Derek is a family man. As such, he knows what’s important in life. He understands passion and total commitment, and these are the values that inform his business philosophy.

A native New Yorker, he has lived in Virginia since he was 8 years old. He has a BFA in graphic design from Shepherd University. After college, he worked for five years at Howell Design in Williamsburg for clients such as Colonial Williamsburg, BASF and Riverside Hospital.

He moved to Richmond in 1999 and worked as a creative director until the birth of his daughter in 2005. Then his priorities changed. He loved being creative and he loved working with clients, but he wanted the flexibility to take care of his family.

He founded Five19 Creative – named for his daughter’s birthday, May 19 – and, in his words, “it’s been a rock and roll experience.” He has fun with his clients, and building his own business has taken his creativity to new levels.

He currently lives in Chesterfield, Virginia, with his wife, Leah, and their two children, Sydney and Noah. When he’s not working or spending time with his family, he enjoys sports and coaching soccer and basketball.