Who We Are
Deron Upton
Managing Partner
For the past thirty-five years, Deron has built a highly successful career in the energy industry, and his career has taken him around the globe. Deron has joined forces with John and Dan to support their children and other individuals with special needs. He is a graduate of Yale University and holds a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Dayton. He and his wife of 31 years, Lora, have two grown children, Katie and Cal. Deron and Lora reside in Dublin, Ohio.
John Verdes
Managing Partner
John recently retired from the State of Ohio after a thirty-three year career in information and technology. He and his wife Shelley’s desire to support their grown daughter Libby find meaningful employment and independence led to the start of Niche Seekers. John and Shelley have been married for 28 years and also have an adult son, Joey. John is a graduate of Heidelberg University where he was inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame. He and his family reside in Powell, Ohio.
Dan Clapper
Managing Partner
Dan taught 3rd grade for eighteen years before leaving education to help start Niche Seekers. Prior to teaching, he worked in the utility and fuels industries for thirteen years. He and his wife Lynn are parents of Elizabeth. Dan is a graduate of Wright State University and has a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Dayton. Dan and Lynn have been married for 26 years, and they live in Broadview Heights, Ohio.
Our story
Our Mission
To honor and empower individuals with special needs by providing opportunities that allow them to find their niche and thrive.
Our Story
These words have been spoken countless times by families of people with special needs. Our president, John Verdes, and his wife have worked for years to support their adult daughter, Libby, in her search for meaningful employment and independence. Through Libby’s journey, John and his family recognized that helping individuals first identify their interests and passions before seeking training and education is key to finding their niche and thriving. This became the driving force behind the creation of Niche Seekers.
Partners
