“A Day in the Life” is a series where we’ll profile a variety of residents to get an intimate glimpse into their day-to-day. These are your neighbors. Get to know them.
Jeff Freedman, Founder and CEO of the Boston-based ad agency Small Army, has been busy gearing up for his 6th Annual Be Bold, Be Bald! event this October.
“In five years, we’ve raised about $750,000 for cancer charities,” he tells BostInno. “We hope to break the $1 million mark this year – and can get closer to doing that if everyone reading this does their part by signing up and getting others to join them.”
After losing his best friend and business partner to cancer in 2007, Freedman founded Small Army for a Cause and Be Bold, Be Bald!, an organization that raises money and awareness to fight cancer. Every year the event asks participants to “go bald,” by sporting a branded bald cap, in a show solidarity for those battling this devastating disease.
Here, Freedman shares his day-to-day life in Boston and tells us more about the Be Bold, Be Bald! organization.
How do you spend most mornings?
Making pancakes for my kids before school, and deleting all the junk email I received overnight.
What are the top priorities on your to-do list right now?
I have four. Keeping my family happy, keeping my team happy and keeping our clients happy (my priorities every day of the year). Also (more specific to the next few weeks), getting as many people as I can to go bald to fight cancer on October 17.
What is the best part and the worst part about your day?
The best part of my day is getting positive feedback and “thank you’s” for the work we are doing at Small Army and Small Army for a Cause – from clients, employees and the many people who benefit from our non-profit work.
The least favorite part of my day is when the feedback is less than positive. (Fortunately, I don’t have many bad days – but it happens).
What do you love most about working at Small Army?
I love the companionship, collaboration and creativity that happens every day at the agency. We have an amazing group of talented people who are passionate about what they do – and have fun doing it. I learn something every day.
Can you tell our readers more about the organization, “Be Bold, Be Bald!”?
In 2007, I lost my business partner to cancer. During his two-year battle, it became very clear that cancer doesn’t make people weaker – it makes them stronger. Their bodies and bald heads may not show it, but their hearts, determination and courage definitely do. After Mike passed, we sought to honor his strength, and started Be Bold, Be Bald! It’s an annual fundraising event where participants “go bald” for one day by wearing a bald cap (head shaving is optional) to honor those who battle cancer. This year it is on October 17.
If you could impart one piece of advice to our readers, what would it be?
Many people (and I used to be one of them) believe that “when you do well, you do good.” This may be true. However, after starting Be Bold, Be Bald!, I’ve learned that the opposite is a much better approach. When you do good, you do well. It is difficult to explain how or why, but it happens. It’s not just about financial wellness – most importantly, it improves your emotional wellness. Every day, I mourn the loss of Mike. But, every day, I also thank him for making me a better person – and Small Army a stronger business.
What would you do if you were suddenly granted a day off from work tomorrow?
I’d spend it with my wife and kids.
If you weren’t answering my questions, what would you be doing instead?
Well, it’s currently 7:30 p.m. I’d probably be eating dinner. My stomach is growling.
Image courtesy of Be Bold, Be Bald!
