John C. Derrick’s story…

In Brief: Welcome to my personal corner of the internet. I'm John, a South Carolinian through and through, calling both Irmo and Lexington my homes. These towns, nestled in the suburbs of Columbia, have shaped much of who I am today. Alongside my partner in life and business, Victoria Derrick, we've woven a tapestry of experiences that span from the shores of Hawaii to the comfort of our home offices.

My journey with Victoria has been nothing short of an adventure. We tied the knot in April 2011, on the enchanting island of Kauai, Hawaii, a place that holds a special place in our hearts. Our shared passion for travel, especially to Hawaii, has been a constant in our lives, alongside our full-time dedication to our businesses: GuideofUS, LLC, HawaiiGuide.com, and Garden & Bloom. Our parrots, vibrant and chatty, add a dash of color and joy to our daily lives.

Career: Professionally, I ventured into entrepreneurship full-time in 2014, after leaving my position as VP of Operations at a local web development company. Victoria joined me in this endeavor in 2016, marking the start of our joint venture into the digital world. Today, I wear multiple hats: as Editor-in-Chief for HawaiiGuide, CEO of Guideof US, and Co-Founder of GardenandBloom.com. My background spans over 25 years in web development, covering a wide array of skills from front-end development to SEO, fueled by a passion for creating and optimizing digital spaces.

Leadership Capabilities: Leadership, for me, has always been about guiding and empowering others. Over the years, I've honed my skills in strategic planning, corporate structure, team building, and project management. My approach focuses on fostering growth, enhancing sales, and boosting profitability through innovative strategies and team collaboration.

Education: Education has been a cornerstone of my journey. Graduating from the University of South Carolina in 2004 with a degree in Geography, I've always valued the insights and perspectives gained through academia. My time in college was marked by achievement and participation, including my involvement in the International Geography Society and recognition for my contributions to various organizations.

Credentials/Accomplishments: My life's narrative is punctuated by milestones that reflect my commitment to excellence and community. From achieving the rank of Eagle Scout at 16 to being honored with the President’s Award for my work at SC Educational Television, each accolade represents a step in my journey of continuous learning and contribution.

Entrepreneurial Spirit: Entrepreneurship runs in my veins. Since 2001, I've transformed hobbies into successful ventures, exploring fields from technology and marketing to gardening and tourism. This entrepreneurial spirit has led to the founding of businesses like Ecowai, Guide of Hawaii, and GardenandBloom.com, each embodying my passions and interests.

Hobbies: Speaking of passions, Hawaii holds a special place in my heart. My connection to the islands, fueled by numerous visits and a deep appreciation for its culture and beauty, has been a source of inspiration and joy. Photography, technology, and gardening are other avenues where I channel my creativity and curiosity, with a recent focus on soil development and gardening.

Autobiography: My story begins in Columbia, South Carolina, where I was born to Charles and Dot Derrick in 1980. With roots stretching back nearly 300 years in the area, my heritage is rich with stories of farmers and engineers. Today, I share my life with Victoria in Lexington, surrounded by our beloved dogs and parrots, continuing the legacy of my ancestors while forging our path forward.

This bio is a glimpse into my life, my passions, and my work. It's a story of love, dedication, and continuous growth. Thank you for stopping by and getting to know a bit more about me.