At the 2024 NEXT Awards, Nashville Entrepreneur Center (EC) celebrated one of its most meaningful moments yet by presenting the inaugural Darrell Freeman Award to local entrepreneur and community leader Rod McDaniel. This new honor is a tribute to the late Darrell Freeman—a revered entrepreneur, philanthropist, and long-time advocate for diversity in Nashville’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The Darrell Freeman Award was established to recognize promising entrepreneurs of color who embody Darrell’s values of giving back to their communities, a principle that defined his life and career. As a member of Nashville Entrepreneur Center’s board and a 2019 Hall of Fame inductee, Darrell was passionate about mentoring underrepresented business owners and opening doors for others. His legacy lives on through this award, which serves to encourage the next generation of diverse entrepreneurs.
Rod McDaniel was selected for this prestigious recognition by a committee of Nashville’s business leaders, in partnership with Metropolitan Nashville city government. His entrepreneurial spirit, combined with a deep commitment to mentoring others and contributing to the community, made him the perfect choice to carry on Darrell Freeman’s legacy.
Carrying Forward Darrell Freeman’s Legacy
Darrell Freeman’s impact on Nashville’s business community cannot be overstated. As a first-generation college graduate and a self-made entrepreneur, Darrell broke down barriers, building his business from the ground up while ensuring that he gave back at every turn. He was a mentor, a friend, and a champion for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those from underrepresented groups.
The Darrell Freeman Award seeks to continue that mission by celebrating entrepreneurs like Rod McDaniel, who are not only successful in their business ventures but also dedicated to lifting others as they rise. Rod’s work reflects the values Darrell lived by—integrity, service, and a commitment to community.
About Rod McDaniel
Rod McDaniel is the founder of his business, S3 Recycling Solutions, a company that reflects his innovative spirit and dedication to sustainability. Rod’s journey from poverty to entrepreneurship is an inspiring story of resilience, hard work, and the importance of community support. His gratitude for those who mentored him, including Darrell Freeman, fuels his desire to give back and help others succeed.
“Receiving this award is an incredible honor,” Rod said. “Darrell Freeman was someone I looked up to, and to be recognized in his name inspires me to continue his legacy of giving back to the community and supporting other entrepreneurs.”
Looking Ahead
As the inaugural recipient of the Darrell Freeman Award, Rod McDaniel’s work and influence will serve as an example for future entrepreneurs. His commitment to giving back, like Darrell Freeman’s, strengthens Nashville’s entrepreneurial community and inspires a new generation of business leaders to follow in their footsteps.
At Nashville Entrepreneur Center, we are proud to carry forward Darrell Freeman’s legacy through this award, and we look forward to seeing how it will inspire and support entrepreneurs of color for years to come.
