My name is Derek, and fitness has never been just something I do — it’s a discipline that has shaped the course of my life. My journey began in the weight room during high school, where I first discovered that training was more than physical exercise. It was a process that built confidence, accountability, and resilience. That early foundation ultimately led me into the United States Army, where those lessons were tested and refined under real standards. I proudly served eight years in the U.S. Army, where I became a Master Fitness Trainer. In that role, I was responsible for developing training programs and preparing soldiers to meet demanding physical requirements. More importantly, I helped them build the mental toughness, discipline, and self-belief necessary to perform under pressure. After my military service, that mission continued. For more than 20 years, I have worked as a Group Fitness Coach and Personal Trainer, helping people from all backgrounds discover their potential through structured training and disciplined habits. From bootcamps to one-on-one coaching, my focus has always remained the same: helping individuals become stronger, more confident, and more capable than they believed possible. In February 2026, I launched EmpowerFit in Omaha, Nebraska, by way of Scottsdale, Arizona, bringing together decades of experience in strength training, disciplined coaching, and performance development. The philosophy behind EmpowerFit is built on principles that have guided me throughout my career: ▪ Build strength with purpose ▪ Train with discipline ▪ Create sustainable results ▪ Develop confidence that carries into every area of life I believe fitness should do more than change your body, it should strengthen your mindset, elevate your standards, and transform how you approach challenges in everyday life. There are no shortcuts to real progress. No quick fixes. Only discipline, consistency, and intelligent training. Whether you're stepping into a gym for the first time, rebuilding momentum, or striving for your next level of performance, my goal is to provide the structure, leadership, and accountability to help you get there. Because real empowerment isn’t given. It’s earned.