In 2003, while finishing up a journalism and communications degree, Derek signed on for an internship with a public relations company. He was given the task of designing ads for a company that sold novelty caskets and urns (true story!). From then on, Derek was hooked on design. After graduation, Derek took a job with Mercer University in Macon, GA, designing medical posters. While with Mercer, he also earned a Master’s Degree in Communications.
In 2010, feeling a little burned out, Derek started a company with his future wife. Seeing WordPress as the future of web design, Derek paid a friend $100 and a case of beer for a WordPress training session. 200 plus websites later, Derek’s business has grown every year.
In 2012, Derek made the decision to focus on professional speakers and business coaches and started the company Get the Gigs. Derek lives in Atlanta with his wife, Mallie, their dog and two cats. When he’s not at the computer, you can find Derek playing bass guitar, drawing, and cheering on his beloved Atlanta Falcons.