Derrick May is the president and CEO of Optimum Energy Partners LLC, where he applies over 21 years of oil and gas industry experience to lead the company’s strategic initiatives. His background is in private equity, investment banking, and company management; he has a notable track record of facilitating energy transactions. With 300+ investing partners and over $7.5 million in distributions in 2024 alone, Derrick has established Optimum as a major player in the energy investment space. The company has produced 60 wells consecutively; it currently participates in over 100 wells.
Passionate about alternative investments and portfolio diversification, Derrick also advocates philanthropy and mentorship as an ambassador for Girl Power USA. He also loves playing sports—especially tennis, hockey, and softball—and cherishes spending time with his growing family.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I start my day early with a workout- either at the gym, playing tennis, or running. Starting my day with physical movement helps clear my mind and sets a strong tone for the rest of the day. At work, I’m usually the first to arrive and the last to leave. I practice leading by example, and I believe in consistency. I also make it a point to eliminate confusion by ensuring everyone knows the direction we’re heading. That kind of structure and presence keeps things productive.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I wouldn’t say I’m naturally creative in the traditional sense. I struggle with visualizing ideas in my head or mapping them out abstractly. For me, the process is very hands-on. I have to build it, touch it, and get involved physically. That’s how ideas start to take shape for me. It’s less about imagination and more about tangible execution of the idea- kind of like a trial by fire. I problem-solve and refine as I go.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m really interested in the push for U.S. energy independence. It represents a long-term shift in policy, innovation, and national strategy. It’s exciting because it affects everything from geopolitics to local businesses.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
As I mentioned earlier, waking up early to fit in some form of fitness, whether it is the gym, tennis, or whatever the day calls for, really sets the tone. It puts the day on a good path, helps me stay mentally clear, and keeps me focused.
What advice would you give your younger self?
If there is one piece of advice I would give my younger self, it’s this: don’t let the fear of failure hold you back from taking action. You will fail, and there’s no avoiding that. But each failure will teach you resilience. Take the risks, take time to reflect often, and keep moving forward. This process is where the real growth happens.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you.
I know that it is a pretty unpopular opinion, but I don’t believe we actually went to the moon in 1969. I do think there are others out there who feel the same. So, that is probably the one thing I believe that most people don’t.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Waking up early and getting the day started on the right foot is something everyone should do. It gives you a head start, clears your mind, and sets a productive tone for everything that follows.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed, I kind of just unplug. With all the technology, Instagram, TikTok, and people being able to reach you 24/7, the current environment is not a healthy space to be in sometimes. So I usually shut it all off and give myself an hour of peace: no TV, no technology, no interference, no distractions—just quiet time to reset.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
I’m not a very outspoken person, so I believe in leading by example. Being the first one to reach the office and the last to leave each day shows that I don’t take any of this for granted. I think when people see leadership present and grinding alongside them, it sets the tone. One of the most important things a leader can do is remove confusion- making sure everyone is clear on their tasks, the goals, and the direction the company is heading. That is exactly what I try to bring to the table every day.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
I think failure is probably one of the biggest fears we all face, but it’s also something you simply can’t avoid. Over the course of your life and career, you’re going to fail, probably more than once. For me, the most important part has been learning to adapt and accepting that failure is part of the process. The real challenge is not letting it paralyze you. You have to pick yourself up, learn from it, and keep moving forward. What matters most is that you don’t let the fear of failure stop you from trying something new.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
One business idea I would share is focusing on building an employee-friendly culture, which fosters camaraderie and connection. We host some kind of event every month, whether it’s a bowling night, a cornhole competition, or something else fun. It boils down to creating a sense of belonging, worth, and fostering genuine relationships within the team. That kind of culture goes a long way.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I think the most genius piece of software ever made is Microsoft Excel. Honestly, I don’t think they charge enough for it. Every business uses it, and I believe it’s one of the most essential and underrated tools out there. From formulas and reporting to financial statements and data analysis, it does everything. People are so used to it that they forget how powerful it really is. In my opinion, it’s the most valuable and necessary software in business.
What is the best $100 you recently spent?
Personally, the best $100 I’ve spent is on things that make my kids happy. Of course, you can’t come home with a new toy every day, as that creates its own challenges. However, being able to spoil them every now and then is always money well spent. Professionally, in my line of work, most things cost way more than $100. But if I had to pick something, I’d say company apparel. Our employees really like it; it is simple, affordable, and a great way to build team spirit.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast from which you’ve received much value?
Is it too cliché if I say the Bible? To me, it’s the foundation of life, creation, and everything that’s brought us to where we are today. It offers wisdom, a moral compass, and a clear picture of how to live with purpose. I also tend to read more self-help books, books that help me be a better father and husband, rather than business-related ones. As for podcasts, I do listen to them, but they’re all sports-related. So I’m not sure how much wisdom or inspiration they’d offer to others. My favorite is Buffalo Rumblings, but it’s very specific to the Buffalo Bills, so it’s definitely more of a niche listen!
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
My wife picks all the shows, so most recently we watched The Waterfront on Netflix. I’d say I enjoyed it; it was set on the Carolina coast and centered around smuggling drugs by boat. The storyline wasn’t the strongest, but it was definitely entertaining. I’d say I’m probably more into mystery and suspense, or anything that makes you think. I like it when there’s a problem or theory you can try to figure out as it unfolds, and then see if you were right at the end.
Key learnings:
- Discipline and consistency drive productivity.
- Ideas come to life through trial, tangible action, and problem-solving in real time.
- Failure is inevitable, but what matters is not letting fear prevent forward progress.
- Building camaraderie through employee-friendly initiatives is a key business driver.
- Faith, family, and simplicity guides Derrick’s personal and professional qualities.