Stories
Stories
A Pioneer of Affordable Housing
Ross Freeman (PMD 30, 1975) launched Pioneer Group in 1997 to turn historic buildings into affordable housing and office space in the American Midwest.
“I had never really thought about being a real estate developer, but it just came along at an opportune time and seemed to provide the opportunity to build on what I had experienced earlier,” says Freeman, who previously worked in the US space program, was general counsel for a life insurance company, and bought and managed an office fixtures manufacturer.
Pioneer Group, based in Topeka, Kansas, has created affordable housing and office space by rehabilitating historic structures in towns and cities in the Midwest. Its work has received numerous state, local, and national awards, including two from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Today, the company focuses on developing affordable housing for low-income families, seniors, and homeless veterans.
“Our firm’s family properties are mainly three-bedroom townhomes. For many of our residents,” Freeman says, “these are the first modern, safe, and secure homes they have ever had. For homeless veterans, our housing provides a place to call their own and bestows a strong sense of belonging.”
(Published December 2017)
Support the next generation of leaders Make a gift nowPost a Comment
Related Stories
-
- 15 Mar 2024
- Making A Difference
Hungry for Change
Re: Laurel Flynn (MBA 2012) -
- 01 Mar 2024
- HBS Alumni Bulletin
Game On
Re: Brian McCarthy (MBA 1972); By: Jen McFarland Flint; photographed by Edward Linsmier -
- 01 Mar 2024
- HBS Alumni Bulletin
Come Sail Away
Re: Michael Sard (MBA 2018); By: Julia Hanna -
- 22 Nov 2022
- Harvard Business Review
Why Startups Should Embrace Radical Transparency
By: Jeff Bussgang
Stories Featuring Ross Freeman
-
- 18 May 2017
- HBS Alumni News
Pioneer Spirit
Re: Ross Freeman (PMD 30); By: Constantine von Hoffman