About Derrick Pledger

Derrick Pledger is founder and CEO of Advanced Concepts in Personal Development, Ltd., an organizational development company. Derrick is an inspirational speaker, trainer and author, whose presentations are designed to help people succeed in the workplace. Derrick’s "turning obstacles into opportunities" philosophy will energize and challenge participants to step up to the next level.

Drawing upon his personal experiences in turning "adversity into action" and inspired by his desire to restore hope and confidence in people, Derrick founded Advanced Concepts in 1996. Initially dedicated to working with individuals in welfare-to-work programs, disheartened college students and downsized employees, the company's portfolio has expanded to include more than 70 professional workshops, aimed at aiding companies in invigorating their most vital resource...people!

Blending a diverse business, military and academic background, topics range from innovation and execution to persistence and team building. Advanced Concepts workshops are customized and structured to engage participants in fun and practical exercises that inspire results.

Derrick has a zealous appreciation for knowledge. He holds a BA in Business and a MBA from National University in San Diego, California.

Derrick has taught courses in College Study Skills, Introduction to Business, Operations & Production Management, and Human Resources Development at Cleveland State University and Cuyahoga Community College. He was named "Outstanding Faculty member of the Year" at the Community College of Southern Nevada in 1995.

Derrick has 18 years experience in sales and marketing, recruiting and training. He’s an avid racquetball player and competitive bowler with numerous sanctioned 300 games.

Derrick is the author of several interpersonal development and customer services books/manuals, including: "Teaching Open-minded People Individualized Conceptualized Skills," "Attacking Your Ifs" (Getting rid of airtight alibis for failure), "The Block and Beyond," (True life stories of young men and women ages 14 through 18 who have made a living selling drugs on the streets of Cleveland, Ohio), "Make Discipline Your Joy", "Customer Service Resource Manual" for the Cleveland Municipal School District’s Office of Professional Development and Key Traits to a Winning Character.

Derrick is a born optimist. He makes you believe dreams can come true.