David C.

When you meet David for the first time, you can count on one thing—he’ll be wearing a suit. Not just any suit, a bespoke suit, paired with a tie and polished shoes. He doesn’t even own a pair of jeans. “First impressions are important,” David says. “You’ve got to put pants and a shirt on every day—why not make them a really good pair?”

While he insists suits are comfortable—“Why wouldn’t they be? They’re made for you”—the reason for his polished appearance runs deeper than style. It’s a reflection of how far he’s come. David grew up in Minneapolis and moved frequently, usually sharing a small studio apartment with his younger brother and their mother. Today, he’s the Director of Commercial Operations at a leading textile company, and his focus is firmly on the future. “I want to build a dynasty,” he says. “I want to be the vehicle that sets my four children up for success, so they can set their children up for success.”

That drive has been a constant in David’s life. He met his wife, Colleen, in high school, worked full-time while attending community college, then earned his business degree from Metro State University. Early in his career, he landed an entry-level position and worked his way up. Over the past 20+ years, he’s also been guided by several mentors he deeply respects. “I’ve learned so much over the years,” David says. “You have to find successful people and be a resource to them so they will keep you around and allow you to learn.”

As if his corporate role weren’t enough, David and Colleen run a successful side business renovating and selling residential homes. “It was Colleen’s idea,” he says with a smile. “We started small and made our share of mistakes—bad contractors, lessons learned the hard way—but now, after 30 to 35 homes, we’re a much more oiled machine.”

At 41, David shows no signs of slowing down. His oldest daughter is pursuing a medical degree at the University of Minnesota, his oldest middle child’s is starting her 2nd year at UofW-Madison focusing on political science, and his youngest daughter plans to signup for the Air force and becoming a pilot. His son is young yet, and they are still laying out his future. David’s mission is to provide them with opportunities he never had—and to instill in them the same work ethic that transformed his own life. He tells his kids, “You can be anything you want in life, as long as you are successful!”

Even with his packed schedule, David makes time to unwind—often with a cigar at his house or at the Round Table. “Lighting up a cigar is taking an hour or two to relax,” he says. “It’s time I set aside for myself.”