College of Business names Donald Freeman Jr. newest Heroes of Business recipient
Lacey Klotz |
Donald Freeman Jr. is the leader of a third-generation family business, Freeman, an advocate of ethical management and a strong believer in leadership by example. On April 21, he was named the Lipscomb University College of Business’ newest recipient of its Heroes of Business award.
The Heroes of Business award and series recognizes business leaders who have demonstrated ethical business practices while succeeding in business and working from a foundation of Christian faith.
“Don Freeman has created a culture at Freeman that is one of integrity and reflects his character and leadership,” said Ray Eldridge, dean of the College of Business. “As we talk about business day-after-day and talk about doing business right, we talk about our mission to develop students to embrace the values and virtues that Jesus exhibits. I think it is so refreshing to know there are people who do this, and do it well.”
While on campus, Freeman spent time sharing his faith and background in business with the Lipscomb community at a breakfast in his honor, a class within the College of Business, the weekly business chapel in Stowe Hall and with the faculty of the college.
Freeman, who currently serves as the chair of Freeman, the leading global provider of brand experiences, is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned in the Supply Corps for four years before resigning his commission in 1964 to join the family business.
“If I would’ve known my future was in business, I probably would’ve gone to business school instead,” said Freeman. “But the leadership training I had at the Naval Academy has been the key to Freeman’s success throughout the years.”
In 1968, he was named executive vice president and served in several branch locations before moving to Dallas, where the company’s headquarters were relocated. Freeman became president in 1972.
In July 2008, Freeman transitioned the company’s leadership to the third generation of the family, naming daughter Carrie Freeman Parsons vice chair and promoting son-in-law Joe Popolo to CEO.
Freeman shared that throughout the years he realized how significant it is to create a culture where employees know the difference between right and wrong.
For years, Freeman has led his employees through Ken Blachchard’s book, “The Power of Ethical Management.”
“I want everyone to know you don’t have to cheat to win, and that you can win doing good,” said Freeman.
Freeman has served as an officer or director of various convention industry associations and is recognized as one of the industry’s most decorated leaders.
He has also received numerous awards and honors including the PCMA Lifetime Achievement Award, Ernst & Young’s Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient for 2013, as well as the IAEM Distinguished Service Award, the Trade Show Exhibitors Association Distinguished Service Award and the Spirit of Hospitality Award from Destination Marketing Association International.
Freeman is active in the Dallas community, having served as chairman of the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau and on the board of the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce.
For more information about Lipscomb’s College of Business visit business.lipscomb.edu.