Ask Derek about the best thing that’s happened recently, and he doesn’t hesitate: coming back to Salem Stones. For him, this place is a second home. And if you talk to the people around him, you’ll understand why he means so much to the team.

#EmployeeSpotlight #MeetTheTeam #SalemStones

When the cancer returned, treatment shifted to hormone therapy, and he has stayed steady with support from his doctors, coworkers, and especially his wife. “My wife loves me so much… she was my rock throughout the whole thing,” he said.

The last few years brought real challenges. Derek was diagnosed with cancer in 2023 and went through surgery, radiation, and a long recovery before returning to Salem Stones last year.

Outside of work, Derek’s life is full. He and his wife, Deb, share four kids, including a son serving in the Navy. He loves cooking on weekends, reading crime novels (especially those written by Allison Brennan), watching true crime shows, and spending time with his dogs, Tiger and Thumper.

His time in production had a big impact on him and deepened his compassion for those around him. Today, he moves between inbound and outbound logistics, wherever he’s needed most.

For Derek, what makes Salem special is the people. “I love Salem Stones. When I started, I knew this was family, and they made you feel like family.” Even when he stepped away, he meant it when he said he’d come back. “Here I feel valued,” he shared. “This job always tries to thank you.”

Since then, Derek has worked just about everywhere: inbound, outbound, and production, which is why so many of his teammates turn to him for help. He knows the inventory so well that he jokes about calling out colors and styles when he drives past a cemetery.

“I was the one who put the warehouse together. I placed every stone where it was at,” he said.

Derek first joined Salem Stones back in 2015, when the Ohio warehouse was still a small two-bay space. He remembers those early days well and still takes pride in helping set up the warehouse when we moved into our current building.

To all who serve and have served—thank you. 🇺🇸

📍 Bluff City, TN
📷 Hitchcock Memorials
🛠️ Jet Black granite, etching, and sandblasting by Salem Stones

#VeteransDay #HonoringOurHeroes #BluffCityTN #SalemStones #GraniteMemorials