Derek Huizinga

Derek Huizinga has a long history of work experience. Derek began with Fastco Industries, Inc. in 2000 as Sales and Distribution Manager, where they managed multiple teams and team leaders in customer service, EDI development, customer surcharges, customer planning and part releases. In 2007, they became President of SmartHealthShop.com, a retail supplements website, where they brought server load down over 50% from MySQL optimization and code clean-up, focused on accuracy and creating systems for order processing, and improved organic search engine traffic for multiple search terms and products. In 2016, they were Business Development Manager at G.A. Richards Group, where they assisted in creating high-value solutions, assisted in the creation of formal strategic initiatives within each business unit, and created consistent messages among all creatives. Derek then moved to Robroy Enclosures in 2017 as Sales and Service Manager, followed by Attabox Industrial Enclosures in the same year, in the same role. In 2018, they became Vice President of Operations at State Heat Treating Company, where they oversaw all aspects of the P&L for the heat treating business unit, including plant scheduling, invoicing, inventory control, capital expenditure proposals, personnel management, customer face-time, and all day-to-day operations. In 2019, they joined Mind Mingles as Managing Partner - Head of US Operations, where they were United States agency partner for new client acquisition and sales growth funnel. In 2020, they became Franchisee Owner and Regional Development at Turbo Tint, and in 2021, they took up the role of Principal Owner at May 15 Exteriors, LLC.

Derek Huizinga began their educational journey at Calvin Christian High School, where they graduated in 2004. Derek then attended Grand Valley State University, where they obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration - BBA in Business Administration and Management, General in 2015, as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration - BBA in International Business/Trade/Commerce in 2007. In 2012, Derek completed a Manufacturing program at Grand Rapids Community College. Finally, Derek obtained their Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in Value-driven Organization from Central Michigan University in 2020. In addition to their formal education, Derek has obtained various certifications, including QM2367 & AU2364 (IATF 16949:2016 and ISO 9001:2015 Internal QMS Auditor) from Exemplar Global, Inc. in 2018, Purpose-Driven Leadership Training from Express Employment Professionals in 2017, Import / Export Documentation and INCOTERMS from Global Training Center in 2006, and Certified Tourism Ambassador in 2015.