FMTC Employee Spotlight: Derek Koebel

Meet Derek Koebel, Chief Operating Officer at FMTC!

How long have you worked at FMTC? What is your current role?

I began with FMTC as the chief operating officer on September 19, 2022.

What do you like most about your job?

I love the fact that it is not boring. There is always something going on in all the departments. I really like having influence in these areas. I also really enjoy seeing people grow and develop.

What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?

You learn more from your failures than you do from your successes — so never give up, as you have learned valuable lessons even if you “failed” (you’ve learned what not to do).

What do you like to do when you aren’t working?

I go to the gym each morning — this is where I get a clear mind and think (as strange as that may sound). I also run every Tuesday evening with the Brickell Run Club (we have about 500 people running about 3.5 miles through the city). Living in Miami, I love being active and outdoors. In the summer you can find me at the beach.

Now that my kids are all grown, I really like to travel. I tend to be a thrill seeker — I’ve done skydiving, powered parachuting, hang gliding, bungee jumping, cage diving (with sharks), and zip lining (Toro Verde in Puerto Rico). This year I became certified in SCUBA. I also try to find time to ride my motorcycle. On my bucket list — the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain.

What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know?

I HATE butter — made it very difficult growing up in America’s Dairyland (WI).

What’s your motto or personal mantra?

Regrets are those things in life that you did not do — live without regrets!

Name three words to best describe you?

Competitive, competitive, competitive.

What is one thing you can’t live without?

Excitement and humor — I tend to find humor in most anything.

What is your hometown?

I grew up in Green Bay, WI.