Derek Fehr: An Inside Look with Talos’ Business Development Team

Great engineers build systems, but Derek Fehr builds relationships — one project at a time. As a Business Development Manager at Talos Engineered Products, Derek has been a driving force behind the company’s growth, forging strong client partnerships and opening doors to new markets.

Building Client Relationships

At Talos, client relationships extend far beyond day-to-day transactions. Derek emphasizes that lasting partnerships come from trust, consistency, and proactive communication.

“Consistency, trust, and proactive communication are the aspects I focus on for maintaining long-term client relationships,” Derek explains. “I make it a point to understand each client’s business goals and tailor solutions accordingly. Regular check-ins, transparent updates, and delivering value beyond expectations have been key to retention.”

This focus has allowed Derek to strengthen Talos’ reputation as not just a provider, but a partner.

Identifying New Business Opportunities

Business development at Talos is rooted in forward thinking. Derek begins by analyzing market trends, customer feedback, and competitor gaps.

“I prioritize opportunities based on alignment with our core competencies, potential ROI, scalability, and risk,” he says.

This thoughtful approach helps guide both Derek and the broader Talos Business Development team in delivering the right solutions for customers while fueling long-term growth.

Breaking into New Markets

Expanding into new markets is never easy — but with the right strategy, it’s possible. Derek recalls a pivotal moment when Talos entered the parcel and e-commerce fulfillment space, a sector with unique material-handling needs compared to traditional manufacturing.

“The first step was analyzing throughput requirements, sortation complexity, and space constraints typical in these environments,” Derek shares. “We recognized a demand for high-speed MDR systems with integrated divert capabilities, so I worked closely with engineering to adapt our standard conveyor line to support zone-based accumulation and scalable control systems. We then partnered with a systems integrator already active in the space to help validate the concept and gain exposure.”

After a successful pilot in a regional distribution hub, Talos was able to showcase real-world results: reduced downtime, faster installation, and lower energy use. Those wins quickly translated into additional bids with national parcel providers.

Looking Ahead

The world of business development never slows down — and neither does Derek. Alongside the rest of the Talos Business Development team, he works tirelessly to ensure that customers receive not only top-tier products, but also the trusted partnership and support that define the Talos experience.