For most people, retirement means slowing down. It means morning coffee on the porch, tinkering in the garage, and spoiling the grandkids. For Frank Whitmore, a 72-year-old retired mechanical engineer from Ohio, that was exactly how life looked—until an unexpected opportunity turned him into one of the most talked-about business consultants in the country.
Frank’s rise to prominence began with a phone call from an old friend who worked with Brody & Co Business Services, a respected firm specializing in helping businesses streamline operations, improve strategy, and boost profitability. Frank wasn’t looking for work. In fact, he was in the middle of planning his next fishing trip. But when his friend suggested that his decades of problem-solving experience could be invaluable to struggling small businesses, Frank’s curiosity was piqued.
“I thought it was a joke at first,” Frank laughs. “Why would anyone want to hear from an old guy who’d been out of the game for years? But then I realized—business problems haven’t changed all that much. People still need to figure out how to work smarter, keep costs down, and treat customers well.”
A Fresh Perspective from the Past
When Frank joined Brody & Co as a consultant, he brought with him a lifetime of practical knowledge. In an era when many firms rely heavily on digital tools and trendy buzzwords, Frank’s style stood out. He focused on fundamentals—clear communication, efficiency, and a human-first approach to management.
On his very first assignment, Frank helped a small manufacturing company cut waste by 20% and improve delivery times simply by reorganizing workflow and encouraging team leaders to meet daily for quick updates. The results were so dramatic that the company’s CEO shared the story online. Within days, Frank’s name began popping up in business forums, LinkedIn posts, and even local news segments.
The public seemed fascinated by the idea of a “retired grandpa” bringing old-school wisdom to modern business problems. His down-to-earth style resonated with people tired of jargon-heavy, one-size-fits-all consulting.
The Viral Moment
Frank’s big break came when a short video clip from a conference went viral. In it, Frank, wearing a tweed jacket and sipping tea, told a room full of executives, “If you can’t explain your business plan to your grandmother in under five minutes, you don’t understand it yourself.” The crowd laughed, but the message struck a chord. The clip racked up over two million views in a week.
Requests for Frank’s insight poured in—not just from local businesses, but from companies across the country. Brody & Co quickly realized they had something special: a consultant who combined credibility, authenticity, and the kind of wisdom that can only come from a lifetime of experience.
Why Brody & Co Was the Perfect Fit
Part of Frank’s success came from the supportive, adaptable culture at Brody & Co Business Services. They recognized his strengths and didn’t try to force him into a rigid consulting mold. Instead, they encouraged him to use his own methods—listening deeply, asking the right questions, and focusing on people as much as processes.
Brody & Co’s mission has always been to offer tailored solutions, not cookie-cutter advice. With Frank on the team, they were able to show clients that sometimes, the most effective strategies are rooted in timeless principles.
“Frank is living proof that experience never goes out of style,” says a senior partner at the firm. “We’ve always believed that consulting is about more than numbers—it’s about trust, perspective, and the ability to see things others might miss. Frank embodies that.”
The Grandpa Brand
It wasn’t long before Frank became known as “The Business Grandpa.” He leaned into the nickname, using it as part of his personal brand. Clients loved his warm, approachable demeanor. He had a knack for making even the most stressed-out entrepreneurs feel at ease, while still holding them accountable for results.
Frank’s consulting style often involved analogies from everyday life. He might compare inventory control to keeping a pantry stocked, or customer relations to hosting a neighborhood barbecue. These relatable metaphors made complex concepts simple and memorable.
Inspiring a New Wave of Retirees
Frank’s story has also inspired other retirees to consider second careers in consulting. Many have decades of experience that could benefit younger professionals but don’t realize there’s a market for their insights. Frank has since been featured in retirement magazines, business podcasts, and even morning TV shows, sharing how others can follow in his footsteps.
When asked what advice he’d give to someone considering a late-career pivot, Frank says: “Don’t underestimate yourself. You’ve been learning for a lifetime—why not put it to use? Companies don’t just need fancy software; they need people who’ve been through challenges and know how to adapt.”
A Call to Action
Frank’s journey from retirement to viral fame is more than just a feel-good story—it’s a testament to the value of real-world experience, the power of mentorship, and the importance of pairing the right people with the right opportunities.
If your business is facing challenges, whether operational, strategic, or cultural, Frank’s story is a reminder that the right guidance can make all the difference. Brody & Co Business Services specializes in connecting companies with experts—both seasoned veterans like Frank and other talented consultants—who can help you identify problems, create actionable plans, and achieve measurable results.
Don’t wait for your next big opportunity to pass you by. If you need consulting services, please inquire with us today for your business. You might just find that the wisdom you’ve been looking for comes with a smile, a cup of tea, and a story about the good old days—along with solutions that work just as well today.