From Site Plans to Brand Plans
In 2001, Derick Tee moved to Singapore. He started as a site engineer. He worked on infrastructure projects. The job was stable, but something felt missing.
He wanted more control. He wanted to build something of his own.
In 2005, he founded Diverse Solutions. It began as a small creative agency. Today, it serves both government bodies and private companies. The focus remains clear—design, service, and client trust.
Learning by Doing
Before starting the agency, Derick sold products door-to-door. He pitched broadband services and fire extinguishers to HDB residents. The job was tough. Rejection was common.
But it taught him how to listen. It taught him how to speak clearly. It taught him how to handle real people.
Those lessons shaped his approach. Every sale became a step toward better service.
Starting Diverse Solutions
Derick started with no big contacts. No large team. No steady projects. Just a vision.
He offered design, print, and delivery—all in one package. This saved time for clients. It gave them fewer things to manage. It also made it easier for clients to come back.
His first big project came in 2009. The Land Transport Authority asked for 17,000 bags for the Circle Line launch. It was a big leap in size and trust.
Growing with Singapore
In 2015, Singapore marked its SG50 celebration. Derick’s team worked on gifts and souvenirs for tourists and locals. From that event, a new line of business began. His company started to sell heritage-themed items at places like Singapore Flyer, Botanical Gardens and Sentosa.
These items were more than products. They told stories. They reflected identity. They gave visitors something to remember.
Adapting During Crisis
When COVID-19 hit, events stopped. Orders dropped. Budgets froze.
Derick did not wait. He spoke to suppliers. He worked with factories. He created care kits—masks, hand sanitizers, and test kits packed into gift boxes.
These kits helped clients stay connected with their teams. They also gave Diverse Solutions a new path to stay relevant.
Derick says, “We already had the trust. We just offered a new solution.”
Why Clients Stay
Diverse Solutions is a one-stop provider. Clients don’t just buy things. They get full service. From design to delivery, every step is managed.
Clients can choose colors, materials, and packaging. Each product fits the client’s needs.
This service beats mass platforms. Those may be fast, but they lack connection. Derick’s team offers care, not just speed.
Family at the Core
Derick didn’t build this alone. His wife supported him from the start. She worked full-time while he built the agency.
He kept many worries to himself. But over time, he learned the value of sharing. Running a business affects emotions too. It affects home life. It affects your thoughts.
Today, he speaks more openly. He talks about balance. He talks about taking walks. He talks about how business owners need support too.
Extracting Golden Nuggets
Derick Tee’s story shows that slow, clear steps build strong paths. Here are some lessons:
- Start with what you know. Learn from each sale.
- Offer full service. Make life easy for your clients.
- Change fast when times shift. Stay useful.
- Build with someone who believes in you.
- Rest, reflect, and talk. Business is more than numbers.
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Derick Tee is our Entrepreneur of the Week for building a business that puts relationships before revenue and personalisation before scale. His journey reminds us that lasting impact doesn’t require overnight success—it requires consistency, courage, and a clear reason for why you started in the first place.
To explore Diverse Solutions, visit www.diversesolutions.com.sg. Listen to the full conversation with Derick Tee on The Golden Nuggets Podcast.
