With over 35 years of experience in the financial services industry, Derrick Freeman brings a wealth of knowledge, insight, and dedication to his role as an Investment Specialist with Ashford Advisors. Since joining the firm in 2010—after an initial appointment with Guardian in 1988—Derrick has built a strong reputation for delivering tailored financial consulting strategies and comprehensive investment analysis to individuals, families, and business owners.
Derrick’s career began in 1977 with Trustmark National Bank and took him to Wall Street in 1987, where he thrived in roles spanning retail and wholesale distribution, management, and business development. He has worked with a wide range of financial institutions, from globally recognized Wall Street firms to regional broker-dealers. His ability to grow assets under management and navigate complex financial environments has made him a sought-after advisor and speaker. Over the years, Derrick has spoken at numerous industry conferences and has been quoted extensively in national media and newspapers.
At Ashford, Derrick embraces a relationship-driven philosophy. He believes that during life-changing moments, individuals turn to a few key advisors—among them, their financial professional. “I take my role and commitment to my clients’ overall financial security seriously and deeply value the relationships I’ve built,” he says.
A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Derrick has lived across the Southeastern U.S. and currently resides in Jackson, Mississippi, with his wife Karen, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) and native of Moss Point, MS. The two met while attending The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and are proud parents to three children—Wes, Leigh, and Anna. Derrick and Karen are actively involved in their Bayridge community, where Derrick has served on the Board of Directors.
Outside of work, Derrick enjoys golfing, fishing, hunting, gardening, and cheering on Ole Miss athletics. He and his family regularly vacation across the U.S., with a cherished annual trip to Perdido Key, Florida with their children, their spouses, and grandchildren.
Education & Credentials:
• B.B.A. in Accounting and Marketing, The University of Mississippi, 1977
• Life, Health, and Variable Annuities Licensed
• FINRA Series 7, 63, 66 Licenses
• Registered Investment Advisor
• Professional Affiliations:
• National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), Mississippi Chapter
• Member, Kappa Sigma Fraternity, The University of Mississippi
Derrick Freeman is a Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Ashford Mississippi LLC is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. Million Dollar Round Table is endorsed by but not affiliated with Guardian or its subsidiaries. Applicants must annually qualify for membership based on productivity and pay an annual fee.