothing better describes the words I typed above than earlier this week. I recently started up a networking group with some friends. One of the driving forces was my wife hearing me complain about not having a good group of people to connect with to share ideas and grow with. She made the comment of, "Why don't you start your own?"

She was right. After a few months of several small get togethers, the Compass Networking Group had it's first meeting for the public. It took several months to get things going, but when it was time for showtime, Kelly was up with me at 5AM to prep for the meeting.

She also spent the weekend, making "Apple" themed items for my BAD Apple speech. It was nice to have friends attend the event, but when I really needed that last bit of encouragement, there was my wife in the CROWD (7 people, including me...lol) smiling!

Below you'll find pictures of the Apple Jam's Kelly handmade to give as door prizes. The apple muffins she made for the 7AM visitors and the refreshment/promo table she set-up!

Thank you Kelly! I love you! I'm a lucky man! I'll be repaying you for your confidence in me very soon!

New Blog Site

As I close in on Blog number 700, I just wanted to let everyone know I have another blog now too!

The BAD BAD Apples officially have their own Blog!


http://thebadbadapples.blogspot.com/

Please feel free to look at the page and learn what you can do to achieve your next success!

New Website for the BAD BAD Apples

I am lucky enough to be a part of the dynamic speaking duo known as "The BAD BAD Apples." We travel the country encouraging others to achieve in creative ways. We just returned from San Antonio, Texas where we were invited to speak at a leadership conference.

Rodger and I enjoyed having people yell out "Hey Apples" while walking the streets, but more importantly, we enjoyed hearing people say thank you! Quite simply, we believe if you treat people like an apple great things can happen for you and others. Apples have value and impact. If you treat everyone you meet as if they are valuable, you will impact their life in a positive way and more than likely they will do the same for you. This is growth, this is success, this is achievement.

To learn more about what we do, please check out our brand new website by clicking on the link below!

Enjoy

 The World Famous San Antonio Riverwalk

 The Alamo

 Me and Rodger

http://www.badbadapples.com

Inspirational Quote

My mom told me the other day how much she enjoys reading this blog. She is one of the reasons I started writing this blog. We can't talk everyday, so I wanted to her to see what was going on in my life. I never knew how much my blogs would cheer her up and inspire her.

I never know how much this blog would impact other people too!

I just wrote my blogs, because I felt alive when I typed.

I was reminded about that while cleaning up my garage today and came across this quote I wrote on a piece of paper.

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and do that, because what the world needs is people who come alive."  Gil Baile

I hope all of you are inspired to go out and do something that makes you come alive. Blogging is one of those things for me. I didn't blog much in June because I  didn't make the time. I'll be sure to make up for it here in July, because I understand that this little place on the internet helps others come alive too!

Thank you for your support mom!

Love,
Frankie

Time with the Family

This weekend I traveled to New Mexico with my wife to visit her parents. It was a good time and great way to recharge the batteries, learn more about my family and explore new places.

Remember life can get crazy, but you always need to slow down and make time for your family and friends. Even if you can't see them face to face, make time to pick up the phone, send a text or send an email. To really feel
good, take time to actually write or send a letter!

Enjoy the photos.

No money, no problem!

People are always complaining about what they don't have. How often do you here people appreciate what they do have?

We can never have everything and so many things can be taken away in a heartbeat including our lives.

A friend once told me that life is about relationships and experiences.

Times are tough. We never have enough money, but there are so many. things you can do on a limited budget.

I remember growing up near Washington DC and how my mom worked two jobs to pay the bills. She still found things to do with us. Weather we went to a park to play, visited one of the Smithsonian museums, spent time with friends or family she found something for us to do. Many of the things were free, but they gave us great experiences while building relationships.

Kelly and I have been doing the same recently. Instead of complaining about what we can't do, we've been finding things we can.

One recent adventure was free kayaking sponsored by our county. It was a fun day and our friend brought their kids along to celebrate their sons birthday.

Enjoy the pictures and go out and find something different to do. You never know, it may be free!

700!

Wow! 700 blog posts is approaching fast! Does anyone have any ideas on what I should write about. I never knew I would type this many. I'll have to something really big for 800, 900 and 1000.

If you have any ideas, please write me at frank@badbadapples.com

Radio Interview

Last week I was a guest on a financial radio show. The show is called "Your Money Matters." I was invited onto the show to discuss how I became a professional speaker.

The interview lasts about 45 minutes. Due to technical issues, we had to record the interview twice. That's right I did two separate 45 minute radio interviews. The second interview is the interview they used. I had some good moments in my first interview, I wish I had a copy of that one too.

Click on the link below, listen and enjoy!

http://yourmoneymattersradio.com/

Special Olympics Speech

Just received a video clip of a speech I did with Dakota Johns at the Arizona Special Olympics Breakfast of Champions. Enjoy!

Fun Designs

I've been working on some new promotional materials with my brother Jim and business partner Rodger.

Here are some samples of what we came up with! Thank you for the hard work Jim!

Now Hiring Just Not You!

I recently was asked to speak at Arizona State University. I was asked to speak with students about the job market, 30 second pitches and tips and tricks to interviewing.

I had a great time being really "honest" with the students. I told them about all the jobs I've been turned down for. Some of the stories were funny and others were depressing.

I pretty much told the students how I've been a professional job hunter the last 5 years.

While talking to them I remembered the chapter I wrote in my book. I've decided to share that chapter with you today. Enjoy!

Now Hiring…Just not you!

I can't imagine anything more worthwhile than doing what I most love. And they pay me for it.  Edgar Winter


  “Hi. My name is Frank C. Kitchen and my initials say it all. You should hire me because I am fun, creative and knowledgeable. I create the environments that everyone desires to work in. If you need someone to plan your next event, train your staff or motivate your employees, then contact me at hirefrankkitchen@yahoo.com. That's H-I- R-E Frank Kitchen, like the room, at Yahoo.com. No job is too big or too small. All I need is you and the opportunity to shine.”

Those are the words I spoke on January 28, 2010. I was appearing on the cable news network CNN.  I was a guest on 30 Second Pitch. I had 30 seconds to tell the world on live television why I would be a great employee. After my appearance, I received e-mails from around the world. I received compliments. People thanked me for inspiring them. I also received offers for a variety of pyramid schemes. The one thing I didn’t receive was a legitimate job offer. I thought the jobs offers would overwhelm me. I had nailed my live interview, but I was still looking for a job. That day made me realize that, I am not defined by my job. 

The jobs, careers and work you pursue have a huge impact on your dreams. In 2007, I left my job at Lakeland Community College to pursue my passion. I was going to be a full-time speaker. I saved my money. Contracts were lined up. I moved across the country to live with my future wife. Everything was going great until, The World Financial Crisis hit. People were losing jobs, companies were filing for bankruptcy and everyone was cutting their budgets. Not a good time to start a new business as a speaker. 

My adventures as a professional job hunter began in 2008. My speaking calendar was very inconsistent. I was under-employed. I was working, but not enough to pay my bills. I figured it would be easy for me to get a job to help make ends meet. I was armed with a great resume, a killer personality, a college degree and a long list of accomplishments. I expected a great paying job with lots of responsibility. 

I read countless articles about the changing job environment. The articles said I shouldn’t let my ego or pride get in the way of my job hunt. So, I applied for everything.

Here are a few of the jobs I applied for:

Painter, substitute teacher, toxic waste disposal, bank teller, event planner, product representative, solar sales, water sales, flight attendant, rental car sales associate, stadium tour guide, security officer, school crossing guard, street sweeper, personal trainer, audio and visual technician, hot air balloon employee, apartment rentals, youth mentor, human resources positions, speakers series director, zoo employee, sports league coordinator, secretary, office manager, youth mentor, personal assistant, pharmaceutical representative, acting coach, model coach, volunteer trainer, Student Activities Director, hotel manager, movie theater employee, waiter, public address announcer, pizza cook, valet, limo driver, delivery man, writer, golf course attendant, radio station representative, census worker, fundraiser, telemarketer, hospital baby photographer, birthday party host and as a speaker.

I was turned down for every job above. No interviews, no decline letters and no reason for why I wasn’t good enough. I am a very confident individual, but my confidence was starting to wane. I was a National Keynote speaker, but was being turned down for 9-5 jobs. I could train a company’s employees at a conference one day. The next day I would be turned down for a job as a corporate trainer. Why couldn’t I get a job? Why couldn’t I get an interview? Why couldn’t I get a simple letter saying, “Thanks, but no thanks?” I was no longer living the American Dream. I was living the American Nightmare. I was waking up to The Employment Hustle.

The Employment Hustle is what job hunters are experiencing everywhere. It’s just like a board game. This board game has a major problem. There are numerous players, but only one player has the rules. That one player has the ability to change the rules anytime they want. That one player is known as The Employer. The only way for you win this game is to learn the tricks of the trade. You have to learn that your job is not your life.

You are not defined by your job. You are defined by your passions, pursuits, beliefs and accomplishments. A job is a tool used to accomplish your dreams. When you start to think this way, you will be one step closer to living your dreams. 

I applied for every job under sun. It was the wrong thing to do. I wasn’t getting any closer to my dreams. I was being desperate. Don’t chase after the hot jobs listed on a website. Don’t follow trends blindly. Don’t listen to the people who say there is a right way to write a resume. You will find job fairs that don’t have jobs. Job-hunting is very subjective. Employers have the upper hand because there are millions of people willing work for anything. You have to pursue work you are passionate about.

When you pursue a passion, it’s not work. My best friend Scott is a golf coach. He loves to play golf. It’s an expensive sport, but it’s a passion. His father first taught him the game he fell in love with. His dream is to play as much as possible and be the best he can. To accomplish his dream, he started working at a golf course and coaching the local high school golf team. Both jobs allow him the opportunity to play all the golf he wants. It equates to thousands of dollars saved. He has truly worked to create a lifestyle. Scott’s not working, he’s living his dream. You have to work to create the lifestyle you want. The best work opportunity for you isn’t always posted on a jobsite. You have to go out and create it.

“The single greatest error and deception of our accounting system: people are paced in the liability column on the balance sheet. Machinery and computers are categorized as assets and people as liabilities.” – The Dream Manager by Matthew Kelly

You are not guaranteed a job. I thought I was.  I learned an employer doesn’t have to hire you. People costs are the greatest expenditure for any business. Companies are cutting costs and trying to improve profits. They can layoff employees with a snap of their fingers. They can choose not to hire new staff when the costs are too expensive. Yes, you are seen as a liability. Being a liability you have to prove how you will help the employer build their dream or prove you can make them money. For every job opening there are several qualified candidates and hundreds of prospective candidates applying for the position you want. A company is loyal to its stockholders and bottom line. They don’t have to give you a job. You can no longer expect to have a job. You have to earn it. During your job hunts, find employers to work with, not work for. When you work with someone, it’s a partnership. You’re working together to help build each other’s dreams.

Scott created his opportunities. He befriended the right people and let them know about his passion for golf. Scott learned about his golfing jobs by networking. The United States Labor Department stated that 69% of job hunters acquired their jobs through networking or talking to someone they know. Don’t spend all of your valuable time searching job websites. The sites don’t allow you to standout from the crowd. Talk to the people you know. These people know you well. They can give you a recommendation that a website can’t. If 69% of employment comes from knowing someone, why do people spend the majority of their time seeking employment from people they don’t know? Focus your valuable time and energy on the people who care about you. 

I want you to be armed with the knowledge needed to successfully survive the employment jungle. I want your dreams to become reality. Your lifestyle and career path will be a determining factor. You’ll have to work hard, but it is more important for you to work smarter. Nothing is guaranteed. The chances of you being with a company for life are slim. Don’t base your life around your work. Pursue work where you will have more positive experiences than negative. Find an environment you desire work in. Take advantage of the job. Don’t let it take advantage of you. Find work that allows you to use your special skills and talents. Find work that allows you to pursue a passion. Find work that assists you with living your dreams. Pursue a passion. When you are passionate about something, it’s not a job. It’s you hiring yourself to live your life.

Great Day for a Bike Ride

This week Kelly and I learned about a monthly activity put on by the city of Phoenix. It's called Silent Sunday. One Sunday a month when it's cool they city closes all of the roads in South Mountain Park. The roads for the day are only open for bikes, strollers, wheelchairs, skateboards or any other human powered vehicle with wheels.

The day was fun for Kelly and I because of the non-profit organization known as Daring Adventures. They were on hand to offer bikes to people who needed them. For a donation to charity they will let you borrow one of their bikes. Kelly and I went for the three wheelers. We biked through the park for a little more than an hour and probably did about five miles through the hilly park.

Next week the group is offering free kayaking at Lake Pleasant.

Enjoy the pics and remember to live life. Even when money is tight, you can still find fun things to do. You just have to LOOK.

Life Changing Moment

Kelly and I at Scott and Lisa's wedding (No scratches)

Have you had a life changing moment? What did you do after that moment. I had a moment like that last year. It has driven me to work harder and do the best I can to experience life.

Last year, Kelly and I had a life changing moment. We were taking our first cross country road trip.

We would drive from Arizona to Ohio for my best friends wedding (I was the best man). After the wedding we would drive from Ohio to South Carolina to see my grandparents. From there we would head west. We would stop to see my father in Louisiana. They stop and see Kelly's parents in New Mexico.

Our trip was going well until we got to Oklahoma. Just outside of Tulsa we ran into some thunderstorms. We checked the radar on my phone and it looked like the worst has passed. I was so wrong. While Kelly was driving, strong winds and rain popped up without notice. The road went from dry to slick. Next thing you know, our car was spinning out of control.

Kelly was driving and I was just starting to close my eyes when I heard her say "uh oh." We weren't speeding, but anything over 50 miles per hour is fast! I looked up to see the concrete barrier the separates the highway coming at us fast. I grabbed onto the JC or the "Oh Sh!T" handle and looked at Kelly. I expected to see the car flip, air bags go off, or at worse, an explosion. Kelly kept control of the car and spun it just enough so the side of the car hit the wall.

At this point, the car bounced off the barrier and we went back across the highway. We came to a complete stop when the car hit the metal guard rail straight on. We were ALIVE!

Some how we didn't flip, explode or get hit by other cars or semi-trucks. After we stopped, I looked around to see if Kelly was ok and survey our situation. I smelled something burning, so I got out of the car to see what was left. I didn't see any smoke or fire, but I noticed the trunk was wide open.

In the middle of the highway were our bags, clothes and some of my speaking materials. It started to poor rain as I ran into the middle of the interstate to collect our stuff. I really wasn't thinking, I was just reacting. I grabbed everything I could and got it back to the car. Kelly was still buckled in the car. I checked on her before getting out of the car again. This time I waved cars out of the way. Our car was still in the highway. We stopped just past a blind turn and I didn't want anyone to hit us. I was also waiving for help.

Countless cars drove by without stopping. Finally two nice men stopped to help us out. They let us use their cell phone and they called the police for help. They barely spoke English, but that didn't matter. They had a heart and helped us. I did get their contact information and wrote them a long thank you note. I also told their employer how great they were.

While waiting for the police, I told Kelly how my head and ribs hurt. That's when we discovered what the burning smell was. The airbags on my side of the car had gone off. They kept me from slamming into the door and hitting my head on the window. The force of the airbags gave me "rug burns" on my head behind my ear, on my arm and on my ribs.

The police and tow truck finally showed up and took us to town. That's when we learned about the other accidents in the area. We also learned that it hadn't rained in over 45 days and we were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Highways are slickest when it first starts to rain. It's even worse with all of the oils in the road from tires and vehicle fluids. The officer and tow driver said we were luck to be alive and said Kelly did a great job handling the car.

The car was totaled, but we were alive. Thank you GOD and thank you Honda Civic.

We would finally get a rental car and finish our cross country trip.

We learned that day that life is short. We made the rest of the trip the best trip possible. It was a tough time, but we worked together to make things work.

We're still a little nervous when driving in the rain or windy days. But, we're getting better and communicating when things make us feel uncomfortable (just like the weather that day.)

Everyone is going through tough time or will experience tough times. Just remember, no matter how tough things get, at least your still alive. After you do that, thank GOD for giving you life and make the most out of that gift.

Here are some pictures from the accident.

The rain stopped when the police showed up. Notice the big dent in the guard rail in front of the police car.

Felt a burning feeling on my arm. Air Bag Road Rash.

Never saw the side curtain air bag go off. So strong it ripped the ceiling of the car!

Asked Kelly if her laptop was safe in the trunk before we left the hotel. She said it would be fine. A few hours later, it got ejected from the trunk onto the highway. Amazingly, her dress for the wedding was fine. No trucks ran over it.

The side airbag left a nice mark on my head and ear.

Side airbag came out of my seat to protect me. Left a nice bruise on my ribs.

Thank you side air bags! Thank you Honda! You have loyal customers for life.
We replaced our civic with a Honda Accord a few weeks later.

Back quarter panel. Lucky we hit that and nothing else.

Scene of the accident a few hours later. No rain and barely a mark on the wall. Police told us these walls are designed to flip the cars so they don't go into on coming traffic. We got lucky.