Following in the footsteps of his veteran mechanic father, Derek has a passion for how vehicles work, and especially the process of repairing them when something goes wrong. Starting as a teen cleaning the shop and performing wheel alignments, mounting and balancing tires, and disassembling doors during summer breaks from school, Derek gained a fascination for the car repair business. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, he would return to the industry as a porter, an opportunity he found would give him an up-close view into every operational role at a successful collision shop.

Following a promotion to the front-of-house, Derek learned what it meant to deliver the first impression for clients, as well as getting the opportunity to interact with insurance companies and vendors. Once he was able to master the day-to-day flow of the business, Derek used his extra hours to learn how to do the jobs of those around him. After quickly learning to estimate and manage vehicle repairs beginning to end, Derek was chosen to open a new shop for the company in North Austin. He grew the shop and trained new employees into a fantastic and reputable team, helping them to build trusting relationships with vehicle owners and insurance companies.

Derek aspires to continue to be a bright spot within an industry rampant with disappointing repair options. Alongside his experienced business partners, his dream is for Silver Lining Collision to service vehicles with the absolute best equipment, in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines, and paying attention to every detail of quality and structural integrity along the way.