Roppe Holding Company (“RHC”) is pleased to announce the promotion of Norman J. Freebeck to the role of President. In this capacity, Mr. Freebeck will oversee the strategic direction, operational performance, and culture of all RHC companies, drawing on more than 30 years of manufacturing leadership.
A seasoned executive with deep experience in the chemical, plastics, and paper converting industries, Mr. Freebeck has been with RHC for over 14 years. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Operations at Flexco in Tuscumbia, Alabama, where he led a major transformation —doubling revenue, expanding the workforce by 20%, and achieving marked improvements in safety, sustainability, quality, and customer service.
Prior to his time at Flexco, Mr. Freebeck served for seven years as Plant Manager at Tarkett’s vinyl flooring facility in Florence, Alabama, where he and his team streamlined production and delivered strong
financial results. Earlier in his career, he led the greenfield startup of Omnova Solutions’ Genflex thermoplastic roofing facility and served as Maintenance & Production Manager at Rexam’s paper
coating facility in Eden, North Carolina.
Mr. Freebeck began his career as a U.S. Navy Submarine Officer, receiving advanced training in nuclear engineering and operations. His service aboard the USS Georgia, a ballistic missile submarine, earned
him multiple commendations and instilled in him the discipline, strategic thinking, and teamwork that continue to define his leadership today. He holds an MBA from the University of North Carolina at
Greensboro, a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and is a 1986 graduate of Bolton High School in Alexandria, Louisiana.
Donald P. Miller, Owner & Chairman of RHC, “t has been my privilege to guide this organization through meaningful growth, product innovation, and a culture of continuous improvement over many decades. It is with great optimism and confidence that Judy and I announce Norm as the new President of RHC. Norm brings with him decades of hands-on manufacturing leadership, a deep operational mindset, and a proven track record of building strong teams and delivering sustainable results. I believe he is exactly the right person to lead RHC into its next chapter.”
Judy R. Miller, Vice President of Employee & Customer Relations “Working beside Don all these years, I’ve had a front-row seat to his unwavering commitment to doing things the right way—building strong relationships, fostering a culture of trust, and putting people first.
Don and I are confident that Norm’s leadership and proven success make him the ideal person to carry forward that legacy. As we celebrate our 70th anniversary this year, we are optimistic that Mr. Freebeck’s leadership will take us into the next 70 years of Roppe’s success.
Norman J. Freebeck, President of RHC “It is a great honor to be selected by the Millers to help lead RHC into its next chapter. I have always respected Mr. Miller as an inspirational leader that has dedicated much of his life to enhancing our company, our customers, and our communities. Together, we are challenged to strengthen this legacy.”
Mr. Freebeck and his wife, Erin, plan to spend significant time in Fostoria while also maintaining a residence near the Flexco facility in Alabama. He has three grown children: Morgan, a 2023 graduate of
Louisiana Tech; Holland, a student at the University of North Alabama; and Stone, a recent graduate of the FAME program in multi-craft maintenance technology.
Mr. Freebeck understands that relationships, teamwork, and shared purpose are foundational to RHC’s success. He looks forward to upholding these values and guiding the RHC family of companies into a
new era of growth and innovation. Please join us in welcoming Norman J. Freebeck as President of Roppe Holding Company.
