Chasing the Storm, Leading with Technology 

Derik Kline has always been fascinated by weather. Growing up in Oklahoma, his curiosity was sparked early, especially by the state’s violent storms. “I vividly remember the major snowstorm of 1988,” Derik recalls, but it wasn’t the snow that captivated him. Tornadoes, ice storms, and windstorms filled him with awe rather than fear. “I remember a storm in ’89 or ’90 that knocked down a tree. Even with tornado sirens blaring, I wasn’t scared—I just wanted to watch.” 

By second grade, Derik frequently visited meteorologist Mike Morgan at the local news station. After his father passed away when he was just 10, Morgan supported him, even coming to have lunch with Derik at school. These moments cemented Derik’s passion for meteorology. 

As a teenager, Derik turned his love for weather into action. He interned with meteorologist David Payne, often waking up at 3 a.m. to assist with forecast graphics. “David helped me become the storm chaser I am today,” Derik says. Once he got his driver’s license, he hit the road. His first major storm chase came on May 3, 1999, a day marked by one of Oklahoma’s most devastating tornado outbreaks. Derik drove his 1995 Chevy Cavalier into the storm, tracking tornadoes near Elgin. “At one point, we were behind one tornado, and I saw another forming in my rearview mirror.” 

Despite the risks, Derik insists that storm chasing is safer than it seems. “People think getting hit by a tornado is the biggest danger, but really, it’s traffic,” he explains. Today, his team follows strict safety protocols, with one person driving and another monitoring the storm. 

Derik’s passion eventually became a career. In 2010, he attempted to launch a storm-chasing tour business but sold just one tour. However, a chance encounter with a roofing salesperson needing help tracking a hailstorm gave him a new idea. He realized the potential of storm data in the restoration and insurance industries and began building HailTrace LLC. “We started small,” Derik remembers. “At our first trade show in 2012, we didn’t sell anything. But a few months later, we made our first big sale, and that’s when we knew this could work.” 

HailTrace has since grown into a leading weather technology company, with nearly 50 employees and a reputation for innovation. The company helps restoration professionals stay ahead of the storm with cutting-edge tools and excellent customer service. “Every day, we’re making progress,” Derik says. “When I don’t have a list of things to tackle, I’ll know it’s time to quit.” 

Derik’s enthusiasm for weather has never waned. “Most people’s passions change, but mine never has,” he says. His storm-chasing adventures even extend to his personal life. His truck, a fully outfitted Raptor optimized for chasing storms, sometimes embarrasses his wife and daughters, who request to be dropped off further down the block. His son, however, thinks it’s the coolest thing ever. 

From his childhood fascination with storms to running a successful business, Derik’s journey is a testament to following your passion. “Sometimes, the passion finds you,” he reflects. Learn more about Derik’s innovative work at hailtrace.com.