Meet Tina Bacon-defrece

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tina Bacon-defrece. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Tina, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re very focused on here – improving our ability to make decisions. Everyday, we’re faced with decisions that can impact the future of our careers, businesses, relationships and more and so one of the most impactful areas for personal development, in our view, is decision-making. Can you talk to us about how you developed or improved your decision-making skills?

My decision-making skills were shaped by a mix of experiences—both personal and professional—that taught me the value of adaptability, analysis, and knowing when it’s time to take action. Growing up in a military family, we moved frequently—Connecticut, Galveston, New Orleans, New York City, Tampa. Each move meant starting over, making new friends, and figuring out how to adapt to a completely new environment. I didn’t realize it at the time, but those experiences were teaching me how to quickly assess situations, weigh my options, and make decisions that would help me thrive. The clock was always ticking in those moments—waiting too long to act could mean missing out on opportunities or connections.

One of the most formative periods of my life was during graduate school. While working on my Ph.D. in chemical engineering, I spent countless hours running experiments and analyzing spectroscopic data. It was a process of trial and error—testing hypotheses, identifying errors, and refining my approach. The scientific method ingrained in me the importance of gathering information and making informed choices. But science also taught me something critical: perfection is unattainable. At some point, you have to stop analyzing and make a decision to move forward. Whether it’s a product launch or a new business strategy, progress often depends on taking that leap at the right moment.

When I transitioned into entrepreneurship and co-founded Big Frog, the stakes were higher, and decisions carried more weight. I still remember the moment we decided to franchise Big Frog. We had done our homework, but franchising was uncharted territory for us. We could have analyzed endlessly, waiting for the ‘perfect time,’ but we knew that momentum matters. That decision—to act when we felt 80% confident—turned out to be one of the best we ever made.

Over time, I’ve learned that good decision-making is about balance. You need to gather enough information to feel informed, but you also have to recognize when it’s time to stop deliberating and act. Some of the worst decisions I’ve seen come from paralysis—waiting too long and missing the opportunity altogether. Now, as CEO, I focus on adapting quickly, analyzing thoroughly, and moving forward with confidence. Even if the outcome isn’t perfect, every decision teaches us something and keeps us moving toward our goals.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

As I reflect on the journey we’ve taken with Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More, I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come and excited about the future ahead. Professionally, I’m always looking for ways to grow and evolve as a leader. My background in chemical engineering has given me a scientific and analytical approach to business, but I’m constantly learning how to combine that with the human elements of leadership—communication, collaboration, and fostering a shared vision.

One area I’m focusing on is finding ways to stay ahead of the curve in innovation. Technology is transforming industries at an unprecedented rate, and I want to ensure that Big Frog remains at the forefront of these changes. Recently, we’ve started working with a consulting firm to explore the potential of artificial intelligence in our operations. From using AI to create apparel designs and artwork proofs to simplifying production workflows and improving communication, the possibilities are inspiring. This could revolutionize how our stores operate, helping franchisees save time and reduce costs while maintaining the high-quality service our customers expect.

Another exciting development is the beta testing of a localized e-commerce platform. This project aims to give franchisees more tools to grow their businesses online and meet the increasing demand for convenience and customization. Combined with our ongoing commitment to sustainability and customer-focused innovation, these projects are shaping the future of Big Frog.

While we’ve faced challenges—like the transition to a new POS system this year—I’m incredibly proud of our franchisees’ resilience and dedication. Together, we’ve not only navigated tough times but also celebrated remarkable milestones, like new store openings and record-breaking sales.

As we embrace the theme Building on Success: Thrive in 2025 for our annual convention in January, I’m committed to continuing my professional development and supporting the growth of the Big Frog brand. The future is bright, and I’m thrilled to lead us into this next chapter of innovation, collaboration, and success.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities stand out as pivotal to my journey: adaptability, analytical thinking, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Each played a unique role in shaping my path from science to entrepreneurship, and I believe they are critical for anyone aspiring to lead or build something impactful.

Adaptability: Growing up in a military family meant frequent moves—new schools, new friends, and new environments every couple of years. At the time, it felt challenging, but it taught me how to embrace change, find my footing quickly, and look for opportunities in every new situation. When we started Big Frog, I leaned heavily on this skill—pivoting when things didn’t go as planned, especially during challenges like the 2008 recession or the COVID-19 pandemic. My advice to others is to push yourself into unfamiliar situations. It’s uncomfortable, but every time you adapt, you get better at it. Life and business will always throw curveballs, and being able to pivot is invaluable.

Analytical Thinking: My background in chemical engineering taught me how to solve problems systematically. Whether I was analyzing spectroscopic data during my Ph.D. or evaluating franchise operations at Big Frog, this skill has been essential. Breaking down problems into manageable parts and evaluating potential outcomes has guided countless decisions. For those starting out, I recommend practicing critical thinking in everyday situations—ask questions, dig deeper, and don’t be afraid to challenge assumptions. Over time, this will help you approach problems with clarity and confidence.

Lifelong Learning: This has been my cornerstone. From academic pursuits to learning the ins and outs of franchising (an entirely new world for me), I’ve always been driven by curiosity and the desire to grow. One thing I’ve learned is that you don’t have to know everything yourself—you just have to be willing to ask questions and learn from others. Early in my journey, mentors played a huge role in my growth. Seek out people who inspire you, whether it’s a professor, a colleague, or someone in your industry, and don’t hesitate to ask for guidance. Most people are happy to share what they know.

For those early in their journeys, my advice is this: Stay curious, stay flexible, and don’t let fear of failure stop you. Every mistake, every new challenge is a chance to learn and grow. And don’t underestimate the power of building a network of people who support and inspire you—it will make all the difference as you navigate your path.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

he most impactful thing my parents did for me was allowing me to be independent and giving me the space to grow into my own person. My father, a career Coast Guardsman, and my mother, a former teacher turned stay-at-home mom, created an environment where I was encouraged to explore, learn, and make my own decisions. Growing up in a military family meant moving frequently—and each move brought new challenges, but my parents trusted me to navigate those transitions, make new friends, and adapt.

Their trust in my abilities and the autonomy they gave me were instrumental in shaping my confidence and resilience. They also provided every opportunity for me to succeed, whether it was encouraging academic pursuits or supporting my decision to attend the IB program in St. Petersburg, FL, even though it meant driving over an hour each way.

That foundation of independence was invaluable when I later pursued my Ph.D., built a career in engineering, and eventually co-founded Big Frog. Their belief in me instilled a deep sense of accountability and a drive to carve my own path. Looking back, I realize how much their balance of support and freedom prepared me for the challenges and opportunities I’ve faced.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bigfrogfranchise.com
• Instagram: tinapaige18
• Linkedin: tina-bacon-defrece-71387611