Dave believes the best way to tackle a challenge is collectively, with “people power.” He loves the idea of people working together as they collaborate and share resources to help an entity. He follows this philosophy at Dealer Tire where he is a Partner and Chief Information Officer. Dave describes Dealer Tire as one of the most unique companies in Cleveland for its entrepreneurial spirit, its “family feel,” and its shared focus on a common goal.

An Ohioan born and bred, Dave grew up in Akron and attended Stow High School. From there he went first to Kent State University, where he majored in Computer Science, and then to CWRU’s Weatherhead School of Management for his MBA. This background helped Dave pursue a career in Information Technology and eventually IT management, leading ultimately to his current position at Dealer Tire. Prior to Dealer Tire, Dave held IT positions with YRC Corporation, Roadway Express, and Matco Tools.

For the past several years, Dave has volunteered his time to the Rainey Institute which he describes as “a wonderful secret on the East side of downtown.” The Institute exposes urban kids to the arts through programs in drama, dance, music, art, photography, and even sewing. The Institute also champions community collaboration as exemplified by the relationship they facilitated between a violinist in the Cleveland Orchestra and El Sistema which offers violin lessons to low income students. Dave noted that this collaboration led to “an amazing performance” with Rainey students playing at Severance Hall and receiving their own donated violins.

Although Dave loves the family atmosphere at both Dealer Tire and the Rainey Institute, his own family has the largest hold on his heart. Dave has two daughters and a son. His oldest children play golf, which Dave enjoys as well. Like Dave, his wife also grew up in Akron; in fact, they met at a movie theater where they worked during college. Married 19 years, Dave and his wife will soon be observing the paths their own children will take in life. Dave clearly enjoys life’s daily pleasures and seems to have struck a perfect balance between work, volunteering, and family. Although he says he is “just getting going” on life’s journey, we are thrilled to be a part of that journey and we thank partner Dick Cahoon for steering him our way!