Darrell Freeman, a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who founded and sold a tech company for more than $20 million, passed away on June 28, 2022, at the age of 57. His family announced the sad news on social media, saying that he succumbed to a serious illness at his Brentwood home. The exact nature of his illness was not disclosed, but his death shocked and saddened many people who knew him as a mentor, a benefactor, and a leader in the Nashville business community.
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From a Working-Class Family to a Tech Tycoon
Freeman was born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where his father worked as a foundry worker and his mother as a maid. He was the first member of his family to attend college, and he had a passion for technology and entrepreneurship from a young age. He studied television and radio repair at Kirkman Technical High School, and then enrolled in a technician program at DeVry University in Atlanta. However, he ran out of money after eight months and had to return to Chattanooga.
He did not give up on his education, though. He enrolled at Chattanooga State Community College, where he struggled with math and English courses but excelled in technical subjects. He maintained a 2.0 GPA throughout his undergraduate years, and then transferred to Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), where he earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science in 1986. He later obtained a master’s degree in business administration from Tennessee State University in 1991.
While he was still a student at MTSU, he started his own IT consulting business, Zycron Inc., with only $2,000 and a computer. He initially worked out of his apartment, providing computer services to small businesses and individuals. He gradually expanded his client base and hired more employees, and eventually landed contracts with major corporations and government agencies, such as Nissan, Bridgestone, HCA, and the State of Tennessee. He also diversified his services to include staffing, project management, and outsourcing.
By 2017, Zycron had grown to become one of the largest minority-owned IT firms in the country, with more than 200 employees and $40 million in annual revenue. Freeman decided to sell his company to BG Staffing, a Texas-based staffing firm, for more than $20 million. He remained as the executive chairman of Zycron until his death.
A Mentor and a Benefactor for Aspiring Black Entrepreneurs
Freeman was not only a successful businessman, but also a generous philanthropist and a dedicated advocate for education and economic development. He donated more than $100,000 to MTSU for programs to help first-generation college students and minority students. He also served as the chairman of the civic group 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee, which provides mentoring, scholarships, and leadership development for young Black men. He was also the chairman of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, where he promoted diversity and inclusion in the business community.
Freeman invested in and mentored about a dozen Black entrepreneurs, including the three Tennessee State University roommates who launched Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria chain. He also hosted free lunches for women entrepreneurs from around the country, where he shared his insights and advice on how to start and grow a business. He said in February 2022 that he wanted to spend the rest of his life giving back to others, using his voice, his reputation, and his resources to help people become better.
A Lion of a Leader and a Bold Truth-Teller
Freeman’s death sparked an outpouring of love and support from his family, friends, colleagues, and admirers. Many people praised him for his achievements, his generosity, his vision, and his impact. Ralph Schulz, the CEO of the Nashville Chamber of Commerce, called him “a lion of a leader, and his impact will be felt for generations.” Jacky Akbari, the founder of economic development consulting firm Worthington Advisory, described him as “a bold truth-teller” who made people think differently. Freeman’s family said that he was “a beloved father and husband” who will be greatly missed.
Freeman is survived by his wife, Gloria, and his four children, Darrell Jr., Lauren, David, and Daniel. He also leaves behind a legacy of giving, inspiring, and empowering others to pursue their dreams and make a difference in the world.
