We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ryan “franko” Frankowski a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ryan “Franko”, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
When people ask me where I get my resilience from, I tell them without hesitation my mom. She’s a living example of determination and reinvention. She started working at just 15, lying about her age to land a job at a nutritionist’s office. Even as a young girl, she dreamed of designer clothes but couldn’t afford them, so she taught herself how to sew and created her own. That drive and creativity carried her through life.
From there, she worked her way into nursing school, transitioning from the ER to management at cardiovascular unit, to pharmaceutical sales, then into health care case management. Every time she hit a new milestone, she’d reinvent herself. At 30, she got her BSN. By 37, she earned her Master’s. At 40, she took on a pharmaceutical sales role, and by 50, she became a manager of complex case management.
The most remarkable part is her unshakable belief that no one could tell her no. She’s always been someone who found a way around any obstacle, who turned challenges into stepping stones. She never stayed in a place that didn’t fulfill her—she kept pushing herself to do more, learn more, be more.
And that’s exactly what she taught me. I took her lessons and applied them in my own life, moving through different careers from engineering to production, interior design, acting, stand-up comedy, real estate each job, a way to grow, add value, and learn something new. I never settled for less than what felt right for me, and I’ve lived in New York City, Los Angeles, and Minneapolis, and traveled and worked around the world in modeling, commercial productions, and design jobs. Some of the places I’ve worked include Barcelona, Dubrovnik, Hong Kong, Krakow, Milan, Nice, Rome, Tulum, and Venice, because I knew I had the power to create my own path.
My mother’s resilience is the blueprint for how I live my life, and the truth is, it’s been passed down through generations. She got that strength from her grandmother Mary “Gert” Kernan was one of the first female graduates of Penn State University, and I proudly followed in her footsteps by graduating from there as well. Grandma Gert instilled in my mother Lynne the same fire to keep going no matter what life threw her way. So when people ask me where my resilience comes from, I know it’s a legacy that’s been building for generations. And it’s something I’ll keep passing down to future generations too.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
What I Do and My Story
I’m Ryan Frankowski, a versatile professional with experience in real estate, interior design, technical sales, and commercial production. With a BSc in Industrial Engineering, I’ve worked in high-end real estate and luxury interior design in cities like New York and Los Angeles. Currently, I’m focused on Mocktails Or Messy, the podcast I co-host with my lifelong best friend (and ex), Kelly Mizgorski. We’re shaking up drinking culture by showing that fun isn’t limited to alcohol—whether you’re enjoying a mocktail or a cocktail, it’s all about having a good time.
What’s Special About It
What excites me most is how we’re changing the narrative around partying and drinking. On Mocktails Or Messy, we blend humor, personal stories, and honest discussions on mindful drinking, proving that socializing can be just as fun without the booze. As someone who’s transitioned from a party-heavy lifestyle to a sober-curious mindset, I’m proud to share my journey with our growing audience.
What’s New
We’ve released over 50 episodes, featuring a mix of celebrity guests and hilarious real-life stories. In addition to the podcast, I’m expanding into real estate sales, following in my great aunt’s successful footsteps. Exciting things are ahead for Mocktails Or Messy, including exclusive mocktail NA beverages, more guest appearances, and a deeper focus on mindful drinking.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that had the biggest impact on my journey are:
1. Adaptability:
I’ve always been willing to pivot and learn new things, whether it was transitioning from real estate to interior design or shifting my career focus to podcasting. Being adaptable has allowed me to stay open to new opportunities and grow in unexpected directions. My advice to others early in their journey would be to stay curious and be open to change. Don’t be afraid to explore different paths and try things outside your comfort zone—you never know what might click or where it could take you.
2. Communication:
Whether I’m working with clients in real estate, collaborating with teams on design projects, or hosting a podcast, the ability to communicate effectively has been crucial. Listening, connecting, and getting your ideas across clearly can make or break a project or relationship. For those starting out, I’d suggest focusing on honing your communication skills—both in how you speak and how you listen. Strong communication helps build trust, resolve conflicts, and move projects forward.
3. Self-Awareness:
Being in touch with my strengths, weaknesses, and personal goals has been a game-changer. My shift toward sobriety and mindful drinking, for example, was rooted in self-awareness and the need to align my lifestyle with my values. My advice is to make time for self-reflection and actively work on understanding who you are and what you want out of your career. This clarity will help guide decisions and prevent you from getting lost in the noise.
For anyone early in their career, my advice is simple: Stay adaptable, communicate with intention, and take time to reflect on what really matters to you. The journey is long, but those skills will carry you through.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m always looking to collaborate with a diverse group of creative and driven individuals who share a passion for redefining the social scene. Specifically, I’m eager to connect with:
Non-alcoholic beverage brands or those in the health and wellness space who are pushing boundaries to make mindful drinking more accessible.
Entertainers, business investors, and production companies interested in creating content that breaks the mold of traditional party culture.
Podcasters, public figures, and influencers who are focused on health and wellness, sober-curious living, or who just have an authentic perspective to share.
“Messies”: those who are highly functioning, love to party, but are also exploring a more mindful approach to drinking and socializing. If you’ve got a “messy” side but want to dive into a movement that champions balance, we’d love to hear from you!
If you’re someone who’s ready to join forces and be part of a movement that celebrates fun without pressure, I’d love to connect. Whether it’s through Mocktails Or Messy, collaborations on social media, or even innovative product launches, let’s create something that resonates with a new generation of socializers.
Feel free to reach out by texting your Messy Stories to 424-666-7794 or emailing me directly at ryan@mocktailsormessy.com. I’m excited to see what we can build together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mocktailsormessy.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mocktailsormessy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100014640812811
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-frankowski-535a5183/
- Twitter: https://x.com/mockmess
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mocktailsormessy
Image Credits
Steven Menendez, Stephen Donnelly, Mara Rago, Rick Day
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
