Derek has served as an investment advisor and fiduciary since 2011. He began his career in financial services with Edward Jones before joining SunTrust Investment Services. These experiences provided the foundation and knowledge that ultimately led him to establish his own independent practice, Layman Financial, in December 2015.

He holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Concordia University Irvine and maintains the following registrations: Series 7, Series 66, and Virginia Life, Annuity, and Health Insurance. Derek earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP^®) designation in August 2025.

Beyond his professional work, Derek has been married to his wife, Heather, since 2014. Together, they have a blended family of six children and three grandchildren. A lifelong resident of Franklin County, Derek enjoys traveling, hiking, kayaking, and spending time with family and friends. Heather, a Henry County native, has been a licensed hairdresser since 1992 and is the owner of her own salon, root40.