Derek began his marketing career as a Content Writer for Veterans United Home Loans in 2011. Completing his degree in Communication with a split emphasis on Mass & Organizational, he transitioned to kickstarting digital marketing efforts for the branch division at Veterans United through 2016.
In 2017 he moved to the St. Louis area to join the Build-A-Bear Workshop team managing social and content marketing, eventually overseeing all digital efforts including launching Build-A-Bear Radio streaming on iHeart Media before departing in 2020 for an opportunity to help a smaller organization professionalize their marketing efforts after acquiring and integrating a new DTC business.
His wide variety of experience in digital and traditional marketing, client communications, and public relations have set him up well to lead marketing at Plancorp, expanding our ability to connect with and help more families in the years to come. As a key member of the Leadership Team, Derek has helped organize, develop, and execute on growth strategies across the firm culminating in being named Chief Growth Officer in 2024. The marketing team, sales function, and referral partnerships of the firm make up the larger Growth Team he leads.
Originally hailing from Columbia, Missouri, outside of work you'll find Derek enjoying time with friends, family, and his dog, Mowgli.
B.A. Communication (Mass & Organizational), University of Missouri
Minor in Business Administration, University of Missouri
Certificate of Multicultural Studies, University of Missouri
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