This September, Rob Siegfried, Founder & CEO of The Siegfried Group, LLP (Siegfried), was honored with the 2025 Pete du Pont Freedom Award for his visionary entrepreneurship, steadfast community advocacy, and devoted belief in individual responsibility and principled leadership.
“Rob exemplifies the values that my father, Delaware’s 68th Governor Pete du Pont, stood for – free enterprise, hard work, and access to opportunity for all,” said Thère du Pont, Board Chair of the Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation (PDFF). “We couldn’t think of anyone better to give the 2025 Award to.”
This award is presented annually by PDFF to an individual or organization who has championed a successful idea that has led to economic growth or brought innovation to the private sector. Ultimately, this award celebrates entrepreneurial spirit.
“I am deeply honored to receive the 2025 Pete du Pont Freedom Award,” shared Rob in his acceptance speech at the Hotel du Pont in Wilmington, DE. “Governor du Pont was a visionary who passionately championed fostering innovation, protecting free enterprise, and ensuring that every individual could pursue their dreams.”
“Tonight, we continue to celebrate and honor that legacy, and we recommit ourselves to the principles that made it all possible – the power of ideas and the promise of a brilliant marketplace,” Rob continued.
Entrepreneurial character ethic and a deep commitment to dreams
PDFF works side by side with entrepreneurs to build capacity, strengthen skills, and create pathways for growth. Serving this mission, prior to the 2025 Pete du Pont Freedom Award ceremony, Rob hosted a CEO Series on entrepreneurial leadership with many of Delaware’s eager and interested small business owners.
Rob shared his insights on the Angels and character ethic that have framed his over 35-year journey as an entrepreneur – discussing courage, empathetic imagination, patience, persistence, and humility as key for individual leadership and growth.
“Success isn’t linear,” said Rob. “You must have patience, an unbelievable commitment to making your dreams work, and the ability to leverage your personal brand. Don’t forget to listen to your Angels as well – it’s a powerful thing when somebody believes in you more than you believe in yourself.”
Honoring Rob’s journey and the freedom that makes success possible
Rob’s mission of empowering leaders and transforming communities began over 35 years ago when he founded Siegfried, and this Higher Purpose comes to life across the Firm’s 19 offices nationwide, as well as through Rob’s continued support and historic gift to the University of Delaware, his alma mater.
“Rob’s journey is a testament to ambition, courage, perseverance, and above all, leadership,” said George Siegfried, Executive Vice President at Siegfried, as he introduced his brother, Rob. “His impact goes beyond business success. He leads with heart, humility, and the belief that true leadership begins with personal transformation in everything he does – including his creation of the Siegfried Youth Leadership Program® (SYLP) and historic gift to the University of Delaware.”
As Rob accepted the 2025 Pete du Pont Freedom Award, he again reflected on the character ethic traits necessary for leadership, but also the crucial foundation for entrepreneurship and meaningful success – the freedom to dream.
“To leaders, lead with humility, courage, and clarity,” Rob encouraged. “To all of us, protect the freedoms that make your dreams possible. Freedom is not just a gift; it’s a responsibility. Strive to build something meaningful, serve others, and provide value in a way that only freedom makes possible.”
About the Pete Du Pont Freedom Foundation (PDFF)
The Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation (PDFF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the legacy of Delaware’s 68th Governor Pete du Pont by supporting entrepreneurs, creating jobs, and promoting innovation and private enterprise. Guided by the principles championed by Governor Pete du Pont – Free Enterprise, Self-Reliance, Service Orientation, and Equity of Access, the Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation advances our country’s spirit of private enterprise by opening doors to the marketplace for every entrepreneur and their ideas.
About The Siegfried Group, LLP (Siegfried)
The Siegfried Group, LLP (Siegfried) is a national, relationship-driven professional services organization. Led by our higher purpose to help people transform themselves into better leaders to exponentially improve their lives, we partner with financial executives at Fortune 1000 and other dynamic companies and provide them with a powerful combination of talent delivery, leadership advisory, and financial advisory services.
With these services, we assist leaders with enhancing clarity and prioritization, while matching them with the high-performing talent needed to execute their most important accounting and finance initiatives. We hire the best people to serve the best companies, and we do it under the direction and control of client personnel to get things done better, faster, and cheaper.
