Project Description
CM Services partnered with the Association of Independent Manufacturers Representatives (AIM/R) to transform a tragic loss into a powerful legacy. We’ve worked with AIM/R since 2014, and we were honored to undertake the project.
The result was the Bill Freeman Memorial Fund, supporting leaders in the plumbing, heating and irrigation industry.
We also helped create a vehicle for professional education that honors the memory of icon Bill Freeman. Our team provided the strategic structure needed to advocate for the lifelong learning of the Rep Agent.
By building a sustainable fund, we ensured Bill’s spirit of mentorship supports the next generation of leaders.
Project Description
Bill Freeman was a legendary and beloved AIM/R past president and the founder of Spirit Group.
Known as the “Chief Entertainment Officer,” he was a passionate advocate for the “Rep Advantage” in the supply chain. After his 2022 passing, the association sought to honor his legacy through professional development.
The fund specifically supports the Certified Professional Manufacturers Representative (CPMR) credential. This program provides 3 years of executive education to help professionals run forward-thinking rep firms.
At CM Services, we managed the infrastructure required to turn this vision into a functioning industry resource.
“Bill believed in the importance of education and training as key components to bettering the Rep Function.”
The Challenges
AIM/R leadership worked for over a year to bring the memorial fund to the industry. One primary challenge involved the memorial’s legal and financial structure.
These were the main challenges ahead of us to bring the fund to life:
- Structural selection. We facilitated in-depth conversations regarding a stand-alone 501(c)(3) versus a community foundation.
- Reaching consensus. Navigating different perspectives among the board was a brief but necessary hurdle.
- Expediency. The association needed a smart plan for a quick launch without sacrificing long-term stability.
- Integration. We required a system that could accept donations securely 24 hours a day.
Taking on multifaceted challenges is one of our core strengths; we set out to realize AIM/R’s vision.
Our Approach
We followed a phased rollout strategy to ensure each component of the fund received the right amount of focus. This approach allowed the committee to build momentum while refining the scholarship criteria.
By starting with the fund, we established a solid financial base before launching the scholarships.
Our team collaborated closely with an AIM/R committee of board members, past presidents and a Freeman family member. This structure helped the association reach consensus quickly on critical administrative decisions.
The phased model also provided clear, manageable milestones for volunteer leaders to celebrate.
What We Delivered
AIM/R’s association management company (AMC) had to oversee the complicated logistics of fundraising and scholarship administration.
We stepped up, providing the systems and oversight necessary for a successful, high-impact launch.
Services Provided
The CM Services team drew from our suite of services to manage the fund’s inception:
- Strategic coordination. Collaborated with the memorial committee on all phases of the fund.
- Financial management. Facilitated the partnership with a community foundation for administrative expediency.
- Scholarship development. Built the framework and selection process for the inaugural CPMR scholarship class.
- Event execution. Managed the logistics for the first annual memorial golf tournament fundraiser.
- Donor engagement. Implemented a system to accept donations 365 days a year.
Project Timeline
Our team followed a tactical, three-pronged process to move the memorial from concept to reality:
- 2024: Phase 1. Established the Bill Freeman Memorial Fund to provide resources for professional development.
- June 2025: Phase 2. Launched the Bill Freeman Scholarships for CPMR to fund Level 101 candidates.
- October 23, 2025: Phase 3. Held the first memorial golf tournament fundraiser at McCormick Ranch Golf Club.
The Results
The inaugural scholarship class and the first fundraiser exceeded the association’s goals. By providing design and intention, we delivered these tangible impacts:
- Inaugural scholarships. Awarded funding to Ben Firebaugh (Smith and Stevenson), Kyle Lipkvich (J & K Sales) and Andrew Metzler (Lewis Marketing).
- Fundraising success. The first tournament in Scottsdale featured 86 participants and 20 sponsors thanks to AIM/R volunteer coordinator Troy Joyce, CPMR.
- Financial impact. The tournament raised enough money to fund nearly four full scholarships.
- Sustainable legacy. Bill’s passion for training is now a permanent, funded AIM/R fixture.
“Bill is never forgotten; his legacy continues through so many memories and stories.”
