We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alexander Freeman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alexander below.
Alexander, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?
For those familiar with my journey, it is easy to discern my lifelong hero: Batman. Yet, if I were to choose a real-life hero, it would undoubtedly be Terry Lipford II. As the Program Director of the Reach Program and a respected member of my alma mater, University School in Cleveland, Ohio, Mr. Lipford has profoundly impacted my life. I graduated from the Reach Program in 2003, and for nearly two decades, I have had the honor of serving as a high school counselor, college instructor, and grade-level teacher within the REACH Program. This program is a rigorous summer enrichment initiative located in Cleveland, Ohio, designed for academically talented African-American middle school young men and college undergraduates.
I first encountered Mr. Lipford during my junior year of high school, where he was assigned as my mentor. At that time, I could not have fathomed that his guidance would extend far into my adult life, consistently reminding me to “Be Strong.”
Reflecting on my graduation from Miami University, I faced substantial financial hardships and personal struggles. In 2014, at a particularly low point, I found myself unable to afford even a haircut upon my return to Cleveland. After graduation, several anticipated career opportunities fell through, compelling me to return home and strive to become the individual my parents, William and Viza Freeman, envisioned. During this challenging time, Mr. Lipford not only offered me employment but also provided daily encouragement throughout the summer of 2014. He even drove me home on occasions when I could not afford transportation, never judging me or allowing me to feel like a failure. With his calm and composed demeanor, Mr. Lipford challenged me to teach with compassion, provided leadership opportunities, and instilled in me the mantra, “To be strong, for we are not here to play dream or drift; we have hard work to do and heavy loads to lift. Shun not the struggle, for it is God’s gift; be strong.”
Mr. Lipford has mentored and taught hundreds of young men, yet he may not fully comprehend the lasting impact of his kindness and the legacy of “Black Excellence” he has quietly cultivated. His unwavering support ignited my motivation to pursue education and a fulfilling career. He has inspired me, alongside countless other young African American men, to strive for excellence, lead with compassion, and uplift our communities. Today, I proudly reflect on my decade-long career as a professional educator, serving as an Administrator at Imagine Great Western Academy, operating my own tutoring and consulting business, and aspiring to continue forging a path in education akin to Mr. Lipford and the greats who came before me.
Currently, I am in the process of developing a business plan to expand the Reach Program to Columbus, Ohio, with Mr. Lipford’s guidance and support. Much like the dark knight, Batman, Mr. Lipford embodies hope. I aspire to put on the mask and cape, becoming a hero for other young men and women, empowering them to change the world one day at a time.
Alexander, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
In 2019, the establishment of Kaleidoscope Tutoring and Consulting LLC marked a significant commitment to a clear mission: to empower students and adults in their pursuit of dreams. This entrepreneurial journey was not merely a career choice; it was a heartfelt endeavor to honor those who had profoundly influenced my path, demonstrating that their unwavering support had borne fruit.
With a degree from Miami University in 2014, my background includes extensive teaching and coaching experience across various institutions in the Greater Cleveland Area, complemented by roles as a tutor and writing consultant. Despite these experiences, a pivotal moment in 2019 forced me to question my impact on my students’ lives.
At the same time, I embarked on a Master’s in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University, driven by a desire to integrate my educational expertise with my passion for leadership and business. Thus, the motto, “The world is a kaleidoscope of dreams, ideas, faces, and places. It’s our goal to nurture the colorful and vibrant minds of our students,” served as the foundation for Kaleidoscope Tutoring and Consulting LLC. My approach to teaching is infused with creativity—whether donning costumes to engage students or crafting lively songs and games to enhance learning. By leveraging technological advancements, I strive to provide exceptional educational services that are both effective and enjoyable. This fusion of creativity and fun fueled my dual role as an educator and entrepreneur.
At the core of Kaleidoscope Tutoring and Consulting lies a mission to deliver outstanding educational support that empowers students to realize their full potential. Our dedication to high-quality tutoring and academic assistance enables students to excel in their studies and cultivate confidence in their abilities. Through personalized instruction and tailored support, we assist students in overcoming obstacles and achieving academic success.
Lately, I have embarked on helping individuals create LLCs, and non-profits through consulting; which entails, creating legal documents, logo designs, marketing strategies, and business mentoring. My services are affordable and shortly I will transform my company into a non-profit that helps aspiring entrepreneurs bring their imaginations to life. One of my biggest accomplishments has been helping mentor Shawanda Don (Owner) and Camille Victor (CEO) of Counter Culture LLC. They founded their business in 2023 and have revolutionized the Christian entertainment space in less than a year. They have created a safe space for young religious men and women to enjoy themselves through fellowship, festivities, and networking. They also have been charitable contributors to Kaleidoscope Tutoring and Consulting LLC, and will be launching the “Counter Culture Scholarship” in 2025 for young minority women in grades K-12; who enroll in tutoring within my company.
As an African-American entrepreneur, I am acutely aware of the necessity for representation within the professional landscape. I aspire to be a role model for adults and students of color, encouraging them to believe in their potential and illustrating that success in education and entrepreneurship is attainable for everyone. My vision encompasses active engagement with the local community, offering affordable tutoring services to underserved students. I firmly believe that education should be accessible to all, and Kaleidoscope Tutoring and Consulting’s commitment to community engagement enables us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
The most significant turning point in my life occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic when I relocated to Columbus, Ohio, to be closer to my beloved, Melinda Gachett-Freeman. At the time of my move from Cleveland to Columbus, we were not yet married; my decision was driven by a deep emotional commitment and a pursuit of love. This love culminated into a helicopter proposal, a grand wedding on a golf course, global travel, the construction of our home, career advancements, and the blessings of parenthood that I could scarcely have envisioned.
To contextualize my journey, I moved to Columbus in 2020, accepting a position with an annual salary of $38,000. My credit score was so low that I was ineligible for new credit cards, and I was managing four side hustles that kept my checking accounts constantly in the red. Relocating to Columbus represented a considerable risk, yet I was buoyed by the unwavering support of my future wife and the necessity for a fresh start. This fresh beginning profoundly transformed my life; I assumed the responsibility of caring for my future wife’s son, Elijah, during the pandemic, which necessitated my adaptation to provision for my new family.
Becoming a father spurred me to enhance my work ethic, refine my budgeting skills, and expand my professional capabilities. Within less than four years, I successfully doubled my salary and established a reputation as an entrepreneur, educator, and tutor. My focus on creating generational wealth for my wife and son stems from a desire to challenge the stereotype that African-American males are absent from family life. My wife, an extraordinary African-American woman, revitalized my spirit during the pandemic, guided me through therapy, encouraged my career advancement, and supported the growth of my business. Her expertise in banking, management, and parenting has been instrumental in my development as both a husband and an entrepreneur. Indeed, at times, it is essential to take risks to reap the most substantial rewards.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
The crux of effective team management and the cultivation of high morale lies in three fundamental principles: embracing vulnerability, demonstrating unwavering dedication, and actively listening to one’s colleagues. Throughout my life, I have encountered individuals—parents, educators, and supervisors—who have consistently upheld elevated expectations of me, largely because my actions invariably resonate more powerfully than my words. I have always been willing to exert additional effort, aspire to excellence, and take genuine pleasure in witnessing the success of others.
Paradoxically, while I take pride in my numerous accomplishments, I have also faced countless failures and will undoubtedly continue to encounter many more. It is through these experiences that I have come to understand that true leadership is defined by one’s capacity to navigate failure with resilience and maintain a positive outlook, even during the bleakest of times.
In moments when my colleagues are grappling with challenges or seeking guidance, I refrain from trivializing their struggles or pretending to possess all the answers. Instead, I strive to listen attentively, provide resources, and offer support in meaningful ways. I find that I can connect more deeply with my peers when I share my own vulnerabilities, recounting my own trials and how I have surmounted those obstacles.
Moreover, I assume the role of a morale booster within the team, infusing positivity through humor, creative costumes, dance, or any means necessary to elicit smiles from my colleagues. Effective team management transcends the realms of data analysis, human resource management, and task delegation; it necessitates an element of enjoyment as well.
I am adept at merging enjoyment with productivity, drawing on my experience, skill set, and work ethic to guide my team through challenging periods. My colleagues can depend on me for encouragement, as the paramount principle in business remains the prioritization of employee well-being. Should you ever encounter me wearing a gingerbread costume or an inflatable dragon outfit, know that it is not solely for the amusement of my students; it serves as a reminder to my staff that it is entirely acceptable to embrace joy and authenticity in the workplace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alexanderafreeman1.wixsite.com/ktctutorme
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaleidoscope_ceo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ktctutorme
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexfreeman1/
- Other: https://creator.nightcafe.studio/u/AceFree101?ru=AceFree101
Image Credits
Lonnie Griffin Photography
BigChamps Photography & Visuals