Biography of Derek Conorton:

An Entrepreneur’s Journey of Resilience and Triumph

From Humble Beginnings to a Pioneering Vision

Born into a family embodying hard work and support, Derek Conorton’s upbringing was rich in values and life lessons. His parents, dedicated to providing a great life, instilled in him the importance of integrity, perseverance, and compassion. Early on, Derek was drawn to the transformative ideas of Tony Robbins and Eckhart Tolle, sparking a deep interest in personal development. This early exposure to transformative thinking laid the groundwork for his future endeavors, fueling a lifelong pursuit of growth and self-improvement.

The High School Years and the Path to Self-Discovery

Derek’s high school experience was a mix of social enjoyment and academic disconnection. He thrived in the social environment but found the traditional educational system restrictive, leading to his departure in the 12th grade. This decision, though unconventional, did not deter him from pursuing education on his terms. At an adult learning center, he completed his diploma and then attended a business program at a local community college. Derek dropped out of college 30 days into his first term. This period was crucial in shaping Derek’s understanding that success doesn’t always follow a conventional route and that education can be pursued in various forms.

Early Career and Turning to Real Estate

Derek’s initial career steps led him to work at the local police headquarters, providing financial stability but not fulfilling his entrepreneurial aspirations. At the age of 21 he made a pivotal decision to buy his first home, unknowingly stepping onto the path of real estate investing. This direction was solidified after reading Robert Kiyosaki’s “Rich Dad Poor Dad Real Estate Riches,” which he discovered through a friend working on a cruise ship. This book became the catalyst for his real estate investing career.

Overcoming Early Challenges and Achieving Initial Success

Derek’s early ventures in real estate were marked by both triumphs and trials. An initial partnership with a friend dissolved over a deal, teaching him valuable business lessons. Despite this, his dedication to learning about real estate and business led to significant early successes. By employing creative financing techniques, Derek swiftly expanded his portfolio, acquiring eight properties in his first deal and 15 in his second. However, this intense focus on real estate led to his dismissal from the police force, a turning point that allowed him to fully immerse himself in real estate investing.

Peak and Downfall

In just a few short years, he amassed over 34 properties with more than 100 units, a testament to his skill and determination. However, the combination of managing problem tenants, personal challenges with his father’s illness, and his own mental and physical health issues began to take a toll. In 2008, these pressures culminated in a personal and financial crisis. Derek, grappling with the loss of his father at the young age of 51 and a breakup with his girlfriend, faced immense emotional and financial stress.

The Crisis of 2008

2008 marked the darkest period in Derek’s life. Overwhelmed by the compound effect of personal loss and financial strain, he faced bankruptcy. This decision not only impacted him but also led to financial ruin for his mother, with a total loss of $2 million. The bankruptcy was a significant turning point, marking the lowest point in his career and personal life. His vehicle was repossessed, and he found himself starting from scratch.

The Turning Point and Rebuilding

In the aftermath of bankruptcy, Derek experienced a moment of divine intervention during a chance encounter with a minister. This encounter, which happened shortly after his bankruptcy, reignited his passion for real estate and marked the beginning of his journey back to success. Derek approached his comeback with a renewed strategy, focusing on sustainable growth and ethical practices. He re-established trust with private lenders and began rebuilding his portfolio with a focus on low-risk, high-equity deals. (Derek refers to this as his “Entry Strategy”)

Love, Expansion, and Diversification

During this period of rebuilding, Derek’s personal life also flourished. He met his future wife in 2010, she was a budding entrepreneur who had started a dance studio. Drawing on his experiences, Derek supported and guided her in transforming the studio into a multimillion-dollar enterprise. This expansion not only mirrored Derek’s success in real estate but also showcased his versatility and acumen in business development. Over a 12-year period their combined efforts resulted in significant growth, expanding from a small dance studio to a large multiplex offering 15 different sports and activity programs to over 4500 children annually, with 50 employees. Derek, his wife, and their team were recipients of over 70 community awards and 3 outstanding business achievement awards.

Now, at 42, Derek Conorton oversees a diverse, multi-8-figure real estate portfolio, owning over 110 investment properties to date encompassing single-family and multifamily homes, industrial spaces, a campground, and a large condo development. His journey from a promising young investor to experiencing significant setbacks, and then making a remarkable comeback, is a testament to his resilience, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Diversifiers: Empowering Others Through Experience

Derek’s life story forms the backbone of his coaching program, “Diversifiers.” This program is not just about teaching real estate and business strategies; it’s about sharing the lessons from a life filled with both extraordinary successes and profound challenges. Derek invites others to learn from his journey and to embark on a path of personal and professional transformation, assuring them that with perseverance and the right guidance, success is within reach.

Core Beliefs

A lot of Derek’s success is attributed to these 4 Core Beliefs:

1. Focus on building quality relationships with your clients. Relational over Transactional
2. “it’s only one more no until I get my yes”.
3. Resources are unlimited, but it’s how resourceful you can be that will determine your level of success in life, and in business.
4. You don’t have to be the smartest person in the room but you must know how to persuade and inspire the smartest people in the room to assist you in achieving your goals.