A few years ago, something happened that completely changed the trajectory of Derek’s life. He was working for a software company that was in the early stages of becoming a billion dollar giant. He was making well into the six-figures. He and his wife Jessica, had recently purchased their dream home. He had his dream truck, his family had grown to a party of six and seemed great but there was still something missing: purpose.
On December 15th, 2016, he got the call that changed everything. His dad had suffered a massive heart attack that took his life. Derek was devastated. The next several months were spent trying to figure out what to do with his family’s ranch that his dad had left behind. Derek didn’t ever seek the life of ranching or living back in his tiny hometown of less than 400 people.
Derek’s step mom was in control of the ranch because his dad didn’t have a will. That meant she was the executor and essentially controlled the fate of his family’s 130 year old ranch. He knew that he didn’t want the life of a rancher but also couldn’t bear seeing his family’s legacy go down like this. Also, the possibility of buying her out was nearly out of the question because of the financial burden.
What happened next changed everything. After having a conversation with his step mom about a potential buy out of her share, he was given two weeks to come up with close to a million dollars or else she would start the process of selling everything. At this moment, Derek had found what his purpose really was; to not only continue the legacy of those before him but build his own.
Every scenario was checked but ultimately he had to go the route of hard money. It was expensive but it was fast. He took the plunge and along with his older sister, they bought their step mom out of the ranch. Now, he had to make some of the most difficult decisions of his life.
After a ton of discussion with his wife, they decided to sell their dream home and move back to the ranch house that was nearly falling down. He walked away from his six figure salary to embark on his own business. He and his wife remodeled the old ranch house and it now looks almost brand new. They have the ranch thriving and is recognized as one of the oldest in the state of Idaho. Their kids are loving all of the space and their family has fully embraced this journey.
Derek has learned that there are 3 key principals to living the most fulfilled life possible; Liberation, Lifestyle and Legacy. He started a movement and a podcast around these 3 pillars to help inspire, coach and give unique insight based on his own journey. He sees it as his duty to walk alongside as many people as possible while they move through each pillar.
What People Are Saying…
“Derek does a great job delivering a message that I think many of us crave. It’s a first hand look into the highs/lows life can throw at us and mindset strategies that may help in those situations!”
-Ty M.
“Derek does an amazing thing with this! I challenge everyone to listen and be able to walk away and say that at some point in the podcast he didn’t touch in on an emotion, struggle, success or failure you have experienced in your own life. Very motivational in a very humble way!”
-Than W.
“If you find yourself saying that you want to do this or do that, but never actually take action then this will definitely motivate you to take that first step and start somewhere. Derek does an awesome job of making his message clear, mentally strengthening you, and giving you the tools to succeed!”
-Abby F.