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16 Hartford Business Journal • June 18, 2018 • www.HartfordBusiness.com C-SUITE AWARDS 2018 Adventurer Freeman guides growing Hartford engineering firm By Holly M. LaPrade Special to the Hartford Business Journal R ohan Freeman has scaled some of the world's tallest mountains, both figura- tively and literally, during the course of his journey as founder and president of Freeman Companies LLC. Freeman founded the firm in 2009, shortly after his summit of Mount Everest. Prior to that, he became the first African-American to climb the highest peaks on each of the seven continents and also completed ex- peditions to the North and South Poles. Today, the Jamaica native — who is a registered engineer and land surveyor — finds many parallels be- tween his business and his passion for mountain-climbing. "The determination that it takes to climb a mountain is the same dogged determination it takes to run a business," Freeman said. "You're going to have to work hard, and most of all you're going to have to rely on other people to succeed." During the early years, Freeman initially provided only two services — land surveying and civil engineering — to his small roster of clients. As his firm evolved, Freeman gradu- ally expanded its offerings in response to the specific needs and requests of his clients, according to Leslie Cannon Fredette, the firm's vice president of marketing and business development. "The growth is due to our clients wanting us to do more for them," Fredette said. "We can take care of ev- erything related to the site, offering a one-stop shop that our clients prefer." Today, Freeman Companies, which is among the largest minority-owned and engineering firms in Greater Hartford, specializes in land develop- ment, engineering design and con- struction services. When Freeman launched the firm in 2009, he was its sole employee and earned $10,000 in annual revenue. By 2017, Freeman Companies had grown to employ 38 people with annual revenues of $4.4 million. Now in its ninth year, the firm completes hun- dreds of assignments in support of public and private clients, including the University of Connecticut, Pratt & Whitney and Eversource. As Freeman steadily grew the busi- ness, he also paid close attention to the development of his staff, Fredette said. "When Rohan started this firm, he made an unusually heavy investment in bringing in people with deep experi- ence and technical abilities," Fredette said. "I think that has established our firm's reputation and our ability to do complex projects." The firm today operates out of a 1920's-era equipment mainte- nance building previously used by the Hartford Fire Department. The 12,168-square-foot facility highlights the steady growth of the firm, which began in a spare bedroom with only one employee and one client. "Sometimes I pinch myself, because I feel like I've achieved a lot, and so I'm thankful for that," Freeman said. "Through the years we've overcome a lot of hurdles. I've always been able to look back and say 'I need to change that,' and then keep moving forward." Despite his success, Freeman has retained his humble nature and com- mitment to both the professional and personal growth of his employees, according to Raymond Gradwell, the firm's director of operations. Gradwell explained that Freeman's "work hard/play hard" philosophy and generous nature is best demonstrated within the pages of the Freeman Com- panies' employee handbook. "The company recognizes that employees have bucket-list items, dreams and wishes that they would like to fulfill. … Employees may request a personal interest leave of absence for a combined total not to exceed three months," the handbook states. Freeman has also made a continual effort to give back to the community, most notably by his establishment of an engineering scholarship through the UConn Foundation. ON THE JOB Guiding business principle: Elevate your expectations. Best way to keep your competitive edge: Always have your client's best interest at heart. Best business decision: Hiring key people, buying our current location at 36 John St. in Hartford. Worst business decision: Hiring people who don't fit the culture. Moving to Bushnell on the Park. Goal yet to be achieved: World domination! (of Connecticut) Personal touch in your office: Open office space so that everyone can see and hear everything that's going on. Everyone is always included. PERSONAL SIDE City of residence: Just moved to Hartford from Rocky Hill! Favorite way to relax: Running or watching a movie Hobbies: Hiking, climbing, running, riding, lifting, reading, exploring Last vacation: Sahara Desert in Morocco Favorite movie: "The Matrix" The car you drive: Acura MDX Currently reading: "Desert Solitaire," by Edward Abbey Favorite cause: Youth development Second choice career: Adventure guide CATEGORY: CEO/PRESIDENT, LESS THAN 100 EMPLOYEES Rohan A. Freeman President and CEO, Freeman Companies LLC Size of organization: Less than 50 employees Highest education: UConn, Bachelor's degree from the School of Engineering Previous job(s): BL Companies, Principal 2005-2009; BSC Group, Associate Principal 2001-2005 "The determination that it takes to climb a mountain is the same dogged determination it takes to run a business." HBJ PHOTO | STEVE LASCHEVER