get to know derek and Barbara ann...

THE STORY SO FAR.....

When I was growing up, my father was an exhibit builder and carpenter. He would take me to work on weekends or after school. I would climb into his van and ride along with him to Channel Lumber or Rickels to pick up supplies, and of course ice cream. 

I remember watching him and trying to keep up as I looked at all his shelves filled with tools and wood. He always included me in what he was doing I learned so much.

I worked in various fields throughout my life, attended the Hartt School of Music for percussion, and was a pastry chef for about 12 years, I even worked in bakery in Matsumoto Japan for a little while, but I always found myself coming back to carpentry and home remodeling. I spent some years working for other contractors providing home renovations, bathrooms, kitchens, and tile work. Eventually, I decided to work for myself and have my own business and be the company I would want to hire for my own home.

Moving to Mount Olive Township in 2015 has changed my life. Getting to know this area of NJ and the people in it has made my job so much sweeter. I have spent the last seven years building my business in an area where nobody knew me and now have a solid reputation in the community. 

Barbara Ann and I love driving around the beautiful roads of Morris, Warren, and Sussex Counties. We enjoy all the different activities and parks in the area.   I even proposed on the bench at Chubb Park in Chester many years ago. 

I love meeting your furbabies! 

Our  11th Hour Rescue dog Sara was a stressed out senior dog pulled from a kill shelter in Georgia. While volunteering at 11th Hour we decided to foster her as the kennel was over crowded. Well, we were an instant foster fail and we adopted her in 2014. We had Sara for 10 amazing years until we had to say goodbye in June '24.  She had traveled with us to Tennessee, Vermont, Massachusetts,  and Canada and was spoiled beyond belief! We are left with wonderful memories and miss her terribly everyday. 

Barbara Ann and I donate monthly to 11th Hour and are thrilled they found a beautiful new kennel right here in Mount Olive to help more animals find their furever homes!

Sadie and Ashley our two cats that spend time with me in the morning answering emails. 

Hicks (brown) & Hudson (gray) our two goats that are so friendly and silly. They're a lot of fun to hang out with. 

I am a huge Star Wars fan 

and I am always looking to add to my collection!

I will exchange my handyman services 

for vintage 1970s Star Wars toys! 

Do you have old records taking up space in your attic or basement? I am always looking to add to my collection!

I will exchange  handyman services for 

records in good condition. 

I started Silver Hammer Handyman  out of the back of my wife's Honda CRV many years ago. 

I am so proud of what I have accomplished since then and grateful for the lessons learned and friends made along the way.