Derek went to school for stationary engineering to understand pumps, turbines, boilers and pressure vessels. He began his first career at a coal fired power plant in Ontario as an operator in training then moved to a refinery where he worked as a Plumber/Steamfitter on maintenance. In 2003 Derek joined the pipefitters union hall and spent 9 years in the trades working “on the tools” in new construction as well as maintenance in heavy industrial plants. He is a licensed Plumber, Steamfitter, Crane Operator, Oil Burner Tech, Gas Tech, Septic Installer and is aPrivate Pilot. Derek has a black belt in Lean Six Sigma.Almost immediately after completing his plumbing apprenticeship, Derek was made as a project supervisor, then a maintenance planner at a refinery. After getting his feet wet in planning, he quickly learned he had a knack for continuous improvement. During an 18-month period, he spearheaded $16M in cost savings for the plant. Derek spent 4yrs working with SAP, the global leader in project management software detailing every nut and bolt required as well as manpower for every project planned. After refining, Derek moved into manufacturing, where he led several cost and safety improvement projects.Mr. Knight then stepped into the white-collar world. He has held the role of CEO, COO, VP, and Director in various companies both private and public as well as through his private company “Surge Wealth”. In 2021 he worked towards listing Snow Lake Resources Ltd on the Nasdaq. This listing was very successful and raised $27.6m USD. Derek has been married for 19 years, has three children, is a Jesus follower and is diagnosed Asperger.