Our Brand Story
The humble beginnings of Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More started in 2008 when co-founders Leeward Bean, Tina Bacon-DeFrece, and Ron DeFrece opened Big Frog in Clearwater, Florida, the first-ever Big Frog t-shirt printing shop. The business of personalizing apparel was a local success, which led to the expansion of the brand through franchising all throughout the U.S. Today, there are more than 80 Big Frog locations all over the U.S. with expansion into Canada — and Big Frog continues to grow and expand its pond!
Leadership & Team
Tina Bacon-DeFrece, Ph.D. | President & CEO
As one of Big Frog’s co-founders, Tina Bacon-DeFrece assumed the role of CEO in 2019, when the late and former CEO Leeward Bean retired. Before embarking on her own entrepreneurial journey as a co-owner of the first Big Frog store, she worked as a research engineer with a focus on optical instrumentation. Throughout her tenure as President & CEO, she has successfully led the brand through a series of system changes, including: an enhanced technology rollout with an online design tool and a stronger digital-focused strategy that launched an improved, ADA-compliant, and mobile-responsive website. Under her leadership, she strengthened all aspects of the business, from operations, coaching, financial to marketing. As the visionary of the brand, she is focused on building a strong culture throughout Big Frog’s system and leading Big Frog through continued growth.
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Ron DeFrece | Chief Operations Officer
Big Frog Co-Founder Ron DeFrece assumed the role of Chief Operations Officer (COO) in 2010. He has been instrumental in developing operational strategies and creating a best-in-class coaching & training model for Big Frog franchise owners. As the CEO’s constant partner in overall business development, his vast experience in business, management, and franchising helps Big Frog franchise owners in realizing their dream of owning their own business and successfully operating one.
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Al Warok | Director of Franchise Development
Al Warok joined Big Frog as Director of Franchise Development in 2019. In this role, he works with franchise candidates to determine whether Big Frog is the right investment opportunity and cultural fit for the brand. He is consistently engaged in the expansion of Big Frog into new and existing markets, such as Orlando and Phoenix. He oversees all aspects of the franchise development process for new and existing Big Frog franchisees.
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