Trudy Jacobson Presents:
Dana DeFranco
Dana DeFranco and her husband, Sal, are the proud owners of Battle Grounds Coffee, a business built on the foundation of service, resilience, and community. Both know the meaning of sacrifice—Sal is a former U.S. Navy SEAL, and together, they have created a space where people can connect, share conversations, and support one another.
Like any business, challenges arise—equipment breaks, customers get upset, and unexpected obstacles appear—but for Dana and Sal, perseverance is the mission. When the pandemic forced them to close their doors, Dana took on a full-time job at a local hospital, and when they reopened, they adapted and evolved, proving that flexibility and determination are key to success.
Through it all, their teamwork remains their greatest asset. "Sal's big picture, grand ideas keep us moving forward, while I focus on the details. We don’t always see eye to eye, but there’s no one else I’d rather be in business with," Dana shares.
Dana’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? "Business is hard, whether you're a man or a woman. It’s going to push you in ways you never imagined—but that’s the beauty of it. Embrace the challenges, stay true to yourself, and just take the leap. You can do it."
Trudy Jacobson is proud to present Great American Woman, a web series dedicated to showcasing fearless, ambitious women like Dana, who turn obstacles into opportunities. Like Trudy, these women are proving that with grit, resilience, and the courage to bet on yourself, anything is possible.
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