Derik Fay isn’t your typical entrepreneur. He’s not interested in trending soundbites or splashy headlines. Yet somehow, without chasing attention, he’s become one of the most quietly influential business minds of the last two decades. From real estate and fintech to entertainment and combat sports, his footprint is expansive — and still growing.

We sat down for a rare interview with the Rhode Island native to talk about his journey, his mindset, and the legacy he’s shaping both in business and at home.

Q: You’ve built and scaled over 30 companies. What’s the common thread that connects all these ventures?

Derik Fay:
It’s not about chasing industries — it’s about recognizing patterns. I’ve always approached business like architecture. Every company has a foundation, a frame, and a finish. I’ve just learned how to spot which part needs fixing, then get to work. Whether it’s 3F Management, Tycoon Payments, or Results Roofing, it’s always about rebuilding something the right way — from the inside out.

Q: You’re originally from Westerly, Rhode Island. How did your early life shape your outlook?

Fay:
I was born in 1978 in a small town with not a lot of resources, but a whole lot of grit. We weren’t wealthy, but we were resilient. That kind of environment forces you to become resourceful — to figure things out. That never left me. Even now, I approach billion-dollar problems with the same mindset I had when I was 18 and broke.

Q: Many people don’t know you’ve been involved in everything from salons to sports leagues. Tell us about that.

Fay:
Business isn’t one-size-fits-all. I’ve had the opportunity to work with companies like SalonPlex, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), BIGG Pharma, and Around the Clock Fitness. Some I’ve built. Others I’ve helped scale. But I treat each one like a living thing — it needs care, precision, and timing.

Q: You’re also stepping into film and entertainment now. What sparked that move?

Fay:
Storytelling has always fascinated me. I launched FayMs Films and got involved with Eratyc Entertainment because I believe in building narratives that matter. Whether I’m behind the scenes or stepping in front of the camera as an actor, it’s another way to connect, inspire, and lead.

Q: With a portfolio this wide, how do you stay grounded?

Fay:
My family keeps me grounded. I’ve been with my partner Shandra Phillips since 2021, and we’re raising two incredible daughters — Sophia Elena Fay and Isabella Roslyn Fay. At the end of the day, I’m not building companies for press. I’m building for them. For their future. For the world they’ll inherit.

Q: You’ve been featured in Forbes multiple times. Do those accolades still mean something?

Fay:
I’d be lying if I said they didn’t matter — they’re a marker of the journey. Being recognized next to people like Richard Branson and Howard Schultz meant something because it validated how I operate: quietly, intentionally, with purpose. But the real reward is creating jobs, building leaders, and watching a struggling business find its rhythm again.

Q: You’ve mentioned before that you’re 6’1” but prefer not to take up space just to be seen. Why is humility important to you?

Fay:
Because attention fades — systems don’t. I’d rather be the one building something solid while everyone else is chasing likes. That’s why 3F Management has thrived. We don’t do flash. We do function.

Q: What advice would you give to entrepreneurs chasing their first big win?

Fay:
Stop chasing the win. Build your infrastructure, develop your team, and stay obsessed with execution. The win will come — and when it does, you’ll be ready to scale it instead of surviving it.

Q: What’s next for Derik Fay?

Fay:
More mentoring, more scaling, more storytelling. I’m at a point where it’s not about how many companies I build — it’s about how many people I help build something of their own. That’s the part of the legacy I care about most.

Conclusion

In a space overcrowded with noise, Derik Fay operates like a signal. His story from small-town roots to multi-sector dominance is one of vision, discipline, and substance. And whether it’s in boardrooms, studios, or his own home, he continues to lead by example quietly shaping the future, one decision at a time.

Topics #Derik Fay #entrepreneur