A Career Built on Leadership, Growth, and Impact
Derek Bullard is an entrepreneur, chief executive, investor, and board leader with nearly three decades of experience building and leading organizations across a variety of industries. Over the course of his career, he has founded, operated, acquired, and successfully exited multiple businesses, including two companies recognized on the Inc. 500 list of America's fastest-growing private companies. His experience spans entrepreneurship, franchising, healthcare, nonprofit leadership, investing, and corporate governance.
His leadership journey was shaped by a commitment to service and a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. As a foster parent, business leader, nonprofit executive, and community advocate, Derek has focused on building organizations that strengthen individuals, families, and communities.
Today, Derek serves as Founder and CEO of Already Autism Health while remaining active in investing, board service, philanthropy, and community leadership. Whether building a company, supporting a nonprofit, or advising an organization, he is driven by a belief that strong leadership can create lasting impact.
Throughout his career, Derek has been guided by a simple belief: organizations perform at their best when they combine purpose, people, and disciplined execution.
Twenty-Five Years. Multiple Companies. Lasting Impact
Founded Access Family Services
Founded Access Family Services and built it into a leading healthcare organization serving children and families. The company was recognized twice on the Inc. 500/5000 list as one of America's fastest-growing private companies.
Private Equity Acquisition
Successfully sold Access Family Services to a private equity group after more than a decade of growth and expansion.
Founded Already Home Care
Founded Already Home Care, building a provider focused on delivering high-quality home-based care services.
CEO, Siskin Children's Institute
Led one of the Southeast's leading non-profit pediatric organizations through a period of significant growth, innovation, and community impact, earning the United Way Nonprofit of the Year Award, a first in the organization's 70-year history.
Founded Already Autism Health
Founded Already Autism Health, which provides services throughout 7 states.
Smoothie King Franchisee of the Year
Together with his wife, LaVon, was honored as Smoothie King's National Franchisee of the Year, selected from more than 1,000 franchise locations nationwide for exceptional leadership, operational excellence, and business performance.
Strategic Acquisitions
Successfully sold Already Home Care to a strategic buyer.
Also completed the successful sale of the Smoothie King franchise portfolio to a strategic buyer.
Inc. 500 – No. 132
Already Autism Health was recognized as No. 132 on the Inc. 500 list of America's fastest-growing private companies following 2,607% three-year growth.
Private Equity Partnership
Led the successful recapitalization and partnership of Already Autism Health with a private equity sponsor, positioning the organization for its next phase of growth.
What makes a company special is its team — the depth of experience, the compassion, and the willingness to knock down barriers for the people we serve.
Leadership & Impact
The experiences below represent a selection of Derek's executive leadership, board service, business ownership, and investment activities throughout his career.
- Already Autism HealthFounder & Chief Executive Officer
- Access Family ServicesFounder & Chief Executive Officer
- Already Home CareFounder & Chief Executive Officer
- Randolph Management GroupFounder & Chief Executive Officer
- Siskin Children's InstituteFormer Chief Executive Officer
- Habitat for Humanity of Greater ChattanoogaBoard Chair (2024–2026)
Board Member (2021–Present) - Communities In SchoolsBoard Member
- YBM Leadership AllianceBoard Member
- In Concert for CancerBoard Member
In addition to the organizations he has founded and led, Derek has owned, invested in, advised, and operated businesses across multiple industries, including healthcare, franchising, real estate, and private investments.
Representative examples include:
- Strategic Real Estate InvestmentsPrincipal Investor
- Private Investment PortfolioInvestor
- Smoothie KingFormer Multi-Unit Franchise Owner
- Healthcare & Growth Company Advisory
Advisor to founders, executives, investors, and leadership teams on growth strategy, operational excellence, organizational leadership, and strategic transactions.