In Brief: Hi, I'm John C. Derrick, and this is a corner of the web meant to introduce myself. Originally I am from Irmo, S.C. I now reside just outside of Lexington, SC. I work full time in Columbia, SC and I also own three small businesses (Tradewind Creations, L.L.C.; Hardy Tropicals, Ltd.; and Hawaiian Style Organization, L.L.C.). I'm also an avid environmentalist, and I enjoy study on many aspects of the tropics, especially Hawai'i. I have particular interest in landscape photography and tropical flora. Hawaii-Guide.com (2002) is a site devoted to my love of the islands. As a technology buff, I also enjoy all-things-technology, hence two of the other websites I started: PROnetworks.org (2001) and DualBootPRO.org (2006). Currently I am 32 years old and married to Victoria C. Derrick. We married in April 2011, on the island of Kauai in Hawaii.
Professionally: I have a Bachelor of Science from the University of South Carolina (2004), as well as significant experience in web development and web programming. I currently work for DuBose Web Group in Columbia, SC as the Director of Web Development. In addition to my last job where I served as the Director of Web Content at SCETV, I served as the Lead Web Developer for the Director of Maintenance Office at the SCDOT, Web Coordinator for a collegiate club, and I also have considerable experience with my own personal online business ventures which I have been operating since 2001. I have gained important experience in E-Commerce, Social Networking, Search Engine Optimization, Management, and Communication skills through these venues.
I have a total of 15 years experience in web development, ten of which were spent developing websites for professional industries. I also have four years of professional experience as a Senior Web Developer and/or Director of Web Development.
During these years I gained extensive experience in graphic design using the Adobe Web CS3-CS6 Suite, regularly prepared prototypes, performed SEO, and gained extensive knowledge on cross browser platforms and compatibility via the web. I am fluent in HTML5, CSS3, and have extensive experience with Javascript/JQuery. I have worked regularly with both PHP and mySQL in addition to the vast array of Content Management Systems utilizing these technologies. I am especially proficient in the use of Expression Engine CMS; as 95% of my development work involves Expression Engine. I am thoroughly familiar with both EE 2.5.x and 1.7.x. Starting in late 2012, I also now have ongoing experience developing responsive and fluid designs for the web.
Official Resume: View John C. Derrick's Resume
Web Design Portfolio: View John C. Derrick's Portfolio
Credentials/Accomplishments: I would say my largest accomplishments are the multiple web-based companies I've started on my own. I've always had the mind of an entrepreneur, and being able to live my life doing what I love (web development) is a dream come true for me. I am also an Eagle Scout and a member of the collegiate International Geography Society (Gamma Theta Upsilon). From 2001 until 2010 I worked for the state of South Carolina, including serving as the Director of Web Content for SCETV (South Carolina Education Television Commission) from 2007 until 2010.
My background: I was born in Columbia, South Carolina in 1980, and have resided in or near Columbia my entire life; a location both sides of my family have lived for nearly 300 years. At the age of 16, I became an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America. During my years in the BSA I also was part of the Order of the Arrow, a Muscogee Lodge Member. Later I became an Assistance Scout Master for a local troop in my home town. In December 2004, I graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelors of Science. I graduated with GTU (Gamma Theta Upsilon) honors and finished my last three semesters on the Deans List. I left USC serving as Vice President of a collegiate club and a member of a academic fraternity. My other hobbies, excluding Hawai`i and Computers, include traveling, landscape photography, ornithology & bird watching, psychology, movies, music, hiking, and growing/researching tropical plants.
