Our Founder: Derek Thomas
It all started with a young man and a dream…
When I was young, my ambition was to be one of the people who made a difference in this world. My hope is to leave the world a little better for having been there. ~Jim Henson
The Beginnings…
Sometimes where you start in life is not where you end up…Derek’s technology journey started shortly after his father’s passing while he was a student at De La Salle High School in New Orleans, Louisiana. Derek’s first business in school was burning to CDs from Napster and selling them to his friends. The confusion of his hero’s passing took him down the wrong track and he was forced to attend Fork Union Military Academy in Fork Union, Virginia. There Derek broke down the walls of his past, networked with lifelong friends and learned leadership as the school transformed him into a man.
As technology changed, Derek evolved to creating whole musical discs, mix music CDs and software and thus began his interest and deep-rooted passion for technology. Derek developed Tunez ‘R Us with his childhood best friend to study music platforms, video gaming, software options and the global development of technology of which he researched extensively and later was afforded the opportunity to travel abroad to Costa Rica, China, France and Japan to seek more understanding of the phenomenon.
The Middle…
Derek next ventured into creating a landscaping business around the time of Hurricane Katrina of which he employed college students while he attended Nicholls State University. While taking on local contracts in landscaping he had a freak accident of being electrocuted in the dorm which left him bedridden for a period of time wherein he began to study Premier Pro, Photoshop, and other game development software.
In 2012 he opened up Crunch Time Cafe with his sister and began working his dream of incorporating video gaming with STEM education in Thibodeaux, Louisiana. While the vision was ahead of the supporting demand, he eventually closed the business and worked on improving the dream, which birthed Independent Gaming League (IGL) along with another partner. Derek studied intensively to perfect the structure of IGL and he later formed IGL Foundation to focus on youth education through STEM programs using gaming technology. He started the beginnings of an apparel line to support the fundraising needs of the organization through GameHedz Productions—a line for gamers, by gamers. He opened his first location in New Orleans where he called his second home.
For years Derek worked full-time at both Covenant House as a Crew Chief as well as taught programs with IGL Foundation. He loved both mentoring the youth while working in landscaping, as well as teaching the gamers that were attracted to the programs, tournaments and events with IGL. He left the position, reluctantly, to put all time and effort into his vision for IGL Foundation full-time.
No End…
On August 14, 2019 the Lord confirmed Derek’s work here on earth was completed and called him home to glory and peace. Derek will be most remembered for his work with IGL Foundation, his dedication to serving, inspiring and educating youth, his commitment towards globalizing the gaming league arena for students, his love for people, his infectious laugh and contagious smile!
Derek’s memory will live on through the team he prepared to meet the challenges they will face in his absence, the family and friends that will share the stories of their chuckles and adventures with him, and the partnerships that he created with everyone he shared his vision of youth empowerment with. His dream is manifested in those that believe, support, and carry out the mission of the trifecta in any area to support his beloved gamers—the dream depends on YOU.
GAME ON.
