Derek got his start in the industry working for Harsco Metals and Minerals, which were in charge of scrap processing at CMC Steel's mini mill in Birmingham. He started there as a crane operator and then became a supervisor. In 2010, Stein took over the contract and Derek became the General Manager. In 2020, he left to work for Heavy Machines Inc. in Birmingham selling Liebherr parts and products. He stayed there until 2021 were he joined the Angler Team as yard supervisor. Derek was born and raised in Pinson, Alabama. He is married and has 3 children.