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Donald Hicks

Financial Leader, Strategist, Serial Entrepreneur, Contractor, Business Owner

Donald G Hicks is the Owner of Freedom Restoration Services of NWA, a full-service restoration firm specializing in water, fire, and mold restoration.1 Based in Bentonville, Arkansas, Hicks is a financial leader, strategist, serial entrepreneur, contractor, business owner, husband, and father.1

Professional Background

Hicks has extensive experience in the restoration industry and holds several certifications:

  • IICRC Certified Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT)
  • Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT)
  • Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT)
  • Odor Control Technician (OCT)1

His expertise spans various areas, including water damage, restoration, remediation, insurance, business development, marketing, sales, investments, financial planning, corporate finance, financial modeling, financial consulting, corporate strategy, strategic planning, and real estate.1

Career History

Prior to founding Freedom Restoration Services of NWA, Hicks's career included:

  • Co-Owner of Restoration 1 of Northwest Arkansas (September 2017 - August 2019)
  • Financial Analyst Intern at CSX Transportation (July 2011 - August 2011)
  • Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch (August 2008 - July 2010)
  • Assistant to Financial Advisor at Smith Barney (September 2007 - August 2008)
  • Sergeant of Marines in the United States Marine Corps (January 2000 - January 2006)
  • PCB Designer at ACD USA (2001 - 2003)1

Education

Hicks's educational background includes:

  • MBA in Finance from Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management (2010 - 2012)
  • Bachelor of Science with a dual degree in Business Administration - Finance and Computer Information Systems (CIS) from California State University (2007 - 2008)
  • High School Diploma from Wylie High School (1993 - 1996)1

Donald G Hicks's diverse background in finance, entrepreneurship, and restoration services has equipped him with the skills necessary to lead Freedom Restoration Services of NWA, providing 24/7 assistance for restoration needs.1

Highlights

Mar 27 · linkedin

I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Owner at Freedom Restoration Services of NWA!

Jan 27 · linkedin

Its been a very busy couple of years...not that I am a heavy LinkedIn poster anyway, but I haven't had time to get on here and make any updates as to where my professional journey has been taking me as of late. But it has been a roller coaster for sure the past 18 months or so.

And its good to jump on here every once in a while and drop a blurb about what is going on. Mostly for many of my friends, from various stages of my career and life, most that don't get the opportunity to stay in as close contact with as I would like to. But please know that you are thought of often and your influence and impact on my life stretches far beyond what you know and think it has.

Anyway, Most of you know that I started a Construction company doing remodels and repairs a few years ago after leaving the restoration industry...and if starting a young company wasn't time consuming and challenging enough...I went out and acquired another business...a plumbing and electrical supply store. Maverick Supply is a 50yr old legacy business started and ran by a wonderful family that I have gotten to know and love through the transition. So happy to know them and carry on the legacy that they have built for at least another 50yrs.

So now I run 2 businesses and on the verge of starting another one very soon. Crazy you say...yes...yes I am!! But having the time of my life...learning, growing, lots of small failures, lots of great successes, getting to know great people, developing and growing teams, etc. All the things!!!

Now, taking over a wholesale/retail store 12 months ago...I had NO IDEA what I was in for....the ride of a lifetime...there has not a more challenging environment for someone new to this industry and taking over a business that relied so heavily on supply chain as this one and boy has it been a ride!!! Its still going strong...bumps all along the way...but success is right along the horizon...great things are ahead and bright is the future for Maverick Supply!!

Anyway, just wanted to drop a quick note while I had a few minutes!! A huge Thank you to so many that have helped shape, teach and influence me to soar to great heights!! Not there yet...long way to go...but well on my way!! I would name names, but the list would be to long and I would still leave out some of the great ones!! But Thank you so very much!!

As I have experienced...a slight modification to the famous quote attributed to the great Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Life is not in the destination but in the journey". The destination is important and that is why we make plans, and goals...but it is in the journey that we learn, grow and find joy and define our life and success.

Related Questions

What inspired Donald Hicks to transition from the financial sector to restoration services?
How did his experience in the Marine Corps influence his career choices?
What are some notable projects Freedom Restoration Services of NWA has completed?
How does Donald Hicks balance his roles as a business owner and a father?
What challenges did Donald Hicks face when starting Freedom Restoration Services of NWA?
Donald Hicks
Donald Hicks, photo 1
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Experience

Owner at Freedom Restoration Services of NWA
Owner at Maverick Supply (Dec 2020 - Present), Owner - General Manager at Freedom Construction Services, Inc (Aug 2019 - Present), Co-Owner at Restoration 1 of Northwest Arkansas (Sep 2017 - Aug 2019) at Walmart (Aug 2012 - Nov 2014)

Education

MBA Student at Cornell University, Finance and Corporate Strategy (Aug 2010 - Jun 2012)

Location

Bentonville, Arkansas, United States