At TechFlow, our team of employee-owners is driven by innovation, dedication, and an unmatched commitment to helping our customers achieve their missions. Derek Crousore, a Project Manager on our Energy and Mobility Solutions team, exemplifies this approach to problem-solving and mission success. His grit, passion, and bold perspective reflect our high standards, which is why we’ve chosen him for this edition of Champions of Always Ahead.
From the BattleField to TechFlow: A Lifelong Commitment to Mission Success
Derek knew he was destined for a career in uniform before most kids his age cut their wisdom teeth. As a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy, he earned a history degree while competing on the institution’s NCAA Division I wrestling team. After graduation, he started a distinguished 26-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving as an attack helicopter pilot, logging over 1,200 combat flight hours before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.
As the saying goes “once a Marine, always a Marine,” and Derek’s commitment to mission success didn’t end with his military career. Instead, he traded his uniform to become an employee-owner at TechFlow, where he leverages his military expertise to oversee eight critical EV charging and microgrid infrastructure projects. His work spans four DoD branches, including Naval Base San Diego, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Army Fort Hunter Liggett, and four Army reserve sites, where he helps deliver innovative energy resilience solutions that ensure mission readiness.
Powering Mission Readiness Through Energy Resiliency
Derek plays a vital role in advancing energy resilience for the DoD, ensuring mission readiness at critical military sites. He was instrumental in achieving a 98% uptime rating during prototype testing for TechFlow’s dual-use, self-sustaining EV charging and microgrid solutions, essential for maintaining operations and mission readiness during power grid disruptions. TechFlow’s success in earning the trust of DoD customers is evidenced by three recent success memos for EV charging and microgrid solutions (Army Reserve, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps) and an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) production agreement with the Army Reserve, valued at over $95 million.
The trust TechFlow has earned is no accident – it’s built on a deep understanding of each customer’s unique challenges and delivering solutions that directly meet their needs. As a project manager, Derek acts as the “conductor of an orchestra,” seamlessly coordinating suppliers, contractors, and stakeholders to complete projects on time, on budget, and up to TechFlow’s high standards. Whether troubleshooting in the field or building relationships to enhance TechFlow’s offerings, Derek’s hands-on, results-driven leadership embodies what TechFlow is known for: responsiveness, resourcefulness, and innovation.
Leading From The Field: A Hands-On Approach to Delivering Value
Delivering exceptional value for customers requires going beyond the typical 9-5 workday, and Derek fully embraces that commitment. Whether starting his day before sunrise or burning the midnight oil, he leverages his extensive network, experience, and problem-solving skills to ensure mission success.
Derek knows that he can’t truly understand his customers by sitting behind a desk, so he spends a significant amount of time in the field – addressing challenges head-on and finding creative, practical solutions. From rolling up his sleeves and putting on a hard hat to drawing on the emotional intelligence and leadership skills he honed during his Marine Corps career, Derek ensures every project moves forward efficiently and effectively. His hands-on approach and dedication to results exemplify what it means to lead with purpose.
Why Derek Represents the TechFlow Way
Derek Crousore is a TechFlow Champion of Always Ahead because he exemplifies the mission-focused mindset, resourcefulness, and commitment to excellence that defines our team. His leadership reflects how TechFlow delivers innovative and resilient solutions to address some of our nation’s most critical challenges.
A team player to the core, Derek added, “The near-term success I have enjoyed is a direct result of TechFlow’s “Total Team” mentality – from the C-suite down through IT, HR, Contracts, Finance, and within the Energy and Mobility Solutions business unit.”
Thank you, Derek, for leading with purpose and advancing TechFlow’s commitment to providing unmatched energy resilience solutions for our DoD partners.
