Dave

Project Lead

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.