If you’ve ever met Derrick Bradshaw, chances are you remember two things: his genuine smile and his unstoppable energy. Whether he’s launching a new business, playing the latest tabletop game, or cracking a dad joke at just the right (or wrong) moment, Derrick brings heart and humor into everything he does.

A Decatur Native with a Big Vision

Born and raised in Decatur, Illinois, Derrick has always had an eye for innovation. From a young age, he was taking things apart just to see how they worked—and occasionally putting them back together. That curiosity eventually grew into a lifelong love of games, technology, and business-building.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit

Derrick is the founder of multiple ventures, including The Hidden Lair, a one-of-a-kind space that blends retail, community, and fantasy under one roof. He’s not just a businessman—he’s a builder. A hands-on leader who’s as likely to be patching drywall as he is hosting a product launch. When something needs doing, Derrick dives in headfirst.

More Than Just Work

When Derrick isn’t working (which is rare), he’s spending time with his wife, kids, and grandkids. He proudly wears the titles of husband, father, and grandfather—and if you ask him, those are his most important roles.

He’s also the first to admit he’s “not the best driver,” but he is the first to volunteer for a road trip or to help someone move. He’s that friend who shows up—with snacks and probably a Bluetooth speaker for spontaneous background music.

A Heart for Games and Laughs

Games are more than a hobby for Derrick—they’re a way of life. From classic RPGs to modern digital strategy games, he finds joy in play and sees gaming as a gateway to connection, learning, and storytelling.

And if you’ve ever heard his laugh echo through a room, you know this: Derrick is funny. Really funny. Not in a stand-up comedian way—but in a “tell you a corny joke and somehow make it gold” kind of way.

Looking Ahead

Derrick is always planning the next big thing—whether it’s a business expansion, a family vacation, or a new game night event. Through it all, he remains grounded in community, driven by curiosity, and fueled by coffee (lots of it).

So if you see him around Decatur—or online—don’t be shy. Say hello. He’ll probably respond with a joke, an idea, or both.

What started as a bold idea rooted in creativity and community has grown into a roaring success—The Hidden Lair, a unique entertainment and retail destination, has become a local and online sensation, and at the heart of it all is Derrick.

Standing proudly outside a striking dragon-themed mural in the heart of the city, Derrick reflects the passion and dedication that brought The Hidden Lair from concept to reality.

A Place Where Imagination Meets Community

The Hidden Lair isn’t just a store—it’s an experience. Part game shop, part pop culture haven, and part community hub, it offers everything from collectible trading cards and fantasy books to tabletop game nights and live events.

Derrick envisioned a space where enthusiasts of all ages could gather, play, and feel at home. “It’s about creating something more than just a store,” he explains. “We wanted to build a community around shared interests—something magical.”

From the Ground Up

Launching The Hidden Lair wasn’t easy. It took months of planning, brand development, and fine-tuning everything from inventory to interior design. Derrick combined sharp business strategy with an unshakable belief in the project’s purpose—and the results speak for themselves.

Since its grand opening, foot traffic has soared, online engagement has boomed, and word-of-mouth has spread across the city.

A Brand That Stands Out

One of the standout features of The Hidden Lair is its powerful branding. The iconic dragon mural behind Derrick serves as a symbol of both fantasy and strength—perfectly capturing the spirit of the store. It’s not just art; it’s a magnet for fans, selfies, and social buzz.

“The dragon represents courage, curiosity, and the thrill of adventure,” Derrick says. “That’s what we want every visitor to feel.”

Looking Ahead

With its growing popularity, The Hidden Lair is expanding its programming, including tournaments, themed nights, and exclusive product drops. Derrick’s next goal? Franchising. “We’re building something scalable. The Lair isn’t just a location—it’s a lifestyle.”

Final Thoughts

Derrick’s journey with The Hidden Lair is a testament to what happens when vision, persistence, and community come together. From dream to destination, he’s built more than a business—he’s sparked a movement.

And if the crowds, smiles, and loyal fans are any indication, The Hidden Lair is just getting started.

In a world where remote work is more accessible than ever, few people embody the blend of professionalism and adventure quite like Derrick. Whether he’s standing against the breathtaking backdrop of the Canadian Rockies or jumping on a video call with his team from a quiet lodge, Derrick has mastered the art of balancing work with wanderlust.

Why Travel Enhances Work, Not Disrupts It

For Derrick, travel isn’t a distraction from productivity—it’s a catalyst. “When you change your surroundings, your creativity resets,” he explains. “The fresh air, the change in pace, even just waking up to a different view—it all makes a difference in how I think and problem-solve.”

With strong Wi-Fi, good time management, and a reliable laptop, Derrick seamlessly handles emails, meetings, and project planning, all while taking in some of the world’s most stunning views.

The Tools of the Trade

To make remote work successful while traveling, Derrick relies on a few essentials:

• A lightweight laptop with long battery life
• Noise-canceling headphones for focused work sessions
• Mobile hotspot or global SIM for internet connectivity on the go
• Cloud-based tools like Zoom, Slack, and Google Workspace

This toolkit ensures he stays connected without being chained to one location.

Creating a Routine in New Places

Derrick structures his days to maintain a sense of routine: early mornings are for work, afternoons for exploration. “I always carve out 3-4 hours of deep focus time, no matter where I am,” he says. “Then I reward myself with a hike or a walk through a local town.”

This balance of discipline and freedom has helped him avoid burnout and stay engaged with both his work and his surroundings.

Challenges and How He Overcomes Them

Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. Derrick has dealt with spotty internet, time zone differences, and the occasional travel hiccup. But with careful planning and flexibility, he’s learned to turn these challenges into part of the adventure.

Advice for Aspiring Digital Nomads

For anyone considering blending travel and work, Derrick offers this advice: “Start small. Try working remotely for a week from a nearby city or nature retreat. Learn what your non-negotiables are—whether it’s Wi-Fi speed or a quiet workspace—and build from there.”

Final Thoughts

Derrick is proof that you don’t have to choose between career success and personal freedom. With the right mindset and setup, it’s entirely possible to have both. In fact, he believes it’s not just possible—it’s the future of work.