John Derrick

Experience

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  SC Department of Transportation

  May 2001 - Jun 2007

  Information Resource Consultant

  I oversaw a portion of the Highway Maintenance Management System, which tracked resources and maintenance projects for the SCDOT. I also was the web designer for the Director of Maintenance Office.

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  PROnetworks Technology

  May 2001 - Dec 2010

  Founder

  Technology was always of interest to me, and so it was no surprise that from the late-90’s and beyond I was fascinated with computers. In time I would learn enough and I would find myself eagerly assisting others with their own computer problems online; usually through various support communities. I enjoyed the support process so much in fact, that when ‘Windows XP’ was released by Microsoft in the fall of 2001, I would go on to found my first formal startup, PROnetworks Technology. From the fall of that year until the winter of 2008, I devoted the majority of my spare time outside of my day job to what remains arguably my most prominent and extensively valuable company to date. Over the course of an eight year period, the growing web site provided support-related services to at least 20 million people; that tally calculated using conservative metrics. PROnetworks received online visitors from literally every country around the world. This global-visitor statistics was eventually confirmed using Google Analytics over a two-year window from 2006-2008, in which over 12.2 million of the aforementioned visitor total would use the site alone. At its peak in 2006, the company had a combined remote workforce of 55 total volunteers and contractors located throughout the world in over a dozen countries globally. PROnetworks will always be one of my proudest accomplishments in my life, not only because of the number of people we helped, but primarily as a result of the robust, friendly and family-oriented community my team and I built in the process. Show less

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  HawaiiGuide.com

  May 2002 - now

  Founder

  According to SEMRush and SimilarWeb, two trusted SEO, web metrics/analytics, & website analysis companies, Hawaii-Guide.com (HawaiiGuide.com) is one of the largest independent Hawaii travel sites on the web, enabling up to 15 million potential Hawaii visitors each year to plan and experience the trip they’ve always wanted. Founded in May 2002, as an authentic resource to research and plan all aspects of Hawaii travel, Hawaii-Guide.com has helped tens of millions of people on deciding what to see, where to visit, where to stay, and what things to do once they arrive.Ultimately, Hawaii-Guide.com believes in being a good steward (malama pono) of the 'aina (land) and kai (ocean); and we ensure our business promotes responsible ecotourism and adventures. To our organization, Hawai'i Nei is more than a place to tour – it's a place to experience! Show less

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  DualBootPRO

  Jun 2006 - Sept 2011

  Principal Software Engineer

  In late 2008, a small group of PROnetworks’ team members and I set out to formally solve a new set of complications related to Microsoft’s latest Windows product, Windows Vista. In particular, we focused on the boot management issues that arose from the new BCDEdit boot configuration, which made it significantly harder to dual boot and control the boot management process than found in previous Windows releases. Our initial software project work began in mid-2006, during the height of PROnetworks success. We originally entitled our software application VistaBootPRO (VBP), but when we officially launched commercial operations in December 2008, we changed the name to DualBootPRO (DBP) to more accurately reflect the name.VBP and DBP both were highly successful software applications where VBP would tally over 3-million free downloads prior to commercial sales beginning in 2008. The software was featured and reviewed in several technology magazines and online publications including ‘PC World,’ ‘ZDNet,’ ‘PC Magazine,’ ‘CNet,’ and even was highly recommended by Microsoft’s own professionals in their ‘TechNet’ Magazine. DBP would later go on to sign software-licensing contracts with a variety of companies including several small to mid-sized tech-support businesses and one especially large fortune-500 company. Show less

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  SCETV

  Jun 2007 - Jun 2010

  Director of Web Content

  I was responsible for overseeing all of the web content, design, and analytic data for the agency. Most of my work was performed as a tag-based programmer in our content management system.

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  Garden & Bloom

  May 2010 - now

  Editor in Chief

  Our journey began with a simple yet profound mission: to empower gardeners across the nation with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration needed to cultivate thriving gardens, no matter the climate. Since our inception in 2010, we have had the privilege of guiding thousands of enthusiasts as they transform their outdoor spaces into blooming havens.At Garden & Bloom, we’re more than just a website; we’re a community of passionate plant lovers and gardening aficionados. Our content is meticulously crafted to cater to green thumbs of all levels, from the urban balcony gardener in New York City to the sprawling estate planner in Seattle, and every space in between. Our goal is to demystify the gardening process, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of where you call home. Show less

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  DuBose Web Group

  Jul 2010 - Aug 2014

  As the Vice President of Operations for DuBose Web Group in Columbia, SC I was responsible for setting the vision of the creative team, executing the company’s strategic plan and initiatives, maintaining the high quality of customer support we’ve become recognized for, and also for ensuring timely delivery of reputable products and services to our clients.I developed the creative direction and delivery of key strategy and marketing initiatives across multiple platforms to enhance engagement between client properties and their respective audiences/consumers. I actively benchmarked, researched, and provided ongoing vision to our clients and customers to ensure that quality services and excellent support come standard.I made and executed the necessary decisions that allow our company to move forward toward the achievement of its strategic goals. I regularly engaged leadership and managers to progressively develop and execute action plans that scaled the business successfully.I worked for DuBose Web from 2010-2014, and after nearly a year of work in the VP position, I ultimately decided to take the next step in my career, realizing it was time to fully commit myself to and pursue my own growing startup, Guide of US. Show less With a strong background of over 15 years in web development and web strategy, as the Director of Web Development, I was responsible for setting the vision of our development team, maintaining the high quality of customer care we’ve become recognized for, and also for ensuring timely delivery of reputable products and services to our diverse array of clients. I specialized in the use of ExpressionEngine CMS.Marketing & Web Strategy• I assist with overall client website architecture, SEO, marketing & ongoing web strategy• I provide guidance and recommendations for our graphic designs on UX and UI.• I assist in the development of client proposalsVision & Ideas• I seek out, implement and address marketing strategies, ideas & concepts for future growth and success in an incredibly dynamic market.• I guide our creative 'think-tank' sessions responsible for researching emerging technologiesFront-End Development• I have a strong understanding of Responsive Design Implementation• I can effectively code CSS3/HTML5 with 16+ years of experience• I actively work with Content Management Development (ExpressionEngine – 7+ years)• I have a strong understanding of SEO, SEM, and creating productive SERPS• I have several years of eCommerce development experience• I actively serve as the IT management liaison with our remote hosting companies• I oversee all client & in-house DNS management Show less

  • Vice President, Operations

    Nov 2013 - Aug 2014

  • Director of Development

    Jul 2010 - Nov 2013
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  Ecowai

  Aug 2012 - Nov 2013

  Cofounder / CTO

  As the Chief Technology Officer, I developed and maintained the vast network of our company's ecosystem, including hosting management, web & application development, and general technical support.I additionally lead the company with the strategic development of multiple 'concept' properties for future development. Albeit an ongoing and gradual process, many of these projects remain in active development for future release.Ecowai, LLC remains an active venture between my wife and I; although I have stepped out of my primary CTO role since late 2013 to focus on my work at DuBose Web and Guide of Hawaii. Show less

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  GuideofUS

  Aug 2014 - now

  Co-Owner

  At GuideofUS, we’re more than just a digital marketing company; we’re your partners in navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape. Specializing in SEO, Corporate Development, Web Development, and Marketing, we pride ourselves on delivering innovative solutions that drive growth, engagement, and visibility for our diverse portfolio of companies, including HawaiiGuide (hawaii-guide.com), Garden & Bloom (gardenandbloom.com), Bloom & Garden (bloomandgarden.com), and Guide of US Media (guideofus.com).Founded on the principles of creativity, integrity, and excellence, GuideofUS has established itself as a leader in transforming businesses for the digital age. Our team of experts leverages cutting-edge technology and data-driven strategies to ensure your brand not only meets but exceeds its online potential. Show less

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  Derrick Media Group, Ltd. Co.

  Jun 2021 - now

  Chief Executive Officer

  Derrick Media Group is a forward-thinking company dedicated to supporting a diverse range of businesses within our portfolio. We focus on leveraging emerging AI technologies to drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and deliver exceptional results across all our ventures.