We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr Derrick T Peterson . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr Derrick T below.
Dr Derrick T , appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
The story behind my mission or what I like to say is ” What motivates me to do what I do?” I’m motivated by my love for God and my ability to change the world of design and business one Super CEO at a time..
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I started designing as a kid. I owned my first computer at the age of 10 which help strike a desire. My Father always had some business going on somewhere in the city as He was a welder and the best mechanic in the South. He always learned on me to do all His secretary work, book keeping and all. I was literally sitting on a booster in a chair 2nd and 3rd grade constructing business documents ie: reciepts, Bill of sales contracts and all. Daddy saw something I didn’t see. I wanted to be a medical doctor that’s all I wanted. So, it’s safe to say my life is just what I love. Business my Paw Paws piece, Healthcare Administration my peace and dZign my Passion. I attended Mississippi Delta Community college with a degree in applied science. The same day I graduated I landed my first professional role as a Licensed Publisher and Communication Assistant. I work side by side with the CEO – making sure the world knew who we were as a company. Left MDCC and went to MVSU were I graduated Dec 1, 2003 with my Bachelor in Business Administration, I soon left Mississippi after graduating MVSU to pursue my career in Chicago, Illinois this was where all my Daddys family lived including Him at once point. Funny I had so many job interviews all I wanted to do was get to work. Fed-Ex called me immediately I went in interviewed BAM I got the role. My cousin literally worked in the same building the job fair was located. So after completing all my stuff for FedEx I went to her office to wait. The CEO of the company came through she introed her self and I did the same. As I spoke she got more and more excited age said, ” come go with me.” I proceeded in obedience to be taken to a Board Room in session. She advised I have a seat and just observe. When the meeting was almost over age asked that I stand and come forward. She said,” Team I like to introduce you to my new Communication Director..” He will be headed up our admin and communication department immediately. I was overwhelmed I busted out in tears. This was the biggest Department of Human Services in Chicago and the worst area Westside. I was young tough and a Peterson no problem I got this. She never asked me what I needed to make or anything. Never discussed it so I was a bit timid working 19 no offer letter or even convo. FedEx had just given $60,000 at the age of 19 to run the operations hub. Needless to say I received my first check a few days of working. Salaried at $75,000 a year with full benefits. There a had 160 hour check in my hands and hadn’t worked but 3 days I was like a deer in headlamps. Can you say,” young and blessed with me.” I immediately for enrolled at the University of Illinois at the Pavillion because that’s who our company partned with start working on my MBA. ENDED UP at UOP graduating with a double masters in Computer Science and Business Administration. Greatly to God! I lived Chicago a year – resigned went back home and started my dream. I landed me a quick role in the school district and begin to build Printing Today and Computer Services Unlimited. Baught the land, built from the ground up out my savings. Literally, saved all my money from the welfare department. I ate what they provided at work, transportation was free. So, I rode the train everywhere. I lived in Mississippi and ran PTICSU – 10 years then Baylor offered me a PHD in HCA free of charge all they wanted was for me to teach, work and school. I was down for that. I sold everything and moved to Texas 2008, it’s been a blessing. I graduated 2015 from Baylor worked till 2017 and stepped back into my destiny. This is even Klassy D’Zign and Konsulting Inc was birth. Since this I have Tawan’s Touch Inc. a full service mobile design studio, Touched by Tawan a full service mobile hair color studio, and THE DTP Group where I build business, mentor CEOS, and staff for professional HCA roles. I feel like everyday in on a vaction because I’m doing what I absolutely love..
Conversations about M&A are often focused on multibillion dollar transactions – but M&A can be an important part of a small or medium business owner’s journey. We’d love to hear about your experience with selling businesses.
Yes, I sold my first business why? I was young and unlerned. I made allot of money and I just blew it. Daddy never taught my to save because He didn’t. He had allot of stuff. He didn’t believe in banks or treasuring anything so I didn’t. I failed tremendously. I sold the business and headed to Texas to work and forget a business. That was not God’s plan. He couldn’t wait until I matured so He could birth some new Babies in me. Klassy D’Zign and Konsulting Inc my everything plus 1
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
How I raised the capital? I workerd a full time job and saved my money. I have literally never had to borrow money or take out a loan sincs I first opened my doors January, 1999.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Vit.a.min.d
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KDKstudio7
- Twitter: @CEOofKDkinc
Image Credits
KDKStudios