A transplant to Oklahoma from Illinois via the University of Kansas, Darren has a quarter century of “boots-on-the-ground” experience as a business analyst, renegade corporate manager, and small and medium-sized business consultant across a wide variety of industries including the pharmaceutical, telecommunications, transportation, energy, and manufacturing sectors.
An early career intrapreneur, or inside entrepreneur, Darren focused on innovation and creativity within corporations helping to start, grow, and manage five long-shot dreams into five long-lasting and profitable ventures.
Along the way he’s seen the full gambit of business realities: from the thrilling growth and spin-off of a burgeoning brand to the anxiety and gut-wrenching realities of a corporate bankruptcy. Through the acquisitions, mergers, and consolidations there were two constants; change and the fact that someone else was in charge.
After refusing to move for a third time, Darren left the corporate world, took charge for himself, and has never looked back. Oh sure, he misses expense reports and ID badges, but he has graduated from intrapreneur to entrepreneur.
As an entrepreneur, Darren has started three companies: two with a record of success and one that is just getting off the ground and, as a member of a core “start-up” team, has been involved in launching 3 others.
He now MAKES TIME to give back to the entrepreneurial community; as a coach for entrepreneurial programs and as a judge in business model competitions.
