Getting to Know Each Other

As I’ve been meeting new people, one of the first questions they ask is about my background.  Really, I think I’m just like many of you.  I’m committed to my family and community, and I have demonstrated that commitment through my civic service and business experience.


Family and Education

Like a lot of us in Provo – my wife Amy and I met at BYU.  We have lived in Provo for over 12 years and we have four (smart and super cute) children.

I studied political science at BYU.  As an undergraduate I had the special opportunity to be an intern at the Utah State Legislature for my dad, Lloyd Frandsen who represented South Jordan.  I guess you could say I really got my start in politics by helping my dad with his campaigns.

Following graduation I worked in the market research industry for a few years before entering business school at the University of New Mexico where I earned an MBA with a concentration in Policy and Planning.


Am I Qualified?

I believe I have a unique mix of professional government and private sector experiences that Provo needs right now. Soon after earning my MBA I took a position at Nu Skin in their marketing research department. I was, along with many others, subject to cost cutting measures while at Nu Skin and was laid off in 2006.   I can empathize with those who have had to drive home and tell their spouses that they have just lost their job. It was an experience I hope to never go through again. I know first hand how critical economic stability is.

Through some fortunate connections I soon found a job working on Congressman Chris Cannon’s re-election campaign.  Following the successful campaign I was hired to work in the Congressional office in Washington DC as a legislative analyst.  It was a thrill and an honor to work with some of the brightest minds in our nation’s capitol.  I assisted the Congressman on issues regarding military affairs, education, social security, and small business.

Following my time in the Congressman’s office I worked as the Chief Operating Officer with Franchise Foundry, a business development firm.  We helped launch a number of start-up franchise systems with numerous units throughout the country.  Currently I help young businesses establish credit lines and secure other sources of funding as the Small Business Funding Director for Prosper Inc. in Provo.


Am I Really Committed to Provo? 

I have served on the Provo City Planning Commission and I am currently a board member of the Provo Foundation. I’ve volunteered and worked on several local campaigns including Mayor Curtis, Laura Cabanilla, Gary Winterton, and Gary Garrett.

Click this link to see my family's recent volunteer efforts with the flood damage clean-up in Lion's Park.


I love to spend time with my family (my campaign schedule has to work around soccer games.) BYU football and basketball, gardening, Downton Abbey and Dancing with the Stars make up my ”just for fun list.” I also have a fondness for chocolate donuts.

The best part about a campaign is meeting people. I hope to meet you soon.  Please visit my events page for upcoming debates and cottage meetings.  If you have specific questions call anytime.

Sincerely,

Ryan
801.369.5790