We’re looking forward to introducing you to Lasinda Crane. Check out our conversation below.
Lasinda, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I believe that a significant majority of people struggle, wondering if they are good enough.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, my name is Lasinda Lingafelter-Crane, and I, along with my husband Jimmy, am the owner of Cranelli’s Italian Restaurant in Lone Tree, Colorado. I have been in the customer service industry for over 25 years, which has enabled me to become my own boss and serve my community. I am proud to say that we have continued to thrive for over 12 years w/ the love and support from our family, friends, and the most incredible staff anyone could ask for.
What makes Cranelli’s Italian Restaurant stand apart is our commitment to serving high-quality, fresh food and providing exceptional customer service. We are continually working on ways to stay relevant in the community, both near and far.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
It comes from both my mom and dad. My dad owned his own copy machine company in the 1970s, and I watched as he worked incredibly hard and consistently delivered the best service by going above and beyond. My mom has been in the medical supply industry for over 30 years and has played a significant role in helping many with their medical needs, especially veterans. She became an expert lead working with the VA to ensure that all veterans who came across her desk and needed medical help or supplies received it. Work ethic is something that has been lacking in our world for a very long time, and I’m proud to say that we nurture it here at Cranelli’s, as well as cultivate it.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Our family has had to endure addiction w/ 2 different family members. If you have ever had to go through this, you understand; if you haven’t, it’s something that no one will ever comprehend until you walk in someone else’s shoes.
This experience took us as a family to places we never thought we’d go, and we became so unbearably sad and lost for quite some time. We learned more about ourselves, honestly, that became the most relevant of surviving through it.
As a family, we battled it together with much counseling, and we are fortunate to say that we have come through it with a positive outcome. However, we never lose sight of the fact that it is a minute-by-minute, daily routine that we can never take for granted.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
I am often told that I am not shy! My personality is definitely something that my father and mother helped create and not in the way that you think by giving birth to me. My father was a gypsy and when he walked in a room people knew it. His voice was his own and he knew how to use it.
My mother definitely has her own voice and she is not shy about making sure that the right thing is being done. She moves a mountain to make sure anyone in need gets help.
Both of my parents are funny. Human beings have a wit about them that leaves you wanting more.
I pride myself in the fact that I have acquired most of these skills, but I have done so naturally. I absolutely adore taking care of people and making them feel their best. It’s almost a project when someone comes up to me and tells me about something going wrong in their life. It’s like I have to try and fix it or figure out what to say to them to get them the help they need. I am definitely not afraid to speak to a crowd of 10 or even a thousand, there’s just something about human connection and just being real.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am absolutely doing what I was born to do! I have been in the customer service world since my teenage years, and have always loved taking care of people. Starting in the restaurant business ignited a spark in me, and I had fortunate opportunities along the way to learn about various aspects of the restaurant industry that allowed us to be as successful as we are today.
Doing what God meant for you to is the most amazing feeling! I still have the same excitement coming to work today as I did on day one.
I have helped bashful teenagers come out of their shells and become the loudest in the room, because they found their confidence. I have nurtured a family of employees who have found their way in the business world, whether it be in the restaurant industry or elsewhere. Impacting lives is where it’s at. From the guests who walk through your doors to the employees who have worked for us, it never gets old – in fact, it gets better!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cranellis.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cranellisitalianrestaurant/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cranellis
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