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Success is often measured by achievements, income, and recognition. But for Derek Peterson, the true definition of success was discovered when he realized that achievement without freedom comes with a hidden cost.
In this episode of the Next Level Income Podcast, Derek shares the powerful story of how struggle, reinvention, and intentional living transformed his life from chasing success to creating a life built around freedom, purpose, and impact.
Derek’s journey began in Columbia, Maryland, during a defining moment in eighth grade when he nearly failed and was placed into a lower academic track. Instead of accepting that as his future, he made a decision that would shape everything that followed. He realized that his trajectory was not fixed and that discipline, effort, and vision could completely change the direction of his life.
That mindset became the foundation for his future success.
Derek went on to build an impressive career in high-performance corporate environments, including roles at companies such as ADP, Covidien, and Allergan. During this time, he developed expertise in leadership, operational systems, scalable processes, and business growth. He learned what it took to build successful organizations and create repeatable systems that could drive long-term results.
However, as his career progressed, Derek began to recognize a deeper truth: achieving success without autonomy creates limitations. While he was building a strong professional foundation, he realized that the traditional path was not aligned with the kind of life he wanted to create.
In 2012, Derek took the leap into entrepreneurship and launched his first medical distribution company. He later built and scaled another medical business, growing it to over 2,500 representatives nationwide. From the outside, everything appeared successful. The revenue was growing, the businesses were expanding, and his reputation was strengthening.
But behind the scenes, Derek was facing a different reality.
The pursuit of growth began taking a personal toll. Long hours, constant pressure, and the demands of entrepreneurship slowly created distance from the things that mattered most. The success he had worked so hard to achieve started coming at the expense of his health, relationships, and personal fulfillment.
Eventually, Derek reached a turning point. Burnout, disconnection, and divorce forced him to confront a difficult question: Was he building a life that he truly wanted, or had he created a life that controlled him?
That realization became the catalyst for transformation.
Instead of making small adjustments, Derek chose complete reinvention. He committed to rebuilding his life around freedom, presence, and purpose. From that commitment, Adapt was created — not just as a company, but as a philosophy and a movement focused on personal evolution and intentional living.
Today, Derek’s mission extends beyond building businesses. He focuses on helping others understand that real success is not just about financial growth. It is about designing a life where success supports freedom, relationships, health, and meaningful experiences.
His journey is a reminder that success is not a destination. It is a continuous process of adapting, evolving, and creating a life that reflects who you truly want to become.
Tune into this episode of the Next Level Income Podcast to hear Derek Peterson’s inspiring story of resilience, entrepreneurship, and how he created a life of true freedom while traveling the world.
Resources & Links
https://www.adapt.agency/ http://amyandderektravel.com/
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Christopher Larsen is the founder and Managing Partner of Next-Level Income. Since “retiring” after 18 years in the medical device industry he dedicates his time to helping others become financially independent through education and investment opportunities. Chris has been investing in and managing real estate for over 20 years.
While completing his degree in Biomechanical Engineering and M.B.A. in Finance at Virginia Tech, he bought his first single-family rental at age 21. Chris expanded into development, private-lending, buying distressed debt as well as commercial office, and ultimately syndicating multifamily properties. He began syndicating deals in 2016 and has been actively involved in over $500M of real estate acquisitions.
In addition to real estate, Chris has invested in equities, oil & gas, and small business lending, as well as being active in Venture South, one of the nation’s Top 10 Angel Investing groups. Chris lives with his wife and two boys (and Viszla, Lucy!) in Asheville, NC where he loves spending time with them in the outdoors and enjoying the food and culture that the region has to offer.
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