Jesse working on a boat.

Jesse

Metal Shop Foreman

Jesse completed a one-year boatbuilding course at the Landing School of Boatbuilding and Design in 2002 and then began his career at Van Dam in 2003. He very quickly developed an aptitude for metal working, honing his skills on the lathe and mill, as well as developing the impressive ability of being able to TIG weld with either hand. Jess was instrumental in making Van Dam’s Custom Metal Shop what it is today. Jesse programs and operates all of the unique, one-off metal work that goes into our CNC machine. He also supervises his small, but extraordinary metal shop team. One Van Dam customer, a surgeon, commented on Jesse’s ability in the machine shop, saying “…there are more people that can remove an appendix than can do the work that he does.”

Jess’s talents are not confined to the metal shop; in his spare time, one of his many interests are vegetable oil powered diesel engines. He also enjoys downhill skiing at local resorts and sailboat racing. Jess gained some of his artistic abilities from his parents, who are both artists in western Michigan.

  • Started at Van Dam: 2003
  • Born in: Montaque, Michigan
  • Graduated: Washtenaw Community College and the Landing School of Boatbuilding and Design
  • Favorite projects to work on: Custom gadgetry and mechanisms
  • Favorite Fundamental: #29- Find a Way
  • Favorite thing about working at Van Dam: Working on unique projects
  • Certifications/Licenses:
    • CNC programmer and operator
    • Mastercam Certified
    • ABYC Certified in Marine Systems
    • ABYC Certified in Marine Corrosion

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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Chad

Design Manager & Project Manager
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Matt

Project Manager
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Jesse working on a boat.

Jesse

Metal Shop Foreman
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Nick headshot

Nick

Metal Craftsman
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Thor

Thor

Master Craftsman
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Dave headshot

Dave

Project Lead
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Derek

Craftsman
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George headshot

George

Apprentice Craftsman
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Trevor

Paint Shop Foreman
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Adam

Apprentice Paint & Varnish
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Alex headshot

Alex

Apprentice Paint & Varnish
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Scott headshot

Scott

Apprentice Paint & Varnish
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P&V Apprentice, Derek

Derek

Paint & Varnish Apprentice
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Heather

Designer
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Stephanie

Accounting
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Ralph

Purchasing
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Jessica

Office Manager / Marketing Coordinator
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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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