Robert Freeman
Robert Freeman serves as President of Wise Earthworks, Inc., and as President and Property Manager of Camp Chet, Inc. Born and raised in Oklahoma, Robert has lived in several states before making Tennessee his home for more than 15 years. As the eldest of three brothers, he developed a lifelong curiosity and love of learning that has led him into a wide variety of disciplines.
After high school, Robert pursued a double major in Computer Science and Music, along with a minor in Electrical Engineering, while working full-time in IT at the largest IBM mainframe facility west of the Mississippi. He spent nearly 20 years there while also earning a minor in Construction Technology and gaining hands-on experience building custom steel-framed homes. Throughout these years, he continued to pursue his passion for music through a semiprofessional music career on weekends.
Robert’s professional journey follows a pattern he particularly enjoys: discovering an area of interest, pursuing education or learning from a mentor, and then putting that knowledge to work. His experience has included web development, aviation, fiber optics, software development, graphic arts, and information security. He has worked in roles ranging from entry-level programmer and senior developer to Chief Security Officer, Chief Information Officer, and CEO/Owner. He has also operated his own web development company and earned graphic arts and Photoshop certification that led to part-time work with TV Guide.
In recent years, Robert has continued to expand his knowledge and practical skills through certifications in Permaculture Design and solar photovoltaic installation, as well as training as a heavy equipment operator. These diverse interests have become valuable in his work at Camp Chet, where he combines technical expertise, creativity, hands-on skills, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
Robert committed his life to Jesus Christ in 1980 and has served the church for decades in a variety of roles, including worship drummer, technology department volunteer at a megachurch, greeter, parking attendant, and Life Group leader. He and his wife, Ruth, have also participated together in mission trips to Belize, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and India.
Robert is grateful for the opportunity to serve at Camp Chet and to help steward its property as a place where people can experience hospitality, community, learning, and meaningful encounters with God through His creation.
Ruth Freeman
Ruth E. Freeman serves as Secretary of Wise Earthworks, Inc., and as Vice President/Secretary of Camp Chet, Inc. She brings more than 25 years of business leadership and healthcare management experience to her service, along with a deep commitment to Christian ministry, hospitality, and serving others.
Ruth was the Owner and CEO of Advanced Billing, a revenue cycle management company, from 1997 to 2023. She continues to provide insurance credentialing and contracting services for medical providers. Her professional leadership has included service on the United Healthcare Colorado Administrative Advisory Committee, serving as an HBMA Colorado State Delegate, earning certification as a Certified Healthcare Business Management Executive (CHBME), and maintaining HBMA’s “Excellence in Compliance” accreditation. She has also advocated for rehabilitation providers through testimony at the Colorado State Capitol, meetings with members of Congress, and media interviews.
Ruth came to faith in Christ in 1986 and has served faithfully in numerous church leadership and volunteer roles, including Awana Ministry Director, Vacation Bible School Leader, Children’s Church Leader, Hospitality and Bookstore Ministry Team member at a megachurch. She and her husband, Robert, have hosted a Life Group in their home and have participated together in mission trips to Belize, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and India. Ruth has also spent a summer traveling with and assisting a Grammy-nominated, Dove Award-winning Christian musician.
Born in Michigan and raised in Kansas, Ruth has lived in several U.S. states and overseas in Scotland before making her home in Tennessee. She and Robert have been married for 18 years and share a blended family of five grown children and seven grandchildren.
Ruth is grateful for the opportunity to serve Camp Chet and support its mission of helping people encounter God through His creation. She is passionate about contributing her skills in leadership, hospitality, and ministry to help create meaningful experiences for individuals, families, and communities.
Seth Pepoon
Seth was born into the family of a Methodist minister, the fourth of five children, and gave his life to Jesus Christ as a child in 1969. Ministry and nonprofit service have been a part of his life ever since. He earned a degree in Christian Education from Kentucky Mountain Bible College and later a Bachelor of Arts in Management and Human Relations from Trevecca Nazarene University.
Throughout his life, Seth has served in a variety of church and nonprofit settings, including Christian radio, Christian education, ministry, and farm operations. His experience has included serving as a youth pastor and music minister, working in radio as a personality and technician, farm laborer, and providing sound and technical support for traveling ministries. These experiences gave him both a ministry perspective and a practical understanding of the day-to-day work required to support mission-driven organizations.
Seth spent more than 20 years in government service, advancing into roles as a compliance officer and analyst. His work included strategic planning, budgeting, cost reduction, workforce and facility optimization, transportation, staffing, operational efficiency, compliance, and organizational change. Among his accomplishments, he completed 36 delivery-unit optimization projects in a single year, producing $1.3 million in annual savings. He also developed and taught training programs, mentored supervisors, and specialized in turning complex information into practical solutions.
Seth brings additional experience in communications, technology, and publishing. He develops websites and marketing funnels, provides technical support for Selah Press Publishing in collaboration with his wife Loral, and has formatted books for more than ten authors. He has also produced and edited more than 100 published videos.
Today, Seth continues to study in preparation for marriage ministry, with a particular interest in helping couples build strong and lasting relationships. He is also a woodworker, chainsaw artist, writer, teacher, and lifelong problem solver. He brings to the organization a unique combination of ministry experience, operational leadership, financial acumen, technology, communications, and practical skills, along with a strong commitment to faithful stewardship of the people and resources entrusted to the organization.