Born and raised in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, Francis, the oldest of five siblings, grew up playing football, basketball, and rowing competitively on the Schuylkill River, experiences that helped foster his competitive nature, grit, and sense of responsibility. He was immersed from an early age in family small businesses, often working alongside both of his grandfathers as they operated and grew their companies. One grandfather owned and operated the Sunflower Motel in Wildwood, New Jersey, while the other ran Almond Brothers Roofing in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Francis grew up steeped in his great grandfather’s story, an Italian immigrant who arrived with little more than a trade and built a plumbing, electrical, and HVAC business through persistence and hard work. What began as a small operation to support his family grew into Philadelphia Plumbing Supply Company and Rossi Mechanical Services, businesses where Francis’s father and grandfather spent their early years working and which continue to operate in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania today. Before launching Valley Forge Stewardship, Francis worked closely with small business owners during the sale of their companies, often serving as a trusted advisor during pivotal transition moments. This experience gave him firsthand insight into the emotional and practical challenges of finding the right long-term home for a founder’s business. Earlier in his career, he worked at SEI Investments in Oaks, Pennsylvania, where he developed deep accounting and financial analysis skills that underpin his ability to assess businesses thoughtfully and responsibly. Outside of work, Francis enjoys spending time with his partner, Sarah, and their corgi Henry. He trains for ultramarathons and Ironman races and loves exploring the outdoors through hiking and camping in national parks. He also enjoys fishing local trout streams and spending summers at his grandparents’ home in Sea Isle City, New Jersey. A passionate supporter of Philadelphia’s Big Four sports teams, he admits he tunes into 94 WIP more often than he probably should. The name Valley Forge Stewardship reflects Francis’s belief that treating employees and customers like family builds trust, strengthens communities, and leads to lasting business success. Both Francis and Sarah, originally from Chester County, plan to leave New York City and return to their roots in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Inspired by Valley Forge, where the Continental Army endured immense hardship and emerged unified, Francis brings the same spirit to guiding a business, preserving a founder’s legacy, and building a company that thrives. Francis holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance, magna cum laude, from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, and will soon complete his MBA at Columbia Business School in New York City.