Our Mission & Values
Empowerment
We provide the training and career mentorship that serve as the foundation for long-term growth and stability.
Integrity
Building transparent and reliable connections between dedicated workers and employers across diverse industries.
Resilience
We believe in second chances, fostering stability for refugees and formerly incarcerated individuals through dedicated support.
The Experts Behind
UF – Innovations
A dedicated team of professionals focused on creating sustainable career pathways and fostering workforce resilience.
Bob Franzese
CEO
Will Germer
Operations Director
Doug Washington
Employee Relations Director
Joe Le
Marketing Director
Our Founder
Bob Franzese
Robert “Bob” P. Franzese is an experienced operator and entrepreneur with a proven track record of scaling organizations, stabilizing operations, and building strong teams.
As co-founder of Omaha Sports Academy, Bob helped grow the organization to more than six times its original revenue, serving nearly one million visitors annually. His leadership helped hundreds of student-athletes earn collegiate scholarships and secured a prestigious Adidas 3SSB partnership, placing Nebraska athletes on a national stage.
From 2021 to 2025, Bob held leadership roles at Plastilite Corporation, where he transformed a high-turnover warehouse operation into a stable, reliable workforce model. By implementing structured systems, accountability standards, and performance-driven processes, he improved retention and operational efficiency.
In 2021, Bob entered recovery — a turning point that reshaped both his life and his mission. Experiencing firsthand the power of accountability, structure, and second chances, he became committed to helping others rebuild stability through meaningful employment.
UF Innovations was founded on that belief: when individuals are given structure, support, and opportunity, they rise — and employers gain reliable, committed talent.
Bob remains active in mentoring men in recovery and advocating for accountability-driven growth in both personal and professional life.
He is married to Sarah Frost and is a proud stepfather to Clay, Quinn, and Wes.
Operations Director
Will Germer
Will has always had a passion for helping, training, and volunteering for people. He’s been involved in numerous volunteer and Community Relations projects on the ships he served and in the various communities he lived in or visited.
He served in the United States Navy for over 25 years. In his career, he worked as a Culinary Specialist (E-1) to the rank of CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 4. He has held numerous leadership roles in various assignments. He served on the USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74), USS Nassau (LHA-4), USS Stout (DG-55), USS Bohomme Richard (LHD-6). USS Essex (LHD-2), and USS George H. Bush (CVN-77). His shore duty assignments he was stationed at were Commander Fleet Activities Chinhae, Navy Recruiting San Antonio, Navy Region Southwest, and Navy Training Command Fort Lee.
Some of his leadership roles have included Records Keeper, Leading Culinary Specialist, Food Service Officer, Navy Recruiter, Site Director/School Administrator of the Navy Culinary Specialist A school, and Program Manager of Navy Region Southwest. Some of his collateral duties include Career Counselor, Work Center Division Officer, Training Officer, Safety Officer, Contracting Officers Representative, and Visit Boarding Search and Seizer.
He has been married to his wife Amanda for 5 years. He has two sons Anthony (26) and Giovanni (14).
Employee Relations
Doug Washington
Employee Relations Director | Substance Use Counselor | Recovery Advocate
Harry D. Washington III, known as Doug, serves as the Employee Relations Director at UF Innovations, where he plays a critical role in supporting workforce development, employee success, and long-term retention.
Doug is a licensed Substance Use Counselor and registered provider in the state of Nebraska, bringing extensive experience in addiction recovery, behavioral health, and client support. He is also the Executive Director of Washington Counseling LLC, established in 2019, where he has helped individuals overcome substance use challenges and build stable, productive lives.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from Bellevue University, providing a strong foundation in human behavior, recovery strategies, and personal development.
Doug is deeply passionate about addiction recovery, mental health support, and helping individuals create lasting change. His approach is rooted in empathy, accountability, and real-world understandingmaking him a key asset in helping individuals transition into the workforce and succeed.
At UF Innovations, Doug aligns closely with the mission of building workforces and restoring lives, ensuring employees are supported both professionally and personally.
Director of Marketing
and Technology
Joe Le
Director of Marketing & Technology | Brand Strategy | Digital Growth
Joe serves as the Director of Marketing & Technology for UF Innovations, bringing more than 30 years of experience in strategic marketing, digital innovation, and business growth.
A refugee from Vietnam in 1975, Joe’s journey to the United States began with resilience and determination—values that continue to shape both his leadership and vision. His nickname, “Hai Bua” (meaning “hammer”), inspired the founding of HAIBUA Marketing Group, the Omaha-based agency he launched in 2008.
Throughout his career, Joe has held senior marketing leadership roles, including Director of Marketing positions at Planet Group, Inc. and Workpoint LLC, as well as Senior Marketing Manager at ACI Worldwide. He has led global marketing and technology initiatives, helping organizations strengthen their brand presence, optimize digital infrastructure, and scale their reach.
Joe’s expertise spans digital marketing, website development, branding strategy, SEO, lead generation, and marketing technology systems. He also oversees technology strategy, website architecture, and digital platforms, ensuring UF Innovations operates with modern, scalable, and efficient systems.
At UF Innovations, Joe leads efforts to drive awareness, build partnerships, and create opportunity pipelines, aligning marketing and technology to support the mission of building workforces and restoring lives.
“The structured mentorship and technical training I received didn’t just provide a job; it established the stability my family and I needed to build a long-term professional future.”
Devlin j. , Professional Growth Participant