Derrick is a 2001 graduate of Appalachian State University and is a licensed general contractor in North Carolina. He has worked in the construction industry since 2001 specializing in management and estimating.

His experience has afforded him the opportunities to be involved with a wide variety of project types and sizes ranging from single-family residential, multi-family residential, education, government, medical and religious facilities.

Derrick moved to Asheville in 2002 where he currently resides with his wife Julia and their two children, Camdyn and Carter.