While most have grown up with the adage “practice makes perfect,” James Freeman believes that sentiment runs parallel to self-limiting thought and holds people back from striving for more. “My secret superpower is my belief in the capabilities of not only myself and my team, but others which I compliment with an ability to inspire others to take the chance and be great today, and even better tomorrow,” said Freeman.
This belief has led to success since Freeman joined PJ Fitzpatrick as the CEO in 2020. PJ Fitzpatrick is a residential remodeling firm specializing in exterior products, such as roofing, siding, windows, doors and more. The company also installs wet-area tub-to-shower conversions and is the exclusive provider of Jacuzzi Bath Remodel products in the Philadelphia region.
Since 1980, PJ Fitzpatrick has served the Delaware Valley as the leader in home improvement with an average annual revenue of $25.7 million since 2010. The company began a journey of deliberate, focused strategic growth that began with the addition of Freeman in 2020. With Freeman at the Helm, PJ Fitzpatrick has experienced revenue growth that exceeded $114 million in 2023 and has expanded geographically, adding diversity to its product offerings. To date, the firm has received over 10,000 Google Reviews with over a 4.8 rating.
Under Freeman’s stewardship, the company has opened four additional offices serving five additional metropolitan areas. Prior to Freeman’s arrival, many high performers left the company because there was a lack of opportunities for them to grow and further their careers, but with Freeman’s leadership approach, employees have increased from 150 to 400 in four years.
“James helps his team think more critically and challenge assumptions,” said his staff. “Rather than frustrating people by just saying ‘that’s the way we’ve always done it,’ he inspires people to think creatively and have a healthy skepticism of strongly held tribal knowledge where the fact base may have changed or there may have been no fact base at all.”
Freeman’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. He was named a 2023 finalist for Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the Philadelphia region and named a Power 100, #1 CEO in the Country in 2023 and 2024.
Freeman said it’s important to celebrate often, even the small victories. “Finding the joy in small moments will carry you through the challenges, and occasional loneliness, of making decisions for the whole, not the soul,” he said.
