Derrick Van Mell | Keynote Speaker

Introducing Derrick Van Mell

How Buildings and Business Connect

Derrick enjoys delivering keynote speeches, conducting tailored workshops and hosting educational brown bag events. He is Principal of 3GoodQuestions, providing Question-Based Planning (QBP), a plain-English alternative to traditional “strategic” planning. QBP is done in five 2-hour meetings in five weeks: it quickly gets everyone going--and keeps them going--in the same direction. No more retreats writing mission statements!

Derrick is also Principal of Van Mell Associates, providing integrated project planning for buildings for business. In both businesses, he’s worked with large and small firms in healthcare, service, health sciences, manufacturing and distribution, finance and the non-profit sector. Derrick has a BA in Economics,
an MBA and an MA.

Speaking worlwide and at distinguished events

IFMA: Singapore, Sweden, Austria and all over the U.S.
Keynote at InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
Wisconsin American Institute of Architects speaker
University of Wisconsin School of Business Guest Lecturer
Wiconsin Healthcare and Education Facilities Authority
Dozens of professional and trade associations
Based out of Madison, WI

Sample Speaking Topics

Click on images below to view presentations

Question-Based Planning

Derrick introduces Question-Based Planning; a plain-English approach to planning that upends any sense of what traditional planning used to be with asking good tough questions first.

Strategically Addicted Clinic

A deadly serious workshop for business overdosed on the semantics of outdated strategic planning. It's time to create and implement great ideas for successful and satisfying work.

Buildings Matter

A highlight of great buildings that matter for business that Derrick has written about in his column “Buildings Matter” for the Capital Region Business Journal.

Goodman Community Center

This is the story of a community planning, financing, and executing the successful renovation of a 100-year-old factory into a showcase project.

Speaking Testimonials

I've seen Derrick present twice nationally, and he's got new and more exciting things to talk about. I will continue to recommend him to speak to future organizations.”

- Vickie Wenzel, VP of Target Commericial Interiors

Derrick did his usual splendid job in speaking to a room full of architects at our AIA Wisconsin annual convention. He is always capable of connecting well with the audience and they listened carefully to his every word. He just has a way of making people comfortable yet challenged and ready for the ever-changing world. Derrick's message is simple, straight-forward and easily understood...a testament tohis ability to connect one-on-one regardless ofthe size of the group. Thanks for a job very well done!

- James Gersich, Principal Dimension IV

Derrick did a great job with his message and delivery. I appreciate his straight forward, comfortable approach and delivery...very down to earth.

- Lisa Arington, President & CEO of Shared Medical Devices