From personal training, to triathlons, to co-owning her own company with her husband. Meet Dorette Franks who has passion, determination, and drive towards reaching her goals and continuously striving for more. – Sarah

What attracted you to the field of fitness and exercise? Exercise has always been my outlet.  I’ve enjoyed playing sports since I was little, but never imagined my passion would lead to become a coach.  What I enjoy most about leading people in endurance training and nutritional wellness is that the training/race or goal becomes a vehicle, a journey of sorts, for people’s lives. Where they learn to create structure, restore balance; they learn about their limits and limitless boundaries, people discover their potential for growth.

Your Job Title Endurance and Nutritional Wellness Coach

Company you are with now Trifiniti Endurance (our baby!) www.trifiniti.com

A typical (or not so typical) day in the work-life for you? Conduct weekly coaching calls with clients; build monthly training programs; attend school/study; volunteer at MV Nutrition; swim, bike, and run (all for pleasure, who has time to train?); finish writing chapters for my first book; appreciate my husband; play with Anni (our dog); garden; and remember to wear dresses and high heels!

How did you get your current job in fitness and exercise? I married Duane!  Seriously, I started with one certification as a personal trainer because I simply wanted to know more for myself.  I never anticipated leading others in fitness; the education was purely out of curiosity.  At the time, I was a successful hairdresser, working in a salon five days a week and training for triathlons.  After I became a certified personal trainer, I realized leading people to increase their health became more important to me.  I retired after 22 years of hairdressing.  But I still appreciate a great hairstyle!

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way? Although, I was adopted, I know that both my biological parents were both athletic.  My birth-dad was a ski instructor and birth-mom was a runner and skier.  My parents (who raised me) saw how much I enjoyed sports and encouraged me to play sports, such as swimming, softball, volleyball, and track.  What I’ve learned along the way is commitment, focus and patience.  I thought the hardest event I ever did was Ultraman Canada (a three day stage race consisting of a 10K swim and 90 mi bike on day 1; 170 mile bike on day 2; double marathon on day 3), but the harder thing I’ve ever done is commit myself to obtaining my first bachelors degree to become a Registered Dietitian.  But it was the process of training and racing that instilled in me the confidence to finish my formal education.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you? Believe in yourself, have a plan, stick to your plan, share your vision, be your vision, make friends, be friends, and remember to spend time with the ones who matter most.  Really, it comes down to vision and executing your vision while living a balanced life.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what would it be? If the “pay” were directed to me, I’d say, a hug!  But if the “pay” could be made to someone else, I’d ask for that person to spend time with a child and teach them a new skill in life.

Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian and Sports Nutritionist specializing in Weight Management and Sports Nutrition for youth and adults. She writes articles for multiple publications, provides customized nutrition coaching, and is a brand spokesperson. She is founder of Family. Food. Fiesta.Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn.