The Association of Independent Manufacturers’ Representatives (AIM/R) is  proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 AIM/R Bill Freeman Scholarship for CPMR at its 53rd Annual Conference, held October 20–23, 2025, in Scottsdale, Ariz.  

The Bill Freeman Scholarship, established through the AIM/R Bill Freeman Memorial Fund,  covers tuition for Level 101 of the Certified Professional Manufacturers Representative (CPMR)  program and is paid directly to MRERF. The scholarship honors the legacy of AIM/R Past President Bill Freeman (2006–2007), a passionate advocate for professional development and education in the rep industry. The scholarship supports the next generation of leaders by making CPMR certification more accessible to those entering the field. 

2025 Scholarship Recipients: 

Kyle Lipkvich, Commercial and Industrial Sales Manager, J&K Sales Associates Lipkvich has 13 years of experience in technical sales. At J&K Sales Associates, Kyle manages commercial and industrial sales for eight product lines across New England, leads a team of  inside and outside sales professionals, and oversees business development and key relationships with manufacturers, distributors, and engineers. Kyle has consistently grown sales territories, launched new products, and developed training resources for new employees. Kyle holds a BSBA in Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Communications from Bryant University. 

Andrew Metzler, Director of Sales, Lewis Marketing 

Metzler has over 10 years of experience in the plumbing, waterworks, and mechanical  industries. As Director of Sales at Lewis Marketing, Andrew leads the outside sales team and manages accounts across North and South Carolina. Andrew’s responsibilities include  developing sales strategies, managing manufacturer and wholesaler relationships, and providing technical product training. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology & Business from  Appalachian State University.

Benjamin Firebaugh, Territory Manager, Smith and Stevenson 

Firebaugh is a sales professional in the plumbing and mechanical industry. As Territory Manager  for Raleigh, NC, at Smith and Stevenson, Benjamin has led the agency in sales growth, set sales  records with multiple manufacturers, and managed CRM implementation and office operations.  Benjamin has also earned “Salesman of the Year” honors for Smith and Stevenson multiple  times. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from James Madison University, where  Benjamin was captain of the NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Team. 

The AIM/R Bill Freeman Memorial Fund Golf Tournament is the primary fundraising event supporting these scholarships. The 2025 tournament was held on October 23rd at McCormick  Ranch Golf Club in Scottsdale, Ariz. The event was fully sold out, with more than 92 golfers and  all sponsorships claimed—including beverage carts, tee box signs, and the post-golf reception.  Funds raised ensure that Bill Freeman’s legacy of education and industry advancement  continues for years to come. 

AIM/R thanks all sponsors, participants, and the organizing committee, including Golf  Coordinator Troy Joyce, for making this event a success. AIMR encourages manufacturer’s representative to be on the lookout for details on next year’s event. 

Media Contact: 

Stacey Woldt, AIM/R Executive Director 

630.942.6581 

staceyw@cmservices.com 

About AIM/R 

The Association of Independent Manufacturers’/Representatives, Inc. (AIM/R) is a trade  association dedicated to enhancing the quality and value of independent sales representative  agencies serving the plumbing, HVACR, kitchen & bath, waterworks, and irrigation markets.  AIM/R is the advocate and the voice of manufacturers’ representatives. The association delivers  premier educational programs and opportunities to advance their knowledge, standing, and  professionalism; strengthens and diversifies AIM/R’s communication to members; develops  future leadership within their agencies and the association; and actively grows membership to  become even more inclusive industry wide. For more information, visit https://www.aimr.net/.