Episode Details

In this episode, we sit down with Derrick Vick, President of Freedom Industries in Nash County, to trace the growth trajectory of this local mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) construction powerhouse. Derrick shares his personal journey of coming back home to Eastern North Carolina and details the company's transformative path to becoming a 100% employee-owned ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) business.

Derrick breaks down exactly how an ESOP works in plain English, explaining how the model rewards team members with a tangible stake in the company’s financial success. We dive into how 100% employee ownership shapes an elite culture driven by safety, accountability, and quality. You'll also get an inside look at Freedom's turnkey MEP capabilities, which support complex, high-performance systems for life sciences, food and beverage, and industrial manufacturing facilities across the region.

Looking ahead, we discuss where Freedom Industries is heading next and how they continue to champion regional economic development. Whether you're an entrepreneur curious about unique business succession models, a native looking for a path to return home, or a skilled professional wanting to work for a company where you are a true stakeholder, this conversation offers a blueprint for community-rooted corporate success.

Freedom Industries is actively looking for high-caliber individuals who take pride in their work and want to build a career where they own a piece of the company. Explore open positions across field operations, project management, and specialized trades (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, welding) on the Freedom Industries Careers Page.