A Strong Foundation
Raised in a modest home in El Paso, Texas, Dave’s life journey has been a testament to the enduring values of hard work, faith, and community impact. In the heart of his family, Dave’s parents provided the foundational lessons that would shape his life.
Dave’s mother was the nurturing force behind their upbringing. With unwavering dedication, she prepared three hearty meals a day and maintained their humble 1300 square foot home with spotless care. Beyond their family, she extended her love to the entire neighborhood, ferrying a boisterous bunch of local kids to their destinations in a trusty green station wagon, and even teaching widows in the neighborhood how to drive. She’s left an indelible mark of selflessness.
Meanwhile, Dave’s father defined the meaning of dedication and loyalty. Over a 33-year career, he missed only three days of work, in the historical Farah Manufacturing plant. He believed a man should live “content” wherever he is in life, as stories were often shared of his generosity in local restaurants, where he would empty his pockets for restaurant staff, including the dishwashers. His greatest influence on Dave’s life was a result of his bedside prayers and worship songs. Through these nightly rituals, a deep faith in God and an unshakable belief in oneself were instilled.
Growing up as the youngest of three siblings, was a unique blend of being the black sheep of the family and the one with a special light upon him, due to his endless sport activities. While his brother and sister were commendable individuals, Dave was often reminded of it whenever he found himself in trouble at home. For Dave, this distinctiveness would later become a source of strength, resilience, and a strong desire to excel.
The Turning Point
An important chapter in Dave’s life began in 1994, after returning from playing some college basketball, and joining the fire department. Upon the start of his career, Dave initiated El Paso’s first Firefighter Combat Challenge Team, a decision that would alter the course of his life.
ESPN hails this challenge as the “Toughest Two Minutes in Sports,” and in the wake of the September 11 Attacks, it soon became a powerful tool for mentoring disconnected youth. Alongside his right-hand man, Kip Hall, they often loaded up the obstacle course on a pickup truck to share their passion in schools.
Tragedy struck in 2007 when Kip was diagnosed with a baseball-sized brain tumor. Despite a harrowing journey of brain surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, Kip’s spirit remained unbroken. He even traveled with the team to Tyler, Texas, to complete the grueling obstacle course. Tragically, just 30 days after that remarkable event, Kip was lost to an overdose, leaving behind a devastated family and a brotherhood forever changed by his impact.
The Force Multiplier
In the wake of Kip’s passing, while assigned as the Captain in the fire academy, and struggling with grief, Dave made a fateful decision that would shape the next phase of his life. Noticing twelve struggling boys with their school counselor visiting the academy, Dave decided to set up the obstacle course and, in doing so, found a new sense of purpose, after sharing Kip’s story of courage.
This became the force multiplier that would inspire the transformative journey down a path of personal development and leadership training and coaching certifications, eventually culminating in leadership workshops and keynote speeches of his own.
Today, Dave’s boundless love for his daughters, his son-in laws, and his precious granddaughter is a testament to the strength of family bonds. His zeal for competition, his passionate love for people, and his profound understanding that we are here to live a purpose-driven life have become the cornerstones of a life well-lived.
Influence in the Workplace
With over 19 years of life coaching, over a decade of Executive Leadership Training and most importantly, 21 years of front line experience in some of the most tumultuous environments, Dave’s perspective of public and private chaos is radically different than most others. He believes one cannot lead effectively and one cannot cause a sustainable change, unless he/she empowers, encourages, and engages the people in his/her charge.
Backed by hundreds of workplace studies and based on decades of real world testing, it’s the best way for organizations to retain their best people, transform the culture, and developing leaders at every level.
Dave’s training programs have received accreditations from the most prestigious educational academies in the homeland security sector and continue to remain relevant and innovative with state of the art coaching systems that focus on current workplace trends.