Thirty-six years of collective experience and a fierce knowledge of real estate, finance, and business created what is known as Blair Freeman. Co-owners Ashley Kuhn and Maranda Adams started Blair Freeman in 2018 after Adams’ unpleasant encounter with a contractor. These two women are proof that experiences transform lives forever. In just six years, Kuhn and Adams have swiftly carved out a distinctive niche as Nebraska’s sole 100% Black woman-owned and woman-led Class A contractor. Their mission? To not only build spaces but to foster lasting change and meaningful connections within their community. And what began as a professional collaboration soon evolved into a shared vision to revolutionize the construction landscape.
With their combined experience, Kuhn and Adams realized the impact they could have, and their daily work is a testament to their heritage. The name Blair Freeman is derived from their maiden names. It symbolizes the foundation upon which the company is built: family, history, and a commitment to excellence. “We achieve the impossible for our clients and set new standards along the way,” says Ashley Kuhn.
“Not only is Blair Freeman reliable and trustworthy, but we also deliver what other builders aren’t equipped to do. We act as a catalyst and game changer in our community. Quite simply, we bring more to the table.” Kuhn’s expertise in real estate, land use economics, and investment finance complements Adams’ extensive career in business and finance. They have used their backgrounds to redefine what it means to lead in construction for other women and people of color.
In the United States, the construction industry remains male-dominated, with men comprising approximately 90% of the workforce. Women hold only 14% of staff executive positions, and people of color are similarly underrepresented. Blair Freeman connects the right talent with opportunities that drive innovation within the industry. At their firm, 100% of the executive team are women, and 70% are people of color. This commitment to empowering others is not just a statistic—it’s a part of their mission.
“The construction industry has been a male-dominated industry forever; still over 90% of the industry are men,” notes Maranda Adams. “We aim to change that both as women owners and with our team of diverse backgrounds. It brings a different lens to the process and makes us not only highly reputable but also relatable with our clients.”
Blair Freeman’s leadership embodies what it means to redefine expectations while showcasing undeniable talent. Their firm not only hires the most qualified candidates, but they also create opportunities for underrepresented groups in construction and owner’s representation to thrive.
Blair Freeman operates in two primary divisions: construction and owner’s representation. Their construction projects range from small residential renovations to large-scale commercial developments. Meanwhile, their owner’s representation services help clients navigate the complexities of the construction and real estate development process, ensuring transparency and efficiency every step of the way.
“Too much of the construction process happens behind a curtain,” says Kuhn. “We add a human face to the process so that our clients feel comfortable both asking questions and making decisions.”
“We add a human face to the process so that our clients feel comfortable both asking questions and making decisions.”
“We know how it feels to be taken advantage of during a renovation or construction project,” says Adams. “Our goal is to ensure our clients walk away from projects knowing we were fully transparent and completely knew everything that went into their project.”
Blair Freeman’s approach to business goes beyond traditional competition. The firm embraces a “co-opetition” model, fostering partnerships with other companies to achieve shared goals. Through teaming arrangements, they provide training support and capacity building for partners, ensuring that everyone benefits from the collaboration.
“Capacity building is often talked about in the construction industry,” Kuhn explains. “At Blair Freeman, we believe in not only ‘giving the opportunity’ but also supporting an inclusive environment where a rich blend of perspectives and talents are celebrated and cultivated.”
These partnerships also help clients have a well-rounded staff with different backgrounds who can give unique perspectives to projects. By offering tailored scopes of work—from individual subcontractors to full-scope services—Blair Freeman ensures that everyone recognizes and benefits from exceptional talent already within their reach—leaving a meaningful part of every project.
At the heart of Blair Freeman’s operations are values that resonate deeply within their team and clients. They pride themselves on transparency, innovation, and a daring approach to challenges. “Our efforts to focus on people and culture set us apart from other firms, and there isn’t really any way to compete with the services we offer,” says Adams. “Our reputation and completed work speaks for itself, and the actions we take on a daily basis leave a positive mark in the world.”
This commitment to transparency is reflected in their tagline: “Transforming Communities and the People That Build Them.” For Blair Freeman, every project is an opportunity to leave a legacy of trust, collaboration, and excellence.
While Omaha remains the headquarters of their operations, Kuhn and Adams are expanding into new markets. They are pushing to a national scale with owner’s representation, allowing them to bring their signature approach to clients across the globe. Blair Freeman’s story is one of resilience, vision, and impact. By breaking barriers, fostering diversity, and delivering transformative projects, they have not only redefined what it means to lead in construction but have also set a new standard for community-focused innovation. Their work—felt and heard long after the last brick is laid and the final inch of cement has dried—truly embodies the spirit of transformation.
