Derek entered the floral industry at 16, learning the art at a vocational school and a local florist. He continued his education through institutions like Michigan State University, the Michigan Floral Association (MFA), and the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD). In 2008, he founded Floral Underground, which has evolved into its current form. Derek is a charismatic speaker who delights in helping audiences explore creative product usage.

As an industry educator, Derek offers insights into industry trends, conducting workshops and online presentations for florists and consumers. He's also an accomplished "competition designer," earning several awards in industry and national floral design competitions, including the 2016 Sylvia Cup Design Competition and second place in the 2018 America’s Cup Competition.

Follow Derek on Social Media: