Profile: Paul Franke

Meet Paul Franke

Driving Innovation at MorelandConnect with a Unique Background

In our latest member spotlight series, we're featuring Paul Franke, a tech leader whose fascinating journey from national security to software development brings a distinctive perspective to Northeast Ohio's tech scene.

The Professional Path

As Chief Revenue Officer at MorelandConnect, Paul leads market positioning and growth strategies for a unique custom software development firm. What sets them apart? Their team of full-stack developers chooses to work together in the same physical space in Northeast Ohio, fostering collaboration that has led to award-winning solutions like their "HealthTech of the Year" software for safeguarding mothers and babies during labor and delivery.

"Our office culture is anything but ordinary," Paul shares. "One day might involve a hot pepper eating contest, the next could see a founder's office filled with balloons or wrapped entirely in aluminum foil. But amid the fun, we're creating solutions that make a real difference in people's lives."

From Global Security to Tech Leadership

Paul's path to tech leadership began at Accenture, where he worked on integration software for chemical supply chains. However, his background includes an intriguing detour into national security. "I received my Master's in National Security Policy, studied Arabic in Beirut, Lebanon, and worked for the U.S. Department of State," he reveals. His experience even caught the attention of the CIA, which recruited him as a counterterrorism intelligence analyst.

Innovation Insights

When discussing overlooked trends in tech, Paul focuses on a critical challenge in the AI landscape. "There's an urgent need to transform unstructured data into forms that can be effectively consumed by Gen AI-powered Enterprise Search," he explains. This perspective reflects his understanding of how data accessibility can transform organizational capabilities.

Beyond the Code

A Cleveland native who continues to call the city home, Paul brings his global experience and security expertise to Northeast Ohio's tech community. His diverse background enables him to approach software development and business growth with a unique blend of strategic thinking and practical implementation.

When he's not leading MorelandConnect's growth initiatives or orchestrating office pranks, you might find Paul at Emily's coffee shop in Avon Lake, perhaps contemplating the intersection of national security expertise and software innovation. His journey from international affairs to tech leadership exemplifies the diverse paths that lead to Ohio's technology sector.

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Learn more about Paul’s work by connecting with him on LinkedIn.