Derek graduated on the President's list from Western Culinary Arts Institute in Portland, Oregon. He worked for Christy Bono (Sonny Bono's first daughter) in Long Beach, California for seven years training under Executive Chef Matt Hewitt, then for King's Seafood Company of Southern California, and finally trained under Executive Chef Shelly Bojorquez at the 555 East American Steakhouse. He says, "My mother was the first one to inspire my love for food, she had me in the kitchen at a really young age helping her cook and bake." Derek won overall best food at Big Taste of Fort Worth in 2014.