Hey, I’m Derek
Hey, I’m Derek
Hey, I’m Derek
Derek Peterson is an entrepreneur, investor, speaker, and global nomad dedicated to proving that life can be intentionally designed … not defaulted.
Founder of Adapt Agency and Adapt You, Derek has helped shape brands responsible for over $35 billion in campaign-driven assets under management while raising more than $100 million across his own real estate ventures. His work sits at the intersection of business architecture, personal evolution, and lifestyle design - guiding individuals toward time, location, and financial freedom through strategy, systems, and lived execution.
Derek Peterson is an entrepreneur, investor, speaker, and global nomad dedicated to proving that life can be intentionally designed … not defaulted.
Founder of Adapt Agency and Adapt You, Derek has helped shape brands responsible for over $35 billion in campaign-driven assets under management while raising more than $100 million across his own real estate ventures. His work sits at the intersection of business architecture, personal evolution, and lifestyle design - guiding individuals toward time, location, and financial freedom through strategy, systems, and lived execution.
Derek Peterson is an entrepreneur, investor, speaker, and global nomad dedicated to proving that life can be intentionally designed … not defaulted.
Founder of Adapt Agency and Adapt You, Derek has helped shape brands responsible for over $35 billion in campaign-driven assets under management while raising more than $100 million across his own real estate ventures. His work sits at the intersection of business architecture, personal evolution, and lifestyle design - guiding individuals toward time, location, and financial freedom through strategy, systems, and lived execution.
Father
Father
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur
Investor
Investor
Freedom Architect
Freedom Architect
A six-time Ironman triathlete and creator of the Rich & Homeless movement alongside his wife Amy, Derek has turned his life into the living proof of his philosophy:
Your business should build your life — not consume it.
A six-time Ironman triathlete and creator of the Rich & Homeless movement alongside his wife Amy, Derek has turned his life into the living proof of his philosophy:
Your business should build your life — not consume it.
A six-time Ironman triathlete and creator of the Rich & Homeless movement alongside his wife Amy, Derek has turned his life into the living proof of his philosophy:
Your business should build your life — not consume it.
Early Life & Identity Formation
Derek was born in Columbia, Maryland, where his defining moment came not from success — but from struggle.
In eighth grade, he nearly failed and was placed into a lower academic track. Rather than breaking him, it ignited something far more powerful: self-awareness. He realized that if he didn’t change course, life would be built around limitation instead of possibility.
That moment forced a decision.
And that decision shaped an identity.
It was the first time Derek understood that trajectory is a choice — and that effort, discipline, and vision could rewrite any narrative.
Derek was born in Columbia, Maryland, where his defining moment came not from success — but from struggle.
In eighth grade, he nearly failed and was placed into a lower academic track. Rather than breaking him, it ignited something far more powerful: self-awareness. He realized that if he didn’t change course, life would be built around limitation instead of possibility.
That moment forced a decision.
And that decision shaped an identity.
It was the first time Derek understood that trajectory is a choice — and that effort, discipline, and vision could rewrite any narrative.
Derek was born in Columbia, Maryland, where his defining moment came not from success — but from struggle.
In eighth grade, he nearly failed and was placed into a lower academic track. Rather than breaking him, it ignited something far more powerful: self-awareness. He realized that if he didn’t change course, life would be built around limitation instead of possibility.
That moment forced a decision.
And that decision shaped an identity.
It was the first time Derek understood that trajectory is a choice — and that effort, discipline, and vision could rewrite any narrative.
Entrepreneurship & First Ventures
In 2012, Derek launched his first of two medical distribution companies, marking the beginning of his journey as a founder. Scaling his second medical business to 2500 reps nation wide these industry disrupting businesses provided the foundation for his understanding of system design, operational resilience, and scalable execution. More importantly, they clarified a deeper calling:
He didn’t just want to build companies.
He wanted to build freedom.
This insight would soon give rise to everything that followed.
Corporate Foundation
& Strategic Evolution
Derek entered the corporate world through high-performance environments at ADP, Covidien, and Allergan, where he developed a deep understanding of operational systems, scalable infrastructure, leadership psychology, and growth execution.
Yet even as career success mounted, the realization grew louder:
Achievement without autonomy creates a ceiling.
That internal shift laid the groundwork for entrepreneurship — not as rebellion, but as strategy.
The Health Crisis That
Rewired Everything
In 2019, Derek remarried and embarked on a life changing 59 day around the world Honeymoon. Just weeks after returning he noticed his health starting to steadily decline. Over the next 18 months he faced a personal health crisis that became a profound turning point. Diagnosed with autoimmune this 6 time Ironman Athlete lost 30 pounds and was unable to walk without crutches.
Rather than relying on conventional routes alone, he committed to a natural, holistic health journey… ultimately reversing his condition entirely through intentional lifestyle change, nutritional discipline, and health-focused alignment.
That experience redefined his worldview. It revealed a truth that now anchors his entire philosophy:
Everything you build stands on the foundation of your health.
From that moment forward, health became non-negotiable — forming one of the three pillars of his framework:
Health. Wealth. Self.
The Cost of Success
& The Birth of Adapt
In 2012, Derek launched his first of two medical distribution companies, marking the beginning of his journey as a founder. Scaling his second medical business to 2500 reps nation wide these industry disrupting businesses provided the foundation for his understanding of system design, operational resilience, and scalable execution. More importantly, they clarified a deeper calling:
He didn’t just want to build companies.
He wanted to build freedom.
This insight would soon give rise to everything that followed.
It became clear: the businesses he had built were controlling him, not serving him. And in that realization came a decision that would redefine everything that followed.
He chose to change. Not adjust. Not tweak. Change.
From that commitment, a new identity was born. And with it, a new name: Adapt.
Adapt was not just a company — it was a declaration.
A full-spectrum commitment to evolution, intentionality, and the courage to rebuild life with alignment, presence, and purpose at the core.
This moment marked the pivot from achievement-driven success to freedom-driven living — the foundation of the ecosystem he would go on to build.
Corporate Foundation & Strategic Evolution
Derek entered the corporate world through high-performance environments at ADP, Covidien, and Allergan, where he developed a deep understanding of operational systems, scalable infrastructure, leadership psychology, and growth execution.
Yet even as career success mounted, the realization grew louder:
Achievement without autonomy creates a ceiling.
That internal shift laid the groundwork for entrepreneurship — not as rebellion, but as strategy.
Derek entered the corporate world through high-performance environments at ADP, Covidien, and Allergan, where he developed a deep understanding of operational systems, scalable infrastructure, leadership psychology, and growth execution.
Yet even as career success mounted, the realization grew louder: Achievement without autonomy creates a ceiling.
That internal shift laid the groundwork for entrepreneurship — not as rebellion, but as strategy.
Entrepreneurship & First Ventures
In 2012, Derek launched his first of two medical distribution companies, marking the beginning of his journey as a founder. Scaling his second medical business to 2500 reps nation wide these industry disrupting businesses provided the foundation for his understanding of system design, operational resilience, and scalable execution. More importantly, they clarified a deeper calling:
He didn’t just want to build companies.
He wanted to build freedom.
This insight would soon give rise to everything that followed.
In 2012, Derek launched his first of two medical distribution companies, marking the beginning of his journey as a founder. Scaling his second medical business to 2500 reps nation wide these industry disrupting businesses provided the foundation for his understanding of system design, operational resilience, and scalable execution. More importantly, they clarified a deeper calling:
He didn’t just want to build companies.
He wanted to build freedom.
This insight would soon give rise to everything that followed.
The Cost of Success & The Birth of Adapt
As Derek’s businesses scaled, so did his income, influence, and reputation. On the outside, it looked like success.
On the inside, it was erosion.
The pursuit of growth began to consume him.
He made significant money — but at the cost of presence, connection, and identity. Long hours became norm. Stress became lifestyle. Bad habits crept in quietly. The discipline that once fueled ambition began to fracture into burnout.
He wasn’t showing up as the father he wanted to be.
He wasn’t living the life he thought he was building.
And ultimately, the personal toll led to divorce.
This was rock bottom — not financially, but spiritually.
As Derek’s businesses scaled, so did his income, influence, and reputation. On the outside, it looked like success.
On the inside, it was erosion.
The pursuit of growth began to consume him.
He made significant money — but at the cost of presence, connection, and identity. Long hours became norm. Stress became lifestyle. Bad habits crept in quietly. The discipline that once fueled ambition began to fracture into burnout.
He wasn’t showing up as the father he wanted to be.
He wasn’t living the life he thought he was building.
And ultimately, the personal toll led to divorce.
This was rock bottom — not financially, but spiritually.
It became clear: the businesses he had built were controlling him, not serving him. And in that realization came a decision that would redefine everything that followed.
He chose to change. Not adjust. Not tweak. Change.
From that commitment, a new identity was born. And with it, a new name: Adapt.
Adapt was not just a company — it was a declaration.
A full-spectrum commitment to evolution, intentionality, and the courage to rebuild life with alignment, presence, and purpose at the core.
This moment marked the pivot from achievement-driven success to freedom-driven living — the foundation of the ecosystem he would go on to build.
It became clear: the businesses he had built were controlling him, not serving him. And in that realization came a decision that would redefine everything that followed.
He chose to change. Not adjust. Not tweak. Change.
From that commitment, a new identity was born. And with it, a new name: Adapt.
Adapt was not just a company — it was a declaration.
A full-spectrum commitment to evolution, intentionality, and the courage to rebuild life with alignment, presence, and purpose at the core.
This moment marked the pivot from achievement-driven success to freedom-driven living — the foundation of the ecosystem he would go on to build.
The Health Crisis That Rewired Everything
In 2019, Derek remarried and embarked on a life changing 59 day around the world Honeymoon. Just weeks after returning he noticed his health starting to steadily decline. Over the next 18 months he faced a personal health crisis that became a profound turning point. Diagnosed with autoimmune this 6 time Ironman Athlete lost 30 pounds and was unable to walk without crutches.
Rather than relying on conventional routes alone, he committed to a natural, holistic health journey… ultimately reversing his condition entirely through intentional lifestyle change, nutritional discipline, and health-focused alignment.
That experience redefined his worldview. It revealed a truth that now anchors his entire philosophy:
Everything you build stands on the foundation of your health.
From that moment forward, health became non-negotiable — forming one of the three pillars of his framework:
Health. Wealth. Self.
The Adapt Ecosystem
The Adapt Ecosystem
The Adapt Ecosystem
What began as a marketing agency evolved into a comprehensive platform designed to guide entrepreneurs through the full lifecycle of freedom.
What began as a marketing agency evolved into a comprehensive platform designed to guide entrepreneurs through the full lifecycle of freedom.
What began as a marketing agency evolved into a comprehensive platform designed to guide entrepreneurs through the full lifecycle of freedom.
A strategic consultancy integrating:
Branding & Marketing (Adapt Media)
Systems & Operations (Adapt Ops)
Leadership Strategy (Adapt Coaching)
Serving real estate operators, capital raisers, healthcare brands, and personal thought leaders, Adapt builds businesses aligned with lifestyle — not just revenue.
A strategic consultancy integrating:
Branding & Marketing (Adapt Media)
Systems & Operations (Adapt Ops)
Leadership Strategy (Adapt Coaching)
Serving real estate operators, capital raisers, healthcare brands, and personal thought leaders, Adapt builds businesses aligned with lifestyle — not just revenue.
A transformational coaching community helping individuals engineer their life through structure, identity shifts, strategic frameworks, and execution systems.
Together, Adapt isn’t a company.It’s an operating philosophy,
A transformational coaching community helping individuals engineer their life through structure, identity shifts, strategic frameworks, and execution systems.
Together, Adapt isn’t a company.It’s an operating philosophy,
Nomadic Life and
Rich & Homeless
Nomadic Life and
Rich & Homeless
Nomadic Life and
Rich & Homeless
Derek and Amy’s perspective shifted forever after their 59-day honeymoon around the world in 2019. That journey activated a larger vision… a life of global movement, experiential wealth, and intentional design.
When they became empty nesters, the signal was clear.
They sold their home and committed fully to the nomadic life.
Through his Rich & Homeless Youtube channel, they document the unfiltered reality of that decision… showcasing not just luxury or travel, but what is possible when business aligns with purpose and design.
This lifestyle is not escapism. It is demonstration.
Derek and Amy’s perspective shifted forever after their 59-day honeymoon around the world in 2019. That journey activated a larger vision… a life of global movement, experiential wealth, and intentional design.
When they became empty nesters, the signal was clear.
They sold their home and committed fully to the nomadic life.
Through his Rich & Homeless Youtube channel, they document the unfiltered reality of that decision… showcasing not just luxury or travel, but what is possible when business aligns with purpose and design.
This lifestyle is not escapism. It is demonstration.
Personal Philosophies
Signature beliefs that define Derek’s approach:
Signature beliefs that define Derek’s approach:
"Your business should fund your life — not consume it"
"Your business should fund your life — not consume it"
"Discipline is self-respect in motion"
"Discipline is self-respect in motion"
"Growth is earned in discomfort"
"Growth is earned in discomfort"
"Clarity creates momentum. Momentum creates freedom"
"You are not behind — you are becoming"
"Clarity creates momentum. Momentum creates freedom"
"You are not behind — you are becoming"
Legacy & Vision
Derek’s ultimate mission is not just success … it is permission.
Permission for others to believe that:
It’s possible to dream bigger than their environment
It’s possible to rewrite identity
It’s possible to live in abundance
It’s possible to build the life they once thought was unattainable
He wants people to understand that freedom is not luck.
It is engineered.
And his life stands as proof…. as seen by him taking a bath in beer in Prague in this picture
Derek Peterson is not chasing status, wealth, or validation.
He is building a framework for human potential — where business becomes leverage, travel becomes perspective, and identity becomes power.
He doesn’t just speak about freedom.
He constructs it. Lives it. And teaches others to do the same.
Derek Peterson is not chasing status, wealth, or validation.
He is building a framework for human potential — where business becomes leverage, travel becomes perspective, and identity becomes power.
He doesn’t just speak about freedom.
He constructs it. Lives it. And teaches others to do the same.
Derek Peterson is not chasing status, wealth, or validation.
He is building a framework for human potential — where business becomes leverage, travel becomes perspective, and identity becomes power.
He doesn’t just speak about freedom.
He constructs it. Lives it. And teaches others to do the same.
1000+ Brands Built
100M+ Raised
51 Countries Travelled
1000+ Brands Built
100M+ Raised
51 Countries Travelled
1000+ Brands Built
100M+ Raised
51 Countries Travelled
Our Success Stories
Stewart Heath
CEO | S&K Private Funding
"The design team at ADAPT doesn’t just make things look good—they build experiences that convert. Every campaign we’ve run with them has outperformed our previous benchmarks."
Jimmy Mcgrath
CEO | Keljam Properties
"Working with ADAPT has completely changed how we approach our brand. They’re more than a creative agency—they’re a strategic growth partner who actually understands our business."
Georgy Marrero
CEO | Equis Capital
"ADAPT helped us streamline our content production with processes that scale. It’s like they installed a creative engine inside our team. We’ve doubled our output without burnout."
Stewart Heath
CEO | S&K Private Funding
"The design team at ADAPT doesn’t just make things look good—they build experiences that convert. Every campaign we’ve run with them has outperformed our previous benchmarks."
Jimmy Mcgrath
CEO | Keljam Properties
"Working with ADAPT has completely changed how we approach our brand. They’re more than a creative agency—they’re a strategic growth partner who actually understands our business."
Georgy Marrero
CEO | Equis Capital
"ADAPT helped us streamline our content production with processes that scale. It’s like they installed a creative engine inside our team. We’ve doubled our output without burnout."
Here’s what people worldwide are saying about us
Mike Downey
Crafted a site that truly tells my story and elevated my brand's future.
Logan Bowers
Felt like a $50M brand—Adapt cared, created, and nailed every detail.
Jimmy McGrath
Captured my vision perfectly—even as a branding and site first-timer.
Stewart Heath
Adapt overdelivered—sharp site and better understanding than we had.
Joe Schmizzi
They nailed design, video, and funnels—perfect for long-term success.
Mike Foley
They managed everything so well I finally felt confident in marketing.
Mike Downey
Crafted a site that truly tells my story and elevated my brand's future.
Logan Bowers
Felt like a $50M brand—Adapt cared, created, and nailed every detail.
Jimmy McGrath
Captured my vision perfectly—even as a branding and site first-timer.
Stewart Heath
Adapt overdelivered—sharp site and better understanding than we had.
Joe Schmizzi
They nailed design, video, and funnels—perfect for long-term success.
Mike Foley
They managed everything so well I finally felt confident in marketing.
Joe Schmizzi
They nailed design, video, and funnels—perfect for long-term success.
Mike Downey
Crafted a site that truly tells my story and elevated my brand's future.
Logan Bowers
Felt like a $50M brand—Adapt cared, created, and nailed every detail.
Jimmy McGrath
Captured my vision perfectly—even as a branding and site first-timer.
View All Testimonials
Our Success Stories
Legacy & Vision
Derek’s ultimate mission is not just success … it is permission.
Permission for others to believe that:
It’s possible to dream bigger than their environment
It’s possible to rewrite identity
It’s possible to live in abundance
It’s possible to build the life they once thought was unattainable