Derek Zavada

Trailblazer
DISC Type : ID

Owner at Down-Zero

Long Beach, California, United States

Overview

Derek Zavada is a Technology Director with over 20 years of experience at the intersection of AI, cloud infrastructure, and automation. He specializes in designing technology pipelines for the visual effects industry and is described by colleagues as responsive and easy to work with.

Outside of his technology career, Derek is an accomplished competitive pistol shooter. He has been a Division Champion in the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) and has also contributed his skills as a photographer for the sports official journal.

Unique Fact: Early in his career, Derek developed one of the first-ever EIDE RAID systems, showcasing his foundational expertise in hardware and storage.

Personality Overview

Friendly But Fast

Values Relationships

Charismatic

They respond better to a combination of speed and relationship.  They are more likely to be open to unproven but exciting technologies. They are charming and have the ability to align others behind their decisions.

Topics They Care About

AI Integration
His current company, Down-Zero, focuses on consulting with enterprises to harness optimal AI applications, a theme reflected in his professional background and recent posts.
Cloud Cost Optimization
He actively experiments with and discusses using cloud GPU instances on-demand as a more efficient alternative to investing in on-premise hardware for AI workflows.
VFX Technology Pipelines
His career history includes senior technology roles at multiple major VFX studios like AFX Creative and Entity FX, demonstrating deep expertise in this area.

Media Appearances

Derek has no verified media appearances

Work History

1-2018
Owner at Down-Zero
1-2023 - 12-2023
Technology Director at AFX Creative
9-2021 - 9-2022
Director Of Technology at Chicken Bone FX Studios
4-2018 - 7-2022
CTO at HALON Entertainment
6-2015 - 4-2018
Head Of Technology at Entity FX

Education

Education details unavailable from California State University, Northridge

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 8 Location : Long Beach, California, United States Job Level : N/A Designation : Owner at Down-Zero
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Insights For Selling To Derek

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Help them visualize the impact of their decision
  • Display high self-confidence and expect them to have a strong personality.
  • Use phrases like ‘your decision will’, ‘you will impact’ etc.

DONT's

  • Don't make any commitments that you might not be able to fulfill
  • Don’t hesitate from asking questions or pushing them, but take a friendly approach
  • Avoid unnecessary negativity or slowness

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Derek is

  • Relationship and product conviction matter equally, followed by a sense of achievement.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Derek

  • If they are not convinced, they will say no albeit in a friendly manner.


Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Derek move?

  • They can reach decisions quickly if they develop trust and confidence in the product.
  • Can Derek take some risk or not?

  • They can take risks if necessary.

You And Derek

Personality Compatibility


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