About Francois
Francois D’Anjou is a visionary hospitality executive and business strategist with more than 30 years of experience building, scaling, and revitalizing food, spa, and lifestyle brands. He specializes in transforming concepts into profitable, well‑run operations—from luxury spas and restaurants to retail and student housing.
Born into a family whose grocery business dates back to 1880, Francois blends a deep entrepreneurial legacy with modern executive expertise. He has managed and grown multi‑million‑dollar businesses, launched award‑winning ventures, and led high‑performing teams of more than 200 people. His leadership is grounded in integrity, accountability, and a relentless focus on measurable results.
Over the course of his career, Francois has:
- Led operations for Trump Luxury Spa in New York City and later oversaw 13 luxury spas as Regional Director.
- Directed a 5‑star Times Square spa, elevating guest experience, revenue, and operational efficiency.
- Owned and operated multiple retail and food businesses, including a convenience store that earned Business of the Year in 2004.
- Designed, built, and branded student housing rentals and two restaurants under the PHG umbrella.
- Managed budgets exceeding $10 million, launched five small businesses as sole owner, and founded two companies.
Today, Francois also serves as an executive restaurant supply consultant for one of the world’s largest Chinese manufacturers, advising on strategic sourcing, product development, and market expansion. This unique vantage point positions him to lead innovative food product launches with a targeted market potential of $100 million and beyond.
Francois’ leadership philosophy is simple: “Success is measured in results.” He is known for:
- Developing leaders through one‑to‑one and group coaching.
- Building efficient, guest‑centric operations that drive revenue while controlling costs.
- Forging strong partnerships with executives, investors, and key stakeholders.
His foundation of excellence began early. A standout student‑athlete at the Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, he earned the school’s highest character honor, the Luke Worsham Scholarship, was a Two‑Time Chattanooga Player of the Year in football, set multiple city records, and was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. He later attended Mississippi State University on a full athletic scholarship and earned his Business Administration degree from the University of Tennessee.
Whether he is advising on a global supply chain, architecting a new hospitality concept, or mentoring the next generation of leaders, Francois brings the same commitment to excellence: clear strategy, disciplined execution, and results that speak for themselves empowering entrepreneurs, businesses, and individuals with the tools they need to succeed
Passion Statement
My passion is executive leadership—managing people, resources, and opportunities in a way that makes everything and everyone better. I am driven to build winning teams, elevate performance, and deliver results that consistently exceed expectations. Through mentorship and community, I turn that drive into a legacy: empowering others to create and sustain generational wealth, so our collective success becomes something we can pass on
Be #1. Nobody remembers #2. Winning Record
With years of experience across diverse industries, Francois is a dynamic blend of a seasoned professional and creative problem-solver.
Athletic Excellence & SEC Scholarship
- SEC scholarship running back – earned a full athletic scholarship to play football in the SEC.
- High-performance mindset – discipline, resilience, and competitiveness shaped how you approach business and leadership.
- “Former SEC running back who brings game‑day focus and discipline into the boardroom.”
Character & Leadership Recognition (Luke Worsham Scholarship)
- Luke Worsham Scholarship recipient – highest character/leadership scholarship at Baylor School.
- Recognized not just for talent, but for integrity, work ethic, and leadership.
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Serial Entrepreneur – Built 4 New Businesses in 5 Years
- Created four new businesses in five years, from concept to launch.
- Demonstrates:
- Opportunity spotting
- Execution under pressure
- Ability to build systems, teams, and processes quickly
Financial Performance in Tough Markets
- In a small rural area, you generated over $100,000 in gross profits three years in a row.
- This shows:
- You can win in constrained markets, not just big coastal cities.
- Strong P&L management, pricing, and cost control.
- Ability to create demand where others might not see an opportunity.
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Executive-Level Management & Operations
- Led multi-million-dollar operations in hospitality (luxury spas, restaurants, retail).
- Managed teams of 200+ employees across multiple locations.
- Experience as President & CEO overseeing:
- Operations
- Finance & budgeting
- Sales & business development
- Talent development and culture
Mentorship, Community, and Legacy
- Ongoing work in mentoring younger leaders and entrepreneurs.
- Focus on community building – especially in under-served or overlooked markets.
- Goal: help others build generational wealth, not just one-off wins.
Results & “Winner” Mindset
- Consistent theme: winning and exceeding expectations:
- SEC athlete
- Top character/leadership honors
- Multiple profitable ventures
- Growth in tight, rural markets
- “From the football field to the boardroom, my career has been about competing at a high level, winning the right way, and leaving every team, business, and community stronger than I found it.”
Global Supply Chain & Manufacturing Strategy
- International Scale: Your role as an executive consultant for one of the world’s largest Chinese manufacturers.
- High-Stakes Market Entry: Your ability to lead food product initiatives with a $100 million market potential.
- Operational Complexity: Managing the “objects” and “resources” you mentioned—moving from raw manufacturing to the end consumer.
- Strategic Partnerships: Forging high-level alliances between international manufacturers and domestic markets.
Why Francois?
Versatility
- Former SEC running back, small‑town entrepreneur, and global supply chain consultant—comfortable on the field, in the boardroom, and on the factory floor.
- Has built and led four different businesses in five years, from local retail to hospitality to international product development.
- Equally at home managing people and optimizing operations and objects (assets, inventory, systems) to perform at a higher level.
- Can step into roles as operator, strategist, mentor, or deal‑maker, depending on what the situation demands.
Professionalism
- Recognized early with the Luke Worsham Scholarship for character and leadership, and has kept that same standard throughout his career.
- Brings a CEO-level presence: prepared, punctual, detail‑oriented, and respectful of every stakeholder from front‑line staff to investors.
- Protects the brand—his own and his partners’—by insisting on high standards in service, communication, and follow‑through.
- Handles wins and pressure moments with the calm, composed mindset of a seasoned executive and former athlete.
Results-Driven
- Generated $100,000+ in gross profits three years in a row in a small rural market—proof he can win even where others see limits.
- Has overseen multi‑million‑dollar budgets and driven measurable growth in revenue, margins, and customer satisfaction.
- Built multiple ventures from zero to profitability, not just “ideas” or titles.
- Believes that: “Success is measured in results”—every project has clear targets, scoreboards, and accountability.
Trustworthy Expertise
- A lifetime reputation for integrity, reliability, and keeping his word—from high school leadership honors to executive roles.
- Trusted to represent major international manufacturers and large clients in high‑stakes negotiations.
- Creates environments where teams feel safe to be honest, learn, and grow, which leads to better decisions and stronger cultures.
- Treats partners, employees, and communities like long-term relationships, not short‑term transactions.
True leadership is measured by the wealth you create for others and the legacy you leave for the generations you will never meet
Testimonials
