Built in demanding places. Brought home to the coast.
Derek founded Breakwater Protection Group on more than two decades of experience. Since beginning his security career in 2003, he has worked across major metropolitan markets and high-tourism destinations — including Washington, D.C., Tulsa, Austin, Nashville and Florida's Emerald Coast.
His experience spans hospitality properties from independent hotels to large national brands, biotech security installations, corporate campuses, major construction projects, and multi-acre developments encompassing entire city blocks.
He has led diverse teams responsible for continuous, 24-hour coverage — conducting client site surveys, developing protection strategies for multimillion-dollar contracts, training personnel, and coordinating security across multi-building campuses and large-scale urban redevelopment.
"Every property has its own risks. Meaningful protection begins with understanding the property, its surroundings, and the people who use it."
Protecting a property requires more than responding to crime. It means recognizing and preparing for severe weather, fire, biohazards, unsafe conditions and unauthorized access — anything that can place people, property or continuity at risk.
Broadway, Nashville
Day and night assignments in one of the country's busiest entertainment districts — de-escalating volatile situations and keeping guests, staff and neighboring properties safe and welcome.
Continuous Discipline
Twenty years of self-directed training in combatives, firearms, physical preparedness and other protective disciplines.
Community Leadership
Nonprofit work in crisis response, suicide prevention and de-escalation, with board-level service for the YMCA and the Tennessee Tactical Officers Association.
Personal. Observant. Prevention-first.
Through Breakwater and its Coastal Property Protection division, Derek brings that experience to second homes, coastal estates, construction projects and absentee-owned properties — establishing a trusted presence, identifying concerns early, and communicating clearly.
Every line means something.
Proverbs 24:3–6 crowns the shield.
Through wisdom a house is built,
And by understanding it is established;
By knowledge the rooms are filled
With all precious and pleasant riches.
A wise man is strong,
Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength;
For by wise counsel you will wage your own war,
And in a multitude of counselors there is safety.
The guardian's steady gaze — always watching, even when you can't.
The coast we serve, and the forces a breakwater exists to hold back.
A promise of protection — for the home, and for everything it holds.
Protection Through Presence.
Confidence Through Communication.