Big Frog CEO Tina Bacon-DeFrece Receives ESGR Patriot Award

Big Frog CEO Tina Bacon-DeFrece Receives  Patriot Award

Employees who serve as U.S. military reservists and national guardsmen live in two worlds. In one world, they are called serve during times of war or crisis. In the other world, they work at civilian jobs to support themselves and their families.

The nature of their military commitment service requires them to train one weekend per month and attend extended training once per year. Also, they must often deploy on short notice. As a result, the needs of the reservists sometimes conflict with the needs of their employers. And, while many employers claim to be “veteran friendly,” some truly go the extra mile, like Big Frog Franchise Group’s Co-Founder, President, and CEO Tina Bacon-DeFrece, Ph.D..

Leading the Charge for Military Reservists and National Guardsmen

Because of the immense support she provides to employees who actively serve in the National Guard and Reserves, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) presented Bacon-DeFrece with the Patriot Award.

“I am thrilled and humbled to accept this award,” said Bacon-DeFrece. “Growing up in a military family, veteran values and virtues were instilled in me from my youngest years.”

Employees who serve in the National Guard or Reserves nominate their supervisors for the support they provide directly to the service member and family. Big Frog’s digital marketing specialist, Sgt. Quinn Bonner, Army Reserve National Guard (ARNG), nominated Bacon-DeFrece for the award.

Said Bonner, “In all my years, I’ve never truly had an employer as understanding as Tina. She has been the most supportive of my commitment and has always given me the time off to attend my training without hesitation.”

One of Big Frog’s newer “Pond” members, Bonner has served in the ARNG for over seven years. He and his field artillery crew train at Camp Blanding in Florida.

Fostering Collaboration Between Employers and Reserve Service Members

Established in 1972, ESGR is a Department of Defense office. The agency promotes cooperation and mediation between national guardsmen or reservists and their civilian employers. ESGR grants a series of awards to individual supervisors who show outstanding support for their military employees. The Patriot Award reflects the efforts a civilian employer makes to support personnel by providing flexible schedules, time off before and after deployment, care for families, and granting leaves of absence as needed.

Bernie Currie, SHRM-CP, PHR, the ESGR Co-Chair, Area Nine (Hillsborough/Pinellas County), presented the award to Bacon-DeFrece at Big Frog’s headquarters in Dunedin, Florida. He enjoyed visiting the custom shirt making business, where he observed, firsthand, the cooperation between Big Frog and its employed service members.

“Dr. Bacon-DeFrece is to be commended for providing her steadfast, consistent leadership and commitment to our armed forces,” said Currie. Congratulations on a job well done, Tina!”

Said Bacon-DeFrece as she accepted the award, “It’s my absolute honor to incorporate Big Frog’s workplace support for those extraordinary individuals who serve and protect our country.”

Big Frog Franchise Opportunities for Veterans

Big Frog invites veterans who are transitioning to the civilian workforce to consider owning a Big Frog t-shirt printing franchise. The franchise group provides a proven system and ongoing support, and a veteran’s incentive of 20% off the initial franchise fee for the first standard location. And, for veterans who sign a franchise agreement by September 30, 2023, Big Frog will waive the first year of monthly royalty fees.

If you are a veteran who wants to launch your own shirt making business, check out Big Frog’s franchise opportunities. For U.S. franchise opportunities, visit BIGFROGFRANCHISE.COM. For Canadian franchise opportunities, visit BIGFROG.CA. View Big Frog YouTube content here. To find a Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More store near you, visit BIGFROG.COM.