Derrick Hesser - Chicago P-O-P Corporation
Chicago P-O-P Corporation is a 3rd generation family owned and operated company in Elk Grove Village, IL that designs and manufactures permanent and temporary point-of-purchase displays. The company has been in business since 1950, and currently has $10 million in gross revenue and 39 employees. The company was ISO 9001:2000 certified in August of 2007.
Derrick is the President and co-owner of the company. He received his undergraduate degree from Purdue University in mechanical engineering and worked at System Sensor in St. Charles, IL as a mechanical engineer designing fire detection equipment for 3 years. Following this, Derrick decided to join his father's business, Chicago P-O-P Corporation, working in the quality and production department for 5 years before becoming the General Manager in 1998. During this time, Derrick received his MBA from DePaul University in Chicago, IL in 2003. His concentration was in finance and marketing. He was promoted to president of the company in 2005.
Derrick ran his first marathon last year, finishing the Chicago Marathon in 4:06. He has completed more than 10 half-marathons and has a PR of 1:45.27 at the Valpo Mini-Marathon this spring. Derrick began long-distance running to help with his training for the Ironman distance triathlon races, and he completed Ironman Kentucky in August in 14 hours 5 minutes.
Derrick has been married since 1999 to Dr. Jennifer Hesser, a doctor of neonatology at DuPage Neonatology Associates. They have two children, Jack 3 and Hannah 2. Derrick signed up for the CEO Marathon Challenge because, as he says, "I thought that it would be a great way to meet other business owners and CEOs and it will be a great way to make the marathon have an extra level of competition for me."
Competition Age Group: 39 and Under
