Derek Whetten

Process Improvement Manager at Brigham Young University–Hawaii
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Contact Information
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(386) 825-5501
Location
Laie, Hawaii, United States, US

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Daryl Royal

I had the pleasure of being in Derek Whetten's Introduction to business class. His experience and expertise were apparent from the very first class. He brought the class to life with examples and activities that immersed us in the topics effectively and enjoyably. Not only did he inspire us through his wealth of experience, but he pushed us to learn more and apply what we were learning. As a business professional you won't find his equal in the field easily. As a teacher you would be even harder pressed to find someone of his caliber. I would recommend him for any business or teaching position without reservation.

🔥Joseph Cancilla🔥

Derek Whetten has been my mentor for many years and is the reason for many of the ways I am today. I owe him quite a bit when it comes to business, to my core values and integrity I have with my dealings with others and to following through with what I say I'm going to do. Derek has always been that shining example of the above mentioned traits and has always been there for me. With how much Derek cares about the people around him and creating a win/win situation in every deal and every circumstance he finds himself in and the knowledge that he has to share, I would definitely recommend always having a pen and paper handy when you're around him; you never know what you might learn from him!

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Experience

    • United States
    • Higher Education
    • 700 & Above Employee
    • Process Improvement Manager
      • Jul 2022 - Present

      Drive process analysis across all involved functions and stakeholders. Determine the as-is state of process work, identify formal and informal business processes in the organization, and obtain the context in which the process is performed and the value generated, the pain points that exist, and possible solutions to address that create efficiencies and scale. Conduct focus groups and cross-functional meetings to understand needs and roles, define problems, determine appropriate solution… Show more Drive process analysis across all involved functions and stakeholders. Determine the as-is state of process work, identify formal and informal business processes in the organization, and obtain the context in which the process is performed and the value generated, the pain points that exist, and possible solutions to address that create efficiencies and scale. Conduct focus groups and cross-functional meetings to understand needs and roles, define problems, determine appropriate solution requirements, develop specifications, analyze and document business processes, validate test procedures, review training material for the user community, and define future product direction. Document quantitative and qualitative models of business processes to improve understanding of the impact of people, process, and tool performance. Consult with project stakeholders to understand business problems and translate them into functional and non-functional requirements. Use business process modeling and analysis (BPMA) tools, methods, and standards to obtain and document information about what capabilities the business needs and how processes are addressing those needs Manage implementation of new and improved business processes. Work with departments and other functions as needed on process implementation planning, including job roles/incentives. Establish and maintain constructive working relationships and keep stakeholders informed of strategies, progress, and status, addressing the underlying needs of the stakeholders. Oversee all aspects related to the implementation stages of business process improvement initiatives. Perform ongoing analyses on business processes related to productivity, quality, costs, and time management. Oversee the revision and updating of policies, procedures, and documentation of business processes.

    • Operations & Finance Analyst (IT Department)
      • Aug 2020 - Jul 2022

      I support the Office of Information Technology with budgeting, accounting, and operations needs. I help the IT teams to gather the data needed to develop budgets, assist the CIO in crafting the annual budget request, and document the spend-down. I manage the department accounting and coordinate with Financial Services to give team leaders the data they need to make spending decisions. I oversee the asset tracking of all IT equipment on campus and am developing new processes to ensure timely… Show more I support the Office of Information Technology with budgeting, accounting, and operations needs. I help the IT teams to gather the data needed to develop budgets, assist the CIO in crafting the annual budget request, and document the spend-down. I manage the department accounting and coordinate with Financial Services to give team leaders the data they need to make spending decisions. I oversee the asset tracking of all IT equipment on campus and am developing new processes to ensure timely and accurate record-keeping. I've been tasked with making my position obsolete within two years. I will do this by developing the budget and financial reports that the CIO and team leaders need to more easily manage their own finances. I am also documenting the supporting roles and processes and training student workers to complete those tasks. I will simplify and automate everything I can. I replaced a full-time employee and agreed to complete the same job in 30 hours per week (the remaining 10 hours per week are dedicated to teaching). My goal is to have streamlined things by February 2021 that the position only takes 20 hours per week and then have it down to 10 hours per week at my first anniversary in the position. I am excited by the challenge to do my job so well that I'm eventually no longer needed.

    • Doctoral Candidate
      • Jan 2019 - Present

      Candidate for Doctor of Business Administration degree with Strategic Leadership & Management concentration. Candidate for Doctor of Business Administration degree with Strategic Leadership & Management concentration.

    • Adjunct Professor
      • Mar 2017 - Present

      I've taught new business students the theory and application of accounting, finance, marketing, sales, ethics, and communication. I use a variety of techniques including a complex simulation that teaches the students how each of the business functions work together for maximum success. I am also researching methods and modules to help Pacific Islander students perform in business simulation at levels similar to students who grew up playing strategy games. In addition to my teaching, I have… Show more I've taught new business students the theory and application of accounting, finance, marketing, sales, ethics, and communication. I use a variety of techniques including a complex simulation that teaches the students how each of the business functions work together for maximum success. I am also researching methods and modules to help Pacific Islander students perform in business simulation at levels similar to students who grew up playing strategy games. In addition to my teaching, I have mentored student social entrepreneurs and winning students in business plan competitions. Show less I've taught new business students the theory and application of accounting, finance, marketing, sales, ethics, and communication. I use a variety of techniques including a complex simulation that teaches the students how each of the business functions work together for maximum success. I am also researching methods and modules to help Pacific Islander students perform in business simulation at levels similar to students who grew up playing strategy games. In addition to my teaching, I have… Show more I've taught new business students the theory and application of accounting, finance, marketing, sales, ethics, and communication. I use a variety of techniques including a complex simulation that teaches the students how each of the business functions work together for maximum success. I am also researching methods and modules to help Pacific Islander students perform in business simulation at levels similar to students who grew up playing strategy games. In addition to my teaching, I have mentored student social entrepreneurs and winning students in business plan competitions. Show less

    • Real Estate Broker Associate
      • Mar 2019 - Oct 2020

      As broker-in-charge I review purchase contracts and audit transaction files for 90+ agents. I mentor agents and help them solve problems and mitigate risk. I counsel my personal clients on advanced financial analysis, forecasting, tax, and financial implications. I received my Hawaii's real estate broker's license in March 2017 and affiliated with Century21 iProperties Hawaii as a sales agent until March 2019. Green Realty Group was rebranded as Pacific Image Properties in fall of… Show more As broker-in-charge I review purchase contracts and audit transaction files for 90+ agents. I mentor agents and help them solve problems and mitigate risk. I counsel my personal clients on advanced financial analysis, forecasting, tax, and financial implications. I received my Hawaii's real estate broker's license in March 2017 and affiliated with Century21 iProperties Hawaii as a sales agent until March 2019. Green Realty Group was rebranded as Pacific Image Properties in fall of 2020. Show less As broker-in-charge I review purchase contracts and audit transaction files for 90+ agents. I mentor agents and help them solve problems and mitigate risk. I counsel my personal clients on advanced financial analysis, forecasting, tax, and financial implications. I received my Hawaii's real estate broker's license in March 2017 and affiliated with Century21 iProperties Hawaii as a sales agent until March 2019. Green Realty Group was rebranded as Pacific Image Properties in fall of… Show more As broker-in-charge I review purchase contracts and audit transaction files for 90+ agents. I mentor agents and help them solve problems and mitigate risk. I counsel my personal clients on advanced financial analysis, forecasting, tax, and financial implications. I received my Hawaii's real estate broker's license in March 2017 and affiliated with Century21 iProperties Hawaii as a sales agent until March 2019. Green Realty Group was rebranded as Pacific Image Properties in fall of 2020. Show less

    • Real Estate Broker
      • Dec 2013 - Aug 2020

      I love solving people's real estate needs--where do I want to live, how do I get my house ready to sell, etc--and seeing the huge positive impact it has on their lives. My strong practice of superior customer service kept me busy with almost no marketing. I've built my commercial sales and leasing book of business for several years and enjoy great success in helping my clients be successful. I've advised and represented office and industrial clients and land buyers/sellers. Notable… Show more I love solving people's real estate needs--where do I want to live, how do I get my house ready to sell, etc--and seeing the huge positive impact it has on their lives. My strong practice of superior customer service kept me busy with almost no marketing. I've built my commercial sales and leasing book of business for several years and enjoy great success in helping my clients be successful. I've advised and represented office and industrial clients and land buyers/sellers. Notable clients include Provo City School District (I brokered the deal to sell Provo High School for $25 million), the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, AmericanWest Bank, Rock Canyon Bank, Sinclair Oil, and many other local firms. I have managed residential and multifamily property management and our firm is one of the largest property management companies in Utah County. I am really good at finding "diamond in the rough" properties where there is opportunity to add significant value. I'm always considering what's the best use for a property and how the value of a property might be increased. Late at night I scour the MLS and research zoning codes to find opportunities where maximizing the use of a property offers significant ROI. Show less I love solving people's real estate needs--where do I want to live, how do I get my house ready to sell, etc--and seeing the huge positive impact it has on their lives. My strong practice of superior customer service kept me busy with almost no marketing. I've built my commercial sales and leasing book of business for several years and enjoy great success in helping my clients be successful. I've advised and represented office and industrial clients and land buyers/sellers. Notable… Show more I love solving people's real estate needs--where do I want to live, how do I get my house ready to sell, etc--and seeing the huge positive impact it has on their lives. My strong practice of superior customer service kept me busy with almost no marketing. I've built my commercial sales and leasing book of business for several years and enjoy great success in helping my clients be successful. I've advised and represented office and industrial clients and land buyers/sellers. Notable clients include Provo City School District (I brokered the deal to sell Provo High School for $25 million), the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, AmericanWest Bank, Rock Canyon Bank, Sinclair Oil, and many other local firms. I have managed residential and multifamily property management and our firm is one of the largest property management companies in Utah County. I am really good at finding "diamond in the rough" properties where there is opportunity to add significant value. I'm always considering what's the best use for a property and how the value of a property might be increased. Late at night I scour the MLS and research zoning codes to find opportunities where maximizing the use of a property offers significant ROI. Show less

  • Plum Property Group
    • Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
    • Real Estate Developer
      • Jan 2005 - Mar 2018

      I have invested in and developed commercial and residential real estate with a focus on "diamond in the rough" properties where there is opportunity to add significant value. I have conducted the financial analysis to determine the feasibility of residential, multifamily, office, industrial, and retail projects. Successful real estate development requires gathering information, finding opportunities that others don't, bringing together and managing the right team, working with municipalities… Show more I have invested in and developed commercial and residential real estate with a focus on "diamond in the rough" properties where there is opportunity to add significant value. I have conducted the financial analysis to determine the feasibility of residential, multifamily, office, industrial, and retail projects. Successful real estate development requires gathering information, finding opportunities that others don't, bringing together and managing the right team, working with municipalities to find solutions they like, and then completing the development. One of my specialties has been urban redevelopment and a focus on transit-oriented projects. The growing Salt Lake City light rail system was just a few years old when I started identifying TOD project opportunities. I found 3 redevelopment sites, modeled several possible developments for each, and obtained entitlements through the cities including a delicate architectural approval in a historic district. I've also developed small residential subdivisions, either as the developer or consultant. Show less I have invested in and developed commercial and residential real estate with a focus on "diamond in the rough" properties where there is opportunity to add significant value. I have conducted the financial analysis to determine the feasibility of residential, multifamily, office, industrial, and retail projects. Successful real estate development requires gathering information, finding opportunities that others don't, bringing together and managing the right team, working with municipalities… Show more I have invested in and developed commercial and residential real estate with a focus on "diamond in the rough" properties where there is opportunity to add significant value. I have conducted the financial analysis to determine the feasibility of residential, multifamily, office, industrial, and retail projects. Successful real estate development requires gathering information, finding opportunities that others don't, bringing together and managing the right team, working with municipalities to find solutions they like, and then completing the development. One of my specialties has been urban redevelopment and a focus on transit-oriented projects. The growing Salt Lake City light rail system was just a few years old when I started identifying TOD project opportunities. I found 3 redevelopment sites, modeled several possible developments for each, and obtained entitlements through the cities including a delicate architectural approval in a historic district. I've also developed small residential subdivisions, either as the developer or consultant. Show less

    • Founder/CEO
      • Apr 2003 - Jul 2016

      Dissatisfied with the poor quality of "snow cones" in Utah, I created Lani's Hawaiian Style Shave Ice with authentic Hawaiian "shave ice". We offered both the "soft as a cloud" shaved ice dessert and an authentic experience. We want our customers to enjoy a 15-minute Hawaiian vacation with family and friends. I founded this venture and developed the concept, marketing, operational systems, training processes, and all other aspects of the business. I established and carefully… Show more Dissatisfied with the poor quality of "snow cones" in Utah, I created Lani's Hawaiian Style Shave Ice with authentic Hawaiian "shave ice". We offered both the "soft as a cloud" shaved ice dessert and an authentic experience. We want our customers to enjoy a 15-minute Hawaiian vacation with family and friends. I founded this venture and developed the concept, marketing, operational systems, training processes, and all other aspects of the business. I established and carefully cultivated an organization culture around superb quality and the "Aloha Spirit". I hired 100+ youth and trained them on customer service and operational processes. I also promoted 20+ of them to managerial positions and coached them on how to manage their peers. I successfully ran the business for 14 years with five locations and sold two franchises. This venture was more educational than any MBA program. Show less Dissatisfied with the poor quality of "snow cones" in Utah, I created Lani's Hawaiian Style Shave Ice with authentic Hawaiian "shave ice". We offered both the "soft as a cloud" shaved ice dessert and an authentic experience. We want our customers to enjoy a 15-minute Hawaiian vacation with family and friends. I founded this venture and developed the concept, marketing, operational systems, training processes, and all other aspects of the business. I established and carefully… Show more Dissatisfied with the poor quality of "snow cones" in Utah, I created Lani's Hawaiian Style Shave Ice with authentic Hawaiian "shave ice". We offered both the "soft as a cloud" shaved ice dessert and an authentic experience. We want our customers to enjoy a 15-minute Hawaiian vacation with family and friends. I founded this venture and developed the concept, marketing, operational systems, training processes, and all other aspects of the business. I established and carefully cultivated an organization culture around superb quality and the "Aloha Spirit". I hired 100+ youth and trained them on customer service and operational processes. I also promoted 20+ of them to managerial positions and coached them on how to manage their peers. I successfully ran the business for 14 years with five locations and sold two franchises. This venture was more educational than any MBA program. Show less

  • Rock Canyon Oil
    • American Fork, Utah
    • Business Development Executive
      • Jul 2010 - Mar 2014

      Rock Canyon Oil re-refined used motor oil and produced high quality base oils and diesel fuels. I was a member of the executive team hired by new ownership of a bankrupt family business. We cleaned up messy personnel and organization issues while developing a new culture. I performed detailed financial analysis of various business opportunities and participated in strategic planning and management decisions. I helped develop the sales and marketing programs targeting both B2B and… Show more Rock Canyon Oil re-refined used motor oil and produced high quality base oils and diesel fuels. I was a member of the executive team hired by new ownership of a bankrupt family business. We cleaned up messy personnel and organization issues while developing a new culture. I performed detailed financial analysis of various business opportunities and participated in strategic planning and management decisions. I helped develop the sales and marketing programs targeting both B2B and B2C customers. As opportunities came and went, we scrambled finding new sources for our used oil and other industries where we could sell our re-refined oil. It was a very dynamic sales environment that required creativity, hustle, and superior salesmanship. I also led the incorporation of a major manufacturing process (clay filtration of the re-refined oil) into our facility. I spent weeks learning the technology and developing operational processes and controls then I trained the employees and managed them on an ongoing basis. Show less Rock Canyon Oil re-refined used motor oil and produced high quality base oils and diesel fuels. I was a member of the executive team hired by new ownership of a bankrupt family business. We cleaned up messy personnel and organization issues while developing a new culture. I performed detailed financial analysis of various business opportunities and participated in strategic planning and management decisions. I helped develop the sales and marketing programs targeting both B2B and… Show more Rock Canyon Oil re-refined used motor oil and produced high quality base oils and diesel fuels. I was a member of the executive team hired by new ownership of a bankrupt family business. We cleaned up messy personnel and organization issues while developing a new culture. I performed detailed financial analysis of various business opportunities and participated in strategic planning and management decisions. I helped develop the sales and marketing programs targeting both B2B and B2C customers. As opportunities came and went, we scrambled finding new sources for our used oil and other industries where we could sell our re-refined oil. It was a very dynamic sales environment that required creativity, hustle, and superior salesmanship. I also led the incorporation of a major manufacturing process (clay filtration of the re-refined oil) into our facility. I spent weeks learning the technology and developing operational processes and controls then I trained the employees and managed them on an ongoing basis. Show less

    • Commercial Branch Broker
      • Apr 2006 - Apr 2013

      See "current" brokerage listing for my skills and experience. See "current" brokerage listing for my skills and experience.

  • Rimrock Technologies
    • Pleasant Grove, Utah, United States
    • Chief Financial Officer, Controller
      • May 2004 - Jun 2005

      I was initially hired to sleuth out two years of improper accounting and to rebuilt the books according to GAAP standards. The company knew they were running out of money but didn't know the extent of their cash flow and profitability problems. I and my team got the books cleaned up and instituted proper methods and controls. I led the return to profitability by instilling financial discipline and stream-lining operations. I negotiated payment plans and settlement agreements with the… Show more I was initially hired to sleuth out two years of improper accounting and to rebuilt the books according to GAAP standards. The company knew they were running out of money but didn't know the extent of their cash flow and profitability problems. I and my team got the books cleaned up and instituted proper methods and controls. I led the return to profitability by instilling financial discipline and stream-lining operations. I negotiated payment plans and settlement agreements with the IRS and critical vendors totaling over $1 million (significant for a company with only $5 million in annual revenue). I left the company profitable and solvent. Show less I was initially hired to sleuth out two years of improper accounting and to rebuilt the books according to GAAP standards. The company knew they were running out of money but didn't know the extent of their cash flow and profitability problems. I and my team got the books cleaned up and instituted proper methods and controls. I led the return to profitability by instilling financial discipline and stream-lining operations. I negotiated payment plans and settlement agreements with the… Show more I was initially hired to sleuth out two years of improper accounting and to rebuilt the books according to GAAP standards. The company knew they were running out of money but didn't know the extent of their cash flow and profitability problems. I and my team got the books cleaned up and instituted proper methods and controls. I led the return to profitability by instilling financial discipline and stream-lining operations. I negotiated payment plans and settlement agreements with the IRS and critical vendors totaling over $1 million (significant for a company with only $5 million in annual revenue). I left the company profitable and solvent. Show less

  • The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
    • Washington, District of Columbia, United States
    • International Public Relations Manager
      • Nov 1999 - Apr 2002

      I represented the Church in dealings with the international diplomatic community in Washington, D.C. I cultivated relationships with Ambassadors, other diplomats, Members of Congress, and prominent VIPs. I organized and executed a wide variety of large and small events for diplomatic community with Members of Congress as hosts. A also coordinated efforts with various Church international departments and entities. I represented the Church in dealings with the international diplomatic community in Washington, D.C. I cultivated relationships with Ambassadors, other diplomats, Members of Congress, and prominent VIPs. I organized and executed a wide variety of large and small events for diplomatic community with Members of Congress as hosts. A also coordinated efforts with various Church international departments and entities.

Education

  • California Southern University
    Doctor, Business Administration and Strategic Leadership
    2019 - 2025
  • Brigham Young University
    Master's degree, Public Administration
    1999 - 2003
  • Shenandoah University
    2002 - 2002
  • Brigham Young University
    Public Relations/Image Management
    1997 - 1998
  • Brigham Young University
    Bachelor's degree, Business Management
    1993 - 1995
  • Brigham Young University - Hawaii
    1990 - 1993

Community

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