Chad

Design Manager & Project Manager

Coming to Van Dam in 1994 as a 14-year-old high school student, Chad is a tale of dedication and determination. Throughout high school and some college, Chad worked summers and after school at the shop, and then finally made the decision that he was ready for a career in boat building. In 2003, Chad became the first person to complete the formal apprenticeship program at Van Dam. He has worked in every facet of the building and maintenance processes. Chad is a highly skilled woodworker, but he is also very comfortable with the electrical, mechanical, and electronics installations that are a vital part of the custom boats at Van Dam.  In early 2011 Chad became the Shop Manager and is responsible for keeping everything running smoothly and efficiently on the shop floor. In addition to this he is also a Project Manager overseeing the construction of an individual boat.

The constant shift through the various stages of building and accomplishing new things every day are a few of the reasons Chad chose this line of work.

Chad is an outdoorsman, an avid hunter, and enjoys everything from sailing to skiing to fishing. With their two sons, Porter and Weston, Chad and his wife, Amanda, love to take boat rides on the Inland Waterways in the summer. He also enjoys DYI construction projects and always seems to have one going on at home.

• Started at Van Dam: 1994
• Born in: Charlevoix, Michigan
• Attended: Boyne City High School
• Favorite projects to work on: Multiple projects at once
• Favorite Fundamental: #29- Find a way.  Problem solving is what we do best.
• Best thing about working at Van Dam: The team atmosphere
• Certifications/Licenses:
  • ABYC certified in Marine Systems
  • ABYC certified in Marine Electrical
  • ABYC certified in Marine Corrosion