An Interview with Dick Franco

The events industry is all about bridging gaps. International entertainers are now entering the Middle East events industry and are being welcomed by the populace. This week we got the opportunity to sit down with Dick Franko of Criss Cross Enterprises Inc. and discussed what he thinks about the Middle East events industry.

How long you been in the events industry?

34 years as performer and producer - I am Twice World Champion in the field of Juggling winning the gold medal at the Circus World Championships held in London. I also received the "Silver Clown" award from Princess Grace of Monaco at the Festival du Cirque de Monte Carlo as well as many other top entertainment awards. To date I have presented more than 20,000 professional performances in 50 countries.

Where you from originally?

I am from a small industrial city - Youngstown, Ohio near Lake Erie in the mid-northern USA. I lived in Venice, Florida for 15 years and am now based in Las Vegas, Nevada US.

What is your role at Criss Cross Enterprises Inc?

I am the hands-on owner and chief operating officer.

What kind of events does Criss Cross Enterprises Inc participate in?

Along with my daughter Noelle, my son Ty Tojo and trusted others who work along with us in various projects, we produce primarily LIVE stage entertainment. We specialize in international family stage shows displaying extraordinary skill presented in theater, corporate presentations, fairs, festivals and trade shows .

We perform and provide the WOW factor to any show, things like CHAINSAW JUGGLING or having 10 year old Ty Tojo show off his amazing juggling skills!. We also get involved with circus production and act as directors and consultants for Television productions that feature Variety Acts, Specialty Acts, unusual and strange performers and thrill acts, shows like "That's Incredible" in the USA, Paul Daniels Magic"- England and "Enta no Kamisama" - Japan. Besides appearing ourselves, we have supplied everything from individual talent for TV productions to huge turnkey production shows in Las Vegas and entertainment venues all over the world.

What do you think is your most successful event?

All of my events have been successful! Really, all of them! This business is very gratifying and satisfying. It is full of great and competent people who stick together and work hard for each other. Any client gets the benefit of this! When a client wants an entertainment event and hires me they get the best experience and ideas from a group of people who love what they are doing and have been doing it well for decades! This insures success!

How did you first get interested in the events industry?

It's a long story, but I began as teenager who learned to juggle and loved it. It was a life changing experience. Through a series of events that I can only describe as "just plain luck" I became involved in a never ending web of show business opportunities that have carried me around the world many times and greatly enriched my life. While concentrating on what's in front of me I keep, always, one eye on the horizon from which new challenges and opportunities always seem to rise.

What do you think the future of event and entertainment business in the Middle East region?

The Middle East is one of the few places on earth that has not experienced much of entertainment that the rest of the world has seen. I came across a video interview with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum where he talked about his "full throttle" vision to transform Dubai into "Destination Dubai". I became interested in the Dubai project and study it daily. To me it sounds like the "ULTIMATE EVENT "and I would like to experience it first hand!

What makes Criss Cross Enterprises Inc different from other entertainment providers?

We are performers who have created our own success from within our own minds and from our own unique perspective. We do the shows ourselves! Our decades of experience on stage in front of people allows us to see any event from that view point, the viewpoint that counts.. direct 1st person contact with the audience and their emotions. We bring with us the experience of creating countless international projects that have catered to and satisfied the myriad of "tastes" for entertainment there are around the globe. With special events it's most important to get it right the first time as there is often not a second chance. This is what we do best!

Do you have any advice for young executives approaching a career in events management?

YES - 3 things

1. Deal fairly and honestly with people because those you hire have homes and families!

2. Return all of your calls and answer all of your emails!

3.The cheapest is not usually the best ...and the best is not usually the cheapest!

What is the best way for potential clients to contact you?

I live by email around the world and check several times per day Email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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