Local business leaders, professors and students gathered in Shamblin Theatre Thursday morning for the purpose of honoring Donald S. Freeman, Jr. as the 2016 recipient of the Lipscomb College of Business’ Heroes of Business Award.
Attendees were offered breakfast, coffee and a short presentation by Freeman, during which he addressed his experience at the U.S. Naval Academy, the intricacies of operating a family-owned company and advice for students regarding ethical business practices.
“My experience here at Lipscomb has just been spectacular,” Freeman said. “I’ve met some wonderful people and really enjoyed visiting with the students.”
Business students particularly appreciated having the opportunity to interact with a prominent business leader on a personal level, according to business student Josiah Lockard.
“Events like this really show the investment that Lipscomb puts back into its students,” Lockard said. “It’s more than just an education here; it’s a mentorship.”
When Freeman resigned his commission in the Navy in 1964 to join the business his father had founded, Freeman Decorating Company, he became manager of the Des Moines branch in Iowa.
Freeman resigned his commission in the Navy in 1964 and joined the business his father had founded, Freeman Decorating Company. He became the manager of the Des Moines branch in Iowa.
By 1972, Freeman became president of the company before naming his son-in-law Chief Operating Executive in 2008. Today, Freeman continues to serve the family business as chairman.
“One piece of advice I’ve thought of over the years revolves around the issue of patience,” Freeman said during his presentation. “I always feel like there’s time to make the right decision. You should never feel rushed into compromising your personal integrity for short-term goals.”
Students from outside of the College of Business took advantage of the breakfast as an opportunity to glean advice on life in the professional world.
“I’m excited to be in a setting like this for networking, and I’m happy to be a part of honoring Donald Freeman, said junior music major Bailey Settles.
Settles received her invitation to attend the breakfast and presentation from missional entrepreneurship professor Rob Touchstone.
“I just don’t think business is limited to a category or department because there’s a little bit of business in every discipline,” Touchstone said. “So I think any time we can expose students from any discipline on campus to ethical practices, it’s always a good thing.”