About this episode

Derrick Vick discusses the growth and employee ownership model of Freedom Industries in Eastern North Carolina.

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…

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