Lipscomb's College of Business adds Darrell S. Freeman to its Heroes of Business roster
Lacey Klotz |
Lipscomb’s College of Business believes in business with purpose.
As advocates of integrity, faculty and students in Lipscomb’s College of Business signed an integrity clause saying that they would uphold its mission to develop business leaders that embraces Christian values and virtues.
Lipscomb seeks to shape students into future leaders that value being purposeful, bold, credible, creative and servant-like in their professions.
Lipscomb also realizes the significance of exposing students to business leaders that lead in such a way that their faith and values shine through their business.
Since 2009, the Lipscomb’s College of Business has recognized individuals whose mission and faith have greatly impacted their industry as Heroes of Business.
Ray Eldridge, interim dean of Lipscomb COB, explained that the Heroes of Business award program was developed to highlight business leaders who have achieved success in their business, but have also displayed their faith and character.
“The Heroes of Business award recognizes business leaders who have demonstrated ethical business practices while succeeding in business and working from a foundation of Christian faith,” said Eldridge. “We want to provide role models to our students that represent industries important to this region as well as successful individuals who represent the diversity of our student body.”
This year, Lipscomb’s College of Business recognized Darrell S. Freeman as its latest Heroes of Business recipient.
Darrell S. Freeman Sr. founded Zycron Inc., a national information technology services and solutions firm in 1991, co-founded two other businesses including Reliant Bank and Pinnacle Construction Partners and is currently the lead director of American
Addiction Centers.
Freeman, an extremely driven and inspiring individual, grew up confident that success was a seed planted inside of a person, and with years of hard work, belief and perseverance, Freeman nurtured that seed and found his niche in the technology industry, building a billion dollar company from the ground up. Today, Zycron Inc. is a leading Tennessee-based information technology-consulting firm that employs more than 350 professionals across the country.
Located just off of Nolensville Road in Nashville, Tennessee, Freeman has opted not to move his offices to popular business areas such as Brentwood or Cool Springs, but rather has maintained offices in an area that gives hope to a community in need of a staple company such as Zycron.
Freeman has also maintained a long-lasting commitment to the community, serving on various boards and committees including Memphis City School Board, Tennessee Board of Regents, Centennial Medical Center and the African American Museum of Music Art and Culture, to name a few. He is also the former chairman of 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee and the Nashville Chamber of Commerce.
“Darrell S. Freeman fully represents what this award stands for,” Eldridge continued. “Being very successful as a business leader, demonstrating a strong entrepreneurial spirit as he not only starts business enterprises, but leads them to success. Not just businesses but the convergence of business and technology. With his success he remains devoted to his faith, family and community.”
Randy Bostic, director of development for Lipscomb’s College of Business, explained how the Heroes of Business award is also a platform for business leaders to pour into the Lipscomb community.
“Our Heroes of Business recipients are individuals that truly exemplify our mission as a department and university,” Bostic said. “During their time on campus, there are several opportunities for them to speak to various audiences and we are so grateful to have them pour into our community, shedding light on their trials and successes in their respective industries.”
Freeman was honored at a special breakfast where he was able to speak and inspire community business leaders, as well as students and faculty from Lipscomb’s College of Business and Lipscomb Academy’s Ignite program. During the breakfast, Lipscomb’s Turney Stevens, dean emeritus of the College of Business and executive director of the Hilton & Sallie Dean Institute for Corporate Governance & Integrity, interviewed Freeman on how he has stayed true to his values and encourages others to do the same.
Freeman spoke candidly about his personal journey and how he had to overcome poverty and rejection in his pursuit of success. He shared how his education helped to encourage him and how his faith and family gave him his drive to push forward throughout the difficult trials that arose.
“Whenever I came up against a challenge or obstacle, I just kept pushing forward,” said Freeman. “I quickly realized that success was not for myself, it was for others who need inspiration. My story is similar to others who have come out of poverty and have overcome doubt, but I have learned that if I am pursuing a vision that is worthwhile, determination, integrity and selflessness will help overcome any obstacle.”
Freeman was also given the opportunity to speak to current business students in Lipscomb’s Foundations of Entrepreneurship class and Lipscomb’s 
business chapel where he was presented his Heroes of Business award.
DeShaun Clarke, a sophomore finance major, attended the morning breakfast and was moved by Freeman’s story and commitment to determination, integrity and selflessness. Clarke shared how Freeman’s journey not only inspired him, but resonated with his own journey.
“I was encouraged when Darrell Freeman said he was repeatedly told no, but he kept moving forward,” said Clarke. “I am pursuing a degree in finance so I can one day help others who are struggling financially. Freeman’s story about not only getting his business off the ground, but continuing to grow other companies, shows me that there is always room to grow and new ways to help people.”
Lipscomb’s College of Business will honor Diane Creel as its next Heroes of Business recipient on Thursday, Oct. 29.