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GENEVA -- There's a buzz about roses around town since Frank first professed his love to Ali on "The Bachelorette."
Frank, a 31-year-old Geneva retail manager who originally is from Bartlett, got a rose from bachelorette Ali Fedotowsky and will be back on Monday when the reality TV show airs again on ABC.
GENEVA -- People in retail in Geneva are thrilled to see a local on "The Bachelorette."
"I am very excited to see someone from Geneva on the show. Frank seems to be a very good match for Ali and a little jealous of Roberto," said Lindsey Griffitts, senior sales associate at Anthropologie at Geneva Commons.
Griffitts said she started watching the show last season and was very interested that Ali returned to find her true love.
"I think she's going to end up with Roberto -- sorry Frank," she said. "The show definitely is going to let people know about Geneva."
There is another Frank in local retail, but it's not the Frank.
"I don't think my wife would appreciate it if I was on the show," said Frank Hattrem, 36, a fitness consultant at 2nd Wind Exercise Equipment in Geneva Commons.
Hattrem said he finds out details about the show from his wife, who faithfully watches the program.
"He seems like an all right guy and, like myself, determined. When he sees something he wants he goes after it," Hattrem said. "My wife is rooting for Frank."
— Linda Girardi, For Sun-Times Media If you do happen to have a Frank siting, don't be surprised if he's a totally nice guy, although he couldn't talk to The Beacon-News because of a contract agreement with the show, according to his mom.
Frank's parents, Henry and Debra Neuschaefer of Geneva, said their son has been recognized around town as one of the bachelors on the dating competition program.
"Frank has always been popular and has a great personality, and we are hoping that comes through on the show," Henry Neuschaefer said.
Frank stood out among the original 25 suitors when he jumped out of the limousine's sun roof to meet Ali for the first time.
"Ali, my love, for you I would climb the tallest tower, or to the top of the limousine, whatever might win your heart," he said before kissing her hand.
Debra Neuschaefer said her son was nominated for the show by a former girlfriend with whom he's remained friends, even though they parted ways several years ago.
"She thought he had a good personality and it would be a good way for him to find love," said his mother, who endearingly refers to her son as "Frankie."
The Neuschaefers know the outcome of the show, but not necessarily all of the details leading up to the final episode. Frank and all his family members have signed contracts to avoid having the suspense of romance leak before it's supposed to. They did say he's remained friends with all of the guys on the show.
"It's just been a blast to watch him," Debra Neuschaefer said.
Next week, the remaining nine bachelors will hope to impress Ali during a trip to Iceland, where the bachelorette said she's sure to fall in love.
"I think (the producers) like to add a little suspense and drama to the show. After everything plays out, people then might get to know and understand that bottom line: they are all really great guys," Henry Neuschaefer said.
"I have always just loved my son's sense of humor and now I feel like I can share it with the world. I only wish there was more time to show the sense of humor of some of these guys," the proud father said.
The Neuschaefers said their son has always been excellent in public speaking in his profession. Producers obviously were impressed. They said their son quit his job in retail management in Oak Brook to appear on the show.
Frank was first interviewed for the show in Chicago and was flown to L.A., where he was interviewed in a circle of 15 producers. More than 500 bachelors auditioned for the show.
"He's been spotted around Geneva in several places -- he gets noticed pretty much everywhere he goes," Debra Neuschaefer said. "It's new for him and exciting -- they are usually girls."
The parents' last word about their son finding true love? "We hope he does -- and stayed tuned for more," Frank's dad said.
