Haneke joins FrankCrum after sale of longtime Tampa Bay firm

For much of the past 24 years, Jody Haneke has been a familiar figure in Tampa Bay’s technology and entrepreneurial communities.

Now the founder of Tampa-based Haneke Design is beginning a new chapter after selling the company he launched in 2002 and joining Clearwater-based FrankCrum as Chief Product and Marketing Officer.

The move follows FrankCrum’s acquisition of Haneke Design, a software development and user experience firm that grew from a small digital agency into one of the region’s longest-running independent product development companies.

Haneke will oversee technology strategy and innovation as part of an expanded executive leadership team announced by FrankCrum this week. The company also named new leaders in operations and cybersecurity as it positions itself for continued growth.

The appointment brings together two well-established Tampa Bay businesses from different sectors. FrankCrum, founded in Clearwater in 1981, provides payroll, human resources, staffing and insurance services to businesses across the country. Haneke Design built its reputation developing software, mobile applications and digital products for both startups and enterprise clients.

While the acquisition was announced as a business transaction, it also marks the end of an era for a company that has been part of Tampa Bay’s technology ecosystem since the early days of the region’s startup movement.

Over the years, Haneke became known not only for his company’s client work but for his involvement in the local innovation community. He has served as an entrepreneur-in-residence at the University of Tampa, participated in leadership initiatives through Tampa Bay Tech and worked with numerous startups and founders throughout the region.

Haneke Design’s client list expanded far beyond Florida. The firm worked with major organizations including Target, Paramount Pictures, NYSE and One World Observatory while maintaining its headquarters in Tampa.

The acquisition reflects a broader trend occurring across many professional services industries. Companies that once relied primarily on third-party software increasingly view technology as a core business function rather than a support service.

For FrankCrum, bringing software development in-house provides direct access to engineers, designers and product specialists who can build and improve customer-facing platforms. The company has indicated that modernizing its technology offerings and improving the client experience are key priorities.

The deal comes at a time when artificial intelligence, automation and digital self-service tools are reshaping how businesses manage payroll, benefits administration, compliance and workforce management. Companies competing in those markets face growing pressure to invest in technology capabilities that can differentiate their services.

FrankCrum’s leadership team described the acquisition and executive appointments as part of a strategy to accelerate innovation while strengthening customer-focused growth.

Haneke Design is not disappearing entirely. Existing client relationships are being transitioned to St. Petersburg-based software development company Dynabyte, allowing Haneke and his team to focus on their new roles within FrankCrum.

This story has been updated to correct Haneke’s job title.