Draft:Raúl Rodríguez Calvoz

Raúl Rodríguez Calvoz is an American businessman and author, known for his extensive work in law, corporate leadership, and his writings under the pen name JK Franko. He has made significant contributions in various industries and is recognized for his crime thrillers, particularly in Spain.

Early Life

Raúl Calvoz was born and raised in Texas. His mother's family emigrated from Cuba in 1959 following the rise of Fidel Castro, and his father is a fourth-generation South Texan with Mexican and Spanish heritage.

Education

Raúl holds degrees in philosophy from the University of the Incarnate Word, a law degree from St. Mary’s Law School, and an MBA from the University of Texas, Austin, all achieved with honours. He also completed PhD coursework at UT Austin, focusing on entrepreneurship education.

Career

Raúl began his professional career as a partner and trial attorney, practicing law for nearly a decade. He then transitioned into the corporate world, taking on significant roles within Fortune 500 companies. At 3M Company, he served as Global Business Manager and was part of an executive committee overseeing a division with over $1 billion in revenue, working extensively in Asia.

He later joined Travelocity as Vice President and European Executive Committee Member, based in the company's London headquarters.

Board Memberships

Raúl serves on the boards of various for-profit and non-profit organizations, including ArtCraft Entertainment, The Museo Alameda (part of the Smithsonian Institution), the Texas Charter School Finance Corporation, and the Rawson Saunders School.

Languages

Raúl is fluent in English and Spanish and has a functional knowledge of French.

Writing Career

Raúl Calvoz writes under the pen name JK Franko. As JK Franko, he is an accomplished author known for his crime thrillers, which are particularly popular in Spain. His notable works include the Talion series, which has received critical acclaim for its intricate plots and engaging storytelling.

Roy Cruise Series

Raúl Calvoz, under the pen name JK Franko, has authored the Roy Cruise series, a gripping trilogy that delves into themes of revenge, justice, and moral dilemmas. The series includes:

Eye for Eye

Eye for Eye is the first book in the Roy Cruise series. The novel follows respected businessman Roy Cruise, whose perfect life is shattered when his daughter is senselessly killed. Driven by inconsolable grief and a thirst for justice, Roy plans the perfect murder. However, his desire for revenge leads him into a complex web of deceit, revealing that in the game of retribution, only the smartest survive.

Tooth for Tooth

Tooth for Tooth is the second book in the series. Roy Cruise believes he has committed the perfect crime, but as his enemies gather and the police close in, he realizes there is always one loose end. In this relentless sequel, Roy must fight not only for his survival but also for everything he holds dear. The hunter becomes the hunted in a thrilling journey of cat and mouse.

Life for Life

Life for Life concludes the trilogy. After barely surviving an assassination attempt, Roy Cruise and his wife Susie find themselves under police surveillance. With numerous foes plotting against him, Roy must outwit his adversaries to survive. The third book brings Roy’s journey of revenge to a shocking conclusion, proving that sometimes the best justice is the one we exact ourselves.

Talion Series (Spanish Versions)

In Spain, JK Franko’s Talion series has been widely recognized. The series includes:

Ojo por Ojo

Ojo por Ojo is the Spanish version of Eye for Eye. It follows Roy Cruise as he seeks justice for his daughter's death. His meticulous plan for revenge leads him into a dangerous game of cat and mouse.

Diente por Diente

Diente por Diente is the Spanish version of Tooth for Tooth. Roy Cruise continues his quest for revenge, but as the stakes rise, he finds himself becoming the hunted.

Vida por Vida

Vida por Vida is the Spanish version of Life for Life. The final book in the series, it concludes Roy Cruise’s journey of vengeance and justice.

Media Appearances

JK Franko, the pen name of Raúl Calvoz, has been featured in various notable media outlets for his acclaimed works.

Magazine Interviews

JK Franko has been interviewed and featured in major publications, highlighting his success and the impact of his Talion series:

• Esquire: "JK Franko: Todos llevamos un asesino dentro"
• Vanity Fair: "Así es J.K. Franko: el abogado que dejó todo para escribir"
• HOLA!: "Jeff Bezos compra su nueva mansión en Miami a Raquel Cordón"