Dave

Boat Building Craftsperson

Dave’s roots with Van Dam run deep—he began building boats professionally with Steve Van Dam in 1987, making him the youngest employee at the company at that time.

He remained with Van Dam until 1993, when he took a sabbatical to apply his fine woodworking skills to custom home projects. His craftsmanship has continued to serve homeowners with refined taste ever since.

Dave returned to Van Dam in 2013 and often jokes, “When I first started in 1987, I was the youngest member of the crew. When I came back in 2013, I was the oldest!”

In addition to his talents in woodworking, Dave has been involved in rescuing abandoned Doberman Pinschers since 1977. He and his wife, Cheryl, enjoy cruising northern Michigan’s lakes and rivers on their PWCs in the warmer months. During his free time, Dave likes working on his home and lake cottage, spending time in the woods, and cutting firewood.

Dave earned his B.A. from the University of Michigan–Flint, majoring in Physics with a minor in Mathematics.

• Started at Van Dam: Originally in 1987; returned in 2013

• Born in: Flint, Michigan

• Graduated: University of Michigan–Flint, B.A. in Physics, minor in Mathematics

• Favorite projects to work on: Enjoys the variety of projects that come through the shop

• Favorite Fundamental: #16 – Place Your Family First in Your Life. Dave often brings his special needs brother-in-law, Jon, to the shop so he can catch his bus to his own workshop. Jon loves spending time in the Van Dam shop, and as a part of Dave’s family, he’s also a part of ours.

• Favorite thing about working at Van Dam: Working with people who truly give a (Van) Dam.