Bio

Derek is a California native, a hospitality manager, a creative producer and a fiction writer. He’s enjoyed every stage of his diverse career, expanding on his knowledge and experience, and sharing what he’s learned along the way.

Hospitality

Derek launched his Hospitality career in the late 90s as a front desk agent at the Hotel Vintage Court, an upscale Kimpton Hotel Group boutique property in downtown San Francisco. He quickly advanced to Reservations Manager and Revenue Manger and later took a position at the 4-star French restaurant Masa’s, managing their reservations staff.

Derek currently works as Lead House Manager (Assistant GM) at the family-owned The Metro Hotel in SF’s Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, and obtained Hospitality Management certification through Cornell University’s eCornell program.

[For more about Derek’s professional background view his LinkedIn profile]

Writing & Public Speaking

Derek has been a writer since he was a wee lad. He was yearbook editor in high school, and though those years are long passed, they played a big role in fostering his love of putting pen to paper. Derek has written dozens of short stories—some serious, others ridiculous—and in 2004 he completed his first full-length novel, Rift in the Mountain.

In 2025 Derek published his first Science Fiction Romance, A Bridge in Glass, with Dreamspinner Press. A Bridge in Glass is a Top-5 Finalist in Lambda Literary’s Best Gay Romance award category for 2026.

Derek has been a member of Toastmasters for over ten years. He’s taken club roles from Videographer to Public Relations to President, helping others achieve their public speaking ambitions. His speech entitled, “If I Get Hit by a Truck Tomorrow” appears below:

Derek’s 10th speech at Toastmasters was titled, “If I Get Hit by a Truck Tomorrow.” It’s about living without fear and acting without procrastinating because, well, you could get hit by a truck tomorrow! Apologies for the low resolution of this video.

Graphic Design & Video Post Production

In the 2000s Derek made a career shift to Graphic Design and Video Production, first working as Senior Graphic Designer at IO Group, and in 2013 as Lead Editor and Post Production Manager at CNE Media. In April 2022 he wrapped 8 years at CNE, ready for a career change and a return to Hospitality.