Spotlight On: David Pack, Director of Business Development, The Factory at Franklin
May 2024 — David Pack, director of business development at The Factory at Franklin, sat down with Invest: to discuss the cultural significance of the retail, food and entertainment venue’s location, plans for modernization while preserving its historic charm and story, observations on Franklin’s continued growth and more.
What highlights and achievements have defined the past year for The Factory at Franklin?
I oversee the day-to-day operations at The Factory at Franklin. From an on-the-ground perspective, the priority has been to continue to create a sense of place for our tenants, patrons and staff. They are seen, known, valued and cared for. This is a third place in their life path – there is home, there is work, and then there is a third place that you feel welcome. Everyone is seeking a home base, like we did as children playing tag. We are working to make The Factory at Franklin the “base” for those who come here full-time, part-time or once in a lifetime. I feel responsible, in some ways, for their social well-being, as well as delivering high-quality operations that run safely and smoothly. That is my primary charge.
What is The Factory at Franklin’s role in the greater cultural landscape of Middle Tennessee?
The Factory at Franklin is viewed by those who live here as a tangible asset. Anyone who grew up here or has lived here for an extended period of time feels a sense of ownership in The Factory, even though only one company is on the lease. It is designed to serve the community. It is not designed to be a tourist attraction, nor is it operated to create commerce at the expense of intimacy. When you speak with locals about The Factory, there is an energy to their response, even if you are not on-campus. People light up when talking about it. Their response is emotive based on their experience. That is the tangible asset.
What impact does regional growth have on The Factory at Franklin?
This is a credit to the vision of the new ownership group for pursuing a project that has abstract value, not just physical properties. The city is very proprietary. They protect their heritage, history and story which predate all of us. To be a part of that is one thing, but to be accountable to it and part of its growth, is a privilege. As the city of Franklin grows, we are keenly aware of what people want and think we should do here. Our antenna is up for what the community needs. As we continue to add tenants, that is what we are keeping in mind.
What goals have you set for The Factory at Franklin?
We have growth and staffing goals that are operational and budgetary. These are essential, but I do not think of these when I leave for the day. At The Factory at Franklin, my goals are to maintain and increase our momentum and sense of enthusiasm so when people walk in they feel it. It’s the way our tenants and staff get along with one another that when people walk in, they don’t know what it is the first time. They capture it pretty clearly that there is something different going on here, and it becomes clearer the more they visit. Everything is about love. If our tenants love being here, and our locals love to visit then our mission is accomplished at the end of the day. My goal is to make sure the heartbeat of this place stays not only in rhythm, but audible and intact.
What advice do you have for someone looking to open a business or invest in the area?
This is probably true everywhere, but the successful entrepreneurs I have known have identified a need and have come up with a solution to meet that need or solve that problem. There are issues that need solving in every city. One of the hurdles can be getting permitted for construction and business. There are a lot of i’s to dot and t’s to cross. Doing it in earnest and with integrity, despite how tedious, stringent or unyielding it may be, is the first step, especially here. Secondly, you have to have a good ear to the ground. Identify your clientele and the product or service you are trying to deliver so you know you are bringing it somewhere that the desire for it exists.
Specifically in Franklin, be ready to be part of something bigger than yourself. If you are coming here with a selfish, individualized or predatory mindset, It probably won’t go well. If you want to join the community in its progress and deliver something meaningful to it, this is about as good as it gets.
What are some of the projects that are in the works for The Factory?
We have a few businesses under lease that are not open yet, particularly in the restaurant space. We have a handful that will make a huge difference for us when they are ready to go. We are also discussing short-term rental projects, which is exciting because it will encourage businesses to stay and play over here. Franklin needs short-term rentals so people can stay a couple nights for vacation or conferencing. Refurbishing is also underway in our existing space to modernize it with the highest sensitivity to its historic past. The way we continue to tell the history of this building will not only inform and guide its future, but it will secure the ensuing historical chapters for the leadership to come. There is an ongoing art to this place that is exciting to watch come to fruition.
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