Dave headshot

Dave

Craftsman

Dave’s roots with Van Dam are definitely worthy of mention; Dave began building boats professionally with Steve Van Dam in 1987. Dave was, in fact, the youngest employee at Van Dam at that time.

Dave remained with Van Dam until 1993, at which time he decided to take a sabbatical from his responsibilities at Van Dam. Dave chose to transfer his skills of handcrafted woodworking to homeowners, whose refined tastes for custom high-end woodworking he could fulfill, a skill that he continues to this day.

Dave made his return to Van Dam in 2013 and now is fond of stating, “When I first started in 1987 I was the youngest member of the crew, and when I returned in 2013, I was the oldest!”

As if Dave’s woodworking skills and demands are not enough to occupy his time, he has been involved in the rescue of abandoned Doberman Pinchers since 1977. Dave and his wife, Cheryl, can be found cruising the lakes and rivers of northern Michigan on their PWCs during the spring, summer, and fall. In his off time, Dave enjoys working on his home and lake cottage. He loves spending time in the woods and cutting firewood.

Dave is a graduate of the University of Michigan-Flint, where he earned his B.A. while majoring in Physics with a minor in math.

  • Started at Van Dam: The first time in 1987 and returned in 2013
  • Born in: Flint, Michigan
  • Graduated: University of Michigan-Flint
  • Favorite projects to work on: Dave enjoys the variety of the projects that he works on.
  • Favorite Fundamental: #16- Place Your Family First in your Life. Dave often brings his special needs brother-in-law, Jon, to work so that Jon may catch his bus to his workshop. His brother-in-law loves spending time in the Van Dam shop with our crew. He is a part of Dave’s family, therefore, he is a part of our Van Dam family.
  • Favorite thing about working at Van Dam: Working with people that give a (Van) Dam.

Meet More Of The Team

Ben

President
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Erika

Vice President
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Jeremy

Worldwide Sales Manager
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Matt

Production Manager
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Chad

Design Manager & Project Manager
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Thor

Thor

Master Craftsman
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Dave headshot

Dave

Craftsman
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Derek

Craftsman
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George headshot

George

Boat Building Apprentice
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Scott headshot

Scott

Boat Building Apprentice
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Apprentice craftsman, Jake

Jake

Boat Building Apprentice
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Ralph

Purchasing
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Trevor

Paint Shop Foreman
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Adam

Paint & Varnish Apprentice
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P&V Apprentice, Derek

Derek

Paint & Varnish Apprentice
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Paul in P&V

Paul

Paint & Varnish Apprentice
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Jessica

Office Manager / Marketing Coordinator
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Metalshop Foreman, Jesse

Jesse

Metal Shop Foreman
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Metalshop Craftsperson- Kate

Kate

Metal Shop Apprentice
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Heather

Designer
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Designer- Jack

Jack

Designer
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Designer- Jack

Jack

Designer
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Designer- Jack

Jack

Designer
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Stephanie

Accounting
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Dave

Handyman & Grill Master
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Interested In
Joining The Team?

We are seeking like-minded individuals willing to help us raise the bar of excellence. We seek out win/win situations in all we do – personally and professionally.

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