Posted
November 14, 2024
MEN OF HOPE • ALUMNI INTERVIEW
From mowing lawns as a high schooler to leading a cutting-edge company, Logan Fahey Franz ’12 began his entrepreneurial journey at St. Edward, where the Business and Entrepreneurship program ignited his passion for innovation. Today, he’s revolutionizing commercial lawn care as the managing partner of L2, a portfolio of companies offering autonomous robotic mowers.
Logan Fahey Franz ’12 recently gifted St. Edward a robotic mower from Husqvarna Group. This quiet, eco-friendly, and autonomous equipment is provided through Robin Autopilot—one of the companies in his portfolio—minimizing noise disruptions during classes. Pictured left to right: Logan Fahey Franz ’12, Robin Autopilot Technician Som Thammakham, and L2 Partner Luke Franz.
Entrepreneur Logan Fahey Franz ’12 is the managing partner of L2, a portfolio of companies revolutionizing commercial lawn care through the use of autonomous electric mowers. He also serves as president and CEO of Graze Robotics, a Plano, Texas-based company that specializes in robotic mowers for large commercial applications like airports and solar fields. But Logan's entrepreneurial journey didn’t begin with high-tech machinery—it all started with a simple push mower.
As a high school student, Fahey Franz launched a small landscaping business by going door-to-door offering mowing services. What began as a way to earn some extra cash quickly grew into a thriving enterprise that helped fund his tuition during his junior and senior years. This experience, combined with his time in St. Edward’s Business and Entrepreneurship Program, ignited his passion for innovation and laid the foundation for his successful career.
Fahey Franz fondly remembers reinventing a slimmer version of an inhaler for a classmate with asthma. Though the inhaler didn’t take off, the experience taught him an important lesson: many entrepreneurs begin by solving everyday problems they personally face, using these challenges as stepping stones to bigger opportunities.
Looking back on his journey, Fahey Franz shared some practical advice: “A lot of people are drawn to flashy fields like software engineering or AI, but sometimes the real opportunities lie in more traditional industries—things like HVAC or electrical work. There’s immense value in finding solutions to time-tested problems or discovering better ways to do everyday things. These paths might just give you a stronger shot at building something truly successful.” With a grin, he added, “Don’t be afraid of the dull, dirty, dangerous—the three Ds.”
In addition to business acumen, St. Edward classrooms instilled in Fahey Franz essential qualities like grit, resilience, and the ability to see the bigger picture. However, according to him, the most meaningful aspect of his time at St. Edward was his involvement in community service. Whether visiting nursing homes or volunteering at food banks, these experiences taught him the importance of helping others and connecting with people from all walks of life—values that continue to guide his professional work and personal mission today.
“I make it a priority to maintain open hiring practices because the diversity I experienced at St. Edward, along with the individuals I met through service opportunities, taught me the value of bringing together people from different backgrounds. Unique perspectives make any enterprise stronger! I owe much of my success to learning that lesson at an early age.”
When asked what advice he’d give to students today, Fahey Franz reflected, “Not everyone is cut out to be an entrepreneur; it’s a tough road. But if you think it’s for you, ask yourself: Are you ready to take risks? Are you the kind of person who can live on a cot at a friend’s house just to save a little money while building something? Every successful entrepreneur I know has stories like that. But the rewards are there, too. If you’re passionate, if you believe in what you’re doing, the journey will be worth it.”
Rendering of St. Edward’s new lawn mower by Husqvarna Group with custom graphics.
In a full-circle moment, Fahey Franz recently gifted St. Edward a state-of-the-art robotic mower. Now, before the graphics are applied, we need your help in choosing the perfect name. St. Edward students have proposed dozens of creative monikers, and after narrowing down the nominations, it’s time for you to cast your vote. Click here to choose your favorite by November 20!