Derek is a mobile multiplatform full-stack software engineer specializing in iOS and Kotlin Multiplatform. Derek's expertise extends to Android and web development, making him a versatile and sought-after engineer.

Beyond his technical prowess, Derek is a lifelong drummer who has honed his skills since he was 11. Combining his passion for drumming and software engineering, he embarked on a mission to revolutionize music education. In 2014, he released his groundbreaking iOS application, "Groove Freedom," due to his partnership with renowned drummer and educator Mike Johnston. Groove Freedom's innovative approach enabled users to isolate each limb in a drumbeat, allowing drummers to learn beats and how to read drum music notation by isolating and practicing each part. Derek's commitment to advancing drumming education led to a notable collaboration with the acclaimed German drumming educator Benny Greb. Together, they developed the renowned app "Gap Click." This innovative tool enhances drummers' sense of timing and internal groove by incorporating intentional gaps in click tracks.

Derek's dedication to advancing drumming education continued with his latest creation, "Beat Note." This cutting-edge app empowers drummers to write out drum notation, providing practice support features and enabling users to share their drum beats with others seamlessly within the app. "Beat Note" represents Derek's ongoing commitment to empowering drummers through innovative software solutions and fostering community among musicians.

As a respected expert in the field, Derek wants to craft exceptional user experiences and collaborate with talented educators to advance music education. His contributions to the drumming community through apps like "Gap Click" and "Beat Note" continue positively impacting drummers worldwide.

Enabling internal teams and clients through agile, user-centered practices.

In VMware Tanzu Labs (previously "Pivotal Labs"), Derek's primary focus as a consultant has been on the software engineering aspects of building applications together with clients while enabling (teaching) them on the practices, values, and principles of the Lean XP (eXtreme Programming) methodology.

As a consultant, Derek has led teams of 2-6 engineers to build customer-facing and enterprise internal full-stack mobile and web applications.

* Projects: new applications, legacy applications, microservices

* Industries: Airline, Automotive, Banking, Contact Tracing, e-Commerce, Insurance, Public Transit, Telecom, Utilities, and Virtual Assistants

* Tech Stacks: iOS (Swift/Obj-C), Android (Java/Kotlin), Web (JavaScript, TypeScript, React, vue.js), Spring (Java/Kotlin)

* XP Practices: Pair Programming, Test-Driven Development, CI/CD

Additional highlights include:

* Close collaboration with Product Managers and Designers in "balanced teams" to ensure we're building the right product

* Mentoring both clients and colleagues within and cross-discipline

* Facilitation of technical workshops, including a full 3-day workshop on XP with groups as large as two dozen participants

* Contributing to the office culture through event organization, presentations, and workshop facilitation

* Leveraged for assignments outside of Tokyo: Sydney Australia (on-site), Denver USA (on-site), London UK (remote)

* Organizer for internal office events, tech talks, cross-project workshops, and APJ intra-office workshops and event

Pivotal Software was acquired by VMware in April, 2020. Please see VMware Tanzu Labs role for details on experience.