Building the Brand: AT Frenchies’ Growth from Paris to Global Partnerships

How does a French soccer player end up co‑founding a global content brand with millions of followers?In the Season 3 premiere of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, host Dr. Sarah Tanner Anderson sits down with Alex Durand (MBA ’22)—international student‑athlete turned entrepreneur and co‑founder of AT Frenchies—to explore how resilience, relationships, and opportunity intersect to create global impact.Alex shares his journey from leaving Paris as a teenager to navigating the American collegiate athletics system and ultimately choosing Longwood University for its flexible hybrid MBA program and elite athletic environment. While completing his MBA in just one year, Alex applied lessons in strategy, negotiation, communication, and leadership in real time—bridging the gap between content creation and sustainable business building.Throughout the episode, Alex reflects on the Power of People that shaped every step of his path: Longwood faculty and staff like Wade Edwards, who supported his visa journey; Coach Sean, who believed in him as a Division I athlete; and Tom, his childhood best friend and co‑founder whose partnership laid the foundation for AT Frenchies.From early social media videos documenting life as French expats, AT Frenchies has grown into a global brand with partnerships including NBC and Peacock, the Olympic Games, the French Embassy, and major international cultural and sports organizations. Alex also previews his upcoming book, Pardon Our French: The Parisian Way of a Happier Life, which explores joy, balance, and cultural perspective in a fast‑paced world.In this episode, listeners will explore:The leap from France into the U.S. collegiate and athletic systemWhy a hybrid MBA was the right fit for an entrepreneur‑athleteThe transition from “influencer” to business ownerHow relationships open doors across global industriesWhy purpose and people matter more than metricsAlex’s story sets the tone for Season 3—demonstrating how meaningful connections, mentorship, and community can shape careers far beyond the degree.“Your relationship is your new net worth.” — Alex DurandSubscribe to Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree to hear more stories of alumni whose journeys prove the lasting power of people, connection, and opportunity.