Founded in 1994, Spirit Group is an independent manufacturer’s plumbing rep agency. Over the past 30 years, the company has grown from eight lines and eight people to 27 lines and 35 people. Bill Freeman, along with his wife and partner Sheree Freeman, were two of the original eight; he is founder and chief entertainment officer (CEO) of Spirit Group. The company is headquartered in Orlando, Fla. 

Freeman started his plumbing industry career in 1979 with Carr Co. He worked there for 14 years until founding Spirit Group. Over the next 18 years, Freeman built Spirit Group into a highly respected and well-known sales agency. He served on many advisory councils and became an anchor to the industry. 

In 2012, Freeman began transitioning the business leadership to the next generation, at which time he moved on to the CEO role. Bill served as CEO for the remainder of his career. Today, Spirit Group continues to flourish. In September 2023, it purchased another agency within its geographical footprint. Spirit Group covers several market segments within Florida’s residential and commercial plumbing industry.

In May 2022, Freeman unexpectedly passed away. He was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather who always had time for others, especially those who needed advice, coaching and encouragement. He was an industry legend, known by manufacturers and rep agents alike for his passion for the industry. Freeman was also an AIM/R past president (2006-2007), an AIM/R conference chair (2004) and a huge supporter of the association as well as the rep advantage in the supply chain. 

Freeman built a solid foundation at his agency, stressing the importance of continued education and professional development. Spirit Group still believes in the value of these tenants; it has three Certified Professional Manufacturers Representatives (CPMR) on staff, and one Certified Professional Sales Consultant. 

Professional sales training, knowledge of consultative selling techniques, and three years of executive education provide an understanding of how to run an effective and forward-thinking manufacturers’ rep firm.

Upon Freeman’s death, several AIM/R past presidents wanted to honor his life and legacy. Freeman believed in the importance of education and training as key components to improving the rep function. The CPMR credential is only one of those components. 

The three-year course is held annually in January at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center on the University of Texas–Austin campus. Students are put into a cohort study group, where they will work together for the next three years. Freeman’s passion for education was the springboard for launching a scholarship fund in his name. 

AIM/R leadership has worked hard over the past 1 1/2 years to bring the Bill Freeman Memorial Fund to the industry. This fund will provide financial resources to rep agents seeking professional development and industry certifications. 

The Bill Freeman Memorial Fund committee is comprised of three AIM/R board members, three AIM/R past presidents and one Freeman family member. They will determine the application process, review applicants, select recipients and fund fundraising. (Criteria and applications will be announced in 2025).

You can donate to the fund now; contributions can be made by scanning the QR code. Click the “Donate Now” button at the bottom of the landing page. 

Donations serve two purposes: honoring a dear friend and industry legend and ensuring the continued professional development of the next generation of independent manufacturer representatives. 

Become a founding contributor to the AIM/R Bill Freeman Memorial Fund. For further information, visit www.aimr.net or call 630-942-6581.  

Brenda Cashdollar, CPMR, is vice president of Synergy Sales NW and a senior vice president on the AIM/R Executive Committee.