From Firefighter to Farmer: Lessons on Purpose, Family, and Reinvention
Mar 06, 2025
From Firefighter to Farmer: Frank Forman’s Journey of Service, Reinvention, and Wisdom for Modern Men
In a recent episode of my podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Frank Forman, a man I’ve known for over a dozen years since our grad school days. Frank’s no stranger to a life of service—spending 32 years with the Los Angeles County Fire Department before trading his fire gear for a farmer’s boots in Montana. Our conversation was a deep dive into his remarkable career, his transition to homesteading, the struggles men face in today’s world, and the wisdom he’s gained along the way. Whether you’re a firefighter nearing retirement, a father navigating modern life, or someone contemplating your next big move, Frank’s story offers inspiration and practical guidance.
A Legendary Career in the Fire Service
Frank Forman’s 32-year tenure with the Los Angeles County Fire Department—the second-largest fire department in the U.S.—is nothing short of impressive. Over the decades, he took on roles ranging from medic to urban search and rescue team member, hazmat specialist, and homeland security expert. He capped his career as an assistant fire chief, overseeing the command and control division, which included the department’s operations center, dispatch facility, and communications systems.
Reflecting on his time in the fire service, Frank says, “I truly had a fulfilling career… even though there’s some negative things that have occurred, the negativity has no impact on the way I look at my career.” He attributes this to the opportunities a large department afforded him, allowing him to shape his path. “The advantage of a large department is you’ve got the opportunity to really shape the career you want,” he explains.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Frank acknowledges the toll the job can take, especially with today’s staffing shortages. “We’re allowed to work up to seven days in a row… We’ve lost a lot of firefighters to different jobs because [the current schedule] is not really sustainable for your personal life,” he notes. It’s a candid reminder of the sacrifices first responders make—and a challenge he sees growing for the next generation.
Trading Sirens for Serenity: Homesteading in Montana
After retiring, Frank and his wife set out to build a new chapter in Montana, embracing a homesteading lifestyle. Their goal? To create a place where they could “live life at the speed of nature,” as Frank puts it on his podcast, Homestead Stories. “It’s not exclusionary of technology,” he clarifies, “but it’s about learning to slow things down and be more mindful.”
This transition wasn’t just a change of scenery—it was a shift in purpose. Raising livestock like Jersey cows, sheep, and chickens, and growing their own food, Frank and his wife sought a deeper connection to the land and a retreat for family and friends. But homesteading comes with its hurdles. “It’s not inexpensive to have this type of lifestyle,” Frank admits. “People think they’re going to save money growing their own food, but it’s really pricey.”
Despite the costs, the rewards outweigh the challenges. “The fulfillment is probably greater than what I was able to do in the fire service,” he reflects. From producing nutrient-dense eggs to milking A2/A2 Jersey cows (known for easier digestibility), Frank’s found a new way to serve—this time, his family and local community. His passion for small-scale farming shines through as he contrasts it with industrial agriculture: “When you’re small-scale and serving a local community, it’s easier to isolate issues.”
The Modern Struggles of Men and Firefighters
Our conversation took a thoughtful turn when I asked Frank about the challenges men—especially firefighters and fathers—face today, compared to when we entered the fire service. His insights hit home. “When I got hired, my first wife was a single parent when I was at work and a married parent when I was home,” he recalls. “Today, with staffing shortages, it’s even harder. Firefighters are gone most of the time.”
Frank points to the strain of balancing a high-stakes career with family life, a struggle amplified by overtime and unpredictable schedules. “Five days on, home for a day, five days on—it’s not sustainable,” he says. For him, finding a way to decompress was key. Living just six miles from his station, he’d stop at the gym on the way home to shift his mindset from firefighter to husband and father.
Beyond the fire service, Frank sees a broader challenge for men: maintaining purpose after leaving structured careers. “When you step out of these fields, do you have a mission? Do you have a vision? Do you have your own set of core values?” he asks. His solution? Surround yourself with a tribe of men who can guide you—not just drinking buddies, but those who push you to grow.
Entrepreneurial Ventures: Serving Beyond the Farm
Retirement hasn’t meant slowing down for Frank—he’s busier than ever. “People said, ‘You won’t like retirement, you’ll be bored out of your mind,’” he laughs. “Having a small-scale farm is not boring.” Alongside farming, he’s launched several entrepreneurial projects rooted in his desire to serve.
First, there’s Homestead Stories, his podcast exploring modern homesteading. “I wanted to understand today’s modern-day homesteader,” he says. “It’s about producing something for yourself, whether you’re in an apartment or on a thousand acres.” He’s also building a consulting company, leveraging his expertise in homeland security and emergency management for disaster planning.
Frank’s also passionate about empowering local farmers. “A lot of farmers undervalue themselves,” he observes. “They’re selling eggs for $3 when the grocery store charges $6.” He’s working to unite small-scale farmers in his area, encouraging them to recognize their worth and collaborate rather than compete. Plus, he’s got three books in the works—though he admits, “I’m trying to identify time to write them” amidst farm duties.
Wisdom for Your Next Move
As we wrapped up, I asked Frank for advice for men—perhaps five years behind us—looking to make their next move in 2025. His response was a masterclass in intentional living. “The first thing you need to do is identify what your purpose is,” he advises. For Frank, it’s service—a thread that runs from his fire service days to his farm and beyond.
He also urges distinguishing between passion and interest. “A passion is where you can escape to… When it becomes work, it’s no longer sustainable,” he cautions, citing a friend whose hunting passion was consumed by his guiding business. Frank’s fix? Keep your passion sacred and find purpose elsewhere.
Drawing from stoicism—principles like courage, wisdom, justice, and moderation—Frank emphasizes crafting a personal ethos. His? “Present, consistent, and committed.” He encourages sharing this with your spouse: “If you’re doing this in a silo, are you side by side with your spouse, or going in different directions?”
Community is non-negotiable. Frank’s been part of Ryan Mickler’s Iron Council men’s group for nearly eight years, finding value in its structure and accountability. “Surround yourself with men who can help guide you,” he says. “Your wife isn’t the person to vomit all your problems on—she’s your partner.”
Finally, his “diamond advice” (a nod to Graham Cochran’s golden rules): To fathers, “Don’t treat your adult kids like children—they’re adults.” To his own grown daughter and son, “Maintain empathy… You’re better able to read the room, respond rather than react, and develop relationships.”
A Life Worth Emulating
Frank Forman’s journey—from firefighter to farmer, from chief to consultant—is a testament to the power of reinvention. His story challenges us to ask: What’s my purpose? What’s my ethos? Who’s my tribe? Whether you’re staring down retirement, raising a family, or dreaming of a simpler life, Frank’s wisdom lights the way. As he puts it, “The fulfillment is probably greater than what I was able to do in the fire service.” That’s a legacy worth chasing.
WATCH MY FULL INTERVIEW WITH FRANK HERE👇🏻👇🏻