Derek Deprey was taught to always pursue his dreams. That’s why he left his position as the assistant coach of the University of Utah to be the general manager of the Wisconsin Athletic Club (WAC) – North Shore in Milwaukee, Wis. Confusing to some, but a great move for Deprey as a leader, and as a family man.
In 1976, a few Milwaukee businessmen opened “The Racquetball Club.” Through the 80s and 90s the club expanded to two, and changed the names to “West Allis Athletic Club” and “Waukesha Athletic Club.” By 1998, the clubs were encompassing the entire fitness formula and had reached another expansion point to establish five clubs in total — the name then changed to WAC.
When Deprey graduated from college in 2002, he was the member services representative for the WAC. “Even though I really enjoyed this start to my career, my dream was to be a basketball coach in the NBA or Division I program,” Deprey said. “I was blessed with an opportunity to be a video-scout for the Milwaukee Bucks under George Karl and Terry Porter.”
Two years later, Deprey accepted a position to be the coordinator of basketball operations for Marquette University under then head coach Tom Crean. Two years later he accepted the position as director of player development/assistant coach for the University of Utah under Jim Boylen.
“After one season in Utah I made the switch back to the Wisconsin Athletic Club to be a better role model for my family by spending more quality time with my wife Rachel and daughter Ellie,” Deprey said.
He had a desire to make a positive difference in people’s lives, live a healthier lifestyle and return to where he always had been the happiest. “My position for the Milwaukee Brewers as the vending manager at the age of 20 taught me how to be an organized, detail freak,” Deprey said. “The coaching world taught me hard work and discipline. My passion for health and fitness makes WAC a perfect fit for me and my family.”
Deprey’s attention to detail has made his expectations clear to all employees. As a motivator, he inquires about their hopes and dreams and what they expect to achieve from their time at WAC. “Whenever something is missed by the staff, I remind them what they said their goals and dreams are,” Deprey said. “Then, I let them know that they must improve if they want to reach them. Finally, I ask how I can help.”
Deprey continues to bring in new motivated industry professionals. “I spend a minimum of five hours interviewing a week,” he said. “It takes a lot of time, but every new hire must meet with each department head manager for 15 to 20 minutes. They really learn how all departments work together, which is exactly what the members experience.”
The staff has reported that they enjoy being able to meet with managers from different departments. Considering the majority of the staff works throughout different departments each day, they have a need to understand how each department operates.
Not only does this give Deprey piece of mind in knowing his employees are well trained, but it also allows him to set a wide range of goals for individuals. He uses John Wooden’s pyramid of success — measuring success by effort, not numbers. “If each staff member gets the cornerstones of his pyramid, we will all feel the energy and grow together,” Deprey said. -CS
What an all round good blog!!