Derek is a proven innovator and creative problem solver who has built teams and ventures in both the early stage startup and corporate arenas. Leveraging 25 years of experience as a Founder and a digital transformation operating executive, he brings practical experience to — and develops confident teams behind — clients’ venture-building efforts.

In the early years of Silicon Beach — while Derek was still in college — he co-founded a digital services consultancy, which built and delivered pioneering web applications for entertainment and consumer brands like The Grammy Awards, Tristar, and Apple Computer. Today, he is a 5-time Founder, whose ventures have included trailblazing solutions for film development and social gaming.

He has also partnered with companies like Toyota and 7-Eleven, lending his extensive product and team-building expertise to help them transform how they innovate, develop, deliver, and operate digital solutions for their customers.

Derek first crossed paths with Mach49 in 2019, when he led a successful Mach49 incubation for Stanley Black & Decker that addressed challenges in the construction supply chain. As the Founder, CEO, and Board Chairman of the resulting venture, Hivot, Derek built and launched a data communication platform for the construction and deskless workforces. The technology was ultimately integrated into SBD’s contech platform, and Mach49 is thrilled to work with Derek again.