About Us

Creating Value with Unquestionable Quality

F.H. French is a closely-held firm actively pursuing investment opportunities in all segments of the real estate industry. Founded in 1935, FHF is a full service real estate firm with an enviable reputation in Rhode Island and throughout southern New England.

History

The firm history is a classic “American dream” story. The firm was created by Fred Hubert French in Northborough, Massachusetts. Mr. French was a naval officer in World War II, and upon his return, he began developing residential housing communities for other returning soldiers. 53 years later, he sold the company to his only daughter and her husband, Jack Keigwin. The Keigwins transformed the company into a commercial general contracting business. Throughout their tenure, the Keigwins designed and built more Rhode Island Industrial Facilities Corporation funded projects than any other contractor in Rhode Island. In 2001, The Keigwins sold the business to their daughter, Jen Cookke who transformed the buildings to a full service real-estate and development company.

Values

FHF is proud of our keen eye for value and ability to move quickly. Through our extensive experience and problem-solving skills, we have established a very strong financial position. FHF believes that anything is possible as long as it is achieved with integrity. In striving toward our goals, we have linked profitability with unquestionable quality, and our strategy is one of prudent risk-taking. We are committed to achieving real economic benefits from our projects, as well as providing this same high level of service to our partners and clients. Our services include the acquisition and development of commercial and medical properties, asset management for our own account as well as others, together with brokerage, consulting, construction management and valuation services.

Community

FHF is deeply involved in our community, enthusiastically channeling our energies to civic and cultural endeavors with the same focus and intensity as our professional services. We have always stressed the importance of giving back to the community, involving ourselves in several philanthropic and charitable organizations in Rhode Island such as: The Festival Ballet, GrowSmart Rhode Island, the Gordon School, The Center for Women and Business, Bryant University, Visiting Nurse Services of Rhode Island and Meeting Street School.