Nick Leja, 35

Franchisee: Disc Replay, Plato’s Closet, European Wax Center, Superior Fence and Rail, My Salon Suite, Novi

Employees: 800

Revenue: $50M+

College: Kettering University

Marketing Director, Moceri Cos., Auburn Hills

Employees: 200+

Revenue: NA College: DePaul University

Growing up in metro Detroit, Frances “Frankie” Moceri looked up to her grandmother, also named Frances, who with her husband, Dominic, launched and built up Moceri Cos. in Auburn Hills. Since its founding, Moceri Cos. has created more than 60,000 residences made up of single-family custom manors, luxury apartments, and senior homes.

“My grandmother is a hard worker and my work ethic came from her,” says Moceri, marketing director of Moceri Cos. While her position centers on a single professional field, she also oversees media relations, branding, advertising, and website development — just as her grandmother oversaw multiple activities that ensured every home the company built was visually appealing inside and out.

After working in the family business on and off through high school, Moceri attended DePaul University in Chicago, where she earned a degree in advertising and public relations, with a minor in hospitality and real estate. “I always had in the back of my mind that I would come home and work with my family, but I wanted to get some experience working for other companies,” Moceri says.

Early on, she was a branding intern for Berkshire Hathaway in Chicago, followed by marketing and real estate positions with other established brands like Compass. She returned to metro Detroit in 2019 and, in addition to taking on numerous tasks, she earned her real estate license, followed by a broker’s license.

Now she’s embarking on a new endeavor, Moceri Real Estate, which will have its formal launch this summer. As the broker for the company, Moceri will provide real estate services to homeowners in metro Detroit. “I’m overseeing the rollout, the branding, and just about everything else,” she says. “It will be good for our current and future clients, help provide housing needs, and it fits with our brand.”

The good news is she has a veteran, seasoned team from whom to seek guidance and advice, including her grandmother, her father, Frank, and her two uncles, Dominic and Mario. She’s also joined by three other members of the family’s fourth generation, including her brother, Dominic F., and two cousins, Paul and Martha.

“It’s a fast-paced business, and that’s what I like,” Moceri says. “Our family is so close, and I remember showing off model homes when I was a teenager, (being) followed (on) social media, and dabbling in sales. I do all of that now, and more, including being involved in the design of new homes.” — R.J. King