Do you get a bit nervous when speaking in front of others? Do you dread job interviews? If so, you are not alone—and a local community leader is here to help.
Long-time (since 1974) Frankfort resident Sam Giordano is on a mission to help everyday people conquer their fears of public speaking, interviewing, and group leadership.
A Life-Changing Journey
Find out what's happening in Frankfortfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Sam first joined Toastmasters International—a global non-profit organization with over 260,000 members—back in 2002 as a charter member of Lincoln-Way Toastmasters (LWTM). Over the years, the communication skills he gained helped him succeed across a wide variety of public-facing roles. By profession, Sam has served several communities as a:
- Firefighter-Paramedic
- Executive and Company Fire Officer
- Fire Inspector & Fire Investigator
- College Professor & Department Chair
- Fire Academy Director and Lead Instructor
After a brief break from active club membership, Sam returned to LWTM in 2022. This past year, 2025-2026, he stepped up to serve as Club President for the second time, setting an ambitious vision from day one.
Find out what's happening in Frankfortfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Achieving the Highest Honors
In his first meeting back in July 2025, as Club President, Sam announced that LWTM would strive to achieve every single objective set by Toastmasters International. These strict metrics track membership growth, educational achievements, and top-tier administrative management.
Very few clubs worldwide achieve a perfect score. However, under Sam’s leadership, LWTM did exactly that. By the end of the 2025–2026 fiscal year, LWTM became the highest-ranked club in the district and the only one to fulfill 100% of its goals and become a “Smedley Distinguished Toastmaster Club”.
Launching a New Chapter: "Sam's Club"
Driven by this success, Sam is expanding Toastmasters' footprint in the Lincoln-Way area by launching a brand-new second club: Speak Like a Leader (affectionately nicknamed "Sam’s Club").
If you want to build your confidence in a friendly, zero-pressure environment, you are invited to attend a meeting.
Option 1: Speak Like A Leader ("Sam's New Club")
- When: 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month
- Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
- Where: Frankfort Fire Station 71, 333 W Nebraska St, Frankfort, IL
- Cost: Free for guests
Option 2: Lincoln-Way Toastmasters (LWTM)
If Saturday mornings do not fit your schedule, you can catch Sam at the original local chapter:
- When: 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month
- Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- Where: Frankfort Village Hall, 432 W Nebraska St, Frankfort, IL
- Cost: Free for guests
Get Involved!
Toastmasters is built on a supportive, welcoming community. There is absolutely no obligation or pressure to speak during your first visit—you can simply sit back, watch, and enjoy.
When he isn't mentoring speakers, Sam lives in Frankfort with his wife, Debi (married 45 years). They have three grown children—Nicholas, Angela, and Michael, four grandchildren—Briella, Luca, Dominic, and Cole.
As a dedicated civic leader, Sam pours his decades of experience right back into the community. He remains a driving force for positive growth in the Lincoln-Way area, deeply invested in building stronger, more confident leaders across the region.
To learn more or RSVP for an upcoming meeting, contact Sam directly at sammyg5781@gmail.com. He looks forward to welcoming you!
